Charity Events - Tour de Cure, 2008! Team Stormcrowe rides again!

Wow... that doesn't even compare to my measly 200 miles distance.

hIT

Sorry Key Board Locked up and Computer went crazy.
My last return trip for Indy I went Deer Hunting @ 70 mph, just 40 miles from Indy.
I was Lucky as the Deer

Key Board?????
The deer went down under the car, not up into the windshield.
Try adding the pic now.

Texas is a Large State.
I am Beginning a New Adventure in the morning.
Joining a group of 12 that ride SIX days every week.
Most of them are retired and ride custom bikes.
They average about 240 miles per week.
All the riding is local. Wednesdays is the down day.
David Detmar is the Leader. He has logged 160,000 life bike miles. The oldest ridere is 75 y/o.
The youngest rider is a Tri Raceer 29 y/o female with a 13 lb Trek.
You may not see me much any longer.

I'm 594 miles away. We should all stay home and donate the gas/hotel money to Tour de Cure.

Stay Home sell all our bicycles. Donate to Tour de Cure.
I don't think many would go for that.
Indianapolis was my home for 28 years.
Most of the family still live there.

I'm just going so I can have a good time with you all. The bike riding is just a bonus! :)

Wow... that doesn't even compare to my measly 200 miles distance.

Mine is probably the least amount of miles for someone coming from out-of-state. I only have 107 miles from my home in Ohio. Looks like it might even be less than some who live in Indiana.

I'm just going so I can have a good time with you all. The bike riding is just a bonus! :)

Hear Hear!!! I'm looking forward to meeting everyone, and the overall experience. These BF gatherings are fun, and this one has the added bonus of giving to a great cause. :)

I've been to Indy so many times for races, the 358 mile drive is a mere walk in the park.

I also look forward to meeting all the BF members coming to the ride. I will need all your encouragement. This will be my first century, first organized ride, first time in a pack of riders, etc!!! Can't wait.

Tom, how are the jerseys going?

I also look forward to meeting all the BF members coming to the ride. I will need all your encouragement. This will be my first century, first organized ride, first time in a pack of riders, etc!!! Can't wait.


Me, too, except I won't be going 100 miles....

Birthday Ride Complete: 75 miles in Brazoria County Texas. Temps 51* to 67 *
Rode with a group of 5 retired folks.
They had me huffin and puffin.

Nice, and I know that feeling pretty well. I'll often show up at a club ride, and be the only person currently working for a living. Those retired folks all seem to work on kicking my butt during their off time:eek:

Oh, and Happy Birthday ::bday:

Birthday Ride Complete: 75 miles in Brazoria County Texas. Temps 51* to 67 *
Rode with a group of 5 retired folks.
They had me huffin and puffin.

Those retired folks all seem to work on kicking my butt during their off time:eek:
They Ride 6 days a week. One of the leaders has 2,436 mile this year.
Me to retired. Just gettting into road riding.
They are the perfect group to push me.

Happy Birthday 10 wheels! Sounds like you're starting a year of challenging yourself!

Chuck 69 y/o is giving me a 2 bike rack for my car. Birthday Gift
Nice group of folks.
I have just been invited to the DALMAC in Michigan Aug 27-31.
http://www.biketcba.org/DALMAC/dframe.html

Those retired folks all seem to work on kicking my butt during their off time:eek:
They Ride 6 days a week. One of the leaders has 2,436 mile this year.
Me to retired. Just gettting into road riding.
They are the perfect group to push me.

:bday: Nice birthday ride!

Most of my cycling friends are retired, too. I'm looking forward to my retirement later this year:D

interested in doing this, gotta see bout work... that mile drive from upper wv sounds like fun :)

plus, ill be doing it a month later for RAIN, why not do it for this...

interested in doing this, gotta see bout work... that mile drive from upper wv sounds like fun :)

plus, ill be doing it a month later for RAIN, why not do it for this...

We're getting quite a team put together for this ride:)

As a reminder, I have a block of rooms at the Brickyard Crossing hotel, right at the speedway. A Flat $75 a knight for the 13th and 14th. No extra charges if you bring the Wife/GF/Whatever.

