Q. For the last few months, what with the weather etc. I have not been able to ride as much, so I am now looking forward to warmer weather and longer days. Is there anything I can do to build up to getting my confidence back and building up to longer rides?
A Yes,of course the simple answer is to get out more and ride longer and longer distances but I realise this is easier said than done.
We all need motivation, and with the longer days that should start to happen anyway but Portsmouth CTC have revived a series of rides, the Cathedral Challenge, which had to be suspended because of the pandemic of course but which has only now become possible to arrange. Andy Henderson, club secretary writes:
‘We're running a series of rides in 2024 aimed at people new to group riding, or who haven't cycled for a while. or are looking to cycle a bit further than usual. They start with a short, 'get to know you' ride that includes a free bike check and progress through longer distances, tackling a series of challenges on the way.’
In case “Challenge” seems a bit daunting, it doesn’t involve mud wrestling or cycling over a Tour De France mountain but every ride is a bit longer than the last one.
The idea is that on the first one there will be someone at the start to check your bike over for you, and there will always be someone among the leaders who will be able to give a hand if anything mechanical happens. So we all start out getting to know each other as we do the first ride to Portsmouth Cathedral. The Bronze challenge.
That’s not too far and it’s pretty much dead flat all the way there and back.
After that most riders will try to get some rides in of their own before we progress to Chichester Cathedral some weeks later. The Silver challenge.
This is a bit further, of course, and there are some ‘lumps’ in the road on the way there. If you have driven to Chichester you probably took the main road which follows the coast and is very flat but that’s a main road ! We try to use quieter country roads which are more interesting to ride but have a few little hills in them. A ride to Chichester with a refreshment stop when we get there and the return ride makes for a good work-out for beginners and returners alike, and the social contact over coffee adds to the enjoyment.
Either of these challenges is an achievement in itself, but by then some of you will have got the bug and want to go for the Gold Challenge…
Winchester Cathedral and back.
All the rides are free of charge, and you don’t have to be a member of CTC but you may enjoy it so much you decide to join later.
For full details on your computer or phone go to https://www.portsmouthctc.org.uk/cathedral-challenge/