My legs cramp up if I go much above 110.
I took it to mean he thought he was spinning and not getting anywhere, which suggests doing 130rpm in 34*32
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My legs cramp up if I go much above 110.
I took it to mean he thought he was spinning and not getting anywhere, which suggests doing 130rpm in 34*32
Don
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small world
yeah I cut it short, I intended to ride to thame, go to Haddnenham then near Aylesbury and back through risbrough
Man of Honour
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Got back from Bright last night, totally hammered, just put clothes in the wash and went to bed. Been shattered all day at work today.
had a totally awesome time despite the weather, we had rain and thunder every day.
Road trip down Thursday which took over 6 hours due to storms most of the way down and it going dark, almost 600km from where I live.
Friday morning met up with some guys from Melbourne who my mate knew, did a ride out to the base of Mt Buffalo and did a TT recon.
Hammered down with rain right before and just finished as I was starting my TT, standard road bike and no clip ons.... Rode well, took it super easy on the U turns and the T junction at the bottom of the hill. Cost me time but I didn't want to fall off! Mid pack which I was happy with, with a full TT setup I'd go sub 20 easily as I was comfortably sub 21 minutes averaging over 39kmh and inside the top 50.
Stage 2 was like my first bunch ride or that's how it felt. I was sitting middle to back third of the pack and it went like this. Surge, panic brake, surge panic brake for the first 40km
after about 50km we came to the first climb which I didn't really notice as a climb apart from two bigger guys blew up in front of me and I got boxed in. A pretty easy CAT 3, not too steep just long so we went up at almost 30kmh. It looked like the field would split so I powered over the gap that had opened and sat in about 20 riders back.
The final climb was a CAT 2 and steeper and longer than the earlier climb, 8km at 6.3% average. I was with the front 20 or so riders for the first 2-3km, then just after the 5km to go sign I cracked, it just crushed me that we had so far to go and I felt terrible. Span up on my own getting passed by individuals, recovered at 2km to to and pulled back a bit finishing 34th but moving up. Should have had a gel or something at the base of the climb I think, but I didn't burn my legs too bad and they felt fine that night.
Stage 3 better riding standard. I was right at the very back, got to the start line 5 mins before start and most of the field was there and I found it difficult to move up once the race was underway. No experience of such large bunches, club racing the field is small so you can do what you want. The hill came, HC climb, over 20km, the first half at 6-7% or more then a flatter fast section. top 20 got away and I spent the bottom half of the climb leapfrogging riders playing catch up. After the meg which is 400m at 14-15% the leaders had gone, a group had formed behind me so I joined them, one guy was pace setting with everyone else sat on, this felt pretty easy, I'd guess 280-300w for myself or just under 4w/kg.
At the false flat I wanted to ramp the speed, but found it a bit sketchy in the wet. Slipped to the back of the bunch and had a gel, not too far to the top now. Boom, 5 mins later gel kicked in, flatter section and I was feeling good. Got it in the big ring and kicked a few attacks, strung everyone right out to try and crack some riders as these were the ones similar placed to me. Couldn't shake anyone and nobody wanted to do a turn either so I just rode a hard pace on the front on my own, got to a steep ramp for a few hundred meters, most guys went past me going crazy then blew up, I had it in close to bottom gear spinning away hard. Pulled them back, then just kept the power on, one guy got away but I pulled away from everyone else. Two guys sprinted back and we crossed the line together with all three of us getting the same time. Put 10 seconds or more into a few of them in the last 400m though. Inside the top 30 on the final stage (28th) moved me to just outside the top 30 overall. I was a little disappointed the stage had to be shortened as I was feeling better as it went on but that's how it goes.
Some great photos being uploaded here http://jxpphotography.com/2014-tour-of-bright/ check out the rain and pain faces from stage 3!