The rooms are reseved under "Team Stormcrowe" and bookings have to be done by May 13th to get in on this. I don't make any $$ off this, I just set it up since everyone is coming in from a LONG way off, and thought some nice rooms would save all of us some trouble. Contact info on the hotel is in this thread. :D Also, plan on a Team Dinner after the ride. Looking forward to seeing everyone there.


Meantime, I'm enjoying the fine Southeastern weather on vacation :D 75 and sunny right now. Yehaw!

I already confirmed my reservation for both nights. I can't wait!!

I had a minor let down on Sunday. My company's bike club went to an event so I decided to try it for some experience. I figured it would be a good chance to ride in a pack and see where I'm at since I haven't ridden for 5 months. :mad:, is all I have to say.

This was my first ride for '08. (I rode for four months during '07 and had worked up to 40 miles three times a week). The temps were colder than I would have prefered but my winter gear kept me warm so I don't think that was a big factor. The course had several steep climbs compared to where I normally ride. I was completely unprepared for them as I tanked after the fourth climb. I ended up only completing just under half of the distance I was shooting for. The other area I see the need for big improvements is my energy levels.

While elevation won't be a factor at Indy, how will you be preparing to handle the heat/humidity and maintain energy levels? I know to be drinking tons of water during the week leading up to the event. What will you be eating during the week leading up to it? What do you eat and at what time before the day of the ride? What will you be doing during the ride for hydration and food? Currently I have only one water bottle holder on my bike. Should I get a second? Should I invest in a Camelback hydration system or the like?

I just want to be prepared so that I can finish the entire 100.

I booked a room for Bev and I to share already, too...

I had a minor let down on Sunday. My company's bike club went to an event so I decided to try it for some experience. I figured it would be a good chance to ride in a pack and see where I'm at since I haven't ridden for 5 months. :mad:, is all I have to say.

This was my first ride for '08. (I rode for four months during '07 and had worked up to 40 miles three times a week). The temps were colder than I would have prefered but my winter gear kept me warm so I don't think that was a big factor. The course had several steep climbs compared to where I normally ride. I was completely unprepared for them as I tanked after the fourth climb. I ended up only completing just under half of the distance I was shooting for. The other area I see the need for big improvements is my energy levels.

While elevation won't be a factor at Indy, how will you be preparing to handle the heat/humidity and maintain energy levels? I know to be drinking tons of water during the week leading up to the event. What will you be eating during the week leading up to it? What do you eat and at what time before the day of the ride? What will you be doing during the ride for hydration and food? Currently I have only one water bottle holder on my bike. Should I get a second? Should I invest in a Camelback hydration system or the like?

I just want to be prepared so that I can finish the entire 100.


Don't let this ride get you down. It was cold, first ride of the year, steep hills, etc. Any one of us would have a tough time under these conditions. I did a 30 mile breakfast ride Sunday morning and my legs were killing me later in the day. It was my second ride of the year on this route and those hills were much steeper than I remember from last year:rolleyes:

You might want to add another water cage but remember you'll be on the track and there should be plenty of water and food available.

I usually eat breakfast an hour or two before a ride like this one. My usual breakfast is oatmeal, protein powder and ground flax seed - plain oatmeal does just as well. Eat foods you would normally eat before a ride. Ride day is not the time to experiment with new foods.

There will be stops along the course with food and drinks. I usually go for the bananas, fruits and nuts. These are things I normally eat and they seem to agree with me while riding. I've found some of the ingredients in a few of the energy bars don't agree with me:(

The most important thing to remember is eat before you're hungry and drink before you're thirsty, but don't overdo it. For me that usually means a banana or small energy bar every 25-30 miles. This may vary for you. I always carry an energy bar on the bike with me. If you carry one make sure it's not chocolate - this melts in warm weather:eek: I normally add Gatorade to my water bottles. I don't like it full strength so I dilute it - half water & half Gatorade. Depending on the temperatures, a bottle will last me for the 25-30 miles. The hotter it is the more I drink to replace water lost through perspiration.

What did you eat before this ride? Climbing hills zaps my energy much faster than riding flats.

Everyone is different and these are just the things that work for me. I know some people who seldom eat during longer rides....but I can't do it.

