Finally, the event is almost here!
The sun is shining, the winter kit is packed away and hopefully, you’ve been racking up plenty of sunny miles in preparation to conquer the Carten. Before you load up your bike for the big ride from Cardiff to Tenby, we’ve put together a survival checklist to make sure your day runs as smoothly as possible.
Is your bike ready?
As obvious as it sounds, is your bike in top condition? If you haven’t had a recent service, take some time to check it over properly. A well-prepped bike means a stress-free ride to Tenby! ✔ Electronic gears: Fully charged? ✔ Tyres: Properly inflated, in good condition and free of cuts? ✔ Brakes: Working properly, centered and with enough pad depth? ✔ Tubeless setup: Got enough sealant? ✔ Bolts: All torqued to spec, especially on the stem, bars and seat post? ✔ Race number: If it’s been posted to you, put it on before you leave—fiddling with zip ties at the last minute is no fun! ✔ Chain: Cleaned and lubricated—wet lube if it’s looking grim, dry lube if it’s set to be sunny. Waxed chain? Make sure it’s still within its ideal operational window.
Know the route
A rough idea of the route helps with pacing and planning your nutrition. Carten is a relatively simple route, but it’s still worth knowing the key landmarks and where to expect any challenging sections. The ride is well signposted, but if you’re using a GPS bike computer, upload the .GPX file in advance.Where are you parking?
If you’re driving to Cardiff for the start, make sure you’ve sorted parking. The city can be busy and the last thing you want is a stressful hunt for a spot. Likewise, if you’re arranging a lift back from Tenby, make sure you’ve confirmed your transport plans. Oh and if you’re using a roof rack, watch out for low car park entrances, we’ve all seen the horror stories..!Fuel up properly
What you eat before and during the ride can make all the difference. The night before: Stick to balanced meals with complex carbs (whole grain rice, pasta, or potatoes) and some lean protein (chicken, fish, or beans). No need for a ridiculous carb-load session! On the morning of the ride: Opt for slow-release energy foods like porridge, muesli, granola with yoghurt, or wholegrain toast with eggs. Hydrate well and don’t go overboard on the coffee. During the ride: Eat regularly and stick to foods you know won’t cause stomach issues. The Carten isn’t a race, so take time to enjoy the feed stops and refuel properly.
What kit are you wearing?
Check the forecast and pack accordingly! The weather can be unpredictable, so it’s best to be prepared. Layers are your friend and don’t forget: ✔ Gilet or lightweight rain jacket ✔ Arm & leg warmers (just in case) ✔ Gloves – for comfort, not just warmth! ✔ Sunscreen & lip balm (yes, really!)
Pack the essentials
Is your saddlebag ready? Here’s a basic checklist to avoid roadside disasters: ✔ 2x inner tubes ✔ Micro multi-tool ✔ CO2 pump + 2x canisters ✔ 2x plastic tyre levers ✔ Nitrile gloves (keeps hands—and bar tape—clean!) ✔ ICE details on laminated paper ✔ £20 note (for emergencies, café stops, or post-ride pints!) Driving to the start? Bring a track pump and a small tool kit. better to have it and not need it than be scrambling at the last minute.
And finally… Enjoy it!
The Carten is all about the experience. Ride safe, pace yourself and take in the atmosphere. With hundreds of riders of all abilities, it’s not a race-so avoid risky moves and just focus on making it to Tenby with a smile on your face. If you’re taking part in a sportive or cycling event, it’s worth checking if you’ve got the right insurance in place. Pedal Cover offers combined home and bicycle insurance policies, cycle travel insurance and cycle-specific bicycle insurance cover for sportives, racing and touring. See you in Tenby-ride strong and have fun!Carten 100- FAQ’s
What should I check on my bike before riding The Carten 100?
Do a quick pre-ride checklist: charge electronic shifting, inflate and inspect tyres, check brakes and pad depth, top up tubeless sealant if needed, torque key bolts (stem, bars, seatpost), fit your race number before you travel, and make sure your chain is clean and lubricated for the conditions.
Do I need to know the route in advance for The Carten 100?
It helps. Knowing the key landmarks and tougher sections makes pacing and fuelling easier. If you’re using a GPS bike computer, upload the GPX file in advance even if the route is signposted.
What should I sort out about parking and transport for the start and finish?
If you’re driving to the start in Cardiff, sort parking ahead of time so you’re not stressed on the morning. If you’re getting a lift back from Tenby, confirm the plan in advance. If you’re using a roof rack, be mindful of low entrances in car parks.
What should I eat the night before a sportive like The Carten 100?
Keep it simple and balanced. Choose complex carbohydrates (such as rice, pasta or potatoes) with some lean protein (like chicken, fish or beans). You don’t need an extreme carb load.
What’s a good breakfast on sportive day?
Go for slow-release energy foods such as porridge, muesli, granola with yoghurt, or wholegrain toast with eggs. Hydrate well and avoid overdoing the coffee.
How should I fuel during the ride?
Eat regularly and stick to foods you know your stomach can handle. Treat it as an endurance day rather than a race, and use the feed stops to refuel properly.
What kit should I pack for a sportive when the weather is uncertain?
Check the forecast and pack layers. A gilet or lightweight rain jacket, arm and leg warmers, gloves, plus sunscreen and lip balm can make a big difference if conditions change.
What should be in my saddlebag for The Carten 100?
Carry the basics for common roadside issues: two inner tubes, a compact multi-tool, a CO2 inflator with two canisters, tyre levers, nitrile gloves, your ICE details on a small laminated note, and a small cash note for emergencies. If you’re driving to the start, a track pump and a small tool kit are useful too.
Any last-minute advice for enjoying The Carten 100 on the day?
Pace yourself, ride predictably, and soak up the atmosphere. With lots of riders of mixed abilities, treat it as an experience rather than a race and focus on finishing safely and comfortably.
