Coast to Coast

Good luck. 

Eat less, do more. It's the only diet that's guaranteed to work. 

Get out on your bike every day. Cycle to work. If it's too dark in the evenings, go to the gym and get on a Wattbike. Download the Wattbike app, do the three minute power test and repeat monthly to see how much you've improved. 

Most important of all: WEAR A HELMET!

Good luck - I am afraid I am a very wheezy weekend cyclist - so I admire your efforts. My tip - learn how to blow snot out of your nostril as you are riding without getting it over you  - riding sniffling will just drain your energy

Good advice from Simon, snot control when out riding in a group is important...don't hit yourself or your fellow cyclists...

Build up your stamina by riding regularly, with increasing distance and challenging terrain...so you can comfortably cover the estimated daily distance without much discomfort.

Try to ride several times a week, but have a rest day and an easy ride day...

its all about doing the miles...it will get easier, making sure yr bike is set-up so comfortable (no aching bits&bobs) getting some decent kit, and don't forget you need energy intake on the ride...fluid and food..

good luck

just off out myself now....

Front & back flashing lights, high quality (8mm min padding) shorts, windbreaker clothing, gel padded gloves, eat correctly if training frequently (not eat less), make sure saddle is comfortable, try and do some running as it will probably  improve overall fitness quicker, glasses, etc, etc......

Do the miles. No pain no gain.

Make sure you ride in all weathers, just in case it is not wall to wall sunshine when you do t. It has been known....

Try to ride 3x week min every week. Two longer and one shorter but faster. Try to do two long rides on consecutive days a few times. Nothing beats riding on hills too, definitely practice even if you have to go some distance to find them or go up and down the same one all day! The route is not seriously hilly, but how that looks to you will depend on where you live and ride now. Ensure you have a cassette at the rear that will get you up hills if you are only used to the flat.

Make sure you are properly comfy on the bike and that your shoes are comfy. Painful feet or backside on a bike make it unpleasant.

I assume you are doing the traditional C2C? There are several now including one that passes near our house (The Way of The Roses).

Final tip; just enjoy it, and when you are done keep riding and enjoying it.

Bruce

PS I don't agree with the suggestion of going running If you are not used to it. Far more likely to get an injury than just training on the bike.

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I think that I'll give the running a miss as my knees aren't great at the moment. I was knocked off my motorbike 6 months ago, and they're still not back to normal yet. I think that just getting out on the bike regularly and doing some miles is the way I'll go, as well as some trips to the gym and swimming.

I put a Brooks Bros saddle on the bike a while ago which is super comfy, but we'll see if I still think that in a few months time.

Ooh, and I'll see if I can perfect my snot control. I'm expecting to be at the back, so hitting others (eeew) shouldn't be a problem.

Nigel

Nigel you don't say how old you are but if you're in the age group of many on this forum you're over 50 or close enough. Given the shape you say you're in you need to see your doctor first. He/She can assure you that you have no underlying conditions to be concerned about. They can also advise you on how quickly to build your exercise program and give you dietary advice. I'm not a big fan of mountain bikes for over the road use but that's your call. Bruce's summary advice is helpful. As I recall, he's quite a rider. Drink lots of water and get plenty of sleep. You'll know you're ready when you're ready to rip into the ride rather than suffer purgatory. If you're not 100% ready, wait until next year. Once in shape, Don't Get Out Of Shape.

I get snot all over my shoulders, can't help it. 

The only thing concerning me is your bike. I don't know anything about the route but do you need a mountain bike? If not I strongly urge you to get a road bike. I have a rough winter road bike that weighs 12kg and a carbon bike that weighs 7kg, I got on the carbon one for the first time this year and it was so much faster.

i do one or two regular 15 mile rides in the week, normally to bank some cheques from my business and then do a large ride on the weekends. Today I've done 47 miles which is by far the longest this year so far and my legs are really tired. Last summer I was do doing at least 100 miles a week and quite a few 100+ mile rides. It's hilly down here in Devon too, I love cycling on Dartmoor.

make sure you eat and drink lots as you go aswell, you burn a lot of energy.

