Getting into shape
Related pages: | Preparing
for the ride | Preparing your bike
| What to take |
A Challenging Route
The Reivers does not have the mega-climbs of the C2C but is
undulating and extremely strenuous in places particularly
around Kielder Forest and the Caldbeck
Fells. Moreover, if you cycle the traditional route of east
to west then you will be cycling against the prevailing wind.
This is very energy-sapping and must
be factored in.
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You don't need to be Lance
to do the Reivers
(although it helps)
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But the route is suitable for cyclists of all abilities.
You certainly don't need to be Lance Armstrong to do the ride.
However, you know your own level of fitness and you should
not bite off more than you can chew. What condition you need
to be in depends upon a number of factors including:
Duration
Less is more. Do it in two days and you will need to be in
peak condition. Take seven and it becomes very sedate. Most
people opt for for three or four days which
will require you to be in pretty good shape.
Luggage
If you are carrying your overnight stuff on panniers or a
rucksack then then you need to be significantly fitter than
those who have a support vehicle or luggage transfer service.
If you are camping en route then the impact of the extra weight
is obvious.
Time of year
In the wetter months, the off-road sections can get extremely
claggy which can really sap your energy. You will also be
carrying wet-weather and warm clothing which adds to the weight.
Accordingly this places more demands on your body.
So, in a nutshell, know your physical limits and
cut your cloth accordingly. You'd be surprised to know just
how many people drop out of the coast-to-coast routes because
they have over-estimated their abilities. And if you do conk
out in the middle of dense coniferous forest you might find
it difficult to get the bus back to the start. Be warned!
Training
It is impossible to give firm advice about how you should train
for this. You know your abilities better than anyone. However,
even the fittest of individuals would be foolish not to get
some regular training in before the ride.
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Technical
brilliance is not a pre-requisite for the Reivers
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Start early
You should start training several months before your ride
particularly if your fitness level is modest or even non-existent!
Start with short routes on level(-ish) terrain then build
up your distance and inclines.
Head for the hills
Many people make the mistake of limiting their training to
billiard table surfaces - it doesn't do much for your power
or endurance. Hills are a vital part of the Reivers and equally
vital for your training. So seek out some challenging inclines,
the steeper the better, and ride up them, don't push.
Go off-piste
The Reivers has many off-road options and several sections
are mandatory. You should ensure that your training regularly
includes off-road routes such as bridleways and disused railway
lines. Some of the Reivers off-road sections can be rough
and can also get claggy in the wet. Try and build up your
off-road confidence/competence.
Don't forget your luggage
As the date for your ride draws closer, you should start riding
with your rucksack/panniers loaded. This will not only improve
your fitness and endurance, it will acquaint you with the
significant changes in bike handling that occur when you are
loaded. Don't leave it until you do the Reivers otherwise
the fully laden bike will be a shock to your system.
And finally.....
When you can easily manage 30-40 miles of undulating on/off
road terrain, fully loaded, then you are probably ready to
go.
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Netfit
A useful guide to strength training exercises to improve your
cycling ability is available at www.netfit.co.uk
Cyclingnews.com
A guide to training, position, bike set-up, injury prevention
and cure and everything else that affects your ability to
ride further, faster and stronger.
www.cyclingnews.com
About.com
Guide to fitness, training, stretching exercises, winter bike
training, nutrition and how to develop climbing legs. Go to
mountainbike.about.com
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