We use cookies, just to track visits to our website, we store no personal details. Close

Welcome guest, Login

MANCHESTER TO BLACKPOOL Sunday 12 July 2009 Training help

Cycle Route Forum > England Forum > Greater Manchester Forum >

KevinD	08 Apr 14:54
Joined: 08 Apr 2009 Posts: 6 Bike:	anyone done this before? I am a complete newbie and have signed up to doing this, i am looking to put together a training schedule and looking for any advice 60 miles and just on 13 weeks to go cheers kevin

mattk	08 Apr 14:58
Joined: 07 Apr 2009 Posts: 116 Bike: My Profile	Not done it before but I'd be interested in seeing what route you'd take - is it already on this site?
My Latest Route: Feb 2010 National Cycle Network 15 NCN

KevinD	08 Apr 17:02
Joined: 08 Apr 2009 Posts: 6 Bike:	no exact route, hoping to get some info in post soon though

happy	08 Apr 19:00
Joined: 15 Mar 2006 Posts: 302 Bike: Orange P7 with Rock Shox, Michelin Wildgripper Lites, XTR Chainset My Profile	KevinD, What sort of mileage are you doing at the moment?
My Latest Route: Oct 2010 Livingston to Ayr Avoiding A71

KevinD	09 Apr 01:31
Joined: 08 Apr 2009 Posts: 6 Bike:	about 2 miles to work and that is it... Like i said i am a complete newbie. Have not got a clue about how much i should be doing to be ready for the ride. Going to the gym later on after work to see what my body can handle lol

happy	09 Apr 04:08
Joined: 15 Mar 2006 Posts: 302 Bike: Orange P7 with Rock Shox, Michelin Wildgripper Lites, XTR Chainset My Profile	It's a bit like marathon training really, no-one expects you to run the whole 26.2 miles in a training session, same applies here. I would set yourself a realistic goal each week, make a 12 week plan. e.g. Week 1 - 10 mile cycle, Week 2- 14 mile cycle, Week 3 - 18 mile cycle, Week 4 - 22 mile cycle .... and if you struggle one week, just get out there and do something to keep the momentum :) Happy
My Latest Route: Oct 2010 Livingston to Ayr Avoiding A71

happy

09 Apr 04:08

Joined: 15 Mar 2006

Posts: 302

Bike: Orange P7 with Rock Shox, Michelin Wildgripper Lites, XTR Chainset

My Profile

It's a bit like marathon training really, no-one expects you to run the whole 26.2 miles in a training session, same applies here. I would set yourself a realistic goal each week, make a 12 week plan.

e.g. Week 1 - 10 mile cycle, Week 2- 14 mile cycle, Week 3 - 18 mile cycle, Week 4 - 22 mile cycle ....

and if you struggle one week, just get out there and do something to keep the momentum :)

Happy

My Latest Route: Oct 2010 Livingston to Ayr Avoiding A71

mattk	09 Apr 04:33
Joined: 07 Apr 2009 Posts: 116 Bike: My Profile	Hey Kevin, when you say you're going to the gym to use an exercise bike - is that how you're intending to train for the ride? Although exercise bikes are great for training your legs, they don't work out arm, shoulder, or back muscles you may need for your route - also an exercise bike's saddle is usually much more comfy than a 'real' saddle. I'm speaking from experience because I only recently got back into cycling and my backside was killing and arms too after a 19 mile route (up and down mountains tho)...
My Latest Route: Feb 2010 National Cycle Network 15 NCN

mattk

09 Apr 04:33

Joined: 07 Apr 2009

Posts: 116

Bike:

My Profile

Hey Kevin, when you say you're going to the gym to use an exercise bike - is that how you're intending to train for the ride? Although exercise bikes are great for training your legs, they don't work out arm, shoulder, or back muscles you may need for your route - also an exercise bike's saddle is usually much more comfy than a 'real' saddle. I'm speaking from experience because I only recently got back into cycling and my backside was killing and arms too after a 19 mile route (up and down mountains tho)...

