Southern California - Logistics of Preparing for Double Century

After completing my 2nd double of the year, I started to think what my mishaps have been, and what I could be doing better. Quite honestly, I don't know, so I thought I would bounce this off some of you.

First off, preparation. I don't mean training, but all the basic stuff. I've noticed that no matter how well planned my intentions are, I end up cramming registration, food, and checking in motel, all at the last minute. Is that normal? I mean it is so stressful to get all these together, I start wondering if all this stress adds up to sleep deprevation. The reason why I bring this up is on both doubles I did this year, after the 2nd hour or so, I would get this light headed, almost subconscious feeling while on the bike. It's almost like my brain is on auto-pilot, while my legs are moving like a mechanical machine.

Question: Is this due to lack of sleep, preparation the week before was not right, or I wasn't eating right? Or is it a combination of all three?

On the topic of food, what does everyone normally have the night before? Some like to eat protein, some pasta ... in fact, I've seen some have a beer or wine the night before. I can't see how that would help, but they do it. Also, when you do get up, what do you eat? With so little time in the morning, I've always wondered what is the best tact as far as food is concerned.

I try to settle into the hotel as early as possible, but that never works and I usually fall asleep at about 12 or 1 AM and wake up at about 4:30 AM to start the double.

I eat ANYTHING the night before, pasta, sushi, crackers, chips, peanut butter filled pretzels, juice...

and I'll consume beer (but not wine) because it also has tons of CARBS and all those empty calories that I will be expending the next morning.

In the AM, I generally try to have one to two bananas and a granola bar (NOT a Clifbar/Powerbar) with a cup of coffee. This generally keeps me energized until I start consuming food and drink on the bike at about the second or third hour of riding.

Ron, I'm a freak about my ritual the night before. My bike has to be entirely prepped (lights - as I don't "drop" mine off for later pick up - garmin, etc. all have to be charged and mounted, my tires pumped and gels/bars packed). I lay my clothes out and everything I plan to put on (deodorant, socks, bra, shorts, arm/knee warmers, jacket/base layer if wearing, butt'r, etc.) so that I'm not searching for anything at 4:00 a.m. As for food, I'm usually nervous so I lose my appetite, but I definitely go for a caloric dinner if I can. But I try not to overeat or stuff myself since that will keep me from sleeping. And I HAVE to have at least six hours rest (even if I toss and turn) or I'll suffer the next day, but that goes for any ride I do. No alcohol for me. I hydrate like crazy with just pure water.

Ron, I'm a freak about my ritual the night before. My bike has to be entirely prepped (lights - as I don't "drop" mine off for later pick up - garmin, etc. all have to be charged and mounted, my tires pumped and gels/bars packed). I lay my clothes out and everything I plan to put on (deodorant, socks, bra, shorts, arm/knee warmers, jacket/base layer if wearing, butt'r, etc.) so that I'm not searching for anything at 4:00 a.m. As for food, I'm usually nervous so I lose my appetite, but I definitely go for a caloric dinner if I can. But I try not to overeat or stuff myself since that will keep me from sleeping. And I HAVE to have at least six hours rest (even if I toss and turn) or I'll suffer the next day, but that goes for any ride I do. No alcohol for me. I hydrate like crazy with just pure water.
Yes...yes...don't forget this, Ron...;) :)

Yes...yes...don't forget this, Ron...;) :)
Oh yes, I hate it when I forget my bra ... :roflmao:

Ron, I'm a freak about my ritual the night before. My bike has to be entirely prepped (lights - as I don't "drop" mine off for later pick up - garmin, etc. all have to be charged and mounted, my tires pumped and gels/bars packed). I lay my clothes out and everything I plan to put on (deodorant, socks, bra, shorts, arm/knee warmers, jacket/base layer if wearing, butt'r, etc.) so that I'm not searching for anything at 4:00 a.m. As for food, I'm usually nervous so I lose my appetite, but I definitely go for a caloric dinner if I can. But I try not to overeat or stuff myself since that will keep me from sleeping. And I HAVE to have at least six hours rest (even if I toss and turn) or I'll suffer the next day, but that goes for any ride I do. No alcohol for me. I hydrate like crazy with just pure water.
ME, this is all fine and good, but what if it isn't a perfect world scenario. Let's say you run into traffic, and you don't get to registration as early as you like. By the time you get back to the hotel/motel, it's already 9 pm, or even later. Plus, am I the only one that gets this semi-subconscious mode, after 2 hours on the ride, where my mind seems to be on auto-pilot? Head feels a little light-headed? It's almost like it wants to pull over, and just sleep!

Hi Spingineer,

Like M.E. I try to get everything ready the night before (my "bra" is my heart-monitor strap!), usually take Fri. off work for doubles that mean a long drive (Davis, Knoxville, etc.). For dinner usually pizza, but whatever. Sometimes pasta, almost never red meat dishes and no wine or beer.

Re: Lightheaded, and auto pilot, yes, my name for that is "Automoton" and I have experienced it, but not on anything as short as a double. PBP for sure, BAM (Bicycle Across Missouri - 60 hrs./566 mi.) and long (600 k) brevets definitely. Not sure what to make of it, and I sure don't get it as early as you do, so it may not be the same thing, though it sounds quite similar!

