I have a bet that may go down at any time and I need to get as much info as I can before the details are worked out. Here it is:

I would have to ride a bike from Sunriver, OR to Reno, NV (400mi.) in 5 days.

Now for some background info. I am NOT a bike rider, the last time I was on a bike was 10 years ago when I was 15. I don't workout or exercise regularly. I wouldn't say that I am in bad shape but I am not in good shape. I am about 5'11" and 160lbs.

So my questions. 1.Is this enough time? 2.What if I have 10-14 days to get ready? 3.What is the best way to go about this? (slow and steady or long rides and long brakes)

Any help would be great.

Oh man, if this happens, please post a ride report.

My only advice would be to go sloow and steady. 80 miles / day is a heck of a long way. If you find yourself out of breath, you're going way too hard unless youre on a hill.

How much climbing does this route have? You doing it supported or do you need to carry your own gear?

2 months would be better than 2 weeks for training. 6 months would be even better than that.

Good luck! Do let us know how it goes!

Reno is at about 5000ft and Sunriver is at 4200ft. I have driven to Reno a couple times, iirc there is one good size climb right about 40mi in, nothing else sticks in my mind but I am checking into it now. I would be fully supported, and would only carry what I wanted. I have also worked in a clock stoppage for mechanical failures.

If I can go 7 hours on and 7 hours off at a 6mi/hr avg. I can hit my 80mi a day mark with some cushion. Is this practical?

If this is going to happen it has to be this month. So whatever time i have for training will be short.

Do some riding and make sure the bike fits and is adjusted properly. ride three or four hours a day to get used to the saddle.

if you're reasonably fit shouldn't be an issue. works out to 10mph average for 8 hours a day.

if it was me I'd plan 8 hours ride time, then push it without overworking for the first four or five hours each day just to bank some time/miles then float along at the average speed (10mph) for the rest of the day, but maintain the 8hr ride time I'd be surprised if you didn't get there a lot earlier than expected.

The way to ride is up to you, take a break when you need it not by the clock. schedules are for professionals who've had time to train to a schedule, ams work best when listening to their bodies.


I think you can do it, just keep us posted!

Ken.

If you aren't aregular rider, don't make the mistake of pressing too hard on the pedals - use a lower gear and pedal faster. When I did my first trip thats the mistake I made.
Take a 5 minute break each hour. Drink lots. Eat plenty.

All good advice up there, especially the eat/hydrate advice. You'll be amazed at what your body's capabilities are.....most people seriously underestimate what they are capable of with a bit of training and nutritional management.

All of this is good advice, but I'm going to be the voice that says this would be unwise at your level of preparation.

80 miles a day is a long ride even for a diehard cyclist. 8-10 mph is pretty slow on a bicycle, but you'd have to keep that up for hours and hours. And the route is not easy, with lots of up and down that you don't notice driving. Hills that don't even register in a car will be excruciating on a bicycle, and ones that are "significant" will be "vomit-inducing".

Do you have the skills and equipment you need to do this safely? Do you know how to ride a bicycle safely on a highway? Can you handle traffic? Can you look behind you without swerving? Do you know how to climb and descend a hill safely? And if anything does happen, can you rescue yourself? Cellphone coverage is spotty to non-existent out there, and it's easy to get lost.

Most importantly, can you do it mentally? Can you make your legs keep spinning for 8 long hours? And after your first night, when you hurt so bad that you'll wish you were dead, will you be able to get up and do it again for 8 more hours? Is "a bet" enough motivation?

Before you even decide to go, you need to try riding 80 miles in one day. Then evaluate whether you want to do this.

A lot of cyclists love traveling long distances. And this would be a beautiful ride for when you are ready. But doing it unprepared is not a good idea, and doing it unprepared to win a bet is just foolish.

^^ +1 You are not going to prepare yourself in two weeks, starting from square zero, for 400mi in 5 days unless you have above average determination, discipline and tolerance for pain.

If you wish to attempt it, start riding TODAY, for as long as you can handle it, taking a tool kit with you to make adjustments to the bike (a properly fitting and performing bike will reduce some of your suffering). Take breaks when you feel tired or sore, then continue on...you'll have to get used to 'getting back on the horse' even when you're body is telling you to quit, so ride/rest/repeat at least 3 times before hitting the showers. Repeat this for 3 days, then take a day off, then repeat for the next 3 days, increasing your total distance per leg by 5-10% each day, then take another rest day, then attempt an 80-100 mile ride. If you can make that and decide you want to continue to attempt the full ride, take the remaining days off, concentrating on logistics, bike maintenance, eating well to build energy stores and pre-hydrating by drinking lots of water. Take a very short, low intensity ride the day before your journey just to loosen up.