Clay Bingham posted:

.. Bruce's summary advice is helpful. As I recall, he's quite a rider...

Thanks. You have made my decade...as I head off out into the drizzle for a Sunday constitional.

A for buying or borrowing a road bike, I guess it depends if everyone else in your group are racing snakes on fast bikes. If it is going to be a mixed bag stick to what you are comfy on, use the hybrid tyres at good pressure and just chug away. Might be that MTB or Hybrid bike gearing suits you on the hills too.

I am not sure anyone with decent common sense needs to see a doctor to train for something like this unless they have significant pre-existing conditions. Start slowly, progress steadily, listen to your body. No shortage of basic advice online. 

Bruce

Hi Nigel

just preparing to go out for a spin....and it reminded me.....eat a big bowl of porridge before the ride....with a little honey in...

keeps me going for miles....

good luck!.

Nigel 66 posted:

I put a Brooks Bros saddle on the bike a while ago which is super comfy, but we'll see if I still think that in a few months time.

I have one. Tilt the nose up a bit. Seriously.

Chris

All good advice above. I'd suggest starting without any distance targets in mind. Start with 2 30min rides a week for 2 weeks, then add a third and begin to gradually up the time by 5 minutes a ride, until you get to an hour or so with ease. after 8-10 weeks you should be feeling a lot quicker. 

I second the buy or borrow a road bike calls, you'll reduce the effort you need to expend to go the same difference by a huge amount. If you find yourself / your group riding over 15mph average speed, then tight fitting clothing will also make a huge difference in the amount of aero drag you have to counter. Weight is everything... lighter body and lighter bike will make it a whole lot easier too. 

Most importantly have fun and remember skin is waterproof!

Oh yeah there's loads of funny folk and traditions around cycling and here's a good start http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/ 

Holmes posted:

All good advice above. I'd suggest starting without any distance targets in mind. Start with 2 30min rides a week for 2 weeks, then add a third and begin to gradually up the time by 5 minutes a ride, until you get to an hour or so with ease. after 8-10 weeks you should be feeling a lot quicker. 

I second the buy or borrow a road bike calls, you'll reduce the effort you need to expend to go the same difference by a huge amount. If you find yourself / your group riding over 15mph average speed, then tight fitting clothing will also make a huge difference in the amount of aero drag you have to counter. Weight is everything... lighter body and lighter bike will make it a whole lot easier too. 

Most importantly have fun and remember skin is waterproof!

Oh yeah there's loads of funny folk and traditions around cycling and here's a good start http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/ 

Very funny rules for cycling. I've not seen these before, but think I might have fallen foul of one or two over the years.

I would repeat my suggestion above of riding to work. This is free exercise, saves the cost of fuel and it really energises you for the day.

Some have suggested buying a road bike, which if you get serious about it and find you really enjoy it, is a good idea. They are so much faster and, although the gearing won't be as low as on a mountain bike, you'd be able to power up those hills faster (and there are one or two in the C2C, especially in Cumbria). I'm a roadie at heart, but we've been training through the winter on mountain bikes in preparation far a ride across Bhutan. Yesterday we went out on our "winter" road bikes In the slightly better weather and really noticed the difference.

Today it's back on the mountain bikes. 

Another thought: if you're a cycling novice, why not use it as an opportunity to raise funds for a charity which is dear to you? Then when the going gets tough, you can think of the good you're doing for others and that will spur you on.

I like the idea of doing something for charity, so will look into that.

Commuting to work would be difficult as it's a 43 mile trip each way, and most of it on the A19 - where most of the drivers seem to be idiots!

