Fifty Plus (50+) - 50+ training for SF->LA 6 day 625 miles

Another Lurker popping out of the Shadows... I have been reading ( and laughing my a** off) for the last few months... this group is amazing.

I started riding again in February after a 15 year layoff. First trip out was a struggle to make a 3 mile loop around the Rose Bowl. With training 3 - 5 days a week I have dropped 30 pounds (still 40 lbs from goal weight) and have completed the Multiple Sclerosis two day 100 mile ride from LA to San Diego and the Rosarito to Ensenada 60 mile ride . So far my longest ride was a 62 mile day on the MS ride.

I know I need to build my mileage, but am concerned about any 50+ issuse surrounding recovery etc. associated with what is in essence 6 back to back centuries with at least one major climb each day.

The ride is scheduled for June 1 so I have some time to prepare

Any Thoughts Folks

Tim

A really, really good saddle...

This is the one I'm using, and it's great on long rides...

http://selleanatomica.com/

While saddles are personal, it seems like the kind of saddle that would work for a lot of people, because the tensioning bolt works really well...much better than the Brooks.

I know I need to build my mileage, but am concerned about any 50+ issuse surrounding recovery etc. associated with what is in essence 6 back to back centuries with at least one major climb each day.

The ride is scheduled for June 1 so I have some time to prepare

Any Thoughts Folks

Tim

Do a google on "multi-day cycling tour training" and you'll get several hits. There are some good tips on the sites.


I did a couple multi-day tours this year and didn't have any problems with recovery from day-to-day. Of course I wasn't doing 100 miles each day either. Most were in the 50-70 mile range.

You might consider some off-bike endurance training to build up your stamina. Now would be the time to try fueling your training rides to determine what does and does not work for you. For me, the fruits and some energy gels worked much better than some of the food available at rest stops. Work out any fit problems you might have with the bike.

Good luck with your ride and have fun!

A really, really good saddle...

http://selleanatomica.com/


I was lucky to read an article on saddles when I first started riding ... I have a Sella Evolution drop nose saddle, and I absolutely love it... worth every penny of the $200 spent.

I'm using the clyde model Selle An-Atomica that Rivendell sells... $145. It took a day or two to get it dialed in, and since then, it's been a major improvement in my cycling.

http://www.rivbike.com/products/list/saddles_and_seat_posts

Never done such a thing as day after day centuries. Please keep us informed as to how the training goes and what is working for you - this could be very educational.

I would think that if you kept the right pace that you strength should hold out but somewhere around day 3 or 4 you would start getting bone tired.

That's a lot of miles. You'll really know you did something when you finish.
You mention you need to ride lots. Really lots. Some back to back lots. Alieve is my friend Take lots with you. You might look into melatonin if sleep is an issue for you. You'll need a good nights rest every night.
I'm a fan of Recoverite from Hammer. Pricy, but for multi day rides who cares.
Do you sit ups
Make your neck strong
Ride lots

Oh, have fun.

Who's sponsoring your event?

Who's sponsoring your event?

Event Sponsor is SF Aids Project... proceeds to aids research, education, prevention, and health care for those who are already infected . Last year 3000 riders finished the ride.....

I've done 60 to 70 miles a day for a week several times on BRAG (http://www.brag.org/brag.html), but never daily centuries. That's quite a challenge you've set for yourself.
As you said, you'll want to ride a lot of miles in preparation, as many as possible on consecutive days. You'll want to make sure your bike is in good shape and reliable. You'll need to have a saddle that works for you. You'll need good shorts. I would definitely use a good chamois creme. You don't want to have a problem with sores or abrasions. Good hydration and a good plan for eating and otherwise taking on fuel will be very important.

Please keep us posted on your preparation and report on how the ride goes. Here's to you for even considering such a challenge. :beer::beer:

I think you might be a few miles off on the distance, but it's a tough ride. Have you signed up yet? We had a presentation on the ride at a club meeting. You will be assigned a ride buddy, or trainer. They will outline your training plan by routing your rides over the training period. At 50+, I'd ride comfortably and not try to win any land speed records. There is a meeting on riding rules that is mandatory if you want to do the ride. You should be able to contact the organizers and get a list of trainers/routes for your area. Between now and your ride, you might try different energy bars/gels/drinks to see which ones work best for you
The two people on my mail route that did this last year are already signed up again. Make sure you give us a link to donate, and don't forget the proper attire on Dress red.....er....Red Dress day.;)

Here's a sample training plan from the Aids/Lifecycle website. Don't forget you need hills in your training, lots of hills. Scroll down for the chart.

http://www.aidslifecycle.org/training/

I have already started training with two training groups.. one does a 12.5 mile ride with a 1 mile 6% climb every wed morning and the other does a 50+ mile ride from Ventura-> Santa Barbara ...(with a pie stop) on Sundays.

The mileage I mentioned was from a couple of last years riders who said the course was actually longer than promoted (at 575 miles) .

I am really concerned that there are some 50+ issues that might not be addressesd by these training plans and groups.