Water isn't going to be an issue on the track ride, since you'll have the Aid Station every 2.5 miles. ;) Take in about 220 calories an hour and stay sipping, and alternate between Electrolyte solution and water. SOmething like Gatoraid, Powerade, or Accelerade, or Hammer Heed. The last two would be my preferred, by the way. 2 waterbottles will do ya.

I had a minor let down on Sunday. My company's bike club went to an event so I decided to try it for some experience. I figured it would be a good chance to ride in a pack and see where I'm at since I haven't ridden for 5 months. :mad:, is all I have to say.

This was my first ride for '08. (I rode for four months during '07 and had worked up to 40 miles three times a week). The temps were colder than I would have prefered but my winter gear kept me warm so I don't think that was a big factor. The course had several steep climbs compared to where I normally ride. I was completely unprepared for them as I tanked after the fourth climb. I ended up only completing just under half of the distance I was shooting for. The other area I see the need for big improvements is my energy levels.

While elevation won't be a factor at Indy, how will you be preparing to handle the heat/humidity and maintain energy levels? I know to be drinking tons of water during the week leading up to the event. What will you be eating during the week leading up to it? What do you eat and at what time before the day of the ride? What will you be doing during the ride for hydration and food? Currently I have only one water bottle holder on my bike. Should I get a second? Should I invest in a Camelback hydration system or the like?

I just want to be prepared so that I can finish the entire 100.

I had a minor let down on Sunday. My company's bike club went to an event so I decided to try it for some experience. I figured it would be a good chance to ride in a pack and see where I'm at since I haven't ridden for 5 months. :mad:, is all I have to say.

This was my first ride for '08. (I rode for four months during '07 and had worked up to 40 miles three times a week). The temps were colder than I would have prefered but my winter gear kept me warm so I don't think that was a big factor. The course had several steep climbs compared to where I normally ride. I was completely unprepared for them as I tanked after the fourth climb. I ended up only completing just under half of the distance I was shooting for. The other area I see the need for big improvements is my energy levels.

While elevation won't be a factor at Indy, how will you be preparing to handle the heat/humidity and maintain energy levels? I know to be drinking tons of water during the week leading up to the event. What will you be eating during the week leading up to it? What do you eat and at what time before the day of the ride? What will you be doing during the ride for hydration and food? Currently I have only one water bottle holder on my bike. Should I get a second? Should I invest in a Camelback hydration system or the like?

I just want to be prepared so that I can finish the entire 100.

my 2 cents would be this... get a 2nd holder, and make sure you have 3-4 (or more) bottles. on the ride trade a bottle when you need to and you'll be set. I typically use 25% gatorade/75% water with salt tabs or ill use a 50/50 mix if i dont. I try to take in an ounce a mile on long hot rides. so for this ride you'll be taking a new bottle every 8-10 laps depending on bottle size going by my theory. just spend time on the bike and you'll be fine.

Definately add the second water botle as the others have stated. Especially if your doing rides of 40+ miles. The second bottle will actually help you to learn to drink more often while riding. I found when using just one bottle, I would try to conserve water which isn't a good idea.
I agree with the others on bottle use also. One filled with water, and the other with an Electrolyte of some sort. I buy individual packets, and carry them along in my jersey or seat bag. That way when you stop to top off the bottles you can mix the packet in at the same time. I'm with Tom on Hammer Heed as being one of my favorites.
As far as the 1st ride thing, it'll come back don't worry. You'll be out riding 40 miles again before you know it. :D Believe me, if you can do 40 miles 3 times a week, you'll be more than ready for the 100 when it comes.

Denny

I booked a room for Bev and I to share already, too...

Woo Hoo!! I'm really looking forward to this ride. It can't get here soon enough.

One more thing, think about 800 mg of Ibuprofen just before you start the ride...as long as you aren't sensitive to it. It will help prevent knee inflammation on a distance ride.

