There’s a really good cycle event coming up that Apple and I are going to attempt. We think that it’s a good chance to see what level we are at and how the training is going before the big London to Paris bike ride event.
The event is over a couple of days, the first day is off-road and the second day is the one we are interested in.
- Event name:
- Ride It! West London, Great Missenden
- Event date:
- 2nd August 2009 – from 8:00am.
- Location:
- Ride starts close to Great Missenden station.
- Distance:
- Fun – 12 miles
Short – 30 miles
Medium – 60 miles
Long – 90 miles - Cost:
- Adults are just £10
- Description
-
Leaving Great Missenden, we weave through the same hills as the Off road ride, just on tarmac. Keeping to as many back roads as possible, the routes pass through many picturesque villages, past a few windmills and up to some great viewpoints before returning to the event centre. With loads of pubs in the area, there’s also opportunities to have a swift refreshment, contemplate what’s to come and enjoy the day.
Full details about the event can be found here on the Ride It! website including entry details, maps and gps files, route info etc.
I’m not sure which distance we shall go for yet, we should be aiming at the “medium” 60 miles route but due to the holly nature of parts of this route I’m thinking more the “Short” 30 mile route…. Although a part of me thinks that we should be pushing ourselves as much as possible!
Anyone else fancy joining us? This would be a great opportunity to cycle together before the London to Paris bike ride in September.
So whose up for this then?
Luke, are you up for a few hours cycling on Sunday?
Ed & Dave, you both still doing this? I was thinking that if it’s easier for you, as this event is nearer me, you are more than welcome to stay over Saturday night and then we can cycle Sunday morning.
Scott, Darren – are you free on Sunday to take part in this?
Anyway, be great to have as many of you on board. This will probably be the last chance to all get together and cycle an event before the London to Paris trip. A good chance to practice some group riding skills.
As for the distance, well still not decided. Would like to try the 60 mile, but will probably settle for the 30 mile.
We did it!
Apple and I completed the 30 mile Ride It! route around the beautiful countryside of Bucks on Sunday.
The weather was great, which is lucky considering what it was like just the day before.
We set off after registering for the event around 9.30am at a decent pace for around 1/2 mile. Then we hit the hills, lots and lots of hills!
We were glad we chose to complete the 30 mile route and not the 60 mile, as it was just right for where we are now especially with all the gradients. I was worried about the trip for a few days before, but I needn’t have. It was nice to have the chance to cycle through somewhere I have never been before, gave me the hint of how it’s going to feel on the big trip as well as the chance to build up some confidence.
There were so many pro’s there, we were definitely the novices and were constantly being overtaken along the route, but I am still happy with our progress especially completing the route on a rather heavy mountain bike. Tried to watch everyone and pick up some tips.
As for stats, well here they are (most of them – missed the end part!):
Distance: 28 miles
Time: 3hrs 9mins
Average speed: 8.8mph
Going to try and step up and increase the distance of my weekend rides by 10% each week now. Only 6 weeks to go!