Heeeeeeeeyyyy! I forgot one major tip.... JUST RIDE 'EM! Just keep going back, building up elevation, building up gradients... But to get better just have to ride them hills :)
So Katie, did my first 200k Audax this weekend and loved it. So I’ve signed up for a 400k next month. When you talk about getting a quick nap on a 400k, what do you take with you to sleep in? Do you go full bivi/ sleeping bag or literally just lay down anywhere? Have to say I’d never heard of Audax until watching you so thanks for the inspiration!! Keep doing what you do!
Spot on Katie.. Just Ride 'em & don't avoid 'em! If You don't live in a Big Hill area.. Just find a loop & Repeat it & Reverse it! Find A good Climb wiv a Kick at the top & do hill repeats.. Each time you go back to it increase repeat by one! Train on a Singlespeed.. Forces You to find a Gear You can ride all day in Your Area.. Hill repeats are Real!! If You have a Geared bike Find a suitable gear for Your Training area & stay wiv it! When You go to an area wiv the longer climbs use Ya Gears! Always hold your Biggest Sprocket for Your last stretch of any epic Day Out?!!
I did my first ever 200km ride this bank holiday weekend. I rode from North Wales to York (only 196km) on Good Friday and then returned via a slightly longer route (202km) yesterday. I must admit, mine was rather flat in comparison with this one (only 1,800m of climbing). It's only from viewing content like this and seeing your rides on Strava that I even began to consider that I could actually do something like this. I have only been riding properly for about 18 months and am constantly surprised at where my new "limits" end up. I agree with you about the positive mentality part, most definitely. Yesterday I had 81% headwind at about 10mph. I knew it was coming and really tried my best not to let it affect me in a negative way, but instead saw it as an additional challenge to overcome. And, as you say, having experience to draw on is a major plus. Every time I feel like something is hard, I remind myself of what I have achieved in the past and try to draw on that strength. I find that by adopting the mantra that everything is temporary, I can begin to tolerate the difficult parts of rides with more ease. Thanks for the ongoing inspiration KK!
This is the proper Katie I've misses recently. Confidences, inspiration, real genuine advice. Faffing about up dry dusty Spanish roads to nowhere means very little me. This is the real stuff. This and your kind encouragement got a overweight lorry driver, eventually up the Ramsbotton Rake and thanks to that I'm confidently dealing with any and all of the bigger hills that used to put me off riding. More of this stuff please ❤
Great to hear you’re getting out there! You know what I disagree… doing Valley of the Tears in GC and having that be the start of the year makes Park Rash and Coal Road feel pretty easy. And I wouldn’t / couldn’t do these same roads and vids all year - variety babbbbby 😎🙃👏🏼
I would also advise taking lights as the unexpected can happen no matter what time of year it is. I can remember riding the August 1992 bank holiday "Wild Wales Challenge" over 80 miles which had torrential rain, cold temperature and strong winds all day. Apparently that day had been the lowest pressure in North Wales for many years. Many riders either fell off on the slippery lanes (including me in a rain filled ditch) or gave up because of the conditions. My group got to the Bala finish at 9:30pm with riders still arriving after 10:00pm without lighs.
Pace yourself up the climb, ignore everyone else around you, never get ahead of yourself, better to get up there super slow than get off and walk. But don't be afraid to walk if you HAVE to. That should always be the last result. And if the hill beats you, it's just a hill, come back another day and try again, it'll always be there.
Congratulations on using the word elevation instead of altitude. As someone who worked in the aviation business it drives me nuts. Thanks for the climbing tips. I do a lot of climbing around Chiang Mai.
One of Darren's uploads ages ago persuaded me to go sub-compact rings on the front (46/30) with 11-34, it has been the best advice ever for minimising leg fatigue on climbs.
Do you found a sub-compact for a road bike? I want one but my bike shop told me they are only available for MTB bracket. (I have a gravel bike with a road group and bottom bracket.)
Beautiful ride Katie. One thing i love about The UK is you can ride so rural but villages for supplies are never far away, apart from Scotland which can be desolate in places. The Audax ride is probably as close to the old social rides that clubs did when our grandparents where riders. You can still find the 50-70k pub and picnic bike rides that some clubs do in summertime if you look for them.
I use Absolute Black oval rings, its possible to reduce the gearing of a Shimano compact crankset from 50/34 to 48/32 or 46/30 combined with a Sram 11-36 cassette.
Before the weekend just gone Id never heard of Audax...and then a friend did it on Saturday and now this video...Im feeling like this is my future next year!! :)
I'm glad you covered appropriate gearing. That's a _major_ issue for most people. I can't believe the unnecessarily high gears I rode when I was younger.
Craaaaaazy! I’m all for low gearing!! And love the GRX options. I would say if I had to choose just one grouset forever it would be that one!! Perfect for road / off road / just awesome!
@@KatieKookaburra absolutely. Lower gearing makes more sense for us mere mortals -- when you're in your teens & 20s you don't _think_ you are mortal. The aesthetic- & ego-driven focus on small cassettes back then was terribly misguided. I'm glad that's basically behind us.
Got painful memories of the first time I rode that route, Park Rash to start then you take that blind turn late on and see Garsdale Head in front of you 😫 glad you enjoyed it 👍
My top tip is to remove your saddle! It will lighten the bike making those climbs easier and you won't get an bum ache!! 😝 Nice to meet you on Sunday Katie and to see the ElliptiGO make the outtakes which was very cool! Hopefully we can get you in a pair of trainers and on the ElliptiGO for a spin next time! Take care and great video btw x
Gearing is so key. I remember when I started road riding 15 years ago. Compacts and Triples were sneared at as touring gearing and you would be laughed at for having anything bigger than a 25 on the rear. These days I’m super happy with my 50/34 and an 11-34 on the back. I’d like an adventure/bike packing/Audax bike with gearing like you suggest at the end. GRX 46/30 with a 11-36 for really big days out.
Iv just had an 11/36 put into he back of my gravel and sending it back in for a 48/32 I think it is . Currently have a 5034 on front. Adding them 2 extra teeth on back has made a huge difference lol
Yeah there are some comments about my low gearing but like you say, they ain’t saying anything when I’m whipping past them on the climbs. Like anything… do what YOU want and screw everyone else’s opinions :)
@@KatieKookaburra I remember passing a bunch of very fit looking riders struggling with their gearing in Mallorca. There was me spinning away happily. :) ride what you want, where you want, wearing what you want.
