Is the Emperor's Road Race Manageable- 1st Timer

[silkman]

I've just started cycling a few months ago. I do about 30-40 km once a week (don't laugh )

I've got a borrowed bike and am still riding with my tekkies. The most I've done is 60km in almost 4 hours (again- don't laugh )

I was thinking of entering some events. Is the Emperor's 102km a relatively flat route?

What if I'm the last rider and can't make the cutoff?

Oh- I also don't know how to change a tire!

[Harryn]

Yes it is flat, but you will still suffer with the distance, and will struggle to finish if 60km takes you 4 hours to complete. Why don't you consider registering for the short distance, and work your way up to to a 100km event slowly.

[dracs]

If you can do 60 you will manage 100 on race day - and it is a flat easy route. Just pace yourself and make use of the water points.

 

BUT, practice changing a tube before you head out on race day.

Edited April 1, 2014 by dracs

[ScottCM]

 

or

 

 

As for the takkies i did my first and only 94.7 race on a 1983 steel road bike that was 8 sizes to small for me with my nike sneakers and only 70km of training. finished it in 4H29M33Sec. If your mind is right the body can do just about anything.

[Joe Low]

Be kind to yourself and do the shorter distance. It will make you more positive in the long run (pardon the pun) to achieve something decent,rather than kill yourself going for the whole enchillada.

[silkman]

Thanks Hubbers..

[fabs]

Silkman.

 

Start off slowly buddy, and enjoy it.

 

Do the shorter route, and train constantly so that you can do the longer rides with greater ease later.

[Cellar]

Yes it is flat, but you will still suffer with the distance

 

What this bloke said. Remember, any race in GP is flat. There are no hills here.

[Pusher]

Suggest you learn bunch riding first. It can be quite daunting at first and a stupid move could be rather painful for others!

[BigT4]

Start with the shorter distance and get your confidence up of riding in a group and look at training through winter and do races in the spring and summer time again.

[The_black_stig]

The shorter route will be the better option IMO.

 

On another note (to the OP), you might want to calculate your average riding speed (60km divide by 4hr ....) to give yourself an estimate on the finishing time for the longer distance race.

[Wez-O]

If you can do 60 you will manage 100 on race day - and it is a flat easy route. Just pace yourself and make use of the water points.

Agree with Dracs post here... Enjoy the race and hope its the first of many more for you

[Squier]

You'll probably finish, but it will be anything but enjoyable. 7 hours on saddle is a very long time, especially if you're not used to it.

 

I agree with the guys saying to start on shorter distance. Make it fun for yourself.

[scotty]

Be kind to yourself and do the shorter distance. It will make you more positive in the long run (pardon the pun) to achieve something decent,rather than kill yourself going for the whole enchillada.

What this man said.

[shaper]

There is nothing wrong with doing the shorter distance at a race intensity which is different to your normal training/fun rides. Enjoy the race vibe, race hard over the shorter distance and train your body, legs and heart to work at a higher rate than your normal rides.

 

Use your fun rides to build base miles, do longer distances and build up to doing longer races.

[DIPSLICK]

YOU DONT WANT TO GO OUT ON YOUR FIRST RACE AND ABSOLUTELY HATE IT AND NEVER CYCLE AGAIN

as said build yourself up so you learn as you grow