[RBW] Re: Century ride training for the un-racer?
Do you get by on centuries with little to no training - just your commutes and such? Nope. That's asking for a suffer fest. And maybe a heart attack or injury. Doing a century is no small thing. For myself I'd say training for a century can make it an enjoyable adventure rather than a slog that one survives. Me too. Plus doing one of the century training schedules gets you very fit. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
Re: [RBW] Re: Century ride training for the un-racer?
certainly an argument for power bars On Friday, August 2, 2013 5:27:44 PM UTC-5, Rex Kerr wrote: On Wed, Jul 17, 2013 at 10:16 AM, Bitonal bit...@gmail.com javascript:wrote: Also resist the urge to stop for Mexican while doing this...save it for the destination. Haha... reminds me of a ride I did years ago. A friend suggested that we should do a ride called Bikes and Birds at the wildlife preserve where they allowed a limited number of riders to ride the back roads and some cutoffs while they were closed to cars. The appeal was that you could stop a lot to watch the migratory birds. Anyhow, at the rest stops they served packaged prunes... yes, prunes, with cherry juice based sweetener, and nothing else. They were tasty, but I tried not to eat too many. My friend, on the other hand, had quite a few. On the drive home (~1 hr, rural, no fast food/gas station pitstops) he suddenly has to go... it's hard not to laugh as he struggles and begs me to go faster. I'm having a bit of a laugh at his expense and suddenly, about 10 minutes from his house, I find myself having much more empathy! When we got to his house it was a mad dash past his wife to get to the restrooms while she stood by confused why we ran by so urgently! -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
Re: [RBW] Re: Century ride training for the un-racer?
Powerbars? Blech! I saw an argument for being fat adapted. With abandon, Patrick On Saturday, August 3, 2013 7:38:21 AM UTC-6, Ron Mc wrote: certainly an argument for power bars On Friday, August 2, 2013 5:27:44 PM UTC-5, Rex Kerr wrote: On Wed, Jul 17, 2013 at 10:16 AM, Bitonal bit...@gmail.com wrote: Also resist the urge to stop for Mexican while doing this...save it for the destination. Haha... reminds me of a ride I did years ago. A friend suggested that we should do a ride called Bikes and Birds at the wildlife preserve where they allowed a limited number of riders to ride the back roads and some cutoffs while they were closed to cars. The appeal was that you could stop a lot to watch the migratory birds. Anyhow, at the rest stops they served packaged prunes... yes, prunes, with cherry juice based sweetener, and nothing else. They were tasty, but I tried not to eat too many. My friend, on the other hand, had quite a few. On the drive home (~1 hr, rural, no fast food/gas station pitstops) he suddenly has to go... it's hard not to laugh as he struggles and begs me to go faster. I'm having a bit of a laugh at his expense and suddenly, about 10 minutes from his house, I find myself having much more empathy! When we got to his house it was a mad dash past his wife to get to the restrooms while she stood by confused why we ran by so urgently! -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
Re: [RBW] Re: Century ride training for the un-racer?
they're easy to pack- apples are good, too, but not a lot of calories - we've hauled small watermelons before, which are a joy - a habit we developed kayaking the coastal marshes in the Texas summer. But our last ride was a 2300' climb, so the power bars were well-received. Glad I wasn't hauling a watermelon. On Saturday, August 3, 2013 8:43:31 AM UTC-5, Deacon Patrick wrote: Powerbars? Blech! I saw an argument for being fat adapted. With abandon, Patrick On Saturday, August 3, 2013 7:38:21 AM UTC-6, Ron Mc wrote: certainly an argument for power bars On Friday, August 2, 2013 5:27:44 PM UTC-5, Rex Kerr wrote: On Wed, Jul 17, 2013 at 10:16 AM, Bitonal bit...@gmail.com wrote: Also resist the urge to stop for Mexican while doing this...save it for the destination. Haha... reminds me of a ride I did years ago. A friend suggested that we should do a ride called Bikes and Birds at the wildlife preserve where they allowed a limited number of riders to ride the back roads and some cutoffs while they were closed to cars. The appeal was that you could stop a lot to watch the migratory birds. Anyhow, at the rest stops they served packaged prunes... yes, prunes, with cherry juice based sweetener, and nothing else. They were tasty, but I tried not to eat too many. My friend, on the other hand, had quite a few. On the drive home (~1 hr, rural, no fast food/gas station pitstops) he suddenly has to go... it's hard not to laugh as he struggles and begs me to go faster. I'm having a bit of a laugh at his expense and suddenly, about 10 minutes from his house, I find myself having much more empathy! When we got to his house it was a mad dash past his wife to get to the restrooms while she stood by confused why we ran by so urgently! -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
Re: [RBW] Re: Century ride training for the un-racer?