Definitely stay hydrated taking it though......Definately add the second water botle as the others have stated. Especially if your doing rides of 40+ miles. The second bottle will actually help you to learn to drink more often while riding. I found when using just one bottle, I would try to conserve water which isn't a good idea.
I agree with the others on bottle use also. One filled with water, and the other with an Electrolyte of some sort. I buy individual packets, and carry them along in my jersey or seat bag. That way when you stop to top off the bottles you can mix the packet in at the same time. I'm with Tom on Hammer Heed as being one of my favorites.
As far as the 1st ride thing, it'll come back don't worry. You'll be out riding 40 miles again before you know it. :D Believe me, if you can do 40 miles 3 times a week, you'll be more than ready for the 100 when it comes.

Denny

If taking the 800mg Ibuprofin which comes with a warning to take with plenty of water and food, make sure you're increasing the water flow as well. My brother flunked a flight physical and had to go through some serious changes after taking that drug for an extended period. Plus if you're diabetic, you've already got a slam against your kidney and liver - slacking off on hydration the quickest way down a bad path. Get yourself a seatpost thing (dual bottle holder) and make sure you drain them if not during the ride, then directly after it.

If it's your first time out this year, I'd not sweat it a bit, we've the luxury down this way to be outside all year and run year round infact it gets to be a problem when it's prime middle of the season for you - then I've got to take a break to beat the heat and just hug the A/C duct. For flavored water - almost any electrolyte replenishment will work just as well as another, I've not found much of a difference in various brands, but then again, down here, fluids go through you fast. Replacement and replenishment is key to keeping you going. On the current distances, etc, Same - if you're running 40 miles 3 times a week now, 100 on "race day" shouldn't be too big a hassle. My group down this way is trying to run 80 miles on off weeks and trying to get centuries in almost ever other Sunday, but then again, it's high season, and weather is about as fair as it gets down this way.

I'm familiar with how quickly muscle tone goes away. When I broke my foot and ankle in '05, it took 5.5 months to learn to walk again. :eek: So I was more disappointed that I had lost so much during my winter lay-off. I guess I will need to get an indoor trainer so that doesn't happen again.

I thank everyone for the suggestions and tips. They will help make sure that I succeed at Indy. :D

Did I miss a post on the final decision for the shirts/jerseys?

Not yet....I have to get with the vendor now for the code. I went with the Larger Heckle and Jeckyl image in the sunburst though. I'll have the code up by the end of the week. I just ran out of time before vacation and am now playing catchup.

By the way, an update! We're the top fundraising team in Indiana and nearly $1000 ahead of the second place team! Great job everyone!

AND KUDOS TO LAST WEEK'S TOP FIVE FUNDRAISING TEAMS! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!
Team Stormcrowe: $2,230
Team Trusty: $1,391
Team de Cure: $1,000
Swat Team: $735
Sharon’s Shifters: $300

Just to run something past the team...

I just got notification from my other TdC ride (Harrisburg area) that they are going to be setting up special VIP areas for diabetics, and GIVING them special jerseys to set them apart.

I find this offensive to the purpose of the rides, and I was curious what others think? I am riding to have fun and raise money for a good cause, like research and medical assistance not to give jerseys to people becaus of their glucose levels. If they even check... otherwise they are also giving them to anyone who decides they want a jersey and has no ethical restriction against lying.

I replied to the email, and just received the response which was very polite and nice in telling me they don't care what I think. I was told that the Jerseys will be supplied by a special donation, but frankly that special donation would be better used in research or assistance in beneficial ways.

Personally, I was also offended at the Livestrong ride 2 years ago that survivors were given a rose at the end of the ride... I did not ride to buy roses for survivors... or maybe everyone who participarted deserved a rose... either way is fine with me. I think that the fact the person is able to ride is their true reward...

I am not heartless, and I am very thankful that I have not had to deal with diabetes or cancer, and I do these rides to help in a small way... But frankly, I ride (and donate) to give people a chance at what I have... either now or in the future, and since I don't get a free jersey or a rose, I don't ride so they can get them.

What do some of the rest of you think? Am I off the mark on this?

I believe the jerseys were donated by the manufacturer, and will give a net + on the PR side. Just my take, but I don't see anything wrong with honoring a diabetic with a little extra recognition for doing the ride, since it has the dual purpose of demonstrating that diabetics can function at a high level athletically and also serve as a positive reinforcer to other diabetics to start a more active lifestyle.

