Will i make the syd-gong ride??

Tim46

First off hi to every1, new to the site and only started cycling recently. Basically hooked already...

Just curious if people in the know could tell me how i would cope with the 90km syd to gong ride??
I currently commute to work 2 x a week 30km each way along old windsor rd onto m7 and along m2 to delhi rd and then return is the same except for the little detour on the m2. I average 30km/h on the way and 27-28 on the return trip.
Should i be doing anything in specific to prepare?? Bit worried about the hills, bikes granny gear is chainring 34 and 25 rear. Think i could struggle if hills are steep.

Thanks in advance

artemidorus

Crikey, your only problem will be avoiding all the people who haul out their bikes once a year! Go for it, I wouldn't bother doing anything different from your usual routine. You could throw in one or two 60-70km rides at least one or two weeks beforehand if you wanted. The hills are MUCH overrated.

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"All that we see and seem is but a dream, within a dream..."

sogood

If you can do 60k in a day at that kind of pace, then I'd also say that you just need to ride some longer rides to get familiar with your body on one continuous long stretch.

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LongRide

There is only one decent climb in the whole 90k's and that is along Lady Wakehurst Drive - the steepest bit is just before the descent to Otford so pace yourself on the way up the climb otherwise that top bit may hurt - see map here with steep bit highlighted by the cross hairs. Although its uphill to Waterfall, and at about 220m above sea level its the high point of the ride, it is a very gradual climb pretty much all the way from the start.

Going by the riding you've been doing, I'd say you're going to have no problems at all, but as artemidorus (and sogood - we must have posted at the same time) says, a few longer rides before hand would be good to get used to 3 hours in the saddle.

scotty72

If what you say is true, you'd shit it in.

The biggest climb is not much more that the hill from Beecroft Rd up to Pennant Hills Rd.

Apart from that there are only a few short sharpies and a few long, graduals.

Just keep doing what you're doing.

You may not come first - but you'll beat most of the (once a year) crowd.

Scotty

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AdamVW

Just curious if people in the know could tell me how i would cope with the 90km syd to gong ride??
I currently commute to work 2 x a week 30km each way along old windsor rd onto m7 and along m2 to delhi rd and then return is the same except for the little detour on the m2. I average 30km/h on the way and 27-28 on the return trip.
Should i be doing anything in specific to prepare?? Bit worried about the hills, bikes granny gear is chainring 34 and 25 rear. Think i could struggle if hills are steep.

Thanks in advance[/QUOTE]
Good on you Tim,

I am in Perth now but have travelled that route (by car) hundreds of times during my time living in Nowra.

You training credentials are fine I would think, you will piss it in mate

Not only that, you will be able to sit back and enjoy what will be a great ride. I am very envious, enjoy.

Cheers,

AdamVW

Tim46

Thanks everyone, i never really thought i was hitting any real hills along that route, and heard about the killer hills on the gong ride, i thought i might struggle as hills arent the strongest point of my riding lol.
Sounds like it will be a good ride, dont want or expect to be first but would like to have a respectable ride.
Just have to hope the hand gets better so i can hit the road again, sick of the trainer.

Tim46

I think cause its rolling along the m2 you get a little assistance at the start of the hills....

sogood

If you want killer hills, come and ride back to Sydney with us after the official procession. Did a careful survey of the climbs on the return leg, just about every one of them hit 10%. It'll be painful!

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artemidorus

From where and when are you leaving W'gong?

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"All that we see and seem is but a dream, within a dream..."

sogood

The plan is to ride straight back after a little rest, food and water, on the same route except going through Helensburg. Aim to get back to Tempe velodrome to see the fixie century folks and join their R&R.

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Morphed Bianchi Camaleonte IV 2006, Ridley Damocles 2006, Garmin, Mac

Tim46

I am not that keen haha, whether i actually get to do the ride depends on the recovery of a finger injury, so im sure the 90 will do me (good excuse), really i think i would die trying to pedal back lol.

sogood

Actually, I will die. But why worry about a minor stress?

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Morphed Bianchi Camaleonte IV 2006, Ridley Damocles 2006, Garmin, Mac

Eggyolkeo

Sogood - you are clearly mad! Although most of the people who pledged for me said they'd double it if I return! No chance!

To the original question, I'm doing the same, having only been riding for 2 months. 25kms each way to work, twice a week. I only average 23km/hr. It's tough (I HATE Pariwi St, parallel to the Spit Hill (NSW). It's 1.2kms and fairly steep! Awesome on the way down though!).