Use these tips from a former pro rider to make sure your first bike sportive goes smoothly.
It’s your first Sportive, and you’ve picked a course that works for you. You’re ready for the task because you’ve put in the miles on the road. But what else do you need to make sure your ride goes as smoothly as new asphalt? Here are some ideas to help you get started.
It’s important to plan well
You’ll feel better about anything if you know you’re as ready as you can be, so try to set up a routine that includes making sure you’ve covered everything. It’s your first sporting event, so start good habits right away. If all goes well, this won’t be your last one.
Make sure your bike is in good condition
Your bike should really be in good shape, with tyres that aren’t flat and don’t have holes. Also, make sure they have a good amount of air in them (90-100 psi is usually ideal). Check your brakes and gears, and make sure your chain is clean and well-oiled. If you haven’t already, put another bottle cage on your bike. If you have more than one bottle with you, you won’t have to stop at every feed station. It will be a little heavier, but the pros will outweigh the cons overall, especially when it’s warmer.
Getting ready for your race
Since you’ve chosen your sportive, you should know exactly what kind of terrain you’ll be riding on, so make sure you have the right gear ratios.
You should know what kind of terrain the event will take place on, so make sure your gear ratios are right.
Most bikes now have a wide range of gears, so it shouldn’t be a problem, but you should still check, especially if the route is very hilly and has steep climbs. Not much fun comes from getting caught and having to walk.
Gearing up for a race
You’ve worked hard to get in shape, so don’t let yourself down by not bringing enough food and liquids. Be careful when you use energy products though, and don’t try anything new on the day of your event or you might get a stomach that doesn’t want to cooperate. It’s important to try a product before the big day because the digestive system can be very sensitive when stressed. Using something you know will help you avoid problems, so use what you already know works for you.
Getting the right clothes for a sport
Make sure you have a gilet and/or a cape with you, as well as gloves if you are riding in the winter. Don’t get caught off guard by a change in the weather, which happens often, so be ready. Even if the weather forecast is good, your cape is a good safety net.
Before a sporting event
Get ready for your event the night before to save time and reduce stress the next morning. Get all the things you’ll need for the day into your kit bag. It’s a good idea to make a list of everything you need to bring and keep it in your kit bag. Make sure all of the spare parts for your bike are close by and ready to load. Set out everything you’ll need for breakfast and make your race drinks the night before. Then, when you wake up, you won’t have to worry about anything at the last minute. You’ll be able to focus on the job at hand.
How you run your race
One of the most important things you can do to get through your first sportive is to avoid going into “the red” (a pace that you cannot sustain, putting you into oxygen debt). To do this, don’t give in to the urge to follow riders who are better than you or to ride at a speed that will cause you to get dropped. After that, you might start to feel tired and lose your motivation. This is especially important on routes that go up and down a lot of hills. When you’re climbing, ride at a pace you’re sure you can keep up and keep the gears low.
When you’re climbing, ride at a pace you’re sure you can keep up and keep the gears low.
It’s best to ride with a group or at least one other rider of the same skill level, which shouldn’t be hard to do on a regular sportive because there are so many riders. If you do end up with someone, take turns riding in the wind and talk to each other often to keep each other going. This will help you move faster and keep your spirits up!
Athletic Spares
Without spares, you won’t get very far. If you can, put your spares in a saddle bag, which attaches just under the saddle, instead of your back pockets. This will make room for your phone, food, and cape. Take two inner tubes, stick-on patches, tyre levers, a mini-pump, and a multitool with a chain link remover. With this small set-up, you’ll be ready for most things and also have peace of mind.
Mentally break down the sporting event
Especially at your first event, it’s easy to feel nervous and a little intimidated by the task at hand. Instead of thinking about how hard the ride will be as a whole, why not break it up into smaller, easier parts? Look at the route in detail before you go. You could even make a small map with lists of places at set distances that you can mentally check off as you go. A good way to break up the ride into sections that you can handle is to stop at the designated feed stops. This will make each segment feel like an accomplishment in its own right, which will keep you going for the whole ride.
Good luck!
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