This would be an example of "Modeling behavior" from a psychological standpoint and would get results in excess of doing the same thing for the same cost of newsletters or circular documents. The exposure would be worth far more than any advertising time purchased as well. I can't quote, but it's likewly in excess of $3 value/$ spent. More bang for the buck.

Just to run something past the team...

I just got notification from my other TdC ride (Harrisburg area) that they are going to be setting up special VIP areas for diabetics, and GIVING them special jerseys to set them apart.

I find this offensive to the purpose of the rides, and I was curious what others think? I am riding to have fun and raise money for a good cause, like research and medical assistance not to give jerseys to people becaus of their glucose levels. If they even check... otherwise they are also giving them to anyone who decides they want a jersey and has no ethical restriction against lying.

I replied to the email, and just received the response which was very polite and nice in telling me they don't care what I think. I was told that the Jerseys will be supplied by a special donation, but frankly that special donation would be better used in research or assistance in beneficial ways.

Personally, I was also offended at the Livestrong ride 2 years ago that survivors were given a rose at the end of the ride... I did not ride to buy roses for survivors... or maybe everyone who participarted deserved a rose... either way is fine with me. I think that the fact the person is able to ride is their true reward...

I am not heartless, and I am very thankful that I have not had to deal with diabetes or cancer, and I do these rides to help in a small way... But frankly, I ride (and donate) to give people a chance at what I have... either now or in the future, and since I don't get a free jersey or a rose, I don't ride so they can get them.

What do some of the rest of you think? Am I off the mark on this?

I believe the jerseys were donated by the manufacturer, and will give a net + on the PR side. Just my take, but I don't see anything wrong with honoring a diabetic with a little extra recognition for doing the ride, since it has the dual purpose of demonstrating that diabetics can function at a high level athletically and also serve as a positive reinforcer to other diabetics to start a more active lifestyle.

This would be an example of "Modeling behavior" from a psychological standpoint and would get results in excess of doing the same thing for the same cost of newsletters or circular documents. The exposure would be worth far more than any advertising time purchased as well. I can't quote, but it's likewly in excess of $3 value/$ spent. More bang for the buck.

I know, at one level you are right, but if exposure is the objective, wouldn't giving jerseys to all 600 participants be even better? ;)

I do agree that it is nice to give people the opportunity to stand out in events that are being thrown in their honor, but maybe it is just the selfish side of me that thinks a person with no connection to the disease, but doing the same ride might be the one that should be singled out. I know the underlying reasons at some level, but the more overt reason is a reward for having a disease... maybe my objection is related to my view on racial equality issues... the way to move things to where they should be, we should neither hold down the advantaged, or falsely lift the down-trodden, we should just stand side by side and take on each others fights.

On a slightly different tack... For these rides, would we be better served to encourage diabetics to become more active (a worthy view I hadn't considered) or to encourage peiople with no connection to the disease to get off their couches and do something to help?

Heck, Indy will be my third Tour de Cure, and East Hill's contribution is the first contribution of any amount I didn't make myself... The only person close to me that has had diabetes, I would find offensive to ride for... (The male equivalent of a wicked stepmother)...

And to be clear, I am not even really posting this to say that I am right... although I might be. :p I truly hope that someone comes up with a statement that helps me to accept it, and feel compassion for anyone I see with the special jerseys rather than contempt.

I do feel compassion for diabetics, I do know that the disease can be devastating. And I did just think of someone in my past who had diabetes... I lost touch with him, and he died a few years later (potentially from complications). So, yes I do feel compassion, but if the vendor is willing to supply 20 or 30 jerseys, then let's push for 600... :)

Or maybe redesign the participant shirts... "I rode 60 miles for diabetes, and all I got was this dumb t-shirt" :D :D :D :D

Better yet, I am going to have a t-shirt made...

"I'm riding 60 miles for diabetes and I had to buy my own damned shirt!"

:roflmao::roflmao::roflmao:

I crack me up!!!!

I don't know... I was just thinking last night that I wish they hadn't sent me the training T-shirt they did, and I assume we get a T-shirt after completing the ride. And all the prizes for donations raised. I guess I don't know much about how all this stuff works, but I think all those Xtras are pretty unnecessary, and the money should just stay earmarked for research.

