Planet Ultra King of the Mountains

[mkadam68]

One of the goals that has been kicking around in the back of my head has been to complete KOM and get a jersey (kewl!!--but not the socks-tacky).

So, a question or two for those who have completed it: What sort of training would you recommend? How difficult are the individual events? Should I use one event as training/prep for the following one?

Any and all advice is welcome.

[herbm]

Towing me up some of the hills will be good training!:rolleyes:

[Entropy906]

I plan on completing the KOM next year as well. I did ride Heartbreak this year but that was probably the easiest one of the three. I just plan on continuing to ride as I do now which is 15-20,000 feet of elevation gain per week. Hopefully I won't lose too much over the winter.

[big john]

There are threads about this, but since you are bigger than me I will talk. The first is the Mulholland Challenge, most people thought it was the hardest of the three. It just goes up and down all day in the Santa Monicas, finishing with Stunt. It also does Decker and Cothrain, two of the steeper climbs out there. If you can do a century in the SM mountains, you can do the MC. We can do some of the course with you after the weather gets cooler.
The second is Breathless Agony, the hardest for me because of the sustained, relentless climb up to Onyx. I had stomach trouble and almost quit! I don't know how to tell you to train for a 35 mile climb, except to say learn your stomach and be careful what you eat. A lot of others had nausea, too.
The third is easier than the others and is one of my favorite loops, just don't underestimate the toughness of it, it's harder than it looks on paper. We could also pre-run that ride sometime, it's great.

[big john]

I plan on completing the KOM next year as well. I did ride Heartbreak this year but that was probably the easiest one of the three. I just plan on continuing to ride as I do now which is 15-20,000 feet of elevation gain per week. Hopefully I won't lose too much over the winter.
If you can climb 20k per week, all these rides should be money in the bank for you. You should go for the doubles! Don't forget the Everest Challenge.

[merider1]

There are threads about this, but since you are bigger than me I will talk.We could also pre-run that ride sometime, it's great.

Big John, you're a KOM title holder, yes? I'd love to train with you and His Verticalness as it gets cooler and closer to KOM season. I'm considering going for it next year myself.

[big john]

Big John, you're a KOM title holder, yes? I'd love to train with you and His Verticalness as it gets cooler and closer to KOM season. I'm considering going for it next year myself.Wellll... I didn't sign up for all three so I didn't get the jersey. Time to work!

[VanceMac]

I thought Mulholland was the hardest by a significant margin. I didn't like the flat, somewhat windy section in Heartbreak, but you will power through that with a smile on your face. The two best training rides in my opinion for KOM:

1) Angeles Crest (La Canada to Dawson's Saddle), which is steady, constant climbing with nothing too steep -- similar to Breathless Agony.

2) Any combo of Santa Monica canyon roads that adds up to 100 miles and includes Decker right in the middle -- basically just doing a MC practice run.

[merider1]

Wellll... I didn't sign up for all three so I didn't get the jersey. Time to work!

Yeah, but you rode them. Jersey-schmersey! :rolleyes: You going for it next year? :D

[Entropy906]

If you can climb 20k per week, all these rides should be money in the bank for you. You should go for the doubles! Don't forget the Everest Challenge.

I've been thinking of riding Everest Challenge next year. I might do the Heartbreak double just to avoid the drive since it starts in Palmdale.

[big john]

I'm back, stupid job interupting my on-line time! Next year? If I do MC, I'll renegade it. Won't do BA, too far to drive for a ride I didn't like. Will do the Heartbreak anytime it's not too hot.
Vance, I have to disagree about AC being like the climb to Onyx. I love AC and the climb to Onyx sucks.
BTW, we may go to AC this Saturday and you all are welcome.

[ronjon10]

I imagine the Mulholland is the worst for us big guys just because the climbs are so @#$@ steep. I know I can climb for a good long ways on when things aren't too steep (say GMR and Latigo). But, when the climbs are pushing past 10% I run out of gears and have to mash up those suckers. That kills my endurance. On the other hand, I've never tried a 35 mile climb....

