While our MD Mark Heard is off climbing mountains in Russia, Ash has been undertaking a few challenges himself, just a little closer to home!
Last weekend, 8/9 June, Ash donned the lycra once more and hopped on his bike for a 100-mile bike ride with a 2417m of climb chucked in, to add to the fun!
Taking part in The Vitus Dragon Ride is by no means an easy ride, the route, set in the stunning Brecon Beacons, gives riders the chance to take on the rugged climbs and rural roads of Wales to slay the Dragon! The event is an open road sportive with the start from the beautiful Margam Park in Port Talbot before heading out into the stunning Brecon Beacons.
Top tips from the event, shared by Ash, in case you fancy taking on the 2020 Virtus Dragon Ride:
- Pacing yourself at the start! The first two mountains are pretty major in the first 50km, so don’t push too hard. Buddy up with someone who is going at a similar speed to you. Stick to your ‘Zone 2’
- Factor in some threshold training to help get over the climbs. Try and avoid big surges!
- Keep fuelled grab a banana or energy bar at the top of each big climb
- Have a nutrition strategy in place and make the most out of feed stations. Don’t get hungry.
- Be careful on the descent.
- Get your bike fully checked a week before the event
- Train appropriately – get advice if you need it
As part of the training, Ash rode the Birmingham & Midlands Velo another 100 miles but this time in the west midlands & Warwickshire.
Ash took this challenge on and finished in a time of 7 hours 13 mins! Well done and we look forward to seeing next years results!
For more information on the challenge click here.