Yes gears seem to be the mark of the man ! Worth noting that 50x11 is close to 130 gear inches and Eddy Merckx set his hour record on 52x14, just over 100 and felt it was too high. I've got a 46-30 with 11-34 and I'm upping that to an 11-40. I'm with Eddy.
On long hills always go a steady even pace that you can sustain at the required effort level. Never go into 'the red' unless it is for a short steep ramp, then steady pace to recover.
I need to thank you for a tip here: Being a roadie I had no idea that Shimano offered super-low gearing on its GRX cranks. I ordered one for my wife - who always has trouble in the hills. If it works out, that will open up a world of new routes for us when we go out riding together! We'll see, but I'm hopeful! Thanks again!
@@KatieKookaburra The GRX crank arrived yesterday and I installed it on my wife’s Cervelo Caledonia. I got her the 165mm cranks, since she’s had a knee replacement and flexibility is an issue (I might mention here that we’re both in our 70’s). So here’s how it went:
Installing the cranks was easy; it just fit right in where the 105’s came out. I had to remove a link from the chain and move the front derailleur down to the lowest point on its hangar; but after a few adjustments, I got it all indexed and ready to ride.
Then today, the sun came out and it got a little warmer and I decided to take it out for a test ride myself. I had to boost her seat a few inches, since her bike is 51cm and mine is 56; but her bike wasn’t really a bad fit. It felt a bit squirrelly at times; but I was actually surprised at how well I could ride it.
I went 12 miles (20k) through rolling hills, some of them with grades in the 10-15% range. Conclusion: I liked the new cranks. The hills were easier to climb and I think I was a little faster going up. But the other thing I noticed was that with the 46/30 chain-rings, I was suddenly using the 11 and 12 tooth cogs quite a bit. With the old 52/36, I almost never used them (and my wife didn’t either). So basically, the new cranks will be giving her some extra low-end gears in exchange for high-end gears she never used. I think that’s a pretty good deal, and now I’m shopping for a set for myself. Except I’ll probably go with the 170’s. There wasn’t any problem with the 165’s, and given my own flexibility issues (I’ve had a hip replacement), they might be a wiser choice, but I’m just used to 170’s.
Thanks Katie, a fine bunch of top tips. I've got my first Etape du Dales coming up in May and I'm starting to dread the thought of it. Good to see that there are roads that point downwards as well 👍🏻
@@KatieKookaburra took me about two hours to warm up!! Yeah, I'm the other side of the valley to you I think - Shuttleworth (Edenfield). Hope to see you out and about soon. Stay safe. Ed 😉 🚲
I started getting into cycling a year ago, I’m currently 110kg, I have my first gran fondo coming up next month and it’s 114km with 1500m+ of climbing. I have issues with leg cramp when I climb a lot, so I’m hoping to have the proper nutrition and hydration for the day to get through it. Thanks for the tips!
@@KatieKookaburra yup! We were caught out in a storm together on PCR last year in Cornwall. Saved by a generous couple from a Church doorway. He could shift up steeps even with kit bags strapped on, so long as he didn't stop! 😅
Looks a great route. Pity that I didn't know it was on, I did 100k in the dales yesterday, started at Whalley, through Clitheroe, Slaidburn, Cross 'o Greet, Giggleswick, Settle, & back through the lanes to Whalley. Saw you all started from Pendleton, which I rode through at 8:35 on my way out. Well done Katie!
Your videos with subheadings are always good. One more tip. Commute because, no matter how tired you feel, you’ve probably got that commuter distance left in your legs.
Great ride, great video! Congrats, well done! Seems like u r riding all the time, excuse me 4 my curiosity, but do you do this as a full time youtuber, or is this still a hobby and you are doing something else for a living? Either way, your vids and your joy of riding are inspiring. Keep on doing what u r doing. Thank u.
Heeeey Christoph, yeah after an injury and enforced time off I’m loving being back on the bike. Nah ask away… yup this is my full time thing now. SUPER grateful that this is me job!!! So thanks for helping me do that by watching and supporting! :)
@@KatieKookaburra great, really. I mean it. Chapeau, Katie. I love seeing when somebody out there is following their dreams. It takes balls, but it pays. From my own experience I know it is not always an easy thing to do, but one should follow what makes one happy. I see many people being frustrated and regretful just because they didn't act the way their hearts and dreams told them to. Beautiful that you are giving an opposite example. Meine Hochachtung! Liebe Grüße aus Graz in Oesterreich. C.
Hey Katie! Another great video! Question: Do you incorporate any bodyweight exercises into your daily flexibility/strength work? Things like wall-sits, squats, calf raises and the like? I ride a desk for work and I'm looking for a way to counter the slouch, up my power, and fight the Zoom meeting boredom! Thanks again for the inspiration!
@@KatieKookaburra Excellent! Yes I would love a "follow along" video. I've been following along with your post ride stretch video for the last week and it's made a HUGE difference!
Your last tip is by far the most important one, and it makes me scratch my head when I look at people trying to go up some steep berg clearly in a fair amount of pain mashing 65rpm. I have no shame what so ever in running a 36/23 * 11-32, (seriously hilly I've run a 11-40 cassette), happily taken me up Teide, VOTT, Soria et al. One day when I get some decent weather I'll do the Fred Whitton route. Gearing people, most important thing by far allowing yourself to climb at a highish cadence ,well within threshold.
Yasssss Lee! I don’t get why people want to carry on hurting their knees - and so many events / climbs I see folk pushing their bike up the climb. Just get lower gearing and you can go all day :)
You make it look so easy! ... and what fantastic views. Living on the edge of Flanders there ain't nuthin' like that 'ere. I guess the injury's well in the past now, what a great recovery.
Cheers David, well just a lot of practice :) Flanders is pretty but give me hills over cobbles any day of the week. Them cobbles - esp on them climbs... just brutal!
