August has completely flown by! I had 2 more race weekends right after Ride London. My husband, his brother and fiancé, and I travelled to Ireland where I ran the rock n roll Dublin half. We had a week long road trip and got back to London to I could join fellow UK Fitness Bloggers for Spitfire Scramble, a 24 hour relay race. Those races tired me out and I came back to work to launch a huge project that I have been working on for nearly 3 years. It has been a crazy, but rewarding, month.
Check out the shiney wheels!
I want to go back though and tell you about the kit I was given to test during Ride London. First off, Merlin Cycles were kind enough to send me the Forza Stratos RC23 Road wheelset. At a price point of £149.99, they are a good example of how you can replace certain components on your entry-level bike to make your riding more efficient and enjoyable. My new best friends at Bike Trax kindly squeezed in my wheel swap days before Ride London. I took my bike to Victoria Park to try them out and I how amazed at how easy it was. I didn’t know if it was the adrenaline or excitement that I might actually be able to go fast enough to ride all 100 miles this year, or just the fact that I had rounder wheels.
The wheels themselves have Shimano hubs and Mach1 spokes. Noah the Wheel Smith was surprised at that quality components were put under a different name as the brands stand for themselves in terms of reputation.
On the day of Ride London, I felt like I was faster than my previous training rides. You can see my training log, along with Ride London files (segment 1, segment 2, segment 3) over on Strava. I didn’t have much of a chance to draft anyone but feel I did well enough on my own. After all, I did get all 100 miles in. 🙂
Of course I had to get a manicure to match
I can’t wait to get out on the bike again once Berlin Marathon is over. James and I are headed to Cape Town in February and plan on touring on bikes for a few days while we are there. It will be a good time to break out my Altura cycling kit again. Zyro and Altura sent me some fab pink kit for Ride London, including the Women Peloton Progel Bib Short. I have never had such padded cycling shorts (all mine are for triathlons and indoor cycling) and what a difference it makes! Holy cow. Plus, I never had to adjust the shorts from riding up on my legs. They always stayed in place. I am not a huge fan of bib shorts because going to the loo requires disrobing in a small gross port-a-loo. But what can you do when nature calls?
I was between sizes on the jersey so I ordered one size up which meant it ended up being too big for me (as compared to a traditional slim fit jersey). It was still able to hold all the food I needed and my wallet without anything falling out of the back pockets. The zipper was easy to adjust as I rode, which helped me regulate my body temperature. I was also sent new gloves and a base layer but I received the items too late to try out properly before the big ride. I tried the shorts, socks, and jersey in a spin class, and also on the test ride for my wheels but felt I was still breaking the ‘nothing new on race day’ rule. When I changed out of my bibs at the end of the day (after a tube ride to Olympic Park where we collected our bikes and rode home) I noticed the webbing of the suspenders (braces for you Brits) had left a light impression but the marks were gone the next day.
My husband said the pink made it easy to spot me in a crowd, and it totally goes with my branding. This kit still has plenty of life left and I cannot wait to get back on the road and in the saddle.
Did you try any new kit this year that contributed to your success at Ride London? Leave a comment below and let me know!
Thanks again to Merln Cycles for providing the wheels and Zyco and Altura for the pink kit. As always, all opinions are honest and my own.
This year was my third attempt at Prudential Ride London. I have been very lucky enough to have won the ballot entry for three years in a row. You can read my review of the inaugural event here. 2014 was the year of the hurricane, in which the entire course was cut short to 86 miles. I was so waterlogged, I didn’t write up a review. Last year, we moved house so training got pushed aside. We ended up volunteering at the start line, which was a lot of fun even it was early in the morning. Luckily I was able to defer to this year and I am so glad I did. Read on! Registration process & fees: The event is ballot entry, with plenty of charities offering space in return for fundraising. I have been lucky enough to win a place every year I entered. I am not sure if that is because I am a woman, or just lucky. As I had deferred, my money was not refunded from last year and I had to pay again this year. While not ideal, I completely understand it must cost a fortune to close down to many roads and having staff for 100+ miles.
Note:Registration is now open for 2017. I am not sure when the ballot will close (either a date or limited number of entries). Registration for 2017 is £58.
Standstill at Mile 38
Location: The course has remained the same since the first event. The start line is in Queen Elizabeth Park in Stratford, from there the course goes out to Surrey, and it ends on the Mall just before Buckingham Palace. This year you could have your bike brought back to Copper Box Arena for £5 after your race. It was a bit hard to find the truck at the end of the race, but it was really convenient for us otherwise as a way to get our bikes back home after a long day.
