What to expect of first Argus?

[P.A.K.]

I'll be doing my very first Argus next year, and need some advice on choosing a training program.

 

I've bought the Bicycling mag's special Argus Cycle Tour magazine and found some very specific training programs in there. There are different plans ranging from the sub-3h plan through to the sub-5h plan and lastly the novice plan.

 

What I'd like to know:

Firstly, those of you who have seen these plans, how effective are they? Can anyone really achieve the specified times if they stick to the plan?

 

Secondly, how do I know which plan to choose?

 

If it really was that easy as choosing a plan and following it, I would have been able to choose any plan I want (wait, that has a cliche reach-for-a-dream sound to it.)

 

I've been MTBing for a two years now. Recently I did my first road race at the MTN OFM Classic. I did a terrible time (4h20), but did ride the 65km MTB the previous day too and felt it on the road Sunday.

 

I don't think I'm very fit, and I know I will probably have to choose the sub-5h. The only thing going for me is that I can dedicate myself and be very strict with myself. I have come to a place where I enjoy training harder and finally seeing (slight) improvements.

 

So what do you guys suggest? How do I choose a plan?

Edited November 10, 2012 by P.A.K.

[GLuvsMtb]

You have to decide how much time you have to train. Roughly 12 hours a week should get you close to a sub 4 hr Argus considering your OFM time. Boyes Drive is no more, so you'll be able to get to Smitswinkel about 20 minutes earlier than what the 4 hour riders did this year. Doing a seeding event will get you a mid pack seeding. You will probably be in the 4h30 window with a 4:20 in the OFM classic. This means that you will have to identify the potential sub 4 riders in your group and work with them without overcooking it. Another seeding event (Die Burger race in December perhaps) may assist you to get a better seeding, assumong you've been training since OFM classic.

[Vetseun]

Expect a moerse big fun ride

['Dale]

You gonna roll with a road or MTB machine?

[P.A.K.]

Thanks.

 

I'll be rolling on a road bike and training on it too

[gogo@]

...and I know I will probably have to choose the sub-5h. ...

No. You've got lots of time and you're keen to train. Therefore don't start out by limiting yourself... be realistic, but aim for somewhere above what you think right now you can do. So aim for sub-4 IF you think you can make the time commitments, otherwise use another plan that fits your time available. Train with a heart rate monitor (if you aren't already) and you'll know if you're going hard enough/recovering properly.

First Argus is really special. Enjoy!

[bj horn]

Best fun ,do it with a friend or family.Hope the southeaster will stay away.Sad to miss out on Boyes Dr,the view is fantastic

['Dale]

Thanks.

 

I'll be rolling on a road bike and training on it too

 

Sweet.

Check bicycling.co.za archives.

There's normally a guide to training for the Argus based on your desired finishing time.

[Cippo]

First time, just have fun, enjoy the vibe, take in the awesome scenery and you will be back again. Fitness is important so you don't suffer while riding and eveything else will be unforgetable.

[DJR]

First time, just have fun, enjoy the vibe, take in the awesome scenery and you will be back again. Fitness is important so you don't suffer while riding and eveything else will be unforgetable.

 

What he said! You can race seriously later, because you will come and do it again if you had fun the first time.

[ibruegge]

You don't need to train for a sub 4. Just hope for ok weather and you'll be fine.

[grant10]

Just to repeat the above really, but for first one, most important to enjoy the general vibe and scenery! It is basically a massive fun ride and experience will mostly be dictated by where you end up being seeded and your attitude on the day. As someone said, be realistic, but sounds like you should be aiming for as close to 4 as possible. I followed the sub 3 (2:45 - 3:15) plan in that Argus Bicycling magazine and got a 3.03 so it almost worked for me. Don't start too fast and get your climbing legs in shape.

[Cheese]

I'll be doing my very first Argus next year, and need some advice on choosing a training program.

 

I've bought the Bicycling mag's special Argus Cycle Tour magazine and found some very specific training programs in there. There are different plans ranging from the sub-3h plan through to the sub-5h plan and lastly the novice plan.

 

What I'd like to know:

Firstly, those of you who have seen these plans, how effective are they? Can anyone really achieve the specified times if they stick to the plan?

 

Secondly, how do I know which plan to choose?

 

If it really was that easy as choosing a plan and following it, I would have been able to choose any plan I want (wait, that has a cliche reach-for-a-dream sound to it.)

 

I've been MTBing for a two years now. Recently I did my first road race at the MTN OFM Classic. I did a terrible time (4h20), but did ride the 65km MTB the previous day too and felt it on the road Sunday.

 

I don't think I'm very fit, and I know I will probably have to choose the sub-5h. The only thing going for me is that I can dedicate myself and be very strict with myself. I have come to a place where I enjoy training harder and finally seeing (slight) improvements.

 

So what do you guys suggest? How do I choose a plan?

Hi,

 

Regarding time I would say add around 20 minutes to your OFM time. Seeing I also did OFM and Argus however if Boyes drive is out maybe you can take out a few minutes again.

 

12 Hours is a lot and I almost never achieve that(maybe this week in last effort for DC) . If you can do OFM you can do Argus, the OFM route was challenging this year whith the wind as well.

 

For added motivation go to Fittrack .co.za and log your training there and see youre fitness score grow, they will also give you a training plan.

['Dale]

Whatever you do, save your legs for Suikerbossie climb at the 85 km mark.

About 1.5 kms of 4.5 degrees with massive fanfare.

 

Make sure you look good.

[dev null]

My advice after my first Argus this year is to do much more climbing training than distance work. It will help to prevent cramps on your quads I believe. But it seems cramps are usually the biggest problem with people doing their first Argus. And do some training on very hot days. We might get another 35 plus day.

 

Also, good advice I got was to take enough water with you at the Smitswinkel stop, even if you have to wait in a queue. You are going too need it on the way to Houtbaai. Having the water to throw onto my head to cool down helped a hell of a lot this year, especially on that long climb into Sunny Valley.

 

PS: Make use of the water hosed over the road by residents!

Edited November 12, 2012 by Moridin

[Dragu]

Best Plan - Totally agree with MCipollini, just have fun! Train for a 4 hour ride, put in the 12 hour a week efforts and let this be your PLAN for the day: be in the best shape of your life, ride the most comfortable bike you own and just have fun!! Relax as you will have thousands of cyclists in front of you, behind you and around you. Use your first Argus as a reccy for greater rides to come. After your first, you always want to come back and beat your best time so this is your opportunity to take in all the vibe, sights and sounds that make this the greatest fun ride in the world!

 

Added benefit, if you that fit, you will look like an absolute Champion going up Suikerbossie. The thousands of fans will marvel at your amazing achievements after 85km's and more than that, you will feel like a million bucks passing thousands at that point. If you have family/friends at the race, ask them to meet you at Kalkbay/Houtbay or Campsbay and stop for a coffee/cocktail/beer, will be the most amazing ride ever!, and you will get a medal(make sure to finish in 7 hours) and be one closer to completing 10/21... and a green number....

 

After all that, you know what to expect, what to train for and have ample time to do a good seeding race for an awesome seeding in 2014.