My Latest Route: Feb 2010 National Cycle Network 15 NCN

KevinD	09 Apr 14:02
Joined: 08 Apr 2009 Posts: 6 Bike:	i plan to use the gym about once a week and also do a ride at least once a week if not twice done 10 miles in about 45 mins in gym

mattk	10 Apr 14:03
Joined: 07 Apr 2009 Posts: 116 Bike: My Profile	Cool, sounds like you've come up with a good plan there! I'd usually look at doing around 10 miles in just under an hour at medium pace...
My Latest Route: Feb 2010 National Cycle Network 15 NCN

IainF	20 Apr 08:11
Joined: 20 Apr 2009 Posts: 1 Bike:	Hi Kev, I did Manchester > Blackpool years ago at only a days notice having not ridden a bike for over 15 years. It was tough that day and I wouldn't recommend doing the same. I'm doing the ride again this year. As far as training goes, there is no substitute for putting in some miles in the saddle. I'd agree with HAPPY's post, to start off cycling about 10 miles twice a week (not in the gym, on the road) and building up gradually, so that in the fortnight or so before the big day you're comfortable riding 20+ miles at least twice a week. As for riding times, a speed of approximately 10-12 mph should be your minimum target. You can probably get hold of a cycling computer for a tenner these days, which will really help progress. Additional tips would be to ensure you're hydrating yourself whilst on your training rides (water is as good as anything) and eating plenty of carbs (bananas, pasta, potatoes etc). If you haven't already, buy yourself a pair of padded cycling shorts. I rode for the first time in a while the other day without wearing some and my backside was killing afterwards. Above all else enjoy your rides and good luck on the day!

IainF

20 Apr 08:11

Joined: 20 Apr 2009

Posts: 1

Bike:

Hi Kev,

I did Manchester > Blackpool years ago at only a days notice having not ridden a bike for over 15 years. It was tough that day and I wouldn't recommend doing the same.

I'm doing the ride again this year.

As far as training goes, there is no substitute for putting in some miles in the saddle. I'd agree with HAPPY's post, to start off cycling about 10 miles twice a week (not in the gym, on the road) and building up gradually, so that in the fortnight or so before the big day you're comfortable riding 20+ miles at least twice a week.

As for riding times, a speed of approximately 10-12 mph should be your minimum target. You can probably get hold of a cycling computer for a tenner these days, which will really help progress.

Additional tips would be to ensure you're hydrating yourself whilst on your training rides (water is as good as anything) and eating plenty of carbs (bananas, pasta, potatoes etc). If you haven't already, buy yourself a pair of padded cycling shorts. I rode for the first time in a while the other day without wearing some and my backside was killing afterwards.

Above all else enjoy your rides and good luck on the day!

KevinD	20 Apr 14:08
Joined: 08 Apr 2009 Posts: 6 Bike:	thanks for all the advice people. have done two rides over the past week on road (well cycle paths not a road kind of guy) ride 1 done 19.8 miles in 2 hours 20 minutes ride 2 same 19.8 miles in 1 hour 50 mins

mattk	21 Apr 08:01
Joined: 07 Apr 2009 Posts: 116 Bike: My Profile	Seems you're doing pretty well for a newbie! Is it a race or a sponsored ride?
My Latest Route: Feb 2010 National Cycle Network 15 NCN

KevinD	21 Apr 12:10
Joined: 08 Apr 2009 Posts: 6 Bike:	its a sponsored ride. im not looking for any specific time. as long as i am not the last one then i will be happy.

mattk	22 Apr 04:31
Joined: 07 Apr 2009 Posts: 116 Bike: My Profile	Cool... so you really need to work on your stamina rather than speed then. I'd just gradually build up your milage week on week if poss. The biggest problem for me if I'm not used to distance (or time for that matter) is saddle sores! I'd have to be quite used to the saddle to go for a 60 miler...
My Latest Route: Feb 2010 National Cycle Network 15 NCN

Tangospud	24 Apr 00:15
Joined: 24 Apr 2009 Posts: 9 Bike:	The key is getting out on your bike and doing miles. Make sure your bike is serviced and in good running order. I started cycling about 18 months ago and The Manchester-Blackpool Ride was my big ride for last year. I cycle to work everyday, 16 mile round trip, and just did longer rides on days off. Found the 60 miles was pretty easy - took 3 hours 41 mins on a hybrid. Got a road bike for this years ride so am aiming for a time of around 3 hours 15 mins. The route is mainly flat. Good luck

Tangospud

24 Apr 00:15

Joined: 24 Apr 2009

Posts: 9

Bike:

The key is getting out on your bike and doing miles. Make sure your bike is serviced and in good running order.
I started cycling about 18 months ago and The Manchester-Blackpool Ride was my big ride for last year. I cycle to work everyday, 16 mile round trip, and just did longer rides on days off. Found the 60 miles was pretty easy - took 3 hours 41 mins on a hybrid. Got a road bike for this years ride so am aiming for a time of around 3 hours 15 mins.
The route is mainly flat.

