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Home > Get involved > Fundraising and events > Overseas/UK challenges > Cycles >Training for a cycle, whether overseas or in the UK, is essential and can make a huge difference to how much you enjoy your challenge. Most training should be part of an ongoing lifestyle, but it this isn't the case and you're not a regular cyclist, then you should ideally begin training 4 - 6 months prior to your challenge (longer if you're a complete beginner or novice).
When you register for a cycle, your tour operator will send you a training plan to help you prepare for your challenge ahead and you could also ask at your local gym if there are any fitness classes on offer that could help to strengthen your leg muscles.
Be safe and sensible
When training for any event, it's best to consult your doctor or local health clinic to ensure you're doing it the most sensible and appropriate way. They might also be able to suggest which foods will help give you more sustainable energy when training and during the cycle itself.
- Remember when you're out and about training for your challenge, to always let someone know where you're going and roughly what time you'll be back, especially in the darker winter months.
- Make sure your bike has the proper lights/you wear reflectives.
- Stick to well-lit streets and pathways.
- See if you can join a cycling group or club or combine your outdoors training with some indoor spinning classes at your local gym.
You've got a friend
Try and vary the route you take if you cycle to work or at the weekends to help keep your training interesting, or why not rope a friend or family member in with you and they can improve their fitness, while keeping you company too! How about suggesting a cycle in the countryside to your friends at the weekend - there are lots of routes available all over the UK (see the bottom of the page for usefull websites with lots of routes and cycling information).
Get into gear.
The right equipment and cycling gear is essential and will make all the difference to your training and challenge. Start with the right shoes, socks and padded shorts or saddle. You don't have to spend a fortune on your kit; local markets, charity shops and online sites such as Ebay can have the right gear at a fraction of the cost.
Useful cycling websites:
www.britishcycling.org
www.ctc.org.uk
www.cyclingweekly.co.uk
www.kc3.co.uk
CLIC Sargent cycling events are challenging but really rewarding - and as well as getting fit and having a great experience, you're also making a difference to children with cancer!
To see the full list of CLIC Sargent cycling challenges please visit www.clicsargent.org.uk/challenges.
top of pageCharity Challenge Cycle Training Guide
Whether you're cycling overseas or in the UK, this guide will help you prepare and train, to ensure you get the most out of your challenge.
