Introduction


Hi all. This blog is going to cover my training over the next few months and the ride itself for the Amsterdam 300 cycle ride for Scope in September. 300 miles in 2, yes 2, days, from London to Amsterdam.

The idea of the ride is daunting to say the least. An overnight cycle from London to Dover, 80 miles, catch the ferry to Calais and then straight back on the bike for another 110 miles to just outside Bruges in Belgium, camp for the night – not even a proper bed, and set off at dawn for another 110 odd miles into Amsterdam. 300 miles and 4 countries in 2 days!

Big thanks to VeloUK who have helped to sort me out some great kit. Please visit them using the link.

I also had an idea about doing a blog throughout the whole experience to pass on any tips I can, helpful advice, and hopefully and entertaining piece that might help anyone thinking of doing a charity ride.

Basically if I can do it then you can do it!

If you enjoy this blog and would like to sponsor me please visit my online donations page.

So here it is. Read on and enjoy.

Monday 20 February 2012

Another Nice Ride - feeling it a bit though

Saturday might've been a washout this weeken but Sunday was glorious.
After spending a post bithday Friday re-packing and organising boxes of stuff ready for my impending house move, and a sodden Saturday helping my fiancee with her horses, I was ready for a ride.
I took the dogs for a nice long walk along the beach on a lovely sunny, slightly chilly Sunday morning, and then donned the lycra and got the bike out of the garage.
I decided on taking a favourite route of mine, along the Cuckoo Trail to Heathfield and back, a nice 36 mile ride. With a bit of a headwind on the way out I rode along the lovely countryside path.
I thought that as I would have the wind behind me on the return leg that I would return via the road and push it a bit harder.
Well I managed the return in just over 35 minutes, and I must admit that I think I pushed a little too hard. That said apart from slightly stiff knees I felt ok. Whether the stiffness is down to the ride or all of the lifting and carrying I have done in the previous couple of days, or a combination of both I don't know. But it's good to find that point and then go past it.

Here is a good tip that I have picked up from my previous rides. Cover your knees with Ibuprofen gel before you go on a long ride and it will prevent sore/stiff knees at the end of it

See you next week
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4 comments:

  1. David Dancy21 February 2012 at 11:02

    Hi Daniel.

    I too have signed up for this years Amsterdam 300 (first timer) You have some good advice here and interesting views on training too.

    I'm considering sticking to my single speed Bianchi Pista for the challenge.

    As someone who has completed the route already, what are your thoughts on this? I'm fit and healthy and I cycle 130 miles a week commuting and a bit at the weekend. But I'm not sure if it's even possible on a SS bike.

    Cheers, and Good Luck.

    D

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  2. Daniel Ward21 February 2012 at 11:11

    Hi David.

    Unfortunatley I haven't done this route yet, but am definately looking forward to it.
    according to the Amsterdam 300 they haven't had an attempt to do it on a single speed but would wlcome the attempt.
    From looking at the dreakdown of the route on the site we will need to average a minimum of 17.5 mph as we get approx 2hrs for each 35 mile stage, so if you can cope with that on your bike you should be fine.
    there was one guy on the wembly to berlin ride who NEVER changed gear the whole ride (he said it was comfortable in that gear so why change!!). Admittedly the average speed was a lot slower!

    Good luck to you and see you in September

    D

    ReplyDelete
  3. David Dancy1 March 2012 at 12:59

    Thanks for the response, sorry, I think I misread something on the Facebook page there.

    According to the app I'm using at the moment my average speed is about 15MPH. As this is through Central London, I think my actual average is a bit higher, as I have to slow, if not stop for traffic often, so, pace-wise, I think I'm doing ok.

    I've been encouraged by other peoples stories of London to Brighton and London to Paris, that I think I'm going to attempt it (AM300) on my SS bike. Hope I don't burn my thighs out too quickly.

    See you on the ride.

    D

    ReplyDelete
  4. Daniel Ward1 March 2012 at 14:09

    Good luck to you David. Hope the training goes well and I'll see you on the ride.

    Dan

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