I love hills when cycling and used to ride the all no matter what the gradient. However in my work I push peole in their wheelchairs a lot meaning I am pushing two people plus up hills. The upshot of all this wheelchair pushing is I have strong glutes and other muscles on the backs of my legs. A few years ago I had an epiphany moment when I realised I could climb double digit gradients faster on my feet. Without someone in a wheelchair I can fly up hills on my feet. So today I get off and run the steeper gradients.
46/30 GRX is the best mod I have made, have hit 80kph downhill with a following gale but spinning about 140rpm. Giving up a few teeth on the big ring is worth it for the climbing benefits. I run 11/32 cassettes at present but will look into 11/34, although on my old 9 spd the ratio steps will get pretty big. Compared to this set up, my 1x11 gravel bike feels compromised at both ends of the gear range.
A***. You want lower gears for climbing but also one tooth difference around the gears you use most and find most comfortable as dropping or going up two or three sprockets for the next gear is a killer when you are tired. My favourite cassette when riding derailleurs was 14-34 but still on 10 spd with 50-34-26 front triple chain set. Nice route. Will have to ride it one day. What happened to your van Katie? You still got it?
Fair play to you, I've never done that distance before and I only did 35 miles yesterday which was partly a long an up and down towpath and then up and down some substantial enough for me climbs as hills are not my best friend as I do sometimes struggle up them but I will say the Shimano GRX groupset is brilliant for climbing the hills as I climbed a steep hill past Tayto castle where they make the crisps and I was in 1st gear but the very low gear made it easier. Unfortunately I don't have any mates to do it with as I'm usually on my own but that makes it a bit easier as I can dictate the route and pace depending on how I'm feeling.
Great video and advice. I have a French friend who is an ex domestic road & MTB rider in France. I once asked him for advice for getting stronger for distance or for climbs. His answer was .....' just ride. The more you ride the stronger & fitter you become. If you want to race then do more specific training'
hi Katie, I didn't get it fully. What is your current set? Last time I saw your video about having ultegra and CS-M8000 11-40. Is that still your set? (July 2020 video)
Hi Katie, great video and some really good tips. Just wondering if when you're doing the climbs you try to climb in a certain zone? I find myself getting scared of pushing too hard and running out of energy for the rest of the climb but then at the end of my ride I think I could've actually gone harder on the climbs and maybe I was being too conservative with my power. I train with a PM but wondered if you go by 'feel' or pay attention to sticking to your zones? Hope that makes sense!
Yes and no. On the super steep stuff you have to push what it takes to get up it. Like Park Rash you have to give it everything. Other stuff you can take steadier.
I spent a week climbing in the Alps, few years ago, and I suddenly realized I needed a triple chainring,or in other words for i needed lower gearing, the only way i would ever consider doing Alp dHuez again would be if I could sit on Katy's wheel, she's very easy on the optics.
I am on a 46-30 at the front and 11-32 at the back and was wondering if I should change the back to 11-36. Seeing that you climb +25% hills with a 46-30+11-34 I guess I could save some bucks and pursue my training (beginner speaking here). Especially since I go to small moutains in july, only a few weeks to get stronger on climbs, I should aim for the climbs in my future routes, not only landscape and quiet roads :D Well anyway round here we don't have many long climbs but it does not stop to go up and down.
Hi Katie. It would be great to hear how you manage body soreness on long rides such as numbness in hands, feet, bottom and aching shoulders. These seem worse climbing hills... For me anyway. Thanks!
Love riding in the Peaks. Do you ever find it more efficient to stay in the saddle when climbing to keep the top half of your body quiet to conserve energy?
Hello Katie. I have so much admiration for cyclists doing over 100km. Just curious, how much time did it take you to complete your ride? How long of a break before riding again after 200km? Cheers
It’s all on Strava linked in description - we didn’t stop for longer than maybe ten mins in one stop. I would ride 200km any time after really - not set rest time :)
Hi all, Question for anyone who cares to answer. When going from climbing in the saddle to climbing out the saddle, should you switch to a harder gear/wait for the gear you are in to need you to get out? Just when I've tried before I feel like I'm spinning out a bit (I doubt I am) so never climb out of saddle. Thankyou
Hi Katie, thanks for really great content. Its amazing how fresh you look after that ride. I'm ususally destroyed after 200/2,5k :) For me its good to go out of saddle sometimes - just to use different muscles and quick stretching when fueling helped me a lot.
Yeah for sure I’m up and about all time :) I think I’ve just got so used to doing longer hillier rides so it felt ok. To be fair first half of that I felt really off - like achey. But body came good :)
How often do you take a pause (to eat or drink something, to rest, to take a nap, ...) ? My max (rare) longer rides are around 100km, in one go, but if I go for longer rides, I'd like to have an idea on how many parts I should break it in...
Break it up as many times as you like to. On Audax in the uk there are set controls - 3 on this one I think so we just stop there and grab a bite. We did stop at one extra shop too :) but stop as much or as little as you like. I think mentally it’s good to do it every 50/60km :)
My top tip is to save your energy and freewheel whenever you can descending. Losing weight by getting fitter makes hills so much easier. We can all lose more weight than any bike upgrades could, and long term health benefits too.
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Take time planning a good route. Milton Keynes is a pain in the arse to get through loads of traffic. Also I did and filmed that exact ride so have a watch. Main thing is route planning and re-fuelling :) other than that it’s just riding a bike x
Depends if it’s summer or winter - winter you need to take more gear to keep warm. Also how many food stops there are along the way. In summer with loads of places to get food I could do it with just a repair kit. In winter, with no stops could be 7L bag.
Doesn’t even come into my mind :) I only use FTP and that training to get me fit to ride these longer distances :) but when I’m on them I don’t really look at power often apart from to make sure I’m not doing too much
When you are filming with a device/GoPro in your hands do you ever get beeped or shouted by impatient motorists. It’s happened to me on a few country lanes. Great video, keep em coming.
Just how do you even start to train for that kind of distance? Would love to be able to ride 60km let alone 200/300km 😳how do you keep so motivated and consistent?
“Thank you donkey “ 😂 That’s funny. Darren left the bathroom 2kgs lighter. 😂 Nice job Katie. Thanks for the vid. The only good thing about hills is going down them. No choice but to climb though. How many stops per 50-100 kilometers should one do? Congratulations.