Good luck

Graham50	24 Apr 01:43
Joined: 16 Jul 2008 Posts: 8 Bike: My Profile	I was enquiring about Lancaster to Manchester and someone kindly posted this link: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/droylsden/1053145167 I haven't ridden it yet but it looks OK, (I am interested in the Wigan to Manc part) hope it helps. (it takes a while to load)
My Latest Route: Mar 2009 Over Kellet to Liverpool

JPM57	25 Apr 03:33
Joined: 25 Apr 2009 Posts: 1 Bike:	Hi KevinD I too am a newbie and I am looking to do the same ride, only started back in saddle 2 weeks ago. Have you looked on www.bike-events.com, they have a manchester - Liverpool charity ride on the site for 31st May, which I am signed up for, it's 38 miles and follows the canals where ever possible, so think this is a good starter. Good luck with the training, PS agree about on the bike being better prep than in the gym.

JPM57

25 Apr 03:33

Joined: 25 Apr 2009

Posts: 1

Bike:

Hi KevinD
I too am a newbie and I am looking to do the same ride, only started back in saddle 2 weeks ago. Have you looked on www.bike-events.com, they have a manchester - Liverpool charity ride on the site for 31st May, which I am signed up for, it's 38 miles and follows the canals where ever possible, so think this is a good starter.
Good luck with the training, PS agree about on the bike being better prep than in the gym.

leecunni	26 Apr 13:05
Joined: 26 Apr 2009 Posts: 1 Bike: My Profile	I like you am a complete newbie. My friend has also entered me for this event. Over the last few weeks I have been getting out on my mountain bike and have struggled to do 18 miles off road. Last week I started to worry that I would not be able to do the 60 miles. I did some research and thought I would invest in a road bike to see if it could help me on longer distances. Today I picked up my new Trek 1.2 and jumped straight onto it and completed a 36 mile journey. I have to say it was a real buzz. My friend and I got home and felt if we could have gone and done a few more miles. I am now confident that with the road bike I will do the 60 miles as long as I get some practice in on a weekly basis. The one downside is my backside is absolutely killing me. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to avoid this.
My Latest Route: May 2009 Aintree Loop via Rainford

leecunni

26 Apr 13:05

Joined: 26 Apr 2009

Posts: 1

Bike:

My Profile

I like you am a complete newbie. My friend has also entered me for this event.

Over the last few weeks I have been getting out on my mountain bike and have struggled to do 18 miles off road. Last week I started to worry that I would not be able to do the 60 miles.

I did some research and thought I would invest in a road bike to see if it could help me on longer distances.

Today I picked up my new Trek 1.2 and jumped straight onto it and completed a 36 mile journey. I have to say it was a real buzz. My friend and I got home and felt if we could have gone and done a few more miles.

I am now confident that with the road bike I will do the 60 miles as long as I get some practice in on a weekly basis.

The one downside is my backside is absolutely killing me. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to avoid this.

My Latest Route: May 2009 Aintree Loop via Rainford

happy	26 Apr 14:58
Joined: 15 Mar 2006 Posts: 302 Bike: Orange P7 with Rock Shox, Michelin Wildgripper Lites, XTR Chainset My Profile	@leecunni, Everyone generally has to go through a period of pain there, but it honestly gets better. In a couple of weeks time you'll start to not notice the pain over the training cycles you do. You could get a much bigger saddle of course but if you stick it out you'll save yourself some money. Happy
My Latest Route: Oct 2010 Livingston to Ayr Avoiding A71

marco51	01 May 19:03
Joined: 07 Sep 2007 Posts: 3 Bike:	I am a newbie although i registered a while ago not been on but a few of us are doing the London Paris in September and using the Manchester to Blackpool for a taster and we go out on Sundays and average 20 -30 mile now we have the light nights we are getting out during the week Happy is right in that you get used to the saddle but if your going to sit in it for a while have a look at some others and those padded Lycra shorts do the biz Not used the site how do you get the route all i see is the maps MarkO

marco51

01 May 19:03

Joined: 07 Sep 2007

Posts: 3

Bike:

