Tough Love from Dangles

Dangles (aka Dave) is a great cycling mate I know from way back. Probably the best cyclist I know. 

To say Dave rides a lot would be one of the world's great understatements. Here's his Strava profile. Keep in mind he was a relative latecomer to Strava, so that 110000 km he's racked up short sells his experience.

He's also a veteran of big one day rides like the Alpine Classic & the 3 Peaks. I'm planning to ride with Dangles at the alpine classic next year actually. Anyhow after my latest blog update, Dangles provided some tough love:

"The way I see it, if you can’t manage an average approaching 200 km/wk (i.e. EVERY week), then making real progress will be difficult.

If you head to Vic at 100 kg you’ll struggle getting beyond the first major climb of the day, regardless of what route you choose. That weight handicap is a huge ask for heart, lungs and legs.

I think you’ve got to aim to be well under 90 kgs (lets say 85) come the start of December, with the knowledge that Xmas tends to throw a spanner in the works.

But if you can be around 85 then at least you’ll be in the riding groove, which will making it easier to keep Xmas in check.

 Otherwise I don't see the point of heading to Vic In Jan. Those hills aren’t kind to big fellas (even little fellas), regardless of their romantic allure - it’s a long way to go for a DNF"

Consider my arse firmly kicked Dangles. To be honest, it needed a shoeing. I'm a gold medalist in excuses. 

 200 km/week minimum from now on.