I like the challenge of climbing hills but have lost my confidence descending after breaking my wrist last summer after crashing and struggling to get it back.
Just think how much faster you'd be without having to take we viewers along, filming and carrying the extra weight of camera gear....just means you're just a Beast of a cyclist in my opinion My tip: save the rest stop for the top of the climb as a bit of a reward. I found that stopping at the base caused myself to cool down and my muscles would tend to stiffen up a bit making the climb less enjoyable
Awww cheers John! I do rides without filming but these big days I love taking you along - and selfishly I love being able to look back on them for me. Like a diary :) thanks so much!
Hi! I’m pretty new to cycling, started at the end of January and completed my first century in the Peak District the other day 7222ft of climbing, felt surprisingly fresh after it but everyone has said since it would be much easier with clipless? The peddles Iv got are hybrid but only ever cycled in trainers. Is it really that much better? 🤔
Do what works for you but I wouldn't want to ride anywhere without being clipped in now. I just love that feeling esp on climbs of being able to pull and push. But don't feel you have to :)
@@mountaintruth1deeds533 it’s more the fact Iv not seemed to have any issues using flats for the couple of months Iv been road cycling. And I ride for enjoyment so power and stats arnt the be all and end all for me?
Heeeeeeeeyyyy! I forgot one major tip.... JUST RIDE 'EM! Just keep going back, building up elevation, building up gradients... But to get better just have to ride them hills :)
Faff free too as Nicky says…. Less FAFFING.
So Katie, did my first 200k Audax this weekend and loved it. So I’ve signed up for a 400k next month. When you talk about getting a quick nap on a 400k, what do you take with you to sleep in? Do you go full bivi/ sleeping bag or literally just lay down anywhere?
Have to say I’d never heard of Audax until watching you so thanks for the inspiration!!
Keep doing what you do!
Spot on Katie.. Just Ride 'em & don't avoid 'em!
If You don't live in a Big Hill area.. Just find a loop & Repeat it & Reverse it!
Find A good Climb wiv a Kick at the top & do hill repeats.. Each time you go back to it increase repeat by one!
Train on a Singlespeed.. Forces You to find a Gear You can ride all day in Your Area.. Hill repeats are Real!!
If You have a Geared bike Find a suitable gear for Your Training area & stay wiv it!
When You go to an area wiv the longer climbs use Ya Gears!
Always hold your Biggest Sprocket for Your last stretch of any epic Day Out?!!
I did my first ever 200km ride this bank holiday weekend. I rode from North Wales to York (only 196km) on Good Friday and then returned via a slightly longer route (202km) yesterday. I must admit, mine was rather flat in comparison with this one (only 1,800m of climbing). It's only from viewing content like this and seeing your rides on Strava that I even began to consider that I could actually do something like this. I have only been riding properly for about 18 months and am constantly surprised at where my new "limits" end up.
I agree with you about the positive mentality part, most definitely. Yesterday I had 81% headwind at about 10mph. I knew it was coming and really tried my best not to let it affect me in a negative way, but instead saw it as an additional challenge to overcome. And, as you say, having experience to draw on is a major plus. Every time I feel like something is hard, I remind myself of what I have achieved in the past and try to draw on that strength. I find that by adopting the mantra that everything is temporary, I can begin to tolerate the difficult parts of rides with more ease. Thanks for the ongoing inspiration KK!
This is the proper Katie I've misses recently. Confidences, inspiration, real genuine advice. Faffing about up dry dusty Spanish roads to nowhere means very little me. This is the real stuff. This and your kind encouragement got a overweight lorry driver, eventually up the Ramsbotton Rake and thanks to that I'm confidently dealing with any and all of the bigger hills that used to put me off riding. More of this stuff please ❤
Great to hear you’re getting out there! You know what I disagree… doing Valley of the Tears in GC and having that be the start of the year makes Park Rash and Coal Road feel pretty easy. And I wouldn’t / couldn’t do these same roads and vids all year - variety babbbbby 😎🙃👏🏼
Absolutely. Please don't change a God dam thing. Go you, do you ❤
I would also advise taking lights as the unexpected can happen no matter what time of year it is. I can remember riding the August 1992 bank holiday "Wild Wales Challenge" over 80 miles which had torrential rain, cold temperature and strong winds all day. Apparently that day had been the lowest pressure in North Wales for many years. Many riders either fell off on the slippery lanes (including me in a rain filled ditch) or gave up because of the conditions. My group got to the Bala finish at 9:30pm with riders still arriving after 10:00pm without lighs.
Pace yourself up the climb, ignore everyone else around you, never get ahead of yourself, better to get up there super slow than get off and walk. But don't be afraid to walk if you HAVE to. That should always be the last result. And if the hill beats you, it's just a hill, come back another day and try again, it'll always be there.
Great tips them, Richard!
Yep. And get revenge later on the hill that bested ya (great feeling.)
Agree on 46/30. With an extender even 11-40 is possible in the back with GRX.
Another tip for mountain pass climbs: Always aim for the next turn.
Congratulations on using the word elevation instead of altitude.
As someone who worked in the aviation business it drives me nuts.
Thanks for the climbing tips. I do a lot of climbing around Chiang Mai.
One of Darren's uploads ages ago persuaded me to go sub-compact rings on the front (46/30) with 11-34, it has been the best advice ever for minimising leg fatigue on climbs.
Do you found a sub-compact for a road bike? I want one but my bike shop told me they are only available for MTB bracket. (I have a gravel bike with a road group and bottom bracket.)
@@kstoeb have a look at Absolute Black or Rotor. There is also the GRX which is 31/48.
@@grahamh3796 Many thanks :-)
Beautiful ride Katie. One thing i love about The UK is you can ride so rural but villages for supplies are never far away, apart from Scotland which can be desolate in places. The Audax ride is probably as close to the old social rides that clubs did when our grandparents where riders. You can still find the 50-70k pub and picnic bike rides that some clubs do in summertime if you look for them.
What's the name of the 10 weeks training program in Zwift you recommended ?
This is what I want to know as well
I use Absolute Black oval rings, its possible to reduce the gearing of a Shimano compact crankset from 50/34 to 48/32 or 46/30 combined with a Sram 11-36 cassette.