Just to run something past the team...

I just got notification from my other TdC ride (Harrisburg area) that they are going to be setting up special VIP areas for diabetics, and GIVING them special jerseys to set them apart.

I find this offensive to the purpose of the rides, and I was curious what others think? I am riding to have fun and raise money for a good cause, like research and medical assistance not to give jerseys to people becaus of their glucose levels. If they even check... otherwise they are also giving them to anyone who decides they want a jersey and has no ethical restriction against lying.

I replied to the email, and just received the response which was very polite and nice in telling me they don't care what I think. I was told that the Jerseys will be supplied by a special donation, but frankly that special donation would be better used in research or assistance in beneficial ways.

Personally, I was also offended at the Livestrong ride 2 years ago that survivors were given a rose at the end of the ride... I did not ride to buy roses for survivors... or maybe everyone who participarted deserved a rose... either way is fine with me. I think that the fact the person is able to ride is their true reward...

I am not heartless, and I am very thankful that I have not had to deal with diabetes or cancer, and I do these rides to help in a small way... But frankly, I ride (and donate) to give people a chance at what I have... either now or in the future, and since I don't get a free jersey or a rose, I don't ride so they can get them.

What do some of the rest of you think? Am I off the mark on this?

Well, from one standpoint, for finishing the Hundred mile event, you will be getting a special jersey as well, the first 100 mile on the speedway Jersey. I don't know the final design, but it will be a limited run for the riders that at least meet the $150 fundraising minimum. It's just for the hundred milers that finish. :D

I know, at one level you are right, but if exposure is the objective, wouldn't giving jerseys to all 600 participants be even better? ;)

I do agree that it is nice to give people the opportunity to stand out in events that are being thrown in their honor, but maybe it is just the selfish side of me that thinks a person with no connection to the disease, but doing the same ride might be the one that should be singled out. I know the underlying reasons at some level, but the more overt reason is a reward for having a disease... maybe my objection is related to my view on racial equality issues... the way to move things to where they should be, we should neither hold down the advantaged, or falsely lift the down-trodden, we should just stand side by side and take on each others fights.

On a slightly different tack... For these rides, would we be better served to encourage diabetics to become more active (a worthy view I hadn't considered) or to encourage peiople with no connection to the disease to get off their couches and do something to help?

Heck, Indy will be my third Tour de Cure, and East Hill's contribution is the first contribution of any amount I didn't make myself... The only person close to me that has had diabetes, I would find offensive to ride for... (The male equivalent of a wicked stepmother)...

And to be clear, I am not even really posting this to say that I am right... although I might be. :p I truly hope that someone comes up with a statement that helps me to accept it, and feel compassion for anyone I see with the special jerseys rather than contempt.

I do feel compassion for diabetics, I do know that the disease can be devastating. And I did just think of someone in my past who had diabetes... I lost touch with him, and he died a few years later (potentially from complications). So, yes I do feel compassion, but if the vendor is willing to supply 20 or 30 jerseys, then let's push for 600... :)

Or maybe redesign the participant shirts... "I rode 60 miles for diabetes, and all I got was this dumb t-shirt" :D :D :D :D

I'm familiar with how quickly muscle tone goes away. When I broke my foot and ankle in '05, it took 5.5 months to learn to walk again. :eek: So I was more disappointed that I had lost so much during my winter lay-off. I guess I will need to get an indoor trainer so that doesn't happen again.

I thank everyone for the suggestions and tips. They will help make sure that I succeed at Indy. :D

Just another point of view from Road Bike Review, with some very valid points indeed.

6. BEST OF COACH FRED

What Should I Eat to Enjoy Long Rides?

Q: I don't have a problem with energy on my 90-minute weekday rides. But I bonk badly when going 75 miles (120 km) or more on weekends and this makes the second half not much fun. What should I eat for longer distances? -- Pete T.

Coach Fred Matheny Replies: It's amazing how many calories we burn on long rides. A century can incinerate more than 4,000. Riders tend to underestimate how much food this represents.

