Today is Thursday, June 27th. I would like to do a 50 mile organized ride in exactly one month from tomorrow. So far, the most I've ridden in one shot is 20 miles. Typically, I ride 15 miles at a time.
The problem is, I have been so crazy-busy over the past 2 weeks, that getting saddle time has been nearly impossible! It's pathetic, I know, but if I can get out for a ride once or twice a week, I'm doing well. I've been running more because it's been fitting into my schedule better lately.
Oh -- and I'm leaving tomorrow for vacation in Gatlinburg, TN for a few days. Can't take the bike. I figure the next time I'll be on my bike will be a week from Saturday. I guess that leaves 3 weeks to prep for the 50 miler. Is it enough?
I still consider myself to be new at this and it will be my first organized ride (or my 2nd, if I do a 25 miler on the 14th of July -- I might be able to handle that).
Am I crazy? What should I do to prepare for these things?
Richard D
06-27-02, 08:44 AM
Hey, you might be a little sore at the end of it but you'll be okay - try ang get a couple of 25 milers in if you can but if you take it easy I'm sure you'll be fine.
Guillermo
06-27-02, 10:40 AM
I can't give you much advice on the 50-miler thing...I just wanted to comment on your vacation to Gatlinburg :p That town cracks me up :p Make sure you see the Ripley's Museum, Guinness Book Museum, Dollywood, and of course, the Smokies. It's a big tourist trap though - when I was there in '98, Wendy's $ .99 value menu (everywhere else) was the $ 1.19 Value menu (in Gatlinburg) :p :p
usnagent007
06-27-02, 11:24 AM
Could I be so crazy in my suggestion that you just go out there and do it? Camelbak and an indomitable will to keep going get you a long way! Glasses, don't forget your glasses.
mike
06-27-02, 11:26 AM
[i]
Am I crazy? What should I do to prepare for these things? [/B]
Maybe...
You would be crazy if you DIDN'T go on the ride. 50 miles supported - no prob, granny ride.
WoodyUpstate
06-27-02, 11:51 AM
My 9-year-old daughter did 22 miles in a bike-a-thon a couple of years ago with no training. They rode around an old high school track. I don't know how many laps she did, but it was dozens.
You can ride nearly forever on the flat, and I'm sure 50 miles would not cause you any great problem. However, when the road turns up things change. Find out how much climbing is involved to gauge the pain factor.
< 600 ft. - No problem. Sore tush only.
600 - 1,200 ft. - Do able. Legs and tush equally sore.
1,200 to 2,000 ft. - The last hills will hurt bad. Tush? What tush.
2,000 to 4,000 ft. - Make pain your friend. Sore nose hairs and fingernails.
>4,000 ft. - You da man!! Who gives a crap about pain and chapped cheeks? Conquer you must!
OctoberBlue
06-27-02, 12:23 PM
Guillermo, we're renting a cabin in the Smokies and I'm definitely bringing both my hiking boots and running shoes. I've heard that the Gatlinburg area is one Massive Tourist Trap, but we'll find a good balance between the Touristy and the Less Touristy activities. The couple we're going with -- they've already requested that we visit the Ripley's Aquarium. (An aquarium in the Smoky Mountains?!) :D I'd like to hike a trail or two while we're there.
I was in Pigeon Forge once (just north of Gatlinburg), when my cousin got married a few years ago. Beautiful area if you know where to look. :) I've never been to Dollywood.
Thanks for the encouragement on the 50 mile ride, everyone! Please keep suggestions coming, too. I think that the 50 mile course is reasonably flat, but they do have "Optional Horrendous Hills" :eek: for those so inclined. I think I'll pass on that part this year. :)
It is the annual Richfield Sweet Corn Ride in Richfield, Ohio -- in case anyone is interested. You can do either 10, 25, 50, or 100 miles. :)
Guillermo
06-27-02, 12:36 PM
Julie,
I hope you enjoy Gatlinburg and the Smokies :) I did a section of the AT back in '98 when I visited the area, as well as a few day hikes.
One that stood out, and the only one I remember by name was a short trail (4 miles out and back) that ended with a wonderful view. The trail's called 'Chimney Tops'. It's a worthwhile short hike if you have a chance :) It happens to be listed on the onedayhikes.com site, so others must have enjoyed it as well!
Dax
MichaelW
06-27-02, 02:33 PM
I would suggest against a 50 mile ride, only if you were an absolute beginner who had never cycles more than 3 or 4 miles.
If you can handle 20, and have been riding 5 miles whenever you can, it will be no problem at all.
With the milleage you can do, 3 weeks is more than plenty. Ride for 1/2hr-1hr a day, and some longer rides at the weekends. Do your shopping and errands by bike and you will rack up saddle time.
Last weekend I did a 50 miler, but I only ride a few miles around town every day. You can treat a 50 miler as a gentle excursion with a long lunch break.
Csson
06-28-02, 09:41 AM
Like others have said: If you get in a couple of 25-30 milers, and feel good afterwards, 50 miles is definitely possible. The fact that it is organized also makes it easier, with rest stops and all the other cyclists.
In Sweden, the biggest organized one-day ride is 300k (15000 cyclists this year). Last year I got my non-cycling brother to do it. His entire training during the spring was 350k, and his longest training ride 60k. He did it, but was in severe pain (where body meets saddle) for the last 150k. If he had been less determined he probably would have given up after 180k.
What I'm trying to say is that your brain is what will decide if you are successful. Try to fool your brain to think that you are doing a shorter ride, especially if you think that 50 miles is too long for you. A general rule is that you can double whatever distance you have done before.
/Csson
threadend
06-28-02, 10:40 AM
Originally posted by OctoberBlue
...Typically, I ride 15 miles at a time...prep for the 50 miler...
50/15=3 1/3. If you look at it and approach like this, you're going to do just over three rides in one day. No Problem!
usnagent007
06-28-02, 04:39 PM
I read somewhere that you can conserve up to 50% of your energy by drafting off someone....so really, you could turn that 50 into a 25? ;)
MichaelW
06-28-02, 05:58 PM
Drafting is very effective, but you need to ride with an inch of the tyre in front. It can be tricky, and requires experience and discipline, since you cannot see potholes and other dangers.
You also have to take your turn at the front. Sucking somebody's wheel for free is considered bad manners.
DnvrFox
06-28-02, 07:18 PM
Rent a bike in Gatlinburg and have fun and train at the same time!!
OctoberBlue
07-09-02, 09:00 PM
Originally posted by Guillermo
One that stood out, and the only one I remember by name was a short trail (4 miles out and back) that ended with a wonderful view. The trail's called 'Chimney Tops'. It's a worthwhile short hike if you have a chance :) It happens to be listed on the onedayhikes.com site, so others must have enjoyed it as well!
Dax
We didn't make it to Chimney Tops, but we did have time for a hike to Alum Cave Bluffs -- 4.4 miles I think it was. That was COOL. I cannot believe that someplace that gets plenty of rain can have such a dry spot like the bluffs anywhere! We did some shorter hikes to various waterfalls, too. Such a beautiful area of the country.
Yeah, the town itself was very touristy, although the Aquarium of the Smokies was better than I expected.
It was a fun vacation. I'd go back there again... maybe with the bike sometime.