Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - What if I have to sell?

I don't want to think too much about this, but based on what's been going on over the past month, I may have to consider selling my number for the Assault on Mt. Mitchell ride on June 11th. My training was going well until I started getting treated for a (LARGE) wart on my little toe. Not to be too graphic, but I've essentially had to put acid on my toe every day for a month, with the net result that I've missed several of my long ride opportunities. On top of that, I've had the flu all week, and haven't ridden at all for several days.

With only 6 weeks to go, I don't know if I'm going to be ready - if I have to end up selling my number, has anyone done it before?

6 weeks is plenty

DO IT!

get a butt-load of moleskin for your wart and go for it!

Have you heard about the duct tape method? People swear by it.

Have you heard about the duct tape method? People swear by it.

I've been working with a doc for over a month on this - the wart takes up a good portion of my little toe, and the treatment consists of putting this salicylic acid paste all over the affected area, then taping it up (like the duct tape method), wearing it 24 hours a day. IF YOU'RE SQUEAMISH, STOP READING NOW!







Essentially, it eats the skin away, with the intent of getting rid of the viral tissue. Since the wart's so big, it makes it hard to walk, and I've not been able to get in as many long distance rides - since the cycling shoes fit close anyway, I hurt the whole time. Since we haven't made enough progress (try doing this for a month - it's like having leprosy with all the stuff coming off), the doc is going to take it off surgically on May 4th. That'll put me off my feet for 2-3 days (also covering a weekend ride time, too). So, there are at least 3 weekends that I won't be able to get mileage in between now and June 11th.

Topping it off, I've had the flu all week, and haven't ridden once. I've done 4 60-milers, 1 86 miler, and I commute twice a week (43RT). I haven't had any opportunity to get any serious climbing in, though. My commute is 1700 ft RT, and the 60-80 milers are about 3000 total. The AoMM is 11,000, with most at the end. I don't want to go down there and not be able to finish. It might be better to spend some time getting healthy and training for next year.

Consider it crosstraining season. If you can't train on the bike, train off it. Can you wear running shoes?

If you can, do ab workouts, go to the gym and do squats, leg presses, lunges ect. and whatever your choice of cardio machine (I'm an elliptical fan myself). Eat right and stay active, go for short intense rides with intervals if your toe is doing ok. That way when you can do distance rides with your toe, you'll be in great shape to get back into it.

Since the wart's so big, it makes it hard to walk, and I've not been able to get in as many long distance rides - since the cycling shoes fit close anyway, I hurt the whole time.

Have you looked at bike sandals? Both Lake and Shimano make at least a model that works with MTB style cleats.

You might try buying a pair of oversized shoes to wear to train in until your toe is back to normal. Loose fitting in the toe area you can cinch up the straps over your instep and still get reasonable shoe functionality.