something else we have this time of year - fresh peaches at roadside stands On Saturday, August 3, 2013 9:22:21 AM UTC-5, Ron Mc wrote: they're easy to pack- apples are good, too, but not a lot of calories - we've hauled small watermelons before, which are a joy - a habit we developed kayaking the coastal marshes in the Texas summer. But our last ride was a 2300' climb, so the power bars were well-received. Glad I wasn't hauling a watermelon. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[RBW] Re: Century ride training for the un-racer?
I have upped my commute milage a smidge so far. Just a few miles a day. Did a 25 mile ride last weekend. Fun ride. No problems. Todays round trip commute hopefully will be 32 miles. It was 16miles to work this morning. But I might push for 20 on the way home, making it 36 round trip. I wonder if that counts as a long ride for this weekend or not. I am sure that a 36 mile ride all at once is a lot different than being a split round trip commute. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
Re: [RBW] Re: Century ride training for the un-racer?
On 08/03/2013 12:54 PM, Michael wrote: I wonder if that counts as a long ride for this weekend or not. For century training purposes, it does not. I am sure that a 36 mile ride all at once is a lot different than being a split round trip commute. A split round trip commute would count as two 18 mile rides. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
Re: [RBW] Re: Century ride training for the un-racer?
32 miles is long for me, too, but I tend to ride (a) fixed and (2) energetically (though this is entirely relative to my ability, which is not great). A 34 mile gravel ride two weeks ago (Fargo, geared) felt good except for twinges in my left knee, but did leave me tired for two days afterward -- although this was 17 miles of climbing, and return, on very rough and sometimes quite steep gravel roads, and trying to keep up with a fitter rider on a much lighter bike -- ie, I wasn't taking it easy. I'd say that if 25 miles is a new distance for you, sure it counts, but it's only a first step. I used regularly to commute 16 miles each way and often would extend the commute up to 40 miles rt, and I can tell you I was in far better shape than I am now. 10 years ago (aetatis mea tunc XLVIII) it left me fit enough to do a 3h17m Sunday, hilly, windy, 50 miler in a 75 gear and, on Monday, do a hilly 30+ miler with a local racing babe on the same 75 gear, she on her racer -- she taking a recovery ride, me going strong. (Well, matron may be a better term than babe. Still, a carbon fiber woman who was in the sub 3 hour group on the Sunday ride.) Hasn't new research shown that shorter, more strenuous efforts get you fit better than long, medium intensity slogs? Of course, simple time in the saddle counts, too, for comfort reasons. Oh, and I've heard experts say that each fixed mile counts as five freewheel miles, ceteris paribus. (And if you believe that, you need emoticons.) I wish there was a century around here that didn't involve getting up at 5 am for a 60 mile drive. I must start riding longer distances on the Ram, whose purpose in (my) life is longer distances as well as groceries. Patrick Auditis? An me ludit amabilis insania? Moore On Sat, Aug 3, 2013 at 10:54 AM, Michael john11.2...@gmail.com wrote: I have upped my commute milage a smidge so far. Just a few miles a day. Did a 25 mile ride last weekend. Fun ride. No problems. Todays round trip commute hopefully will be 32 miles. It was 16miles to work this morning. But I might push for 20 on the way home, making it 36 round trip. I wonder if that counts as a long ride for this weekend or not. I am sure that a 36 mile ride all at once is a lot different than being a split round trip commute. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out. -- http://resumespecialties.com/index.html patrickmo...@resumespecialties.com http://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickmooreresumespec/ Albuquerque, NM -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[RBW] Re: Century ride training for the un-racer?
So I did 25 miles home from work. Rained the whole way, but good training for rain riding. Alba Sam. Bolt upright. Fun. Slow for safety. Had to be patient. Had a great time. I hope to go for a 35 mile ride next weekend, increasing every week up to 62 or 75 before the century, if the Lord is willing. Thanks for all the info and advice everyone. I really appreciate it. Keep it coming. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
Re: [RBW] Re: Century ride training for the un-racer?
