Training & Nutrition - Five Boro Race Training for Beginner

Hello,

I'm a 26 year-old with no experience is long-distance cycling. I just signed up for the 45-mile Five Boro Bike Race in New York that is in 6 weeks (on May 3rd