Looking so fresh after those distances, wow amazing!
Before the weekend just gone Id never heard of Audax...and then a friend did it on Saturday and now this video...Im feeling like this is my future next year!! :)
I'm glad you covered appropriate gearing. That's a _major_ issue for most people. I can't believe the unnecessarily high gears I rode when I was younger.
Craaaaaazy! I’m all for low gearing!! And love the GRX options. I would say if I had to choose just one grouset forever it would be that one!! Perfect for road / off road / just awesome!
@@KatieKookaburra absolutely. Lower gearing makes more sense for us mere mortals -- when you're in your teens & 20s you don't _think_ you are mortal. The aesthetic- & ego-driven focus on small cassettes back then was terribly misguided. I'm glad that's basically behind us.
You’re killing it recently!
It was an injury and winter that’s got me RARING for them hills! 😎😎😎😎 the wind… not so much 🙃
Got painful memories of the first time I rode that route, Park Rash to start then you take that blind turn late on and see Garsdale Head in front of you 😫 glad you enjoyed it 👍
I do that EVERY time 😎🤣
Great video,great tips and amazing scenery!!😊👌🏻
My favourite thing about your videos is the honesty. Toilet time is part of any long ride! 😂
Hi Katie nice bike ride yes lower gears do help ho love s hills I don’t sometimes ❤
My top tip is to remove your saddle! It will lighten the bike making those climbs easier and you won't get an bum ache!! 😝 Nice to meet you on Sunday Katie and to see the ElliptiGO make the outtakes which was very cool! Hopefully we can get you in a pair of trainers and on the ElliptiGO for a spin next time! Take care and great video btw x
Gearing is so key. I remember when I started road riding 15 years ago. Compacts and Triples were sneared at as touring gearing and you would be laughed at for having anything bigger than a 25 on the rear. These days I’m super happy with my 50/34 and an 11-34 on the back. I’d like an adventure/bike packing/Audax bike with gearing like you suggest at the end. GRX 46/30 with a 11-36 for really big days out.
Iv just had an 11/36 put into he back of my gravel and sending it back in for a 48/32 I think it is . Currently have a 5034 on front. Adding them 2 extra teeth on back has made a huge difference lol
Yeah there are some comments about my low gearing but like you say, they ain’t saying anything when I’m whipping past them on the climbs. Like anything… do what YOU want and screw everyone else’s opinions :)
@@KatieKookaburra I remember passing a bunch of very fit looking riders struggling with their gearing in Mallorca. There was me spinning away happily. :) ride what you want, where you want, wearing what you want.
Yes gears seem to be the mark of the man ! Worth noting that 50x11 is close to 130 gear inches and Eddy Merckx set his hour record on 52x14, just over 100 and felt it was too high. I've got a 46-30 with 11-34 and I'm upping that to an 11-40. I'm with Eddy.
Those hill are crazy but you guys seem to thrive on these as you have so many big hills. Looks like you are back in shape as well.
Amazeballs. That route looks effin’ epic!
It’s a bloody climbers dreeeeeam!!! Views are just 😍😎🥳👏🏼💃🏼👌🏼🥰😋
On long hills always go a steady even pace that you can sustain at the required effort level. Never go into 'the red' unless it is for a short steep ramp, then steady pace to recover.
👏🏼👌🏼💪🏼
Wow! What a great part of the world..great scenery.Excellent tips thanks Katie👍🏻
I need to thank you for a tip here: Being a roadie I had no idea that Shimano offered super-low gearing on its GRX cranks. I ordered one for my wife - who always has trouble in the hills. If it works out, that will open up a world of new routes for us when we go out riding together! We'll see, but I'm hopeful! Thanks again!
Tom that’s awesome I hope your wife loves it as much as I do :) enjoy and let me know how you get on!! 😎💪🏼👌🏼
@@KatieKookaburra
The GRX crank arrived yesterday and I installed it on my wife’s Cervelo Caledonia. I got her the 165mm cranks, since she’s had a knee replacement and flexibility is an issue (I might mention here that we’re both in our 70’s). So here’s how it went:
Installing the cranks was easy; it just fit right in where the 105’s came out. I had to remove a link from the chain and move the front derailleur down to the lowest point on its hangar; but after a few adjustments, I got it all indexed and ready to ride.
Then today, the sun came out and it got a little warmer and I decided to take it out for a test ride myself. I had to boost her seat a few inches, since her bike is 51cm and mine is 56; but her bike wasn’t really a bad fit. It felt a bit squirrelly at times; but I was actually surprised at how well I could ride it.
I went 12 miles (20k) through rolling hills, some of them with grades in the 10-15% range. Conclusion: I liked the new cranks. The hills were easier to climb and I think I was a little faster going up. But the other thing I noticed was that with the 46/30 chain-rings, I was suddenly using the 11 and 12 tooth cogs quite a bit. With the old 52/36, I almost never used them (and my wife didn’t either). So basically, the new cranks will be giving her some extra low-end gears in exchange for high-end gears she never used. I think that’s a pretty good deal, and now I’m shopping for a set for myself. Except I’ll probably go with the 170’s. There wasn’t any problem with the 165’s, and given my own flexibility issues (I’ve had a hip replacement), they might be a wiser choice, but I’m just used to 170’s.
Thanks Katie, a fine bunch of top tips. I've got my first Etape du Dales coming up in May and I'm starting to dread the thought of it. Good to see that there are roads that point downwards as well 👍🏻
Don’t dread it, get excited for the challenge! Mindset is everything :)
Great vlog, keeps me going & inspired. Thank you boza lass from clownie lass!
Nice to meet you (briefly) Katie... I was "cold hands" guy as came into Settle!! Great video, probs see you out and about round Ashy Valley 🚲 ⛰
Heeeey Ed, hope you warmed up ha. Bloody chilly most of the day eh. Ashy?! So you’re my neighbour?!!
@@KatieKookaburra took me about two hours to warm up!! Yeah, I'm the other side of the valley to you I think - Shuttleworth (Edenfield). Hope to see you out and about soon. Stay safe. Ed 😉 🚲
I started getting into cycling a year ago, I’m currently 110kg, I have my first gran fondo coming up next month and it’s 114km with 1500m+ of climbing. I have issues with leg cramp when I climb a lot, so I’m hoping to have the proper nutrition and hydration for the day to get through it. Thanks for the tips!
