Training part 1

Training guide - getting started

Everyone has his or her own physical and mental abilities, goals and aspirations; therefore, devising your own training programme personal to your needs will be the key to your success.
This cycling challenge is designed for people of average fitness, but you do have to be prepared to train.
On these pages we will give you suggestions to assist you in preparing for the challenge. Use it as you see fit and modify it for your own purposes.
Keep in mind that your ultimate goal is to be as physically prepared as possible for the challenge.
The majority of people taking part in cycling challenges are not cyclists. It is therefore imperative that everyone follows a reasonably serious course of training in order to get the maximum benefit.
Although you may feel that you are fit enough, remember the challenge will include things which are not in your day’s normal routine.
T-shirts to wear while on the route
Whilst these events are not meant for specialist cyclists, they are nevertheless a challenge and require a high standard of fitness and understanding of how to cycle along uneven terrain, narrow paths and steep gradients.

You will be cycling distances averaging 75km a day, over successive days, often in hot temperatures, and over hilly and rigged terrain, sometimes including off road.
This will require a degree of endurance, leg strength, aerobic fitness and a tolerance to sit on a bicycle saddle for up to eight hours a day.
Avoid possible neck, shoulder, back and bottom pains by slowly building up your fitness.

If you have a busy lifestyle of work, family and fundraising commitments then draw up a weekly training plan.
Be creative in your training and start doing things such as getting up an hour earlier to go for a bike ride, cycling to work or to the shops and going to the gym.

Training part 2 General training guidelines: top tips to help you to get on your bike
Training part 3 Training tips: be prepared and get motivated