With the help of a calorie chart, put 4,000 calories worth of bagels, sandwiches, fruit and cookies on your kitchen table. Hint: It's equivalent to about 16-17 energy bars.

They don't make jersey pockets big enough for so much grub. And, of course, you don't need to replace every calorie burned. The trick is to start long rides with a full tank and then begin steady in-flight refueling. Here's how:

Eat 2-3 hours before the start. If you scarf down a quick slice of toast and cup of coffee, you'll soon be toast, too. Get up early, if necessary, to have a substantial meal.

Mix protein and fat with carbs. Most nutritionists suggest a pre-ride meal that includes all three food components, not just carbohydrate. I like a bowl of cereal with skim milk, a banana, juice and a bagel with cream cheese. Maybe a cheese omelet with home fries and a couple of biscuits works better for you.

Carbohydrate is essential to endurance performance, but fat and protein "stick to the ribs" better and make the meal last longer. Find what agrees with you and doesn't let your stomach feel hollow an hour into the ride.

Of course, an ample breakfast means it's uncomfortable to start fast, but that's actually a good thing when you're touring or riding for fun. It holds you to a reasonable early pace, the key to lasting the distance. You can always ride harder in the second half.

Keep re-fueling. Even after a fairly hefty pre-ride meal, you need to begin eating and drinking no later than an hour into the ride. At a burn rate of approximately 40 calories per mile, it's amazing how quickly cereal or an omelet gets converted to energy.

The rule of thumb for long rides is to consume 300-350 calories per hour. That's not as much as you burn, but it's about all you can digest. It's the equivalent of a typical energy bar and bottle or two of sports drink.

These calories, plus the muscle fuel already stored in your body, should give you the energy you need to stay ahead of the bonk all the way to the finish.

All you're going to be able to really absorb is around 220-250 calories/hr anyway, and anything more than that is just going to slosh in your stomach and wind up all over the track. :eek: Intense physical effort slows down uptake of nutrients and excess solid in your stomach can actually reduce your hydration as well, by pulling water from the body to the stomach because of osmosis. Fluid flows to the higher particulate concentration through a semipermeable membrane like the stomach and intestinal linings and solid food is particulate.

I have a Great Niece who @ the young age of four years developed Type I diabetes.
They had walks with tee-shirts for each team. I felt that was a waste of funds. But then again it might create interest and funding for more research. Who really knows?
She is now seven. Please read what she has to endure each and everyday.
http://www.princessdianna.net/

I have a Great Niece who @ the young age of four years developed Type I diabetes.
They had walks with tee-shirts for each team. I felt that was a waste of funds. But then again it might create interest and funding for more research. Who really knows?
She is now seven. Please read what she has to endure each and everyday.
http://www.princessdianna.net/

She's a real cutie!

Got the New Felt F-80 Wednesday. Went for a 20 mile ride this afternoon.
Awesome Ugly Yellow Spider Bike. 2 to 3 mph faster then the Old Heavy 83 Nishiki.
Believe I can Finish the Indy 100 miles. Bike photo at my 1/2 mile practice area.

Got the New Felt F-80 Wednesday. Went for a 20 mile ride this afternoon.
Awesome Ugly Yellow Spider Bike. 2 to 3 mph faster then the Old Heavy 83 Nishiki.
Believe I can Finish the Indy 100 miles. Bike photo at my 1/2 mile practice area.

Yellow bikes are my favorite! Not only are they visible, but they're so cheerful. With your black accessories, it's more of a bumble bee bike than a spider bike, unless you've got really scary spiders in TX.

We played Hide and Seek as kids in Indiana, We would often find ourselves in the bushes with a large Black and Yellow Spider. It was the same kind that bit me at the lbs and made me buy it. Pic if it works this time. Spider pic doesn't work?
When I get the good photos, you will see 4 water bottles.

Spider pic:Didn't work?

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.carolinanature.com/spiders/argiope6252a.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.carolinanature.com/spiders/blackandyellowargiope.html&h=101&w=135&sz=28&tbnid=oem9hn2TfT0J:&tbnh=101&tbnw=135&prev=/images%3Fq%3DBlack%2Band%2Byellow%2BSpiders&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=1&ct=image&cd=1