Magnesium helps against the cramps
@@maikelmolto8986 I read that somewhere and just started taking magnesium daily. Hopefully it helps
I think potassium helps also. So I take a couple of bananas in my back pocket to eat while I’m riding.
Yes! You met Disco Stu on the ElliptiGO! Was good riding with him on a previous ultra
Disco Stu!!! Haha I didn’t know I had the privilege :) he was an absolute beast on that thing! Awesome eh!!
@@KatieKookaburra yup! We were caught out in a storm together on PCR last year in Cornwall. Saved by a generous couple from a Church doorway. He could shift up steeps even with kit bags strapped on, so long as he didn't stop! 😅
Looks a great route. Pity that I didn't know it was on, I did 100k in the dales yesterday, started at Whalley, through Clitheroe, Slaidburn, Cross 'o Greet, Giggleswick, Settle, & back through the lanes to Whalley. Saw you all started from Pendleton, which I rode through at 8:35 on my way out. Well done Katie!
You were just behind us then. Next year :)
Your videos with subheadings are always good. One more tip. Commute because, no matter how tired you feel, you’ve probably got that commuter distance left in your legs.
That is an awesome tip for building strength and distance :)
Great ride, great video!
Congrats, well done!
Seems like u r riding all the time, excuse me 4 my curiosity, but do you do this as a full time youtuber, or is this still a hobby and you are doing something else for a living?
Either way, your vids and your joy of riding are inspiring.
Keep on doing what u r doing.
Thank u.
Heeeey Christoph, yeah after an injury and enforced time off I’m loving being back on the bike. Nah ask away… yup this is my full time thing now. SUPER grateful that this is me job!!! So thanks for helping me do that by watching and supporting! :)
@@KatieKookaburra great, really. I mean it.
Chapeau, Katie.
I love seeing when somebody out there is following their dreams.
It takes balls, but it pays.
From my own experience I know it is not always an easy thing to do, but one should follow what makes one happy.
I see many people being frustrated and regretful just because they didn't act the way their hearts and dreams told them to.
Beautiful that you are giving an opposite example.
Meine Hochachtung!
Liebe Grüße aus Graz in Oesterreich.
C.
Hey Katie! Another great video!
Question: Do you incorporate any bodyweight exercises into your daily flexibility/strength work? Things like wall-sits, squats, calf raises and the like?
I ride a desk for work and I'm looking for a way to counter the slouch, up my power, and fight the Zoom meeting boredom!
Thanks again for the inspiration!
I do and that’s great timing as I’m showing that in the next vid. I can show a full video of what I do if you would find that useful??
@@KatieKookaburra Excellent! Yes I would love a "follow along" video. I've been following along with your post ride stretch video for the last week and it's made a HUGE difference!
Every time i learn something with your vídeos...Thank you!!
No worries :) well if it teaches you one thing then it’s worth all the hours I did learning this stuff :)
@@KatieKookaburra thanks for answering me i watch ALL yours vídeos here in Brazil... thanks!!!
Your last tip is by far the most important one, and it makes me scratch my head when I look at people trying to go up some steep berg clearly in a fair amount of pain mashing 65rpm.
I have no shame what so ever in running a 36/23 * 11-32, (seriously hilly I've run a 11-40 cassette), happily taken me up Teide, VOTT, Soria et al. One day when I get some decent weather I'll do the Fred Whitton route. Gearing people, most important thing by far allowing yourself to climb at a highish cadence ,well within threshold.
Yasssss Lee! I don’t get why people want to carry on hurting their knees - and so many events / climbs I see folk pushing their bike up the climb. Just get lower gearing and you can go all day :)
You make it look so easy! ... and what fantastic views. Living on the edge of Flanders there ain't nuthin' like that 'ere. I guess the injury's well in the past now, what a great recovery.
Cheers David, well just a lot of practice :) Flanders is pretty but give me hills over cobbles any day of the week. Them cobbles - esp on them climbs... just brutal!
Make sure your glasses sit upsidedown on your helmet, always helps me 😜 good vids, really like your 312 vids!
Lovely views, your right ride more steep stuff and it does appear to get easier over time.
I love hills when cycling and used to ride the all no matter what the gradient. However in my work I push peole in their wheelchairs a lot meaning I am pushing two people plus up hills. The upshot of all this wheelchair pushing is I have strong glutes and other muscles on the backs of my legs. A few years ago I had an epiphany moment when I realised I could climb double digit gradients faster on my feet. Without someone in a wheelchair I can fly up hills on my feet. So today I get off and run the steeper gradients.
Thanks Katie.
46/30 GRX is the best mod I have made, have hit 80kph downhill with a following gale but spinning about 140rpm. Giving up a few teeth on the big ring is worth it for the climbing benefits. I run 11/32 cassettes at present but will look into 11/34, although on my old 9 spd the ratio steps will get pretty big. Compared to this set up, my 1x11 gravel bike feels compromised at both ends of the gear range.
They are some jazzy overshoes!
I don’t have oversocks so a mate gave me his old pair of socks I cut a hole in 😎😎🤣
So nice video, greetings from your new suscriber in Argentina!!
Hello :)
Love the content! Applying the same logic to mountain biking.
A***. You want lower gears for climbing but also one tooth difference around the gears you use most and find most comfortable as dropping or going up two or three sprockets for the next gear is a killer when you are tired. My favourite cassette when riding derailleurs was 14-34 but still on 10 spd with 50-34-26 front triple chain set.
Nice route. Will have to ride it one day.
What happened to your van Katie? You still got it?
Fair play to you, I've never done that distance before and I only did 35 miles yesterday which was partly a long an up and down towpath and then up and down some substantial enough for me climbs as hills are not my best friend as I do sometimes struggle up them but I will say the Shimano GRX groupset is brilliant for climbing the hills as I climbed a steep hill past Tayto castle where they make the crisps and I was in 1st gear but the very low gear made it easier. Unfortunately I don't have any mates to do it with as I'm usually on my own but that makes it a bit easier as I can dictate the route and pace depending on how I'm feeling.
