With regards to training for the Ring of Kerry in July, February is the Month when you should be concerned with slowly beginning to extend your mileage and build on the level of fitness that you have already. For this month I would advise at least two session on the bike per week (preferably three) and two other sessions of strength/flexibility work which can either be done at the gym or at home. [...]
I have been getting requests lately to go into a bit more detail on how to prepare for the Ring of Kerry so seeing as it is approximately six months away I will outline what I would deem to be a sufficient plan in terms of getting you ready for the 2nd of July. I plan to post monthly review of training advice so the following is what I would advise as being important for the month of January. [...]
Even though you might describe yourself as a "fine-weather-cyclist", I'm sure you get caught in the rain from time to time like I do. A recent 3 hour spin in mostly rainy weather prompted me to write this as it can take a bit of experience to be able to cycle in the rain and keeping warm and safe and this was very noticable as lacking in some of the people I was cycling with. [...]
Might seem a fairly easy question to ask but not one that is answered without a bit of thought. Cycling in the dark is a great way to keep fit over the winter but one that can prove to be much more dangerous and stressful that cycling during daylight hours. The most important factors of course are being seen and seeing what is in front of you. [...]
Aside from having your training done, being prepared and having the right tools and ensuring that you have the right nutrition on the day will help you get through a long cycle like the Ring Of Kerry in good shape. You: Preparing for cycling a distance that you have not covered before is something that can be quite daunting. However if you have a reasonably good condition and mindset and have prepared well enough, you should be able for it. [...]
Buy Kerry Cycling: Great Road Routes Online