I'm definitely giving the Mulholland a go next year and I'll determine my interest in the others by the amount of pain I feel after that.

[merider1]

Pain is your friend, Ron. :D I suspect once you knock Mulholland out, you'll be excited to hit BA.

[ronjon10]

Pain is your friend, Ron. :D I suspect once you knock Mulholland out, you'll be excited to hit BA.

Oh I know. I meant if I wasn't in any pain, I'd probably skip the rest of them. :p

As it is, I was in pain after Cool Breeze :eek:, I've got some serious training to do, base mileage time is done.

[WhiteCarbonDude]

I just plan on continuing to ride as I do now which is 15-20,000 feet of elevation gain per week. Hopefully I won't lose too much over the winter.

Wtf? Don't do KOM next year, I want to move up in the standings not go down;) Man you must be a stud. I'm lucky to get 20,000-30,000 feet in a month and I did KOM.

[merider1]

I've got some serious training to do, base mileage time is done.

Really?...:( :cry::p

[Blastinbob]

I imagine the Mulholland is the worst for us big guys just because the climbs are so @#$@ steep.
I'm definitely giving the Mulholland a go next year and I'll determine my interest in the others by the amount of pain I feel after that. I have this problem. Floating around 190 at 5 ' 9'' I really suffer up those super steeps climbs. I'll take 6-8% all day, no problem, that's why I found BA to be easier then MC, plus your basically done climbing at mile 74.

You will also need to sign up for BA way before you ride MC because of the rider limit.

[merider1]

You will also need to sign up for BA way before you ride MC because of the rider limit.

This is what my dissuade me from doing KOM. I hate having to sign up so far in advance.

[ronjon10]

This is what my dissuade me from doing KOM. I hate having to sign up so far in advance.

So you're saying you have commitment problems?

[Entropy906]

Wtf? Don't do KOM next year, I want to move up in the standings not go down;) Man you must be a stud. I'm lucky to get 20,000-30,000 feet in a month and I did KOM.

No way man, I want that jersey :)

I'm way too slow to be a stud. I have two choices here. Ride in the valley and fight that stupid wind or ride in the hills and avoid some of the wind. I choose the hills. So I guess a good training plan is to move to the Antelope Valley.

[merider1]

So you're saying you have commitment problems?

:lol: Well, I hate to use cycling metaphors, but, if the cleat fits...:p

[voltman]

So you're saying you have commitment problems?

No, she doesn't want breast augmentation.

[big john]

Here is a shot of me and Andy on the climb to Angeles Oaks.
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u308/bigjohn53/meandandy.jpg
And two of my favorite women in the world.
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u308/bigjohn53/queens.jpg

[VanceMac]

One of the goals has been to complete KOM and get a jersey (kewl!!--but not the socks-tacky).

You're saying these aren't sexy?!? I've been wearing them with my baggy shorts and sandals all summer!

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/186107294-S.jpg

[merider1]

Here is a shot of me and Andy on the climb to Angeles Oaks.
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u308/bigjohn53/meandandy.jpg
And two of my favorite women in the world.
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u308/bigjohn53/queens.jpg

Great shots! Sarah and Cathy are super studettes. I aspire to be like them. Great shot of both.

[vertical bob]

I thought Mulholland was the hardest by a significant margin. I didn't like the flat, somewhat windy section in Heartbreak, but you will power through that with a smile on your face. The two best training rides in my opinion for KOM:

1) Angeles Crest (La Canada to Dawson's Saddle), which is steady, constant climbing with nothing too steep -- similar to Breathless Agony.