Course & bogs: It is still amazing to ride through London streets without traffic or red lights. You go passed many iconic sights before heading out to the country with the first food hub at Hampton Court. The big hills to worry about are Leith Hill and Box Hill, with a few other ups and downs. Be sure to train for these inclines! Declines are still a hazard, so please ride responsibly. Remember, other riders around you might be less experienced.
Numerous portaloos at start area and also at every hub. I barely had to wait and there was always loo roll. Good work organisers!
Fuel was provided by Clif Bar and hydration by ORS tablets. There was also rice cakes, bananas, Haribos, malt loaf, etc at the food hubs. Drinks hubs had a limited selection of food.
THIS YEAR I RODE THE ENTIRE COURSE! I have been working towards this for 4 years and felt such relief as I crossed the finish line. True, it wasn’t my fault in 2014 that I didn’t ride 100 miles, but now I can proudly say I have. Would I have been able to without my 1 hour rest? I would like to think so, as I limited my rest stops otherwise. Atmosphere: Even though it was an un-Godly hour on a Sunday morning, everyone was excited for the event. Along the way, there was friendly chatter between friends and strangers. When I was held up for an hour at Mile 38 after a bad crash, folks were still talking to one another and although they were frustrated, they always got out of the way for police and ambulance without any negative words about the victim.
Drinks Hub at top of Box Hill
Bling/goody bags: Another big shiny medal with the course on it. Goody bag included the usual flyers and a few snacks. Tips if you decide to take part next time: Read the guidance provided on how to cycle safely and share the road. I recommend checking out my blog posts tagged ‘Ride London’ for training and kit tips. You need to take the training seriously to make it around the course. It took me 8 hours (one of which was waiting for crash to clear) and I feel like I spent a lot of time in the saddle. Don’t forget to add in strength training to complement your cycling. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the ride!
Will I take part again? I am going to skip the ballot for 2017 and let someone else give it a try. I really enjoyed the training aspect and will continue to keep it up after the Berlin Marathon in September. Using cycling as cross training has really benefited my running too.
Thanks to Altura and Zyro for the cycling kit and Merlin Cycles for the new wheels. Honest reviews on these products up soon.
This year was my third attempt at Prudential Ride London. I have been very lucky enough to have won the ballot entry for three years in a row. You can read my review of the inaugural event here. 2014 was the year of the hurricane, in which the entire course was cut short to 86 miles. I was so waterlogged, I didn’t write up a review. Last year, we moved house so training got pushed aside. We ended up volunteering at the start line, which was a lot of fun even it was early in the morning. Luckily I was able to defer to this year and I am so glad I did. Read on! Registration process & fees: The event is ballot entry, with plenty of charities offering space in return for fundraising. I have been lucky enough to win a place every year I entered. I am not sure if that is because I am a woman, or just lucky. As I had deferred, my money was not refunded from last year and I had to pay again this year. While not ideal, I completely understand it must cost a fortune to close down to many roads and having staff for 100+ miles.
Note:Registration is now open for 2017. I am not sure when the ballot will close (either a date or limited number of entries). Registration for 2017 is £58.
Standstill at Mile 38
Location: The course has remained the same since the first event. The start line is in Queen Elizabeth Park in Stratford, from there the course goes out to Surrey, and it ends on the Mall just before Buckingham Palace. This year you could have your bike brought back to Copper Box Arena for £5 after your race. It was a bit hard to find the truck at the end of the race, but it was really convenient for us otherwise as a way to get our bikes back home after a long day.
Course & bogs: It is still amazing to ride through London streets without traffic or red lights. You go passed many iconic sights before heading out to the country with the first food hub at Hampton Court. The big hills to worry about are Leith Hill and Box Hill, with a few other ups and downs. Be sure to train for these inclines! Declines are still a hazard, so please ride responsibly. Remember, other riders around you might be less experienced.
Numerous portaloos at start area and also at every hub. I barely had to wait and there was always loo roll. Good work organisers!
Fuel was provided by Clif Bar and hydration by ORS tablets. There was also rice cakes, bananas, Haribos, malt loaf, etc at the food hubs. Drinks hubs had a limited selection of food.