On Wed, Jul 17, 2013 at 10:16 AM, Bitonal bito...@gmail.com wrote: Also resist the urge to stop for Mexican while doing this...save it for the destination. Haha... reminds me of a ride I did years ago. A friend suggested that we should do a ride called Bikes and Birds at the wildlife preserve where they allowed a limited number of riders to ride the back roads and some cutoffs while they were closed to cars. The appeal was that you could stop a lot to watch the migratory birds. Anyhow, at the rest stops they served packaged prunes... yes, prunes, with cherry juice based sweetener, and nothing else. They were tasty, but I tried not to eat too many. My friend, on the other hand, had quite a few. On the drive home (~1 hr, rural, no fast food/gas station pitstops) he suddenly has to go... it's hard not to laugh as he struggles and begs me to go faster. I'm having a bit of a laugh at his expense and suddenly, about 10 minutes from his house, I find myself having much more empathy! When we got to his house it was a mad dash past his wife to get to the restrooms while she stood by confused why we ran by so urgently! -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[RBW] Re: Century ride training for the un-racer?
One point to add to all the great stuff above: flexibility matters. There are some good suggestions for stretching in Just Ride. I had a heck of a time on my first century with my lower back, just because I probably did not have enough flexibility in my legs. I was smart enough to have my handlebars at saddle height, but not smart enough to know that comfort was more than that. Fortunately, that ride led me into yoga. Now I'm much more comfortable, pretty much for all day in the saddle. If I were training for that first century again, I would start doing stretches that would open the hips, loosen the hamstrings, stretch the IT band, and lengthen the groin muscles. Your lower back in mile 80 will thank you. When I ride anything over 50ish miles, I usually spend about ten or fifteen minutes somewhere stretching. I feel as refreshed from that as I do from ice water and real food. Forward folds and pigeons are pretty good stretches. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[RBW] Re: Century ride training for the un-racer?
On Wednesday, July 17, 2013 7:15:27 AM UTC-7, George Schick wrote: I recall Hotter'n Hell Hundreds that I rode back in the mid-90's. more serious heat related issues. My strategy for the HTH is to start at 5:00a.m., and finish by 10:30 or 11:00. :-) pb -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[RBW] Re: Century ride training for the un-racer?
On Tuesday, July 16, 2013 10:39:15 PM UTC-7, Michael wrote: Was wondering what you all recommend for training for a century Lots of different suggestions here, not all consistent with each other, so I'll throw in my two cents. In my own, personal experience, long rides are more mental than physical. If your brain is confident that you can handle the ride, your legs will usually obey. Usually. If you are under 35, reasonably fit and active, and riding at least short rides (let's call 25-ish a short ride) regularly, you can probably bang out a hunny. When I was young and fit, I generally kept a tradition of starting the season with a hundred mile ride, first time on the bike. On the other hand, if you're 55, flying a desk, and not riding much, well, it may be more of a challenge. What's your current idea of a long ride? You've got all the way until October... build your trainng rides (hey, old habits die hard) until you're rolling at least 50, at least once a week, with other rides scattered through the week. Or maybe just do random rides here and there, and enjoy the adventure of not knowing -- if you finish, that'll actually make a better story. pb -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[RBW] Re: Century ride training for the un-racer?
But PB, isn't that the time that the road race is being run on the same course? I didn't think you could get away with that. Also, get out there too early and none of the rest stops are really to resupply you yet. Plus, you miss the opportunity to inch along -2mph for the first several miles of the tour while sandwiched among the other 10,000 riders :-) One thing I did learn the hard way after riding in my first HHH was to use a Camelback. There are plenty of rest stops along the way so that you really don't need the extra water capacity of the Camelback, but the first 3 rest stops are so packed with riders lined up for food, water, and port-a-potties that you can waste 30 minutes or more just waiting. The Camelback lets you go by without getting caught in all that mayhem. On Friday, July 19, 2013 12:45:04 PM UTC-5, pb wrote: On Wednesday, July 17, 2013 7:15:27 AM UTC-7, George Schick wrote: I recall Hotter'n Hell Hundreds that I rode back in the mid-90's. more serious heat related issues. My strategy for the HTH is to start at 5:00a.m., and finish by 10:30 or 11:00. :-) pb -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[RBW] Re: Century ride training for the un-racer?