I am a newbie although i registered a while ago not been on
but a few of us are doing the London Paris in September and using the Manchester to Blackpool for a taster and we go out on Sundays and average 20 -30 mile now we have the light nights we are getting out during the week Happy is right in that you get used to the saddle but if your going to sit in it for a while have a look at some others and those padded Lycra shorts do the biz
Not used the site how do you get the route all i see is the maps

MarkO

avcon	02 May 12:50
Joined: 02 May 2009 Posts: 6 Bike:	Hi I rode this last year. It's a relatively flat route with only 1 hill of note and that's outside of Euxton. Not many people rode up it, though I did. Don't worry if you're not 100% fit as it's a ride for anyone in the family to do and I wasn't 100% last year. Take a look at the route I have put on mapmyride (cope and paste the following) - http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/droylsden/1053145167. ignore the section from Droylsden to Manchester and just go from there. You'll find it a blast! I rode most of it alongside an Ironman and finished it in 4 hrs, but go at your own pace and you'll be fine. I'm doing it again this year and will be way unfit as I'm not even riding again yet after a pelvis fracture!

avcon

02 May 12:50

Joined: 02 May 2009

Posts: 6

Bike:

Hi

I rode this last year. It's a relatively flat route with only 1 hill of note and that's outside of Euxton. Not many people rode up it, though I did.
Don't worry if you're not 100% fit as it's a ride for anyone in the family to do and I wasn't 100% last year.

Take a look at the route I have put on mapmyride (cope and paste the following) - http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/droylsden/1053145167. ignore the section from Droylsden to Manchester and just go from there.

You'll find it a blast! I rode most of it alongside an Ironman and finished it in 4 hrs, but go at your own pace and you'll be fine.

I'm doing it again this year and will be way unfit as I'm not even riding again yet after a pelvis fracture!

tomlinson94	05 May 16:57
Joined: 05 May 2009 Posts: 1 Bike:	I am new to this bike ride as i he just meat the age limit of 14years. Im doing it with my dad. What time do you reckon im going to get. I have a good spec racing bike (raleigh airlite). How many miles should i do a week as i am getting in and going stait on my bike and doing around 5 - 7 miles. At the weekend about 15 - 2o miles. is that about right? Do you think i will sruggle on any part of the ride and where. Thanx need all info i can get. Im very fit and healthy and have excellent stamina.

tomlinson94

05 May 16:57

Joined: 05 May 2009

Posts: 1

Bike:

I am new to this bike ride as i he just meat the age limit of 14years. Im doing it with my dad. What time do you reckon im going to get. I have a good spec racing bike (raleigh airlite). How many miles should i do a week as i am getting in and going stait on my bike and doing around 5 - 7 miles. At the weekend about 15 - 2o miles. is that about right?

Do you think i will sruggle on any part of the ride and where. Thanx need all info i can get.

Im very fit and healthy and have excellent stamina.

Tangospud	20 May 00:05
Joined: 24 Apr 2009 Posts: 9 Bike:	tomlinson94 , the more miles you do the "easier" the event will be. The route itself is fairly flat. I didn't notice any challenging hills last year, but the route does change every year. If the route includes Haigh Hall then a moderate drag up to the hall can be expected. The toughest part of the ride last year was from Warton to the finish (last 10 miles) due to a headwind picking up. My aim last year was to complete the ride in under 4 hours - actually took 3 hours 41 mins on a hybrid. Aiming for nearer 3 hours this year. Get your bike serviced beforehand. Good Luck

