Getting ready for Tour O The Borders

Whether you are a Touro master or a first time rider you can find all you need to succeed right here

Tour O The Borders takes place over some of the most scenic and challenging roads in the Scottish Borders. With this in mind it would be advisable that each participant be in reasonable shape/fitness to take part in and enjoy this classic event.

So, in order to get you ready to take on Touro we are providing you with all you need from nutrition advice to bike prep tips!

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Got a training question? Don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Thank you to Phil Mack of The Physiotherapy Clinics, Edinburgh & Peebles Physiotherapy for writing the training plan www.thephysiotherapyclinics.com

• • • Weeks 1 & 2: Time to get on yer bike!
    • Weeks 3 & 4
    • Weeks 5 & 6
    • Weeks 7 & 8
    • Weeks 9 & 10
    • Weeks 11 & 12
    • Weeks 13 & 14
    • Weeks 15 & 16
    • Weeks 17 & 18
    • Weeks 19 & 20
    • Weeks  21 & 22

Keep your eyes on the Touro Facebook and Instagram feeds for more event updates.

Looking for some route inspiration for your next session on the bike? Why not try out our training rides and experience some of the local hospitality at the same time?

We have developed three great training rides, download the maps and off you go!

• Ride No 1 (33km): Two Valleys Loop
• Ride No 2 (49km): The Bottomless Loch
• Ride No 3 (68km): A Journey West

We would love to hear how you got on, share some pics with us on Facebook or Instagram

Now you are in tip top Touro shape it’s time to prep the bike. Pre event we would suggest popping your bike in for a tune-up or service to ensure it is in top working order.

On the day ensure;

1. Sensors, Bottle Cages, and Pumps are all in place and fitted.
2. Tyres are inflated to correct pressure.
3. Handlebars/Stem/Brake levers are not slack and are in position.
4. Saddle is tight and at correct height and position.
5. Wheels are not rubbing on brakes after installing.
6. Front and rear quick release skewers are tight.

For anyone doing longer rides on a road bike in particular, a professional bike fit is well worth the money – and we’re speaking from personal experience.

It’s all too easy to end up with aches, pains and a variety of discomforts related to spending long periods in the saddle, often on rough surfaces and bikes which can be less than hugely forgiving!

Key Signs It’s Time for a Professional Fit

• Knee, back or neck pain on the bike

• Numb hands, saddle pain or pressure points during rides

• Feeling like you’re working harder than you should on the bike

• Wasted power, discomfort or struggling to keep up
• You’ve bought a new bike but can’t get comfortable

• Trouble finding the right riding position

We’re partnered with The Bike Fitters, and can absolutely recommend how good they are at what they do – so if you want more info click here. They’ll come and help sort you out no matter where you are in the UK, but you can also speak to them in person at Touro – they’ll have a tent and experts in the event village all weekend.

You’re ready, the bike’s ready, what else do you need to remember?

• Helmet
• Jersey
• Shorts
• Shoes
• Sunglasses
• Arm and Leg warmers
• Waterproof jacket
• Water bottles
• Energy gels/powders/food etc
• Puncture repair kit
• Spare tubes
• Pocket tools
• Cycle computer
• Sun block
• Chamios cream
• Mobile phone
• Route card or map

The day before

• Ensure all day you are on top of your hydration – you don’t want to be playing catch up on event day!
• Carb loading is a thing of the past, you don’t need to work your way through a mound of pasta! Focus on lighter proteins with some carbs and make sure you don’t eat too late in the day.

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Event day

To help you with all your nutrition needs we have teamed up with HIGH5. With over 20 years’ experience providing sports nutrition under their belts we can assure you that their products and knowledge are exactly what you need to be at your ultimate best for Touro. Check out their sportive specific plan here!

On course there will be ample feed stations where you can grab your HIGH5 pick me up among other delights.

Discover the full HIGH5 range of trusted gels, drinks and bars.