2) Any combo of Santa Monica canyon roads that adds up to 100 miles and includes Decker right in the middle -- basically just doing a MC practice run.
Encanto to Dawson Saddle is a good one, 36 miles 8k. Horseshoe Meadows is another but not close to home. The climb Biting Duck and I did to Mt. Gleason is 35 miles with 7k but the last 2 miles will really get your attention.:eek: I really liked the one we did with Brandy this spring up to Santa Clara Divide road. At mile 18 we had 4500ft. :) There were several people who did the KOM this year on shear determination. Sadly some of them burned themselves out and I haven't seen them since. I think it takes some mental training to really enjoy the Zen of climbing. Kinda like Homer banging his head on a wall expecting things to change with each blow.:o

[merider1]

I think it takes some mental training to really enjoy the Zen of climbing. Kinda like Homer banging his head on a wall expecting thinkg to change with each blow.:o

Master Verticalness, I heed your words and like naive grasshopper, I too hope to discover the zen of climbing...especially on the last climb next year at Sea to Summit. :p:D

[magicant]

I'll probably give this one a go next year.

[merider1]

I'll probably give this one a go next year.

You do realize, Joel, that sprinting up hills might not be the best strategy on these rides, right? :p

[spingineer]

I might consider driving to the top of one of these events, but there is one problem I have with these ... gravity! :lol: I have a hard enough time to go up Baldy!

[magicant]

You do realize, Joel, that sprinting up hills might not be the best strategy on these rides, right? :pAfter my heart almost blew out the front of my chest like something from Alien while going up Potrero, I've finally got that part figured out.

[spingineer]

After my heart almost blew out the front of my chest like something from Alien while going up Potrero, I've finally got that part figured out.

Didn't you know??? That's normal!!! :D

[vertical bob]

One of the goals that has been kicking around in the back of my head has been to complete KOM and get a jersey (kewl!!--but not the socks-tacky).

So, a question or two for those who have completed it: What sort of training would you recommend? How difficult are the individual events? Should I use one event as training/prep for the following one?

Any and all advice is welcome.Go ride with Christy/Agua Terror:)

[adxm]

One of the goals that has been kicking around in the back of my head has been to complete KOM and get a jersey (kewl!!--but not the socks-tacky).

So, a question or two for those who have completed it: What sort of training would you recommend? How difficult are the individual events? Should I use one event as training/prep for the following one?

Any and all advice is welcome.

Start off with the Mullholland Double instead - then the remaining two will be cake =)!

But really, to train for long hilly rides, ride long and hilly. Get your eating regimen down to where you don't feel totally wiped out at the end. Something many century riders overlook is working on intensity - do shorter 10-20 min hill intervals at the hardest you can sustain. This will raise your aerobic capacity and make you better able to handle the climbs across the board. And throw in hills at the end of long training rides. As your muscles fatigue, you have to recruit more and more muscle fibers to put out the same power - but training can dramatically improve this.

[spingineer]

Ok, here's a stupid question ... how much different would the preparation be compared to training for a double century?

[magicant]

I'm guessing "more climbing, less distance" would be the key.

[N2GLOCK]

I've been contemplating KOM for some time now. Lately I've been limiting myself to short rides that involve alot of climbing, and that may be a problem. I recently was in Reno, and I did 2 awesome climbs while I was there. One ride was from Reno to Incline Village in Tahoe and the other was from Reno to Virginia City. I ended up doing about 15k of climbing on that trip. Really boosted my confidence. The only thing that has me concerned right nowis that I have not done any single ride over 50 miles in some time. I think that if I am to seriously consider competing in KOM, I'm going to have to figure out a way incorporate long rides that contain significant climbs into my training routine. I also think that losing 10-12 lbs. wouldn't hurt either.

[Brandy]

Climb, climb and more climbing! My training was lacking this year and I was able to finish all three. I plan to step it up, start earlier and climb more next season, hoping to place mo' betta'. :p

Oh yeah...I want to drop 10 lbs too!

[nygirl777]

Climb, climb and more climbing! My training was lacking this year and I was able to finish all three. I plan to step it up, start earlier and climb more next season, hoping to place mo' betta'. :p

Oh yeah...I want to drop 10 lbs too!

10lbs..:eek:....you'll disappear girl :)

[mkadam68]

If you can climb 20k per week, all these rides should be money in the bank for you. You should go for the doubles! Don't forget the Everest Challenge.

:eek:Man!! You're killing me!!:eek::D

[mkadam68]

You're saying these aren't sexy?!? I've been wearing them with my baggy shorts and sandals all summer!