We spent our down time in the river, at the brewery and various pubs, coffee shops etc took some games to play in the evening at the accommodation with booze and takeaway one night. It was a great weekend start to finish and ill definitely be looking to come back next year and hopefully do more training first!
had a totally awesome time despite the weather, we had rain and thunder every day.
Road trip down Thursday which took over 6 hours due to storms most of the way down and it going dark, almost 600km from where I live.
Friday morning met up with some guys from Melbourne who my mate knew, did a ride out to the base of Mt Buffalo and did a TT recon.
Hammered down with rain right before and just finished as I was starting my TT, standard road bike and no clip ons.... Rode well, took it super easy on the U turns and the T junction at the bottom of the hill. Cost me time but I didn't want to fall off! Mid pack which I was happy with, with a full TT setup I'd go sub 20 easily as I was comfortably sub 21 minutes averaging over 39kmh and inside the top 50.
Stage 2 was like my first bunch ride or that's how it felt. I was sitting middle to back third of the pack and it went like this. Surge, panic brake, surge panic brake for the first 40km
after about 50km we came to the first climb which I didn't really notice as a climb apart from two bigger guys blew up in front of me and I got boxed in. A pretty easy CAT 3, not too steep just long so we went up at almost 30kmh. It looked like the field would split so I powered over the gap that had opened and sat in about 20 riders back. The final climb was a CAT 2 and steeper and longer than the earlier climb, 8km at 6.3% average. I was with the front 20 or so riders for the first 2-3km, then just after the 5km to go sign I cracked, it just crushed me that we had so far to go and I felt terrible. Span up on my own getting passed by individuals, recovered at 2km to to and pulled back a bit finishing 34th but moving up. Should have had a gel or something at the base of the climb I think, but I didn't burn my legs too bad and they felt fine that night.
Stage 3 better riding standard. I was right at the very back, got to the start line 5 mins before start and most of the field was there and I found it difficult to move up once the race was underway. No experience of such large bunches, club racing the field is small so you can do what you want. The hill came, HC climb, over 20km, the first half at 6-7% or more then a flatter fast section. top 20 got away and I spent the bottom half of the climb leapfrogging riders playing catch up. After the meg which is 400m at 14-15% the leaders had gone, a group had formed behind me so I joined them, one guy was pace setting with everyone else sat on, this felt pretty easy, I'd guess 280-300w for myself or just under 4w/kg.
At the false flat I wanted to ramp the speed, but found it a bit sketchy in the wet. Slipped to the back of the bunch and had a gel, not too far to the top now. Boom, 5 mins later gel kicked in, flatter section and I was feeling good. Got it in the big ring and kicked a few attacks, strung everyone right out to try and crack some riders as these were the ones similar placed to me. Couldn't shake anyone and nobody wanted to do a turn either so I just rode a hard pace on the front on my own, got to a steep ramp for a few hundred meters, most guys went past me going crazy then blew up, I had it in close to bottom gear spinning away hard. Pulled them back, then just kept the power on, one guy got away but I pulled away from everyone else. Two guys sprinted back and we crossed the line together with all three of us getting the same time. Put 10 seconds or more into a few of them in the last 400m though. Inside the top 30 on the final stage (28th) moved me to just outside the top 30 overall. I was a little disappointed the stage had to be shortened as I was feeling better as it went on but that's how it goes.
Some great photos being uploaded here http://jxpphotography.com/2014-tour-of-bright/ check out the rain and pain faces from stage 3!
We spent our down time in the river, at the brewery and various pubs, coffee shops etc took some games to play in the evening at the accommodation with booze and takeaway one night. It was a great weekend start to finish and ill definitely be looking to come back next year and hopefully do more training first!
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It's all good experience for future races and working out strategies to employ and mistakes to improve on. Looks like you've got some good legs though with finishing strongly after pushing hard earlier. More training and up the pain 
It's all good experience for future races and working out strategies to employ and mistakes to improve on. Looks like you've got some good legs though with finishing strongly after pushing hard earlier. More training and up the pain
I'll have to start riding 300km or more a week to increase the hurt!