Hi, I am new to this forum. I think the advice here is right on but just to get started here- I recall my first century ride pretty well even though it was over 20 years ago. The ride was Bellingham, WA. to Seattle and it is quite hilly in this neck of the woods. I understand this ride to be lots more hill than Seattle to Portland which I have not done. I had ridden a few 35 mile rides before attempting this longer ride. This gal I knew was a racer and she invited me to join her so I couldn't refuse! The challenge was abated by watching her climb out of the saddle on hills :) I would list these as considerations: saddle comfort (take at least a couple of longer rides to be sure you are comfortable in your saddle If you are commuting or doing training rides, be sure if you can't simulate the poor wind in face condition maybe seek out some hills if you can. This assumes your upper body is also prepared- neck shoulders , lower back Also resist the urge to stop for Mexican while doing this...save it for the destination. Another unexpected issue for me on the same ride a few years later was that it temps were high and I sweat a lot. Sweat began to pour from my helmet into my eyes...so a bandanna would have been invaluable. David On Tuesday, July 16, 2013 10:39:15 PM UTC-7, Michael wrote: Was wondering what you all recommend for training for a century since I am not racing, just wanna finish the century. Its flat. No hills, but headwinds to battle towards the last half. I will probably ride the Bleriot/Hetres if my new set up works out on it. Do you get by on centuries with little to no training - just your commutes and such? I am under the impression that those training cards you get at the LBS are overkill and geared mostly to people racing or looking to do their personal best. Or am I sorely mistaken? -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[RBW] Re: Century ride training for the un-racer?
Assuming you're in decent physical condition, I'd say don't give much thought to training. If you're commuting, you've got the legs for a flat 100mi. Make sure you are comfortable for a long day on the bike. Regularly consuming food and water will be key, too. I did my first century with minimal cycling experience, mediocre 20-something's fitness, a fixed gear bike, and rolling terrain. I was extremely ignorant; didn't know how to fix flats and bonking was a new concept. I stuck with some other slowpokes and had a great ride. We were probably the last to finish, but I was the happiest rider. You might be surprised with the capabilities of under trained riders. Many of the ones I know get strong by just riding frequently, to work or running errands. Jon Watertown, MA On Wednesday, July 17, 2013 1:39:15 AM UTC-4, Michael wrote: Was wondering what you all recommend for training for a century since I am not racing, just wanna finish the century. Its flat. No hills, but headwinds to battle towards the last half. I will probably ride the Bleriot/Hetres if my new set up works out on it. Do you get by on centuries with little to no training - just your commutes and such? I am under the impression that those training cards you get at the LBS are overkill and geared mostly to people racing or looking to do their personal best. Or am I sorely mistaken? -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[RBW] Re: Century ride training for the un-racer?
Meh, General rule for anything in life is that it depends. I generally wing the training. BUT only because I used to do a 40 miles commute 2 or 3 times a week. Apparently that counts as training for some folks. I just call it getting to work with no car. But I do believe that there should be a general progression in things you do. Don't jump on a century ride when all you do is 10 mile commutes. Thats a incredible shock to your body. Give you body time o adapt to thing and your body will do the rest, All in all have fun do it! On Tuesday, July 16, 2013 10:39:15 PM UTC-7, Michael wrote: Was wondering what you all recommend for training for a century since I am not racing, just wanna finish the century. Its flat. No hills, but headwinds to battle towards the last half. I will probably ride the Bleriot/Hetres if my new set up works out on it. Do you get by on centuries with little to no training - just your commutes and such? I am under the impression that those training cards you get at the LBS are overkill and geared mostly to people racing or looking to do their personal best. Or am I sorely mistaken? -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[RBW] Re: Century ride training for the un-racer?