Good luck, you're gonna need it to go from slug to stud in 10-14 days.

So what's the bet? What do you get if you make it?

Wow...I'm getting my post in here so I can keep track of this one.

I just statred cycling at the end of April. I remember my first ride 15 miles at 13 mph average. I couldn't make it up one significant hill and had to get off the bike. My butt hurt after about 10 miles (with cycling shorts) where I had to pedal some and stand some the last 5 miles home and the boys were numb for a couple days :D.

On 9/1 I completed my first century. It was a "flat" century that took me just under 9 hours to complete (total time - saddle time was just under 7 hours). I can tell you that I would not have wanted to get up and do it again the next day, and the next and the next... (some day maybe :D). To get to that point I trained and had done 50 & 77 mile rides prior so I knew I could at least spend 3-5 hours in the saddle.

Now, you might be in better shape than I am. You are certainly younger and lighter! :D That will help some. But 5 in a row 80 mile days for someone who isn't used to doing even one 80 mile day might be stretching it. Plus there is the science of hydration and nutrition to learn (I am still learning how my body works with this on longer rides).

I think this sounds like a delightful ride to try. I would like to do a long distnance ride like that some day. However, you might want to get an extension so you can fit in more and training time. Two weeks doesn't sound like enough time. Of course I'm old and fat :D...

If you do it, please take lots of pictures and post a ride report. I'd love to read it!!

10 mph average, ride 4 hours, rest 2, ride 4 hours, sleep, goof off

piece of cake

the problem will be staying down to only 10mph. a lazy pedal should bring
you to 14mph

I'd say it will depend on your determination more than anything. Expect pain. Saddle pain, hand/wrist pain, foot pain. Basically all of the tender bits that interact with the bike. They're mostly tender because you haven't toughened them up yet. Add in the fact that you haven't tweaked your bike (most likely) to minimize pain & there you are.

You're likely in good enough shape at 25 & your weight for your muscles etc to handle the ride, provided you have the grit to get through it. I don't know that area. Hopefully there are plenty of places to stop and get some food/drink.

Here's how I suggest you do it. Ride 10-15 miles & take a 1/2 hour break (eat during the rest period, drink as required including on bike). Repeat 5-8 times (what ever it takes to get to 80 miles).


You need to figure out your food/drink & gear. If you're hauling it all with you, the speed will be a bit slow. If you've got someone available to support you, that's that way I would go. Your average speed will probably be in the 10-15mph range if you're not hauling everything. Have them meet you every other stop or so & refill your water/food stocks.

My little brother did 500 miles in 6 days without much previous experience. I helped him out with gear selection & food choices. Read around the forums for things like that. You'll need to be able to repair your bike in case of breakdowns (flat tires, etc). The one thing I overlooked on his ride was medical supplies. He had some major blisters/sores going. If he wasn't semi-crazy, he wouldn't have finished.

He went with his wife & she dropped supplies off at 40 miles in waterproof bags (that fit in his rack trunk) & set up campsites at 80 miles (rural route). She had her sister with her, so he often jokes that his blisters were less painful than riding in the car with them each day.

Good luck.

Thanks for all the help and advice! Exactly what I am looking for!

I realize that I have nowhere near enough time to adiquatly prepair. There must to be a real chance I will fail in order for me to get action. That said, I am going to give myself every chance I can to win.

The other side is still trying to raise money and workout some details. I am trying to work a 70them - 30me split on expenses (bike, food, gas, GPS, radios, ect.) So I am sure I will have plenty of equipment questions once we have a budget worked out.

I have a $5,000 minimum, for me to take the bet. So the bet will be somewhere in the 5-8k range.

I don't have to ride the whole way, I can walk. Walking at an easy pace will get me 3-4mph, so that will help.

I am off to look at bikes and talk to some knowledgeble locals. I am also going in for a Physical to see what the Doc thinks about this.

I'll be sure to keep everyone posted as this thing progresses.

Thanks for all the help!