Great video and advice. I have a French friend who is an ex domestic road & MTB rider in France. I once asked him for advice for getting stronger for distance or for climbs. His answer was .....' just ride. The more you ride the stronger & fitter you become. If you want to race then do more specific training'
That’s exactly it!!!
hi Katie, I didn't get it fully. What is your current set? Last time I saw your video about having ultegra and CS-M8000 11-40. Is that still your set? (July 2020 video)
I’m changing mine as GRX up front is the simplest option - 46/30 :)
@@KatieKookaburra have you also chained the Front Derailleur to SHIMANO GRX Front Derailleur to run with grx crankset?
Hi Katie, great video and some really good tips. Just wondering if when you're doing the climbs you try to climb in a certain zone? I find myself getting scared of pushing too hard and running out of energy for the rest of the climb but then at the end of my ride I think I could've actually gone harder on the climbs and maybe I was being too conservative with my power. I train with a PM but wondered if you go by 'feel' or pay attention to sticking to your zones? Hope that makes sense!
Yes and no. On the super steep stuff you have to push what it takes to get up it. Like Park Rash you have to give it everything. Other stuff you can take steadier.
@@KatieKookaburra that makes sense! I would love to do this Audax the route looks stunning!
Would love to know the name of the 10 week program on zwift? 😊
Following, Katie, please recommend
You’re such an inspiration, thank you for all the great vids!
Cheers for the support Michael :)
I spent a week climbing in the Alps, few years ago, and I suddenly realized I needed a triple chainring,or in other words for i needed lower gearing, the only way i would ever consider doing Alp dHuez again would be if I could sit on Katy's wheel, she's very easy on the optics.
Hi Katie Seen Few Of Your Cycling Video,s In Past I used To Be A Cyclist
Great video 👍🏻 some awesome tips 👍🏻
Thanks Stephen :)
I am on a 46-30 at the front and 11-32 at the back and was wondering if I should change the back to 11-36. Seeing that you climb +25% hills with a 46-30+11-34 I guess I could save some bucks and pursue my training (beginner speaking here). Especially since I go to small moutains in july, only a few weeks to get stronger on climbs, I should aim for the climbs in my future routes, not only landscape and quiet roads :D Well anyway round here we don't have many long climbs but it does not stop to go up and down.
Great tip bout the electrolytes...i do tend to get headaches👍
Hi Katie. It would be great to hear how you manage body soreness on long rides such as numbness in hands, feet, bottom and aching shoulders. These seem worse climbing hills... For me anyway. Thanks!
Excellent mega climbing tips … and how about them dales … brilliant. Ta very much!
Why thanking you lovely! Oooof them Dales are SUMMMMMAT ELSE! 😍😍😍😍😍😍
Love riding in the Peaks. Do you ever find it more efficient to stay in the saddle when climbing to keep the top half of your body quiet to conserve energy?
Yeah for sure I stay seated as long as I can. I’m lazy 🤣
@@KatieKookaburra Haha, I do the same
Hello Katie.
I have so much admiration for cyclists doing over 100km. Just curious, how much time did it take you to complete your ride? How long of a break before riding again after 200km?
Cheers
It’s all on Strava linked in description - we didn’t stop for longer than maybe ten mins in one stop. I would ride 200km any time after really - not set rest time :)
Great day riding 👌🏽 thanks again
Thanks Hugo! :)
Not a huge fan of climbs but like you said the views make it worth while... Oh and the descents
Hi all, Question for anyone who cares to answer.
When going from climbing in the saddle to climbing out the saddle, should you switch to a harder gear/wait for the gear you are in to need you to get out? Just when I've tried before I feel like I'm spinning out a bit (I doubt I am) so never climb out of saddle. Thankyou
Yeah unless it’s super steep I go into a higher (harder) gear when climbing out the saddle then drop it once I’m sat back down :)
@@KatieKookaburra Thankyou very much for replying and for the info!!
Katie can you do a video on how and what to buy to get that gearing please ? I need that on my bike badly
Search GRX 46/30 - I did it in this vid haha :)
Shimano GRX group-set - simple :)
I have googled the link and the can’t find a 11-40 cassette. I will though on the right track now
GRX 46/30 front and 11-34 on the back
@@KatieKookaburra will that be ok though with my shimano stages power meter
What helmet do you have Katie? brand and model, looks decent.
This is a new one… Lazer Vento 👌🏼👌🏼www.lazersport.com/uk/helmets/on-road/vento-kineticore
Hi Katie, thanks for really great content. Its amazing how fresh you look after that ride. I'm ususally destroyed after 200/2,5k :) For me its good to go out of saddle sometimes - just to use different muscles and quick stretching when fueling helped me a lot.
Yeah for sure I’m up and about all time :) I think I’ve just got so used to doing longer hillier rides so it felt ok. To be fair first half of that I felt really off - like achey. But body came good :)
Katie I understand that you are a vegan. so do you take a lot of supplements to avoid deficiencies given all the efforts you do ?
Tip 6: ride with friends. Makes ALL the difference for me.
How often do you take a pause (to eat or drink something, to rest, to take a nap, ...) ? My max (rare) longer rides are around 100km, in one go, but if I go for longer rides, I'd like to have an idea on how many parts I should break it in...
Break it up as many times as you like to. On Audax in the uk there are set controls - 3 on this one I think so we just stop there and grab a bite. We did stop at one extra shop too :) but stop as much or as little as you like. I think mentally it’s good to do it every 50/60km :)
My top tip is to save your energy and freewheel whenever you can descending. Losing weight by getting fitter makes hills so much easier. We can all lose more weight than any bike upgrades could, and long term health benefits too.
Great tips! I just changed my 1x gearing to 2x with GRX 46/30 11-34. My tip - plan a 1-way 200km ride with a tailwind the whole way.
THAT is a great tip! :)
I have a Blackpool - York 200k for when there is just weeks of westerlies! Return trip by train.
Great video - beautiful views - thanks for sharing!
P.s. More practice required on the ElliptiGO ;)
I can't wait to offload all the heavy gear and water I'm carrying right now. The bike is going to feel light as a feather!
자전거도 잘타시고, 말씀도 잘하시고, 미인이시네요. south korea입니다. 당신팬입니다. 그리고 당신은 나의 영어선생님......