I think it's just breaking the distance barrier placed in the mind. A flat century is not the same as a hilly century, but if you can do a flat century you can do a hilly century, just in a bit more time. My experience when distance riding was in kilometers. I didn't have a bike computer for city riding, but realized I sometimes rode 50km in a day and very often 30km plus. My first long ride was 65km and I was surprised that it was relatively easy (because of the commuting miles). Next came 75km, then a week later 100km. To go to 140km then 160km was fairly straightforward. Then I discovered randonneuring and was introduced to 200km. After that, I regularly rode 200km on my days off (maybe two or three times a month). So, there was a build-up of distance over some weeks/months.. Then I took off bicycle touring and on my way down the west coast I put in a 197km day fully-loaded - the bike weighed 90lb +. There were tailwinds and not much climbing, so it was not hard. But, it's all about time in the saddle, conditioning and breaking the mind-barrier. Unloaded I tended to average 20km/h incl breaks (23km/h rolling average). Loaded it was closer to 17km/h rolling avg over similar terrain. Therefore, if you give yourself enough time and are not racing anything, any distance is manageable. I once rode 413 km as part of a Fleche team, but I hadn't planned my nutrition because I was unfamiliar with that type of distance, and perhaps fatigue got to me, but I bonked hard for a while and it was my very strong team-mates who pulled me through. Now it's been a couple of years since I did a big ride and I will have to start at 50km again and work back up to longer distances. Depending on one's fitness level, it could take a few months and that's at least what I would need now. In short then, I'd recommend that you work up to at least 75% of the century over similar terrain at least three weeks before you ride it. Then stay fit, but don't knacker yourself up to the date of the century and in the week before the event, just stretch and stay limber, but let the body be fully recovered. The team/community spirit will bring you through the remaining 25% of the distance and you will be well prepared. Ian A Edmonton AB Canada On Tuesday, July 16, 2013 11:39:15 PM UTC-6, Michael wrote: Was wondering what you all recommend for training for a century since I am not racing, just wanna finish the century. Its flat. No hills, but headwinds to battle towards the last half. I will probably ride the Bleriot/Hetres if my new set up works out on it. Do you get by on centuries with little to no training - just your commutes and such? I am under the impression that those training cards you get at the LBS are overkill and geared mostly to people racing or looking to do their personal best. Or am I sorely mistaken? -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[RBW] Re: Century ride training for the un-racer?
What's your commute look like? If it's an average of 20 or so miles and you do longer rides when you can, you'll likely be just fine, though pushing things a bit. There is a whole different factor to food, water, and pacing in terms of what works for you, so factor that in, as it will be part of your learning curve. And don't get sucked in by the adrenaline of starting out with a group and going faster than you would if solo. Ride your own ride and you'll be fine (though I likely underestimate the gruel factor as Manny puts it. Enjoy the ride! With abandon, Patrick On Tuesday, July 16, 2013 11:39:15 PM UTC-6, Michael wrote: Was wondering what you all recommend for training for a century since I am not racing, just wanna finish the century. Its flat. No hills, but headwinds to battle towards the last half. I will probably ride the Bleriot/Hetres if my new set up works out on it. Do you get by on centuries with little to no training - just your commutes and such? I am under the impression that those training cards you get at the LBS are overkill and geared mostly to people racing or looking to do their personal best. Or am I sorely mistaken? -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[RBW] Re: Century ride training for the un-racer?
Good advice above, but I'll add my 2 cents that a true unracer shouldn't ride just for the sake of miles. But given that mental goal that most of us have to ride a century, I suggest building your rides around destinations that gradually increase in length and get you there. I'm relying on my experience only, but having a destination as your goal that just happens to result in a century ride is a bit more motivating, and helps to still focus on the joy of the ride. On Wednesday, July 17, 2013 1:39:15 AM UTC-4, Michael wrote: Was wondering what you all recommend for training for a century since I am not racing, just wanna finish the century. Its flat. No hills, but headwinds to battle towards the last half. I will probably ride the Bleriot/Hetres if my new set up works out on it. Do you get by on centuries with little to no training - just your commutes and such? I am under the impression that those training cards you get at the LBS are overkill and geared mostly to people racing or looking to do their personal best. Or am I sorely mistaken? -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[RBW] Re: Century ride training for the un-racer?
the un-racer coasts when they can and gets off the bike frequently - there's plenty of daylight. On Wednesday, July 17, 2013 8:11:28 AM UTC-5, doc wrote: Good advice above, but I'll add my 2 cents that a true unracer shouldn't ride just for the sake of miles. But given that mental goal that most of us have to ride a century, I suggest building your rides around destinations that gradually increase in length and get you there. I'm relying on my experience only, but having a destination as your goal that just happens to result in a century ride is a bit more motivating, and helps to still focus on the joy of the ride. On Wednesday, July 17, 2013 1:39:15 AM UTC-4, Michael wrote: Was wondering what you all recommend for training for a century since I am not racing, just wanna finish the century. Its flat. No hills, but headwinds to battle towards the last half. I will probably ride the Bleriot/Hetres if my new set up works out on it. Do you get by on centuries with little to no training - just your commutes and such? I am under the impression that those training cards you get at the LBS are overkill and geared mostly to people racing or looking to do their personal best. Or am I sorely mistaken? -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[RBW] Re: Century ride training for the un-racer?
