bike ride

Hi, My name is Marion I have had my pacemaker for the last 5 years, I am 58 years old. In fit of madness I have applied and been excepted to ride the London to Brigton bike race on 15th June, the distance is 54 miles. Am I heading for disaster, any tips and comments would be greatly appreciated. Llok forward to hearing from someone x

5 Comments

Bike Ride

by SMITTY - 2008-04-07 02:04:39

Hello Marion,

My only advice is start working on getting those leg muscles in good shape. You have only two months. As for the pacemaker, your heart will be pounding away so with signals from its natural pacemaker, I expect your manmade PM will just be along for the ride.

Good luck and please let us know how things progress.

Smitty

OH MY Goodness!

by pacergirl - 2008-04-07 11:04:52

Hello Marion,
Well just look at you! I haven't been on a long bike ride for a few years... but I sure feel inspired by your quest! I am so excited for you. I see by the other post that you have been given some good advice. I can only add that I have been to the UK and I know how the roads are very narrow... please be careful. Perhaps you can bike with a partner? Someone whom won't mind traveling at a slow to moderate speed and can stop as needed. Speed isn't the only thing that wins races. Slow and steady can be just as effective. When you cross the finish line you will be so happy! How very exciting! I only wish I could be there with you because I think the English county side is beautiful and a bike ride would be fantastic way to see it again. Best of luck to you, I can hardly wait to see the photos at the finish!
Blessings,
Pacergirl

no problem

by gevans - 2008-04-08 06:04:42

Absolutely go for it Marion, I ride (swim,run,backpack,golf) all the time and have never had an issue with my device...only with the cardiologist that wanted me to back off a bit (which just isn't my style) so I switched to a EP who lets me do everything again (except my kick boxing). Life is wonderful.

Gary

Well Done

by Jules - 2008-04-08 09:04:44

Congratulations and enjoy. I am in envy of you and wish I was back in England joining in.

I cannot wait to take part in my first half marathon again. I am all set for the training and am taking it easy but I agree with all comments get those legs working in advance.

Good Luck

Jules

Go for it

by dtread - 2008-04-19 11:04:46

Marion, I applaud your willingness to attempt a 54 mile bike ride. However, a tip-off that you may be attempting a greater distance than what you've trained for is your statement that this was signed up for "in a fit of madness". Plus the very fact that you are asking for tips. You do not provide any indication of what your state of fitness is, nor whether you have been riding regularly, or what kind of physical shape you are in. If you have not been riding regularly or at least have had some training in the weeks or months leading up to the ride you are likely going to find your leg strength failing, particularly if there are any hills on the ride. It is mandatory that you have hydration (water) and I strongly recommend that you purchase and wear a heart rate monitor if you're not already, to track and monitor your heart rate (for when you are training, as well as during the ride itself). I'm guessing 54 miles will take you at least 4 hours, probably longer, depending on how flat the course is and your condition, etc. Although not essential, an inexpensive bicycle computer would be useful to track your mileage, speed, etc. Also I would recommend that in addition to an air pump, tire irons, and patch kit that you carry some quick food like bananas, granola bars, sandwich, etc. And protection from the sun. And make sure your bike has a seat that you are comfortable with, and make sure the bike is in good condition and ready for that kind of distance. Lastly, I would recommend that you determine whether there are points on the course where you could drop out if you can't make the whole distance, so that you don't find yourself being forced to ride farther than you're capable. Good luck!! Let us know how you do. -Dan

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