저도 당신영상을 보자마자 액션캠을 샀는데 아직 서툴러서 액션캠을 들고 타면서 말을 많이 하지는 못합니다. 언젠가 korea jeju island 에 자전거를 타러 오시죠 자전거도로가 잘되어 있습니다
Katie would you mind if I asked what cravel tyres you use please?? Because my first year on road bikes. And seem tyres than mtb cheers
So you want road, gravel or MTB tyres? I’m confused…
@@KatieKookaburra gravel please, if don't mind.
What ratio do you have on the cassette please? i really struggle on climbs
You didn’t watch til the end…. 😉
Concur on gearing. If I spin out in 46/11 I'm happy not pedalling.
Great vid! I want do a solo ride from London to Manchester. Most I've done so far is 100 miles... Any tips or things to keep in mind? Thanks! 👍🏽
Take time planning a good route. Milton Keynes is a pain in the arse to get through loads of traffic. Also I did and filmed that exact ride so have a watch. Main thing is route planning and re-fuelling :) other than that it’s just riding a bike x
@@KatieKookaburra yup just found your vid, route looks amazing! I'll be doing it in reverse...won't be missing those red buses! 😅
Get light before the climb HA! Clear your mind and your behind will follow!
Is it EPO ??
what is the best saddle bag size for a full day out like thi sto take fuel and gear?
Depends if it’s summer or winter - winter you need to take more gear to keep warm. Also how many food stops there are along the way. In summer with loads of places to get food I could do it with just a repair kit. In winter, with no stops could be 7L bag.
Planning on PBP in '23 ?
LEL ?
Nahhhhhh not for me those. I like Audax as it’s not many people - there are loads of folk on them ones. Just doesn’t appeal. PBP I would prefer
When you do these events, how does your avg power compare to your FTP? 70%? 80%
Doesn’t even come into my mind :) I only use FTP and that training to get me fit to ride these longer distances :) but when I’m on them I don’t really look at power often apart from to make sure I’m not doing too much
@@KatieKookaburra I only ask as knowing this number gives us a measure of how hard you are riding. Avg power for the ride/ftp = ?
Another tip would be gradually increase the riding distance over time, don't try to smash a 100km ride when you've only done 20 - 30 km rides before.
Is there a Jersey unlock on the Womens Day social ride tomorrow- Tuesday?
Heeeey! Nope you just get the jersey for the event :)
@@KatieKookaburra What event? I’m planning to ride in your Womens Day Event on Zwift. Wondering if doing it will give us a jersey for our garage
@@KatieKookaburra I just raced ZRL so hope to get a jersey after your 60 min ride 🤣 cuz i’m tired
@@KatieKookaburra No late start!?! I missed your event by 15 seconds because i was finishing London Loop (Box Hill)!!
Great video, I'm not a fan of the text sorry. I can't tell if the text is wobbly or not?
No worries and no need to be sorry - just listen instead 👂🎧👂
@@KatieKookaburra That’s a good plan, cheers!
When you are filming with a device/GoPro in your hands do you ever get beeped or shouted by impatient motorists. It’s happened to me on a few country lanes. Great video, keep em coming.
Nahh but some motorists will beep at anything. Defo need to be safe and film on a quiet road though :)
how is the new helmet Katie?
👌🏼👌🏼
So what ever happened to riding with Richard? and your other pals?
Greg and Sarah are living it up across SE Asia but are back soon :) and Rich is still around :)
Katie you are blooming gorgeous X
🙂🙂🙂🙂 thaaaaank you!
Just how do you even start to train for that kind of distance? Would love to be able to ride 60km let alone 200/300km 😳how do you keep so motivated and consistent?
I think it’s just slowly building up. Will answer in more detail in another video :)
“Thank you donkey “ 😂 That’s funny.
Darren left the bathroom 2kgs lighter. 😂
Nice job Katie. Thanks for the vid.
The only good thing about hills is going down them. No choice but to climb though.
How many stops per 50-100 kilometers should one do? Congratulations.
As many as you want / need :)
Will film a video about this! Thanks for the question :)
The Dales are lovely, but if you want some proper Yorkshire hills then head over to my local area - North York Moors - you will not be disappointed!
Ooooh I've been over there a few times. Rosedale Chimney... HELLO!
New Helmet Katie ?,, Electrolytes allow you to replen as you go and keeps away cramp 😁
Oooooh beady eye there Tony, good spot! Will explain a little about it in next vid :)
I like the challenge of climbing hills but have lost my confidence descending after breaking my wrist last summer after crashing and struggling to get it back.
NO need to race the downhills. Take it steady :) I only push it up hill!!
audaxxxx.... 😍😍
Just think how much faster you'd be without having to take we viewers along, filming and carrying the extra weight of camera gear....just means you're just a Beast of a cyclist in my opinion
My tip: save the rest stop for the top of the climb as a bit of a reward. I found that stopping at the base caused myself to cool down and my muscles would tend to stiffen up a bit making the climb less enjoyable
Awww cheers John! I do rides without filming but these big days I love taking you along - and selfishly I love being able to look back on them for me. Like a diary :) thanks so much!
Hi! I’m pretty new to cycling, started at the end of January and completed my first century in the Peak District the other day 7222ft of climbing, felt surprisingly fresh after it but everyone has said since it would be much easier with clipless? The peddles Iv got are hybrid but only ever cycled in trainers. Is it really that much better? 🤔
Do what works for you but I wouldn't want to ride anywhere without being clipped in now. I just love that feeling esp on climbs of being able to pull and push. But don't feel you have to :)
Very true and good advice! If it works for you then it’s obviously worth giving them a try! 👍 thank you!!
There is obvious benefit to being connected to the pedal, as known for decades. Why would you not want more power and real spin to your cycling?
@@mountaintruth1deeds533 it’s more the fact Iv not seemed to have any issues using flats for the couple of months Iv been road cycling. And I ride for enjoyment so power and stats arnt the be all and end all for me?
Love the Dales. Never ridden there, but have visited. Flat Florida for me next week. Care to join?
I would take your weather and oranges but keep our climbs :) well when you come you HAVE to do this route for the best of the Dales x