Ride to Conquer Cancer

[runewolf]

We have an similar event here every year for MS 75 miles /day. Lots of fun. Last time I worked on doing it, my brother and I would go twice a week started off doing 20 miles and worked our way up to 40. Time was always a factor as to how far we could go since both of us needed to be at work the next day and home before dark. When the event finally happened it was great, the first 60 miles through the mountains was enjoyable, the last 15, my legs felt like they were going to die. The next day, my legs decided they had already died and didn't care anymore, they just kept moving lol. I haven't been able to run it the last few years due to injury and now not having enough people to make a team (ride requires 4).

I hope your ride is as well done as ours, there were EMS available in every county we rode through and planned stops every 10 to 15 miles with water/poweraid/snacks. The first couple stops are easy to pass up, but the rest are a good idea to stop at and take a few minutes to walk and top off water bottles. It was amazing how much two minutes can make a difference.

[Chas]

Hi chasem,

I have been mugged into similar rides quite often. In fact, I was doing 2 to 3 long distance charity rides every year for about 10 years. This doesn't mean that I am an expert - it means that I wasn't strong enough to say NO.

That having been said there are a few tips that I have gleaned through experience and embarrassment:

1 Get your bike serviced by a professional - yes it will cost, but there is no benefit in walking the whole 160 miles because a small part has broken.

2 Proper cycling shorts - there are no seams in the places that matter. Chaffing, irritation and blisters will only slow you down and could stop you.

3 During your training, if you are getting any uncomfortableness from the saddle - change it (this goes back to No 2).

4 A month before the trip, start training your bowels. Go to the toilet and empty your bowels, first thing every morning - whether you need to go or not, go. Your system will get into the routine and it will pay dividends while you are riding. Less weight and greater comfort. Lance Armstrong is so regular you could set your watch by him.

5 Have a bum bag (I think you call them fanny packs?), with a small first aid kit. Headache tablets, boiled sweets, half a roll of toilet paper, cell phone, diarrhoea tablets and lots and lots of sticking plasters.

6 Some form of 'trek food'. In a bag - raisins, sultanas, chopped dates and apricots and nuts - what ever you fancy. A small mouthfull as you are going along is far better than a big stomachful three times a day.

7 Some form of drink. I always used honey and water mixed - sweet enough to be palatable and gives energy and hydration. Store bought mixtures, I found were either too sickly or too acid - keep away from 'sparkling' carbonated drinks.

8 Travel at 'your speed'. You will cycle at a certain cadence - slower or faster will only tire you out. Don't try to 'keep up' or slow down to keep someone company - fatal!

9 Once you settle down into the ride you will be travelling at about ~10 mph. So you need to allow at least 8 hours for cycling time and extra for stoppages.

Finally - Never forget the golden rule of cycling - Drink before you get thirsty; eat before you get hungry; stop before you get tired.

I am sitting here and getting quite whistful and jealous and then my knees remind me of why I don't do it any more. Good luck and keep us all posted on the build up and the ride itself.

Regards

Chas