Good advice from all of these replies, but one thing I haven't seen mentioned (unless my senior bi-focals missed it) is the weather. Here in the Midwest we're experiencing a major heat wave this week - temps in the 90's, higher humidities, therefore heat indexes often over 100. That can be a killer even if you trained hard. I recall Hotter'n Hell Hundreds that I rode back in the mid-90's having about 7-8 rest stops, the last 4-5 of which were spaced relatively close together. People just needed to get off the bike and take a break more often during the last part of the ride. And I recall the last 2-3 rest stops looking more like triage centers, riders stretched out on cots with cramps and probably more serious heat related issues. On Wednesday, July 17, 2013 12:39:15 AM UTC-5, Michael wrote: Was wondering what you all recommend for training for a century since I am not racing, just wanna finish the century. Its flat. No hills, but headwinds to battle towards the last half. I will probably ride the Bleriot/Hetres if my new set up works out on it. Do you get by on centuries with little to no training - just your commutes and such? I am under the impression that those training cards you get at the LBS are overkill and geared mostly to people racing or looking to do their personal best. Or am I sorely mistaken? -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[RBW] Re: Century ride training for the un-racer?
very good point - we made a (intentionally) hard 20 miles last weekend with 950' climb and drank 40 ounces of water. On Wednesday, July 17, 2013 9:15:27 AM UTC-5, George Schick wrote: Good advice from all of these replies, but one thing I haven't seen mentioned (unless my senior bi-focals missed it) is the weather. Here in the Midwest we're experiencing a major heat wave this week - temps in the 90's, higher humidities, therefore heat indexes often over 100. That can be a killer even if you trained hard. I recall Hotter'n Hell Hundreds that I rode back in the mid-90's having about 7-8 rest stops, the last 4-5 of which were spaced relatively close together. People just needed to get off the bike and take a break more often during the last part of the ride. And I recall the last 2-3 rest stops looking more like triage centers, riders stretched out on cots with cramps and probably more serious heat related issues. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[RBW] Re: Century ride training for the un-racer?
To use an analogy- I'm a very new runner. Decided to start doing it to make sure I didn't ruin my cycling with the stench of exercise. However, I'm also very cognizant that starting a new physical activity with my body (grumpy lower back, left IT) needed some structure. Using the Runkeeper app (iPhone), I chose a beginner 5k workout plan that is guiding me through my journey to becoming an un-racer runner. It is a crutch/support that I am very thankful to have.Without it I would not feel (personally) that I was doing the right thing/progressing appropriately. I think something like that for century rides would be SUPER useful, especially as more cyclists move from urban riding/commuting towards longer distances. All that said - I don't know what the plan would look like. -J On Wednesday, July 17, 2013 1:39:15 AM UTC-4, Michael wrote: Was wondering what you all recommend for training for a century since I am not racing, just wanna finish the century. Its flat. No hills, but headwinds to battle towards the last half. I will probably ride the Bleriot/Hetres if my new set up works out on it. Do you get by on centuries with little to no training - just your commutes and such? I am under the impression that those training cards you get at the LBS are overkill and geared mostly to people racing or looking to do their personal best. Or am I sorely mistaken? -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[RBW] Re: Century ride training for the un-racer?