Tangospud

20 May 00:05

Joined: 24 Apr 2009

Posts: 9

Bike:

tomlinson94 , the more miles you do the "easier" the event will be.
The route itself is fairly flat. I didn't notice any challenging hills last year, but the route does change every year. If the route includes Haigh Hall then a moderate drag up to the hall can be expected. The toughest part of the ride last year was from Warton to the finish (last 10 miles) due to a headwind picking up.
My aim last year was to complete the ride in under 4 hours - actually took 3 hours 41 mins on a hybrid. Aiming for nearer 3 hours this year.
Get your bike serviced beforehand.
Good Luck

Carriebob	29 May 09:25
Joined: 15 Mar 2009 Posts: 1 Bike:	Hi KevinD I am also training for the manchester to blackpool charity run. Dreading it at the moment. I have been training since February I am also a newbie at all this biking stuff. I have recently put hybrid tyres on my mountain bike goes on roads much better now. I am glad to have read your post on here as i thought i wasnt doing enough to get ready for it. I cycle to work 4 miles round trip 3-5 days a week on most weeks and me and my friend try to go on a longer route every sunday along canal paths. The longest we've done so far is 35 miles! Wigan to Bamber bridge and back. I was shattered lol. We've entered a lull at the minute though and havent done a long route in a couple of weeks, but after seeing yours and everyone's comments on here i feel a little better about it!! Wanted to wish you luck and hope to bump into at the finish line!! :)

Carriebob

29 May 09:25

Joined: 15 Mar 2009

Posts: 1

Bike:

Hi KevinD

I am also training for the manchester to blackpool charity run. Dreading it at the moment. I have been training since February I am also a newbie at all this biking stuff. I have recently put hybrid tyres on my mountain bike goes on roads much better now. I am glad to have read your post on here as i thought i wasnt doing enough to get ready for it. I cycle to work 4 miles round trip 3-5 days a week on most weeks and me and my friend try to go on a longer route every sunday along canal paths. The longest we've done so far is 35 miles! Wigan to Bamber bridge and back. I was shattered lol. We've entered a lull at the minute though and havent done a long route in a couple of weeks, but after seeing yours and everyone's comments on here i feel a little better about it!!

Wanted to wish you luck and hope to bump into at the finish line!! :)

jake gartside	07 Jul 09:38
Joined: 07 Jul 2009 Posts: 4 Bike:	I am a complete newbie as well its coming up not soon a next sunday ooooo cant wait i have done about 10 miles a night so far hoping to us that to phaps 20 i have done the odd 30 mile cycle hear and there but i want the day to be a challenge so dont want to practice 60 miles everyday he he good luck to all thats riding i am hoping not just to finish but to do it in a time under 5 hours would be good

jake gartside

07 Jul 09:38

Joined: 07 Jul 2009

Posts: 4

Bike:

I am a complete newbie as well its coming up not soon a next sunday ooooo cant wait i have done about 10 miles a night so far hoping to us that to phaps 20 i have done the odd 30 mile cycle hear and there but i want the day to be a challenge so dont want to practice 60 miles everyday he he good luck to all thats riding i am hoping not just to finish but to do it in a time under 5 hours would be good

biggerfatboy	01 Aug 07:02
Joined: 01 Aug 2009 Posts: 1 Bike:	Kevin - how did you get on with the ride?

seomind	03 Dec 03:45
Joined: 07 Mar 2021 Posts: 6010 Bike: My Profile	I would also motivate just about every person to save this web page for any favorite assistance to assist posted the appearance. Cutco

seomind	03 Dec 03:54
Joined: 07 Mar 2021 Posts: 6010 Bike: My Profile	I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post. Cutco

seomind	03 Dec 04:05
Joined: 07 Mar 2021 Posts: 6010 Bike: My Profile	The next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, but I actually thought you have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could fix if you werent too busy looking for attention. Cutco

seomind	03 Dec 04:10
Joined: 07 Mar 2021 Posts: 6010 Bike: My Profile	I am impressed by the information that you have on this blog. It shows how well you understand this subject. Cutco

1 2 >

Cycle Forum

Scotland Cycle Forum
English Cycle Forum

England Cycle Forum
Irish Cycle Forum

Ireland Cycle Forum

Wales Cycle Forum

Announcement

Find the latest cycle gear and who sells them within the UK. Share the experience you have with a product with others to help them make an informed choice.

MANCHESTER TO BLACKPOOL Sunday 12 July 2009 Training help

Cycle Forum

Sponsors

Announcement