THIS YEAR I RODE THE ENTIRE COURSE! I have been working towards this for 4 years and felt such relief as I crossed the finish line. True, it wasn’t my fault in 2014 that I didn’t ride 100 miles, but now I can proudly say I have. Would I have been able to without my 1 hour rest? I would like to think so, as I limited my rest stops otherwise. Atmosphere: Even though it was an un-Godly hour on a Sunday morning, everyone was excited for the event. Along the way, there was friendly chatter between friends and strangers. When I was held up for an hour at Mile 38 after a bad crash, folks were still talking to one another and although they were frustrated, they always got out of the way for police and ambulance without any negative words about the victim.
Drinks Hub at top of Box Hill
Bling/goody bags: Another big shiny medal with the course on it. Goody bag included the usual flyers and a few snacks. Tips if you decide to take part next time: Read the guidance provided on how to cycle safely and share the road. I recommend checking out my blog posts tagged ‘Ride London’ for training and kit tips. You need to take the training seriously to make it around the course. It took me 8 hours (one of which was waiting for crash to clear) and I feel like I spent a lot of time in the saddle. Don’t forget to add in strength training to complement your cycling. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the ride!
Will I take part again? I am going to skip the ballot for 2017 and let someone else give it a try. I really enjoyed the training aspect and will continue to keep it up after the Berlin Marathon in September. Using cycling as cross training has really benefited my running too.
Thanks to Altura and Zyro for the cycling kit and Merlin Cycles for the new wheels. Honest reviews on these products up soon.
Today was my last training ride in prep for Ride London. It was nearly 40 miles and my legs were heavy the entire way. I only rode 8 miles yesterday on my Brompton, so I didn’t expect it to be so tough. But ‘what can you do?’ as my great Aunt Mary would say.
If this is your first year taking part in Ride London, check out my race recap from 2013 (note it is not actually a race, but a ride). I also rode in 2014, but that year there was a hurricane, so the route was cut down to 86 miles and it was just miserably wet. I skipped the race recap and it was (hopefully) a unique experience.
A photo posted by Mollie, the Happiness PT (@ptmollie) on
Have you thought about the little things yet for the race? You have a week to get your last bits and bobs sorted. This is a head-to-toe packing list for a running race, but to it I would like to add for Ride London, specifically:
-spare inner tube -air pump -tire levers -helmet -cycling shoes (if you are wearing other shoes to the event) -2 water bottles -fuel you have been training with -cash for more inner tubes, bike repairs, or snacks along the way
Last week on Instagram, I posted a few reminders about figuring out what fuel you are going to use (Clif Shot Blocks and ORS tablets will be provided) and how you are going to carry everything (seriously, practice this one as you might need to buy a new bike bag). We found a little mobile phone holder on Groupon and use that to hold extra hydration tablets and my portable battery charger.
A photo posted by James Millington (@geographer_jim) on
I had a few hours on my bike today and though of a few more reminders.
1. Wear sunscreen. Riding 100 miles with a sun burn and possibly sun stroke is no fun. Make sure you pick a brand that won’t drip off of your face too.
2. Know how to change a tire and how to put your chain back on. These two tasks might seen easy, but in the heat of the moment, can you pull them off? If you don’t want your hands to get dirty, keep a pair of disposable gloves in your bag.
3. Arrange where you are meeting friends and family ahead of time. Chances are, either your phone battery will be dead from using Strava or the networks will be jammed from so many people trying to do the same thing. I think there might be signs with letters to meet by at the finish. Pick a seldom-used letter, like Z, that is less likely to be crowded. I recommend the Life360 app as it gives people in your ‘family’ an idea of where you are. You can also message everyone at once to let them know your progress.
4. Nothing new on race day. I mean it! No new shorts, socks, shirts, underwear, shoes, etc. 100 miles is a long time to be uncomfortable. If you need to get something, get it today and go on a ride with it. For example, a bike computer is really handy but you will need to know how to use it before the race so you can focus on riding in a group.
5. Take on food and water regularly. Fuelling is a huge part in getting you across the finish line. Take on water every 15 min (sip little and often) and eat a little something 45-60 minutes.
6. Know the courteous hand signals to alert riders of hazards. Here are some key ones from British Cycling. Don’t be afraid to use your bell too if you are passing someone or need them to be aware of your presence. 7. Use a rucksack (or something similar) to carry your official Ride London bag in when cycling to the start line. It is one of the most challenging bags to cycle with, between slipping around and the strings rubbing into your skin. Either practice riding with it before hand (with it filled up), or wear a different bag that can fit inside of it for the official bag transport.
