Training & Nutrition - peaking/tapering

in not quite two weeks i will be riding the triple bypass in colorado, for those that don't know it, it is 120 mi with 10000ft climbing. my question is regarding tapering off. i rode not quite 1000 miles in june, longest day was 85 miles several times. any opinons about riding in the week leading up to the ride? i will be in colorado(from oklahoma) starting sunday july 7, to try to get acclimatized. my plan is to do a hard ride monday and tuesday, probably 50-60 mi, taper to shorter rides maybe 30 mi wed thurs then off friday.

Hey, I don't know much about this, but I'm doing the TBP as well. I am going to do a century at altitude on Saturday, recovery ride sunday. This charmichael book I'm reading says you are supposed to reduce the training volume starting 3 weeks before the event, but keep up the intensity - short hard rides.

Definitely I would rest or do very low intensity rides on Wed-Friday.

Where are you going to stay?

in not quite two weeks i will be riding the triple bypass in colorado, for those that don't know it, it is 120 mi with 10000ft climbing. my question is regarding tapering off. i rode not quite 1000 miles in june, longest day was 85 miles several times. any opinons about riding in the week leading up to the ride? i will be in colorado(from oklahoma) starting sunday july 7, to try to get acclimatized. my plan is to do a hard ride monday and tuesday, probably 50-60 mi, taper to shorter rides maybe 30 mi wed thurs then off friday.

Well, you can't do a ton to improve fitness the week before, but you can do it lot to make your ride harder.

I would suggest dropping your mileage more, and to keep your overall rides very light. It's okay to work in a little intensity - even very hard intensity - as long as the amount you do it pretty low.

I think the light rides will help you acclimatize to the altitude well.

we are staying in silverthorne. one of the guys we ride with has a home there. nice place, only prob is it is a long drive to evergreen sat am, have to get up really early. his neighbor sags for us on saturday which is really great. our plan is to drive up sunday, do a light ride monday to acclimatize, ride a little longer tues wed then very light thursday, rest friday. just hoping to stay dry this year.

do a light ride monday to acclimatize, ride a little longer tues wed then very light thursday, rest friday. just hoping to stay dry this year.I don't know for sure, but I doubt anyone actually "acclimates" to altitude in several days or even a week.

In fact, everything I ever learned about exertion and altitude training points to having seriously reduced abilities during the first weeks at high elevations. According to what I've learned, you should avoid any intense efforts for several weeks when relocating at altitude.

I don't know for sure, but I doubt anyone actually "acclimates" to altitude in several days or even a week.

In fact, everything I ever learned about exertion and altitude training points to having seriously reduced abilities during the first weeks at high elevations. According to what I've learned, you should avoid any intense efforts for several weeks when relocating at altitude.I've been up Rainier a few times (14,000'). The standard thing is to camp at 10,000 overnight, then do the summit the next day. I'll tell you a true thing - after just 24 hours at altitude, your ability to climb feels like it has doubled. If I wanted to have a really easy summit climb, I'd go up, spend the night, then do an easy day of going higher with maybe a couple of short efforts, then come back and spend the night at 10,000 again. If you're staying up high, it's important to stay hydrated. High air is very dry. Of course the more time at altitude, the better.

But yes, no kidding your abilities are reduced! Lots less oxygen per breath. Your heart won't behave the way you're used to and your powermeter won't be much good at first, either. You'll have it figured out by the second climb, though.

Oh - your digestive abilities will be compromised by the low oxygen levels. Stay away from fats and eat very simple, mild flavored foods. No pepperoni pizza or kipper snacks for you!

prior to the HHH, a 130 mile with 12000' feet of climbing i did two light and easy 30 milers on tue and wed the week prior. nothing else, and my legs felt fresh and great for the saturday ride. worked for me. good luck. later.

well unfortunately i don't have 3 weeks to spare to spend in colorado acclimating- at least i hope i am better off than some of my buds who are driving up from okla on wed before the ride, get to colo on thurs and ride on sat. anyway the last two years have done it this way, seemed ok.