I trained for and did a century ride about a year and a half ago. I generally suscribe to the philosophy that if you can do at least half the distance comfortably, you should be fine for the whole distance. I did a lot of daily shorter rides, in the 10-20 mile range, especially pushing myself to get out when normally I might not have--if I was tired towards the end of an afternoon, for instance, the idea being I wanted to get my body used to riding when conditions weren't optimal. I also did a couple of longer rides as tests, that were a bit over half the distance but probably didn't include as many hills. I also did a lot of training a month or two out, and rested the week or so before the event. I would also say that pacing yourself during the event is key. It can be really easy to get caught up in the excitement and set off with a pace that isn't really sustainable. I made a conscious effort to ride at a pace I knew was sustainable all day for myself, but his meant I was going backwards with respect to most of the other riders for the first half of the day. It meant I also had to tell my ego to take a vacation, but I finished feeling pretty comfortable and never really got into a bad place. On the other hand, my buddy got excited and took off with a fast group from the start. We regrouped at one of the rest stops, and for most of the second half of the day he was suffering really hard. On Tuesday, July 16, 2013 10:39:15 PM UTC-7, Michael wrote: Was wondering what you all recommend for training for a century since I am not racing, just wanna finish the century. Its flat. No hills, but headwinds to battle towards the last half. I will probably ride the Bleriot/Hetres if my new set up works out on it. Do you get by on centuries with little to no training - just your commutes and such? I am under the impression that those training cards you get at the LBS are overkill and geared mostly to people racing or looking to do their personal best. Or am I sorely mistaken? -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[RBW] Re: Century ride training for the un-racer?
Michael, it sounds like you're doing the Seagull, am I right? I did it twice in the late 90s and it was the high point in my cycling experience (so that says something ; ). Anyway I trained using a little chart from Bicycling mag, which I believe was for 10 weeks. Riding about five days a week, with one long ride on the weekend. The longest ride before the century was about 65 miles (a metric). This served me well, and I'm certainly no athlete. The key is, I believe, to increse your long rides every week. The training that I did for these rides got me into the best shape of my life and were the real beneifits of the rides (other than the sense of accomplishment.). Good luck! Steve -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[RBW] Re: Century ride training for the un-racer?
Last year I did a 40, 50, 62, and 76 miler based on 12-20 miles a day of commuting. The 62 miler was 105 degrees that day. I did fine. I felt as if I could have gone to 100 miles the 76 mile day if we had two more breaks along the way. We only took two breaks during the first 76 miles. My knees complained for a couple weeks after that ride. I think I should ramp up the miles as you all are saying to get myself conditioned for it. I know punishment from riding piles up fast so I need to get conditioned for it sounds like. Now just have to decide Alba Sam? Or Noodle Bleriot? I am thinking Bleriot because getting low will be good in case of those winds. Plus the Aqua color will look good at the shore ;) -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[RBW] Re: Century ride training for the un-racer?
Oh yes, Seagull Century. http://www.seagullcentury.org/ I look forward to counting the Rivendell bikes I see there. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[RBW] Re: Century ride training for the un-racer?
Years ago, in the 70's to be exact, I started riding and wanted to do a century. I read everything I could get my hands on involving training for cycling and running to build endurance. I came across this book called LSD Running (hey it was the 70's) or something to that effect. The Author was an advocate of going long slow distances with increasing mileage gradually. I thought why not try this with cycling. It worked. I rode daily and on weekends increased my mileage at a long slow pace. I still use this method when planing on some long miles. Not rocket science but I'm not a rocket scientist and it still works. Take your time and enjoy the ride. On Wednesday, July 17, 2013 12:39:15 AM UTC-5, Michael wrote: Was wondering what you all recommend for training for a century since I am not racing, just wanna finish the century. Its flat. No hills, but headwinds to battle towards the last half. I will probably ride the Bleriot/Hetres if my new set up works out on it. Do you get by on centuries with little to no training - just your commutes and such? I am under the impression that those training cards you get at the LBS are overkill and geared mostly to people racing or looking to do their personal best. Or am I sorely mistaken? -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
Re: [RBW] Re: Century ride training for the un-racer?
I agree with the majority of the comments here. I've ridden multiple centuries with 5000'+ of climbing on fully fendered/racked bikes with wider than average tires, with no practice beyond my mostly flat 20 mile R/T commute. I generally enjoy the first 80 miles and hate the last 20. :-) If you ride regularly and occasionally do 50/60 mile weekend rides you should be fine. If you have a much shorter commute and don't do weekend rides it might be harder. On Wed, Jul 17, 2013 at 3:38 PM, Michael john11.2...@gmail.com wrote: Oh yes, Seagull Century. http://www.seagullcentury.org/ I look forward to counting the Rivendell bikes I see there. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
