Cycling for a not very fit person!

If I were in your shoes, I'd work on getting as much time in the saddle (on the bike) as I could, and not worry so much about actual miles/kilometers. Charity rides are often so well supported and so informal that it becomes more about whether or not you can sit on a bike for 6 hrs rather than if you can do the distance.

Additionally, more time on the bike will necessarily translate to more conditioning/endurance/distance. So that's where I'd start - with my focus on time on the bike moreso than actual distance.

I would agree with the previous posters, it's definitely achievable. But you will need to work on comfort on the bike, longer ride will tend to teach you about muscles you never knew existed. My first long ride this spring was a reminder after being off my bike all fall/winter.

bronaghCPM wrote: »

I'm getting access to a bike next week and I can start training then, but is it realistic to build to 135km in a couple of months?

Your running will have given you have a decent fitness base so a lot of it is just down to time in the saddle and progressively extending your duration and distance. I think 8 weeks is definitely possible to achieve your goal.

I followed a British Heart Foundation plan for Century rides and it worked very well.

https://www.bhf.org.uk/get-involved/events/training-zone/cycling-training-zone/cycling-training-schedule

Get some BIKE SHORTS! Especially if you aren't used to riding a bike. The first time I took a spin class I could barely sit on the seat the next class (which was two days later). So building up to being to sit on a bike seat is key

The training plan that @sijomial looks good way to build up; however it makes no mention of pace....... Perhaps after you have been riding a bit you can join you friends on a easy ride and see what the pace is like.

Or ask around about what variation people have for pace in the previous charity rides. In spin class they go on about 80 rpms being a comfortable flat road and that took me quite a while to work towards. For a charity ride, I'd imagine there will be groups going different speeds, but it is worthwhile to check out if you are able to pedal within that range or put in a plan to get there if you aren't already

bronaghCPM wrote: »

Hi Guys,

I've lost about 15kg over the last year or so (thanks mfp!), almost completely due to restricting calories as I am not one for exercising. I run 5km once or twice a week and I do a yoga class a week. I also walk a lot just because I enjoy it - maybe 30mins a day so nothing strenuous.

On a recent holiday I did a lot of hiking and was pleasantly surprised that I was able to keep up with some of my fitter friends! I guess I was on a high from this, because some of them convinced me to join them in a charity cycle this September. The cycle is 135km and it's in Ireland so expect lots of hills. The aim is to start at 7am and finish at 5pm.

I'm seriously worried now that I've bit off more than I can chew! As I said, I don't consider myself a fit person. I can ride a bike but haven't done any proper cycling in years, and I'm can't remember ever doing any that long.

I'm getting access to a bike next week and I can start training then, but is it realistic to build to 135km in a couple of months?

Feedback very much appreciated!

Jumping from walking 30 min a day to cycling 135 km in a couple months could be a challenge.

However ...

First, make sure that the bicycle is set up correctly for you. Make absolutely sure the fit is right.

Second, in your first week, ride every other day while you get used to being in the saddle. You'll probably only want to ride 30 minutes or so.

Third, you will want to get good cycling shorts with padding that covers your sitbones. You will likely also want a wicking T-shirt or cycling jersey.

Fourth, mix it up.

So, for example ... after riding every other day for the first week ...

On the weekend get out for a 10 km ride on Saturday and 5 km on Sunday.
During the week, make sure you're off the bicycle (and walking) at least one day, perhaps 2.
You might opt to run your 5 km another day.
On another day, do hill repeats or intervals to work on speed and strength.
And do a mid-length casual ride ... say, 7 km.

Next weekend ... go for a 15 km ride on Saturday and 10 km on Sunday.
Repeat what you did during the previous week, with a mid-length casual ride of 12 km.

Next weekend ... go for a 20 km ride on Saturday and a 15 km on Sunday.
Repeat what you did during the previous week, with a slightly longer mid-length casual ride.

And so on ... just keep gradually building up. You might need to pick up the pace after those first few weeks.

What you're aiming for is to reach at least 2/3 of your goal distance of 135 km 2 weeks before your event. In other words, at least a 90 km ride 2 weeks before your 135 km ride. That will give you the chance to ease up a bit just before the event.

I'll save all the wise tips and advice for the other posters. I started this year with a new bike and an old, tired body. Now the bike has some miles and the body improved. Keep at it, gradual progress.




Good luck on your training, and your ride. There's a guy in the UK training for a Mallorca holiday later this year, posting his progress on youtube, leonardmlee: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEuC2TeojJTwX0yfPmGFiWA
For him, it's not all in a smooth progression. His efforts resonate enough with me that I follow his videos each week.