Hope that helps!

Best Regs,
Rick / OCRR

Empiracally speaking, studies in high-level athletes have shown that lack of sleep on the night before has no effect on performance. However, sleep quantity & quality for the preceeding week or two does. So if you're not sleeping well for a week straight (due to stress or whatever), then try to perform, something's gonna give (so to speak). I've experienced this as I don't get all the sleep I need on a regular basis....I end up not having the hi-end endurance and stamina. I can give short bursts of power or speed, but cannot maintain them. And if the pace is high, I cannot maintain that, even if in a good-sized pack of riders.

Light-headedness is a symptom of poor circulation among others--a result of many different things (low iron, low blood sugar, diabetes, etc...). How's your overall diet? What you eat the night before, again, won't impact you too much, but what you eat over time will.

Light-headedness is a symptom of poor circulation among others--a result of many different things (low iron, low blood sugar, diabetes, etc...). How's your overall diet? What you eat the night before, again, won't impact you too much, but what you eat over time will.
Thanks for the input. I'll have to think about that. I seem to think my diet is pretty good, but I may be blinded by denial. I have noticed this only happens when I do doubles, and it does not occur on my normal training rides, which usually start at a more reasonable time, like 7 or 8 am.

Don't forget the pure and simple answer: nerves and excitement!

We're humans. You're facing a long day of riding a bicycle for a distance that your brain says is best done in a car. Two hundred effin miles! Oh my gawd! Am I nuts????? How could you not be on edge?

I recognize this because I had the same thoughts before doing any of my meager 4 Centuries!

So, channel that nervous energy....embrace it and know it exists. Do your best prep. And pat yourself on the back for doing such a great feat.

Sheldon

I'd have to recall how my sleep was during the week of the double. My body does tend to wake up on its own anywhere between 4:30 - 5:30 am, so maybe there is something to that.

First off, don't stress it, it's just a bike ride.

Second, to alleviate traffic and arrival concerns, leave early as you can. For whatever reason, I get pre flight anxiety about missing flights. I've flown a lot, so I have no explanation for this other than I know the pain of missing a flight. So, I just leave for the airport EARLY. Sometimes I wind up breezing through checkin & security and wind up waiting for 2 hours, but whatever. I'm there and not stressed about missing the flight. Leave work early, take the day off and get to the hotel by mid afternoon.

Third, remember to pack your shorts.


For my big rides, I hydrate heavily for several days. On the day before, I switch to SMARTwater to build up the electrolytes. I find when I'm well hydrated, I don't really notice things like heat.

I get light headed and occasionally dizzy that I've found are 100% related to my hydration levels. Doesn't seem to be simlar to your experience though.

Shorts ... oh man, I forgot that step on Saturday! But too bad ME didn't see it ... would have been a perfect photo op. I guess that's one way to motivate you to go fast!

One thing I can't stand is wet underwear. I sometimes get that on a warm day commute to work.

I thing I can't stand is wet underwear. I sometimes get that on a warm day commute to work.
You're supposed to ride on the dry roads, not through the creek! :p

One thing I can't stand is wet underwear. I sometimes get that on a warm day commute to work.
Um...hmmm...I don't wear underwear when I cycle. :o

And as for you pranksters, funny, funny. I only used "bra" as an item I place out (without thinking that I was posting to men :rolleyes: ) But I can't imagine forgetting it on rides as it makes me feel like a grown up. :D

Um...hmmm...I don't wear underwear when I cycle. :o

I'm talking under my regular street shorts, silly...:D

Um...hmmm...I don't wear underwear when I cycle. :o

And as for you pranksters, funny, funny. I only used "bra" as an item I place out (without thinking that I was posting to men :rolleyes: ) But I can't imagine forgetting it on rides as it makes me feel like a grown up. :D :eek: Yeah...I know...most of us don't...but did you have to say it?...I'm going to have trouble looking at you the same way...wow...yeah...thanks....too much info...

;) Love ya, ME ;)



(Did I do the sarcasm bit right?? Did it come across?? :D )

I'm talking under my regular street shorts, silly...:D
Yeah, I don't wear underwear with those either....:p :D

And as for you pranksters, funny, funny. I only used "bra" as an item I place out (without thinking that I was posting to men :rolleyes: ) But I can't imagine forgetting it on rides as it makes me feel like a grown up. :D
But that's what we love about you ... besides, cycling does not discriminate! equal opportunity activity! :p

:eek: Yeah...I know...most of us don't...but did you have to say it?...I'm going to have trouble looking at you the same way...wow...yeah...thanks....too much info...

;) Love ya, ME ;)
(Did I do the sarcasm bit right?? Did it come across?? :D )

Oh, I got it, mister. And I realize MOST people wouldn't say it but they'd think it. I just say it so I won't think about it too much...after all, I am at work. :p

But that's what we love about you ... besides, cycling does not discriminate! equal opportunity activity! :p
I just forget that generally I ride with men, that's all. We women are delicate and have different needs you know. :rolleyes: