What's next for me?

[Robyn]

Hi Divas!

Okay, so you guys have followed my accomplishments this summer season starting with the Fat Tire Classic, then a 40 mile ride, a multisport race and then today a half-century ride.

These days I'm feeding on the adrenaline and endorphins from these events and I'm planning to do a 70 mile organized ride on September 7th but I need something new to do in between. It needs to help me be ready for the 70 mile ride but doesn't have to exclusively be mileage focused. Anyone have any ideas for me?

 

[Swamp Dog]

Robyn, I don't know if you're familiar with this tri forum, but each state has a board so it's easier to find things going on in your area.

Here's a link to the CO board: https://beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/forum-view.asp?fid=35#s

 

[Robyn]

Oh, yeah, I've been participating there for a few weeks. I'm not talking about an event though for various reasons, just a cycling milestone or accomplishment. I just don't know what it should be.

 

[Swamp Dog]

ah, I see. I thought you meant an event. Maybe catch up with some of the tri peeps for a few training rides? What about checking with your local bike shop? Many of them have organized rides for all levels. It can be a nice way to get some riding done.

 

[Robyn]

ah, I see. I thought you meant an event. Maybe catch up with some of the tri peeps for a few training rides? What about checking with your local bike shop? Many of them have organized rides for all levels. It can be a nice way to get some riding done.

Yeah, I already do a weekly ride on Tuesday nights. It's been fabulous and it's how I found my tri coach (she's our leader). I have to miss this week and coach understands but isn't happy. She usually takes the back end of the group so we don't drop anyone and I lead so she lost her leader. There's a Saturday ride my coach wants me to join but I'm busy for the next 2 Saturdays.

Sorry I'm not making this easy. It's why I'm out of my own ideas though as well.

 

[Swamp Dog]

alrighty then. I think you should ride all the way to NH and drag my sorry butt off the couch for a ride.

We've ridden twice in the three months that we've been here but today was the saddest. I fould our gloves and RoadIDs all covered in mold. YUK

 

[Robyn]

You know, if I had the time I'd totally go for it! I have a friend who's currently riding from Austin TX to Anchorage AK and I just dream about having the time to train and then do a long distance ride like that.

This has been a life changing season for me and I have really caught the cycling bug. I just love being able to get out there , feel the wind in my face, know that it's my own engine making my body move and letting the worries of life fall away.

 

[abc]

today a half-century ride.

I'm planning to do a 70 mile organized ride on September 7th but I need something new to do in between. It needs to help me be ready for the 70 mile ride but doesn't have to exclusively be mileage focused. Anyone have any ideas for me?

Between a half century and a 70 miler? That's an easy one.

You need to do a metric century! (that's 62-3 miles = 100 km!)

 

[tradygirl]

To keep it fun, try to map out a challenging route in an area you've never ridden, or somewhere cool you've always wanted to ride. Rather than using the mileage as your main guide, try thinking of places you'd like to ride that match your mileage goals. Don't underestimate the effect of hauling your bike on your car for an hour or two out of town just for the change of scenery. Give yourself a tangible goal of a PLACE, not just mileage.

For example - Ride up Canyon X with the goal being the summit or a ski resort or whatever. Or maybe start in a place where your goal is another town, etc where you could get lunch or grab a snack before turning around. Find a lake to ride around. Maybe throw in a huge climb instead of upping your mileage if you haven't been climbing much. That will definitely mix it up for you. Ooooohhh....or maybe plan your ride to meet up with a friend in another town who could give you a ride home - no repeating the same road twice and you get to hang out with a friend on the car ride back home!

 

[LilaBear]

Loveland Pass fits the bill!!!

 

[Robyn]

Loveland Pass fits the bill!!!

But once I get to the other side how do I get back without having to climb it again? I've seriously thought about this one but I don't think I'm quite ready for that climb. Next season though for sure! Actually, I'm thinking I might come up and do Old Stage Rd on Thursday.

 

[Shannon D]

But once I get to the other side how do I get back without having to climb it again?

You can start from Keystone or Dillon/Silverthorne, then do the climb to the summit of the pass and come back down the same side to your car. I think the west side of the pass is more friendly anyway.

 

[Robyn]

You can start from Keystone or Dillon/Silverthorne, then do the climb to the summit of the pass and come back down the same side to your car. I think the west side of the pass is more friendly anyway.

Hmmm, it's a possibility. I think I'm going to do a Lookout Mountain loop on Thursday so I'll see how that goes. I wouldn't be able to do it until the weekend of August 23rd though. Anyone want to join me?

 

[Little Lightning]

What are your goals for this 70 mile ride? Are they to survive it or do it in a certain no of hours? Does it include mtn passes or is it on the trails around Denver?

Last week I did a 370 mile, 7 day tour of N. Dakota. Mileage most days was 60-70 miles. My goal was to survive the winds, cross and head, so I focused on endurance. Because it was a tour I picked up the last 4 weeks of the training plan for Ride the Rockies. I logged 600 miles in July but the longest ride I did was 54 miles. The week before the ride I tapered my mileage. I survived the wind and the week of riding without issue. I wasn't the fastest rider but I was well prepared for long days on the bike and didn't struggle with the hills or the wind.

A training plan that I have used for a century suggests 4-6 days of riding, most in the 45-90 min per day range with tempo rides, 1 long ride (3-4 hrs) and an easy recovery day. Joe Friel says there are 3 components of training, Frequency (how often to ride) Intensity (how hard to ride) and Time (how long to ride). You will need to work out what is right for you.

Tailor your training rides to the terrain and conditions you will be riding. I did Ride the Rockies last year and did some climbing on passes, Vail Pass and Montezuma outside of Keystone but I have not ridden Lookout Mtn or Mt. Evans. The day we rode over Rabbit Ears pass I climbed it with flat tire. I had friends who rode Mt. Evans as part of their training for the N. Dakota trip but died in the wind and had to sag in. BTW, they had no specific training plan.

Also, ride consistently. I notice many riders stop pedaling and coast, often before they reach an uphill. Every time you coast you lose speed and have to catch up. On a long ride don't burn your candles to fast. Many riders take off fast and stay anaerobic too long. Then they have nothing left at the end of the ride.

On your long rides experiment with food, what agrees with you, how much you need etc. Energy drinks are great but don't agree with everyone. I use Accelerade, can't survive more than 2 hrs without it but I also carry Cliff bars and a peanut butter sandwich with me, just in case. Bonking on a long ride is not fun. Many roadies think that Camelbaks are not cool but I use one because I drink more frequently and the Accelerade stays fresher in the pack than in a water bottle.

If you've already done 50 miles and it wasn't a struggle then 70 won't be a big deal.

 

[Robyn]

Well, it appears my coach is dragging me up Vail Pass for Labor Day. :D

LL, thank you for all your thoughts, I'm exhausted right now so I'll digest and answer more in the next could of days.