- Big sportives are a challenge,
and there's no doubt that they can be hard.
But also, if you do them right,
they can also be immensely enjoyable.
So coming up, our GCN tips
on how to make sportives fun.
- Fun, fun, fun, fun, fun, fun, fun...
(light jazz music)
- [Matt] The first thing you need to do,
way before you get to your sportive,
is to choose the right one.
Admittedly, not everyone can afford to head abroad,
but if you are fortunate enough to be able to do so,
you're likely, depending on where you currently live,
get longer climbs and better weather.
- [Dan] You certainly can't guarantee the latter,
but you can get yourself some very favourable odds.
Plus, you are guaranteed to at least get different scenery.
We, for example, are doing the Maratona dles Dolomites
in July this year
and we can honestly say, hands on hearts,
that on a clear day it's the most spectacular scenery
you can possibly imagine.
Now, it's not just where they are,
it's actually how hard they are too.
One of the most enjoyable things about doing a sportive
is how difficult it is and how hard you're going
to push yourself.
There isn't anything like pushing yourself
and getting a real sense of achievement
and that you've actually accomplished something.
- Yeah, it's a good point,
but don't make it too hard.
You want to find an event that is going to push
and challenge you, but one that you are
going to be able to finish if you work hard towards it.
There is nothing worse than the feeling
of packing an event because you aren't fit enough
and it's too hard.
So, make sure it is achievable.
- Definitely.
(light jazz music)
For some people, it's the solitude that makes cycling great,
out exploring the great unknown on your own.
But, for others, it's a social activity
which is only enhanced by riding with your mates.
And let's face it, when you're doing a sportive,
you are going to be surrounded by lots of other people.
- Yeah, that is very true.
So, sit down with your friends
and decide on the date that you can all make
and a venue that you can all get to,
enter it, and do it with other people.
It is only going to amplify your enjoyment
of the day, itself, and actually take along a mate
that's slightly arrogant and tends to half-willing.
And what we're saying is, choose your mates wisely.
- Amplify your enjoyment.
Oh!
- [Dan] Speaking of socialising, don't be afraid
of having a couple of beers or a glass of wine
the night before.
Don't go over the top, of course,
it's not time to be partying,
but all your hard work is done by this point
and a small amount of alcohol isn't going to undo
all that work.
(light jazz music)
- Being fit will make your sportive far more enjoyable.
Meaning, you can go fast, when you want to,
or you can ride within yourself, when you want to,
and being fitter will mean that you are in far more control
because there's nothing quite like the feeling
of pushing yourself really hard, when you're fit,
as opposed to grovelling when you're unfit.
Now, we're not to sure what it is,
but the suffering just feels better.
- Yeah, certainly something different
in the feeling, isn't there?
So, we suggest that you write yourself
a detailed training plan out
and stick to it as much as you possible can.
And, if you need any help in that regard,
with making a training plan,
we've got loads of videos on that subject,
here, on the Global Cycling Network.
- Should we go softly for a bit?
I'm feeling fit.
- No, I'm grovelling.
- All right.
(light jazz music)
- And finally, make sure that your bike is working properly.
There's nothing more frustrating having your gears
jumping about when you're riding hard up incline
or multiple punctures on route
because your tyres are worn out.
So, give it a once over a good week or so
in advance of the event, itself.
And, if you're not confident in doing that yourself,
even with the videos that we've got on maintenance,
here at GCN, then take it to your local bike shop,
because a sub-standard bike can completely ruin your day.
So, those are our tips for enjoying a sportive.
But, what are yours?
You can let us know your tips in the comments section,
down below.
We'd also love to hear your experiences
at these types of events, both good and bad.
- Definitely, now if you haven't already subscribed
to GCN, you can do so by clicking on your globe,
on your globe (hysterical laughing)!
Sorry!
Don't click on your globe, click on our globe.
Anyway, for six ultimate sportives and gran fondos
how about clicking just down here
and perhaps prepare your bike for a sportive,
click just down here.