I walked the Coast to Coast some years ago, 192 miles from St Bees across the Lake District and The North York Moors to Robin Hoods Bay. It was pure joy. I wasn't very fit, and had previously been quite ill, but I built up by doing short walks whenever I could - even half an hour in your lunch hour is better than nothing, and if it means you have a light lunch instead of pigging out then even better. As for doing your trip, eat carbohydrates, drink water, eat carbohydrates,  drink water, drink water, eat carbohydrates. Sleep. Repeat.

all good advice ......but I would suggest that saddles should be level! As I was told many years ago, you are supposed to sit on them not lean on them or slip off them. I wouldn't think about tilting them until you are absolutely sure about its comfort position. Then it is up to you but if you have to tilt your saddle I would suspect you have got the wrong saddle. To be honest, I have found saddles a nightmare to find one that is comfortable. For years I rode one and when I had to change it because it was finally too hard, it was a treckle and a half. And don't be afraid to use a decent chamois cream. use it now as your bum gets used to being in that saddle for longer periods. And then use it on the ride. Regularly. There are lots and some will work better for you. I use the Assos one  but my mates prefer others.

And, most importantly as others have said, enjoy it. 

I thought this might happen re: the Brooks!

Please google brooks saddle tilt up. Look at the images as well as the other stuff that comes up. The advice is there if you want it, and you may not because you say yours is comfy.

Years of riding with my Brooks Team Pro level have had me sliding forward and putting too much pressure on my hands and wrists. So I lifted the nose a notch. Bliss. Your mileage (for once, literally) may vary.

But enjoy it whatever you do.

C.

At risk of being rude, you may find this brand helpful for apparel.

Seems to appeal to the Yorkshire sense of humour-you see a fair few of them around. Not always at the back either.

No offence taken as I am a big lad and I already have a pair of their shorts!!

Stopped at the gym on the way home and did just over 10 miles on a stationary bike in 40 mins. Not great but a steady pace, and hopefully not too bad a base to build on over the next few months.

I intend to cut down on the booze and food so I'm hoping that this ride will incentivise me to lose weight, get fitter and make a few life changes as I've had a few difficult things to deal with over the last 6 months - no illnesses, or anything too serious, but enough to make me want to change a few things. 

Looking forward to the ride. The training, not so much, but I know the more I train, the easier the ride will be. 

Hmm, maybe I should decide on a 'reward' if I finish in decent shape/time? Maybe a hi-line, new MacBook or something like that.

Nigel

Good luck with your ride,you might like to check out cyclestreets.net their journey planner might be helpful.

In addition to the kit you're already mentioned:

A good pair of cycle shoes would be very helpful, but buy a pair that fits perfect from your local friendly cycle shop where they can help you set them up proper on your own bike. This may include  the need to buy pedals with the shoes.  They will probably check and set up other aspects of your bike set up while their at it.  Riding a bike is so much easier and more fun when your feet are clipped to the pedals, most people get used to this and get to like it really quick.

Learn to ride efficiently with a natural cadence of your own ability - this will probably be around 70 - 80 pedal rpm. Learn not to grind along in a gear that's too high.

If you do end up buying a road bike [ Gran Fondo type bike would suit rather well ] then consider changing the outer chainring to a 48, 49, or 50 tooth, especially if the bike comes equipped with a 53 tooth chainring, you'll be able to stay on a smaller outer chainring for longer and be able to 'spin' it easier.

Wear eye protection, in overcast weather wear clear lenses - it can get very dusty out on the road, and there are flying insects...

Always, always, always carry the means to fix a puncture, and a high vis fold away rain jacket.

Good luck with your rides, have fun!

Debs

Thanks for that Debs. I've tried clipped pedals before, and whilst I did get used to them (and used then for a year or so - albeit probably 10 years ago!) I always returned to and preferred flats.

I've been for a few rides so far and have quite enjoyed it - other than my first ride when I forgot to take a drink or any food! Doh - that won't happen again.

The last couple of rides have both been around 20+ miles, in just under 2 hours, so not too bad, although the route only has gentle climbs, so I need to keep getting out and build up to some proper climbs, even though I'm not looking forward to that. 

In between rides, I'm trying to go swimming as well to just get a bit fitter all round. Am also trying to cut down on the booze and food too, so hoping to lose some weight soon.

My main issue at the moment is that as I ride alone, I'm getting bored after a while, although I'm trying to teach myself how to do a manual at the moment. Old dogs, new tricks springs to mind a bit though!

Anyway, determined to keep it up, so thanks for the encouragement so far.

Nigel

Just got these (coupled with titanium pedals) to collect milk from the local shop.