elemental

This was supposed to be my first season road racing. I was planning on riding/training all winter and getting into shape, and then being ready to really drop the hammer once the season came on, but started having knee issues that riding road really aggravated. I did stay fairly fit all winter through a little MTB, a little 'cross, and some gym time, but I have only gotten one ride in on my real road bike. Let's just say embarrassing events of this weekend reminded me that I am not in any shape to race, but there's an event I'd really like to do in two weeks. I am decent overall shape (have been working out, riding MTB, and riding 'cross a decent amount), I just need to get back into the roadie flow to keep me out of then Pain Cave in a few weeks.

If you had two weeks (and were a low-level collegiate cyclist who needs to make friends with his race bike again), how would you do it? Base miles type riding for as many miles as I can get, a mix of fierce days (intervals, hill repeats) and easy days, or all-out abuse? Please share your knowledge.

MrCrassic 

Well, from my experience, it really depends on how out-of-shape you really are as opposed to how out-of-shape you think you are.

I think the best way to really test this other than exposing yourself to the fire early is to ride with a fast group and see how you measure with them.

As far as training is concerned, having a good plan of fierce riding days/mile gathering days/resting days should restore your power in a fair amount of time. Not sure if you can get to your original power within two weeks, but if you train hard, you should be able to perform fine.

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elemental

Well, if it helps any, the "experiment" of earlier this weekend consisted of me trying to keep near the front of a crit field, only to blow up after a few laps. I think I failed to recognize my red zone in addition to just not being fit on the bike. I did feel great handling though, which surprised me. I had to hold back in the corners to stay behind the leaders, then once it straightened out I struggled more. After a few laps hanging on, I couldn't kick it anymore and dropped to the rear. Of a small, slow field. Really small and really slow.

I am not "out of shape" in that I am overweight (in fact, I think I weigh less than last fall), I think I just need to get some miles in. Should be fun since the weather says four days of rain.

YMCA

Get on your bike everyday for 1.5-2.5 hours.
Do not come home knackered after any one ride.
Lots of high-end endurance and quick, short efforts chasing invisible Tom Boonen's.

Bob Dopolina 

+1.

Do some intensity and rev up what ever you've got.

That's pretty much all you've got time for.