Kyle

You don't even have a bike yet? Dude, get a recumbent - I'm not a 'bent fan myself, but that's what I would choose if I were in your shoes. You'll be able to ride a longer distance in more comfort than on an upright bike given the same preparation time.

5k for riding 400 miles in 5 days? Where do I sign up?

You don't even have a bike yet? Dude, get a recumbent - I'm not a 'bent fan myself, but that's what I would choose if I were in your shoes. You'll be able to ride a longer distance in more comfort than on an upright bike given the same preparation time.

+1

2 weeks should be plenty of time to grow a beard, drop some acid, and put on a couple of pounds.

+1

2 weeks should be plenty of time to grow a beard, drop some acid, and put on a couple of pounds.

:roflmao:

You don't even have a bike yet? Dude, get a recumbent - I'm not a 'bent fan myself, but that's what I would choose if I were in your shoes. You'll be able to ride a longer distance in more comfort than on an upright bike given the same preparation time.

Not only that, but by the end of the ride, you'll know how to balance, unclip, and in general ride on the rode on a 'bent without killing yourself! :)

I'm 60, just started riding a month ago and did a 65 mile ride this past weekend, averaging 13.5 MPH. I think I could have gone another 15 for a total of 80. (I don't know if I could do it five days in a row.) But, given your age and weight, I think you can do it. I would recommend you get at least two pair of good, padded bike shorts and wear them without underwear. You'll also need some Chamois Butt'r lubricant for your groin. I can't tell you how much more comfortable these two things have made my long distance riding. And since you haven't bought the bike yet, if you don't go with the recumbent be sure to get a bike with three chain rings and a 12-27 cogset so that you have a very low gear for doing any steep hills.

May the force be with you.

You might be able to pull this off. You should seriously consider a recumbent for a number of reasons. One is that the seats are more like sitting in a chair. Since you're not saddle conditioned, you'll really hurt after 500 miles on a standard seat. Also, there's an aero advantage with most bents so you won't have to work as hard. Lastly, a bent will be useful for carrying things you'll need like a camelback.

You will be traveling through both heat and cold because you will be at high elevations at least part of the time. This means that you will need comfortable clothes. Do not attempt this with ordinary clothing. Get cycling clothes because they'll keep you warm when it's cool and vice versa. Wear cycling shoes and get clipless pedals. There is a reason why everyone uses them, and it's not just to lighten their wallets.

Do not train too hard for this. There is no way you can get in shape. You need to make sure that the bike is as comfortable as possible. Take lots of breaks, drink lots of water, and I hope you're determined.

If the bet were for a few hundred bucks, I'd bet you wouldn't make it -- I don't think the odds favor you. However, for 5 grand (and bragging rights) on the line, I think you have a shot.

you can do it dude....just remember......pain is weakness leaving the body.

I have a buddy of mine who didn't ride much at all really that just made it all the way across the country unsupported averaging around 100 miles a day on a 20 year old road bike with two chain rings with about 50 pounds of gear. He was slow when he started out but really picked up the pace as he went. He rode from South Carolina to Seattle. I think he would have had trouble doing that first 400 miles in five days though. He had tons of pain in the beginning and it took him a while to sort all of that out. I said he wasn't a cyclist but he was a serious rock climber and ultramarathoner so he wasn't new to athletics or pain.

I think you should go for it. That sounds like an awesome week to me.

I'm surprised that nobody has come up with this suggestion: stunt double. :D

All of this is good advice, but I'm going to be the voice that says this would be unwise at your level of preparation.

80 miles a day is a long ride even for a diehard cyclist. 8-10 mph is pretty slow on a bicycle, but you'd have to keep that up for hours and hours. And the route is not easy, with lots of up and down that you don't notice driving. Hills that don't even register in a car will be excruciating on a bicycle, and ones that are "significant" will be "vomit-inducing".

Do you have the skills and equipment you need to do this safely? Do you know how to ride a bicycle safely on a highway? Can you handle traffic? Can you look behind you without swerving? Do you know how to climb and descend a hill safely? And if anything does happen, can you rescue yourself? Cellphone coverage is spotty to non-existent out there, and it's easy to get lost.

Most importantly, can you do it mentally? Can you make your legs keep spinning for 8 long hours? And after your first night, when you hurt so bad that you'll wish you were dead, will you be able to get up and do it again for 8 more hours? Is "a bet" enough motivation?