7. Keep walking after the race and stretch out too. You will probably be stiff the next day, but it is worth it every time you look at your new medal.
8. Remember it is not a race! There will be lots of people on the road of varying abilities. Please always be aware of who is around you. Take descents cautiously and when in doubt, slow down. It is refreshing not to have to share the road with cars, but that doesn’t mean you should be reckless.
9. Have fun! This event is truly unique and will be once of the most memorable you will ever take part in. Enjoy every minute.
Anything else I have missed about Ride London? If so, please leave a comment below.
Today was my last training ride in prep for Ride London. It was nearly 40 miles and my legs were heavy the entire way. I only rode 8 miles yesterday on my Brompton, so I didn’t expect it to be so tough. But ‘what can you do?’ as my great Aunt Mary would say.
If this is your first year taking part in Ride London, check out my race recap from 2013 (note it is not actually a race, but a ride). I also rode in 2014, but that year there was a hurricane, so the route was cut down to 86 miles and it was just miserably wet. I skipped the race recap and it was (hopefully) a unique experience.
A photo posted by Mollie, the Happiness PT (@ptmollie) on
Have you thought about the little things yet for the race? You have a week to get your last bits and bobs sorted. This is a head-to-toe packing list for a running race, but to it I would like to add for Ride London, specifically:
-spare inner tube -air pump -tire levers -helmet -cycling shoes (if you are wearing other shoes to the event) -2 water bottles -fuel you have been training with -cash for more inner tubes, bike repairs, or snacks along the way
Last week on Instagram, I posted a few reminders about figuring out what fuel you are going to use (Clif Shot Blocks and ORS tablets will be provided) and how you are going to carry everything (seriously, practice this one as you might need to buy a new bike bag). We found a little mobile phone holder on Groupon and use that to hold extra hydration tablets and my portable battery charger.
A photo posted by James Millington (@geographer_jim) on
I had a few hours on my bike today and though of a few more reminders.
1. Wear sunscreen. Riding 100 miles with a sun burn and possibly sun stroke is no fun. Make sure you pick a brand that won’t drip off of your face too.
2. Know how to change a tire and how to put your chain back on. These two tasks might seen easy, but in the heat of the moment, can you pull them off? If you don’t want your hands to get dirty, keep a pair of disposable gloves in your bag.
3. Arrange where you are meeting friends and family ahead of time. Chances are, either your phone battery will be dead from using Strava or the networks will be jammed from so many people trying to do the same thing. I think there might be signs with letters to meet by at the finish. Pick a seldom-used letter, like Z, that is less likely to be crowded. I recommend the Life360 app as it gives people in your ‘family’ an idea of where you are. You can also message everyone at once to let them know your progress.
4. Nothing new on race day. I mean it! No new shorts, socks, shirts, underwear, shoes, etc. 100 miles is a long time to be uncomfortable. If you need to get something, get it today and go on a ride with it. For example, a bike computer is really handy but you will need to know how to use it before the race so you can focus on riding in a group.
5. Take on food and water regularly. Fuelling is a huge part in getting you across the finish line. Take on water every 15 min (sip little and often) and eat a little something 45-60 minutes.
6. Know the courteous hand signals to alert riders of hazards. Here are some key ones from British Cycling. Don’t be afraid to use your bell too if you are passing someone or need them to be aware of your presence. 7. Use a rucksack (or something similar) to carry your official Ride London bag in when cycling to the start line. It is one of the most challenging bags to cycle with, between slipping around and the strings rubbing into your skin. Either practice riding with it before hand (with it filled up), or wear a different bag that can fit inside of it for the official bag transport.
7. Keep walking after the race and stretch out too. You will probably be stiff the next day, but it is worth it every time you look at your new medal.
8. Remember it is not a race! There will be lots of people on the road of varying abilities. Please always be aware of who is around you. Take descents cautiously and when in doubt, slow down. It is refreshing not to have to share the road with cars, but that doesn’t mean you should be reckless.
9. Have fun! This event is truly unique and will be once of the most memorable you will ever take part in. Enjoy every minute.
Anything else I have missed about Ride London? If so, please leave a comment below.
Hey guys, just wanted to let you know that Wiggle is currently holding a summer sale. Please note all links are affiliate links. This means I get a very small percent of each sale at not additional cost to the buyer. If you are committed to continue cycling even after Ride London, consider investing in some of this kit.
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