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/186107294-S.jpg

Uhmmmm...they work for you, Vance :) :D

[mkadam68]

Start off with the Mullholland Double instead - then the remaining two will be cake =)!

But really, to train for long hilly rides, ride long and hilly. Get your eating regimen down to where you don't feel totally wiped out at the end. Something many century riders overlook is working on intensity - do shorter 10-20 min hill intervals at the hardest you can sustain. This will raise your aerobic capacity and make you better able to handle the climbs across the board. And throw in hills at the end of long training rides. As your muscles fatigue, you have to recruit more and more muscle fibers to put out the same power - but training can dramatically improve this.

Good advice. Thanks.

[Extort]

MC is the most difficult with the steeper grades, but BA had the endurance built into it with the 30 mile climb...

Best bet is to slack off and not ride for a month before MC, then take another month off for HB, and then cap it off by starting to smoke cigarettes and drinking beer (but no riding!) before BA...

[adxm]

Ok, here's a stupid question ... how much different would the preparation be compared to training for a double century?

For me, it's pretty much the same thing. I rarely ride longer than 100-120 mi or so in training for a longer ride. The main difference is that mistakes - caloric/fluid intake, overexertions, etc., are much likelier to come back to bite you on a double than on a century. The main thing to work on is still raising your lactic threshold - so when you hit steep grades early you're able to hold a pace that doesn't wreck you later on - and when you reach the later hills you still have power to work up them.


And yeah, like extort says, start smoking and drinking heavily before the rides. It raises your hematocrit ;)

[Rick@OCRR]

I've avoided KOM for the last two years, but will go for it in 2008.

My plan is to ride both Mulholland and Heartbreak as doubles, plus Breathless Agony of course (not a double!). That way (I'm guessing?) I could get both CA Triple Crown and KOM credit for Mulholland and Heartbreak.

I've ridden BA twice (2004, 2005) and while it was a bit of a slog (esp. the last 8 miles to Onyx) I finished a good bit before the time limit. So no real worries there.

Still don't know gearing for Mulholland. Did Mt. Tam Double with my compact (34t x 27t low) and that had 14,500 ft. of climbing (including the very cruel Coleman Road). However, with Mulholland so early in the season, the triple (30t x 27t low) may be a smarter choice!

Plan to do GMR plus Ski-Lifts lots this winter, with hill-sprints in the middle . . . Training in the Santa Monica mountains is good advice too, but it's such a long drive from Whittier!

Rick / OCRR

[mkadam68]

Plan to do GMR plus Ski-Lifts lots this winter, with hill-sprints in the middle . . . Training in the Santa Monica mountains is good advice too, but it's such a long drive from Whittier!

So what your saying is we need a monthly ride to Baldy & the lifts?

(I think I need to get a compact for this...)

[herbm]

Oh yeah...I want to drop 10 lbs too!

Not me...I need to drop 20!!

Hey B!!!!!!!!!!

[Rick@OCRR]

Yes mkadam68,

At least every month, maybe every two weeks. Of course if we get heavy snow this winter, that will limit the Ski-Lifts riding (so we'll have to do more hill-sprints!). I have ridden the Ski-Lifts climb (once) with a 39 x 27 but it was much more comfortable (if I can use that word . . . ) with the compact 34 x 27.

Rick / OCRR

[Brandy]

Still don't know gearing for Mulholland. Did Mt. Tam Double with my compact (34t x 27t low) and that had 14,500 ft. of climbing (including the very cruel Coleman Road). However, with Mulholland so early in the season, the triple (30t x 27t low) may be a smarter choice!


There were A LOT of people on Mulholland Challenge riding triples and that was the only KOM event where I was wishing and praying for one! If I ever did Mulholland Double, I think that I would want a triple...they hit Decker at mile 150+ IIRC and hitting it at 60+ on the century was tough for me. In fact, I actually got off and rested for a short minute before resuming that climb, my legs were D.O.N.E. :eek: I will definitely focus more on steeper climbs before Mulholland next year.

[Brandy]

Not me...I need to drop 20!!

Hey B!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Herb! :p