Bike Bath, an organised cycling event, is taking place in the city on Sunday 5th July 2015 and a number of tips have been offered to help locals get the best out of their ride.
The event has already received excellent support from local businesses, food and drink suppliers and the number of riders taking part in the event which is in its fourth year is set to be around 1,200.
The shorter 25 mile and 10 mile routes appeals to families and novice riders which mainly follow cycle paths – ;ocal school, Kingswood, who entered with a group of students last year are taking to their bikes again and will have a group of up to 30 students and teachers taking part in the event this year.
Compared to other organised cycling events, Bike Bath has a significant amount of female cyclists taking part in the event and Bike Bath has helped one local female, Carolyn Dunn, not only lose weight but also to stop smoking and with the money she saved from smoking she put towards purchasing a new bike from a local bike shop.
Carolyn said: “After not being on a bike for years, I dusted off an old mountain bike in November 2013 to try and lose weight and with a calorie controlled diet the pounds started to shed.
“In July 2014, much to my families disbelief I decided to enter Bike Bath and completed the 20 mile ride and despite not being that fit I loved it and got the ‘cycling bug’.
“By November 2014 I had lost 3 stone and was thinking about giving up smoking. I was hoping to treat myself to a new Specialized road bike, so I gave up smoking and with the money I saved put it towards my new bike.
“April this year I finally got my new bike and was amazed the difference it has made – hills being slightly easier now! I’m returning to do Bike Bath this year and riding the 50 mile distance and I’m very excited.
“The inspiration for carrying on is simple… I love riding and it means a sneaky piece of cake from time to time is ok!
“It will be a real sense of achievement to complete the course and cross the finish line – and who knows maybe next year it’ll be the 80 mile challenge – watch this space!”
If you are taking part in the event or thinking about taking part then here are some top tips ahead of the event.
Stay fit and healthy – You don’t want to be ill during the final days of training or even worse on the day of your ride so it is essential to take care of yourself in the run up to the race.
A few ways this can be done are be getting plenty of sleep, cutting down on booze and being unsociable for at least 30 minutes after training.
Training – cover the distance at least once before the big ride. It is likely that you will be running on adrenalin on the day but a test ride is always a good idea so you know how much nutrition you will need.
If you are new to cycling it is advisable to build up your training schedule gradually.
Good fitting cycling clothing reduces wind resistance, doesn’t flap and will keep you warmer on a chilly day. There is a reason for lycra in that it stretches and reduces drag.
Also make sure you have a comfortable saddle, shorts or long trousers, shoes and gloves or mitts – the three contact points which need care.
Ride with friends to share the strain if riding into wind, you save 30% of your energy riding behind someone and even more if you are third in the group.
If you are short of training time just do hills, hills and more hills! (which we have a few of in Bath).
Entry to Bike Bath for either the 80 mile, 50 mile, 25 mile or 10 mile routes is available through British Cycling via the event website www.bikebath.co.uk (pre-registration is open until 5pm on Thursday 2nd July but you can also sign up to the ride from 7am on the day – Sunday 5th July at the Rec).
Finishers of Bike Bath will receive a medal or an exclusive finisher’s award for riders who register on the day.
Everyone taking part can expect to be refuelled at the various feed-stations on all routes which are championing local and regional food and drink and there will be a warm welcome back at the event village for post ride food and refreshments whilst reminiscing on a great day of cycling!