Maybe add 10-20km onto a bunch ride in the morning and stick with my three bunches and race a week when I'm in town!
I'm in a photo on the Cycling Victoria Website scroll down, page 3, second row first and second photo I'm on the right in the dark purple kit with orange and black bibs.
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Well I had a proper off this morning! Got knocked off by some guy not giving way/ddidnt see me as I was going straight over a roundabout at the start of my commute. He was coming from my left and hit my back wheel side on quite hard, bike went flying (as did I!). No huge damage to me, lots of cuts and a bit of rash on my left side - but somehow took a heavy knock on my right hip/bum area!
Bike is kinda ok except the back wheel is quite buckled - glad he hit that and not my leg! Genuine guy so believe it was an honest mistake/didn't see me. He's said he'll pay for any repairs and got his name/phone no/address. He's local and older so don't forsee any problems. What should my next steps be? Report to 101 incase there are any issues? Just take bike to LBS and get them to quote the repair and ask him if he's paying or wants to put through insurance?
It's a great deal - see lots of these around (unsure if they're all carbon pro's as most planetx look the same!)
I'm using the mk 2's and they're ok, would prob go sks chroms next/in retrospect. The RR's are good as a cheap/quick and easy guard but more long term something more substantial would be better.
Wish I had room for a dungeon
You *have* to?!? Just because you're eating out it doesnt have to be unhealthy!
Sounds and looks like you did well fella! Congrats and well done!
Bike is kinda ok except the back wheel is quite buckled - glad he hit that and not my leg! Genuine guy so believe it was an honest mistake/didn't see me. He's said he'll pay for any repairs and got his name/phone no/address. He's local and older so don't forsee any problems. What should my next steps be? Report to 101 incase there are any issues? Just take bike to LBS and get them to quote the repair and ask him if he's paying or wants to put through insurance?
This is a good deal, right?
http://www.planetx.co.uk/deals
I remember when they were selling for £1000 a while back, then went up to £1200... now £899.99 for the Planet X Pro Carbon Ultegra 6800 (for those who cba clicking the link
Edit :: link to the bike page, http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/FBPXSLPULT6800/planet-x-pro-carbon-shimano-ultegra-6800-road-bike
It's a great deal - see lots of these around (unsure if they're all carbon pro's as most planetx look the same!)
I'm using the mk 2's and they're ok, would prob go sks chroms next/in retrospect. The RR's are good as a cheap/quick and easy guard but more long term something more substantial would be better.
Wish I had room for a dungeon
You *have* to?!? Just because you're eating out it doesnt have to be unhealthy!
Sounds and looks like you did well fella! Congrats and well done!
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Glad you're ok. I'd report that to the police if I were you. Tempting to report it to his insurers as well. Get the bike checked by a decent shop, get a quote for repairs, get your clothes factored in. I wouldn't hold back in getting it all paid for.
Man of Honour
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I agree with Von's advice. Don't be tempted to just let it go or give him any leeway as it could come back and bite you later.
Soldato
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- 8 Dec 2002
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100% agree with this , funny how people can become unhelpful after the incident I know this first hand!!
Soldato
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@Moses
Depending on how much you're planning on using the bike in normal shoes, I'd either:
1) If non-clipless use will be infrequent, get SPD-SL pedals and 3 bolt shoes and just ride in trainers on the SPD-SL pedals (it's doable for short trips, they're a bigger platform than most clipless pedals)
2) Get Shimano M424 SPD pedals and 2 bolt shoes if you're planning on using the bike more regularly in trainers. They've got a raised platform around the pedal so easier to pedal still. Alternatively, there's the A530 touring pedal which is regular pedal one side and SPD pedal the other.
The 3 bolt adapter plate is not an ideal solution. It's pretty clunky.
