What have I done?!

[Queenofthesilverdollar]

Am 52 v v v overweight and unfit. Have signed up for a 40 mile cycle on may bank holiday. I need a bike and have no idea what to get...any advice

[katymac]

I've had some good advise her

Good luck

[argon18]

Aahh good for you! It's a challenge but definitely do-able!

What kind of terrain will it be and do you know the elevation? X

[Queenofthesilverdollar]

It's from Brecon to Porthcawl in Wales. Mainly on the Taff trail. Not sure on the elevation

[CarabellaSmella]

Well done signing up! Just googled it, looks like a lovely cycle - if it's on mixed surfaces of a bike route then you probably want a hybrid like these from Evans. Best bet is to go to a local bike shop and tell them what you're up to and try a few bikes for fit.
Good luck!

[TheHobbitMum]

Good luck! I'm an extremely unfit, overweight and love cycling. You can do it :)

[Queenofthesilverdollar]

Ok bought a Giant connect Liv - need paraded pants, practice and the power of prayer,

[katymac]

So if it's May 1st you have 43 days

So I guess it's 1 mile your first day, 2 your second, 3 your third.....& so on

Lots of luck

I'll be working in yards a day as the last time I was on a bike was 20 yrs ago this May when I was pregnant with DD

[officerhinrika]

At least it's downhill!😀

[BikeRunSki]

Awesome. Nothing beats a good bike ride. I'm 46 and wouldn't miss a couple of stone and love cycling. I'm signed up to a 50 mile ride on 7 May. A few things...

I've done the Taff Trail, admittedly 20 years ago, and don't remember it being particularly hilly, although it only went from Merthyr to Cardiff then.

You'll be surprised at how much distance you can cover on a bike. Cycling 40 miles is not like running 40 miles at all.

My cycling club is full of 50+ ladies!

For cycling gear, check out Fat Lad at the Back (they do lasses too). Very good kit in large sizes. Main stream cycling kit is tiny, especially the European stuff.

Fuel up, get a few miles in beforehand. You'll surprise yourself.

[Queenofthesilverdollar]

Not too worried about distance it's the hills. Also just looked at Fat lad at back £65 for padded leggings 🙄

[BikeRunSki]

these are a lot cheaper, but not sure what size you'll need from your own description.
Bib shorts are a lot more comfortable though.
Cycling gear tends to come in sizes 10, 12, 14 as standard, which is why I recommended the FLAB range.

[BarchesterFlowers]

Have you got a training plan? Look at something like this

www.cancerresearchuk.org/sites/default/files/cycling-training-plan-beginner.pdf

It is very doable, breaks it down into easy rides to begin with.

I have had most of the winter off my bike with my dodgy chest. Currently in bed with pneumonia, but need to be properly fit by June. I will be starting slowly - it is important it to hurt yourself.

[BikeRunSki]

For hills - practice!
Running uphill, even a little in short bursts, helps with riding up hills.
Get out and get used to your gears.
Learn when to change gear in the approach to the hill, so that you are in the right gear as you ascend.
When you have a downhill followed by an uphill, use the moment from the down to help you up.

[BikeRunSki]

Momentum, not moment.

[BikeRunSki]

This trail guide might help you prepare mentally for where the hills are and help you pace yourself.

[Queenofthesilverdollar]

Ok been on a 5 miler with two hills - one step forward! Looks like I'll Be pleased to see Talybont-on-usk!

[BikeRunSki]

Awesome! Keep up the good work, you'll be flying by MayDay.

[Queenofthesilverdollar]

Need a lot of practice on hills

[BikeRunSki]

20 years on, so do I!

[katymac]

Gosh I did 5.2 miles today & my legs were shaking & I have my motor!!

Good luck

[Piffpaffpoff]

If you have a Sports Direct near you, have a look at their cycling kit. I would recommend if nothing else, get a pair of padded shorts. Comfort is key.

I'm doing a 45-miler in September and I'm working on embracing hills at the moment. I'm not so good at hills!

[Queenofthesilverdollar]

I'm a size 22 - think I'll have to by FLAB shorts

[llangennith]

The Taff trail (mainly alongside the Rive Taff) ends at Cardiff what route does it then take?

[BikeRunSki]

These might be more economical cycling shorts Queen.

[Queenofthesilverdollar]

I think we go onto another at Pontypridd/Taffs Well