Before you even decide to go, you need to try riding 80 miles in one day. Then evaluate whether you want to do this.

A lot of cyclists love traveling long distances. And this would be a beautiful ride for when you are ready. But doing it unprepared is not a good idea, and doing it unprepared to win a bet is just foolish.

I'm one of those cyclist who love that kind of mileage, for $5K I'd take that bet (even though I'm not a good climber). They'd probably ask a LD cyclist to do it in a single ride but not a single day.

I have to agree with DevLaVaca, you're going to hurt! I'll recommend getting butt butter (chamios cream) for your shorts. You'll probably want one of the muscle creams for after the day's ride. I don't know if they work but they feel pretty good (but smell funny). Don't even think of riding on one of those gel cushioned seats you'll regret it. You need cycling gloves. Another worry is how well you play in traffic. In 400 miles you will encounter traffic. Especially idiot drivers.

Let me tell you an important story. I ride with a group of people who like to do a double century (200 miles in one day). One of our riders failed to drink properly and became dehydrated because he had the runs. He refused to get in the van. He injured his kidneys and he needed medical attention for 3 months. That's a serious injury! Becareful you can hurt yourself if your not careful.

You'd better start now working on long distance rides, what food you can eat while on the bike (and what you can get along the way) and drink constantly. I'll recommend a Camelbak, they make it easy to drink, so drink often and take multiple sips. Drink a sports drink (not soda), water down to your tastes. You'll need to eat/drink a variety of foods. If you eat/drink the same thing all day long you'll be sick of it and not want to eat/drink. Lastly that 80 mile ride that DevLaVaca recommends is important. During a long ride you'll hit a mental doldrum, this is where you're really tired. This is the point in the ride where you can make stupid mistakes. You need to recognize this and know how to deal with this. Oh one more important thing is that you need to be able to move you hands about on the handle bars. A road bike is better than a hybrid or a MTB.

Dude, Ill split the 5k with you...you just need to supply a TANDEM and a return flight for me from new zealand. Ill do all the pedalling. You'll still get to ride a bike 400 miles.

Dude, Ill split the 5k with you...you just need to supply a TANDEM and a return flight for me from new zealand. Ill do all the pedalling. You'll still get to ride a bike 400 miles.

I'm closer and I'll bring the Tandem.

Main problem you will have will be the Butt. Just ask any new rider and that is the one thing that will stop you

The third day is the hardest, after that your body gets used to it and it becomes routine, as long as you stay within yourself. I agree with what was said, especially about the fit. I took my ex-wife on a 9 day tour on an ill-fitting bike and she suffered neck and shoulder pain and she made me hear about it for days.

I have two words for you ... Butt cream!
Seriously Good shorts or bibs, good saddle and lots of Assos. Otherwise stamina or not you will not be getting back on that saddle after probably the first day of riding, and that is a long way to pedal standing up. That being said if the bet were for say 10 grand or so you could maybe tough it out, but if were talking a couple hundred bucks or just bragging rights. Do it another time, train up and work out all the kinks first.
Regards,
Randy

Oops missed the part about the 5k, still if you are having to buy the bike, gear and food that can take a serious chunk out of that, then I assume you work so there is lost pay to consider. So lets take a moderately priced bike say 1000.00, an new saddle 100.00, shorts 80.00, jersey etc 150.00, helmet 50.00, safety lights 50.00, pedals 50.00, shoes 80.00, nutrition & food 30.00 per day, motels if you are not camping 50.00 per day more if paying for rooms for support people, fuel for support vehicle. I am sure I am forgetting one or two things .. oh yea 20.00 for butt cream. So in the end it may you may not end up with much more that saddle sores & bragging right anyway.
Regards,
Randy

Secretly get a bike and start training. Buy as much time as possible before making the bet, then buy more time before competing in the bet. That's your only hope. Good luck.

When I was 21/22 I rode from Ohio to the Gulf Coast, camping, and averaged 85/day. In the 35 days before I left I rode something like 20-30 miles total. BUT, in those 35 days I did an awful lot of running, marching, push-ups.... you get the idea.

It's a lot more possible at 25 than at 35 or 45, I'd think. Still a tall order.

Just don't let yourself get in a hurry. Stop every 10-15 miles. Stop often on long climbs. Eat lots. Enjoy.

It might be worth checking out a recumbent or a crank-forward... no pressure on the wrists. RANs advertises here, FWIW.