Depending on how much you're planning on using the bike in normal shoes, I'd either:
1) If non-clipless use will be infrequent, get SPD-SL pedals and 3 bolt shoes and just ride in trainers on the SPD-SL pedals (it's doable for short trips, they're a bigger platform than most clipless pedals)
2) Get Shimano M424 SPD pedals and 2 bolt shoes if you're planning on using the bike more regularly in trainers. They've got a raised platform around the pedal so easier to pedal still. Alternatively, there's the A530 touring pedal which is regular pedal one side and SPD pedal the other.
The 3 bolt adapter plate is not an ideal solution. It's pretty clunky.
There are some Shimano road style shoes that have SPD and SPD-SL holes which would negate the need for an adapter.
Man of Honour
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It's kind of already been said but I'd just echo the above really - using an adaptor like that will give you the worst of both worlds. Personally I use SPD and they're great. I need to do lots of small walks whilst wearing my cycling shoes though.
If you commute at all then SPD-SLs are often not the best choice. They're (I imagine) good for weekend and evening rides though.
Finished my first week of Trainer Road. I think I found out why my Virtual Power FTP was so high. was re-arranging my Pain Cave and ended up taking the bike out of the turbo temporarily. Re assembled everything and went for my next workout. Baxter I think they call it. Jeez it was tough. Supposedly 1.5 hours but I was trashed after just over an hour. My HR was at threshold and above on what was supposed to be Sweetspot work out.
Yesterday's session was Goddard and had a few one legged drills which confirmed my suspicion that my left leg and glute are weak vs the right. Again I was gasping by half way through trying to maintain the advised levels of power. Then I twigged. Maybe I had put more tension into the tyre/roller interface when I repositioned the bike. Sure enough a half turn anticlockwise made things a lot easier and this was probably more reflective of when I did the FTP and ended up with 314W. Needless to say I have now manually tweaked the FTP down a little so Sweetspot is not quite so ballsouts
Anyway there lies a lesson. Having said that I am quite liking TR and reckon it will go someway to arresting the winter decline that is quite alarming in its rapidity.
Yesterday's session was Goddard and had a few one legged drills which confirmed my suspicion that my left leg and glute are weak vs the right. Again I was gasping by half way through trying to maintain the advised levels of power. Then I twigged. Maybe I had put more tension into the tyre/roller interface when I repositioned the bike. Sure enough a half turn anticlockwise made things a lot easier and this was probably more reflective of when I did the FTP and ended up with 314W. Needless to say I have now manually tweaked the FTP down a little so Sweetspot is not quite so ballsouts
Anyway there lies a lesson. Having said that I am quite liking TR and reckon it will go someway to arresting the winter decline that is quite alarming in its rapidity.
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Man of Honour
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I did the same the first time I did an FTP test/used TR. I now use OMS's suggested method - tighten it so the wheel is just touching and then tighten it three complete turns.
Glad its not just me!
One thing is apparent already, my cadence is generally 10rpm faster than when on the road and I hope that this will pay dividend in the long run. The Baxter workout where you only use cadence variation to meet the various power demands was tough but a very good drill.
Don
- Joined
- 20 Oct 2002
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- Oxfordshire / Bucks
Just out of curiosity
in this freezing weather and frosty morning or evenings
Do you guys wear a base layer and/or jacket?
Just curious because I don't have either of these, I just wear jerseys
in this freezing weather and frosty morning or evenings
Do you guys wear a base layer and/or jacket?
Just curious because I don't have either of these, I just wear jerseys
Riding to work, merino base layer and dhb EQ 2.5 hardshell on the top. Fine for my short 5.5 commute, usually weekends, compression layer and gabba.
Bearing in mind that it's only mad eit to freezing down here a couple of days so far:
SS jersey, arm warmers, soft shell gillet, bib shorts, bib longs, merino socks, shoes, overshoes, long finger gloves, cap. Gabba and Gabba gillet if it's raining.
Not yet worn a jacket.
Been sat in my living room for 10 hours and my bike isn't here yet. Grrrrr.
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