I knew I was really underprepared. I had agreed to do the badger divide in Scotland with a couple of friends a while back. I had a training plan, a bike build plan etc. but life got in the way.
So I scaled back. Decided to join for day one and overnight in the bothy – then ride the fairly flat but long day back home.
So apart from a sad story and the classic “fail to prepare” lesson – what could I do to become a multi-day machine in amongst my busy life? Or give up that shit up and concentrate on golf.
by Dilbo_Quarko
8 Comments
My failures have taught me much more than my successes.
Just pedal. All you have to do is pedal. Nothing fancy, you don’t have to go fast or train hard. Just pedal. A lot.
Find slower friends.
I find the best way to avoid blowing up is to avoid packing explosive ordinances. Plus, they generally weigh a ton.
Seriously though, definitely give it another go, don’t despair!
Have a bike built up and just ride it and don’t allow yourself to golf.
Based on your vague comments, it’s hard to see where the failure was. I’m a rolling porkchop of a dude, ex smoker, and I successfully bikepack. Perhaps your friends are laying plans above your skill level. You do need to train some, and yes, some of that training needs to be loaded. Your bike may not be optimal for your needs and fitness level too. I recently upgraded to have some climbing gears with a 0.79:1 ratio. That has made a huge difference for me as a porkchop. I’d rather spin slowly up a hill than push my bike.
That is Urguhart Castle? I haven’t been there since the 1990s, but it really looks like.
I’d like to do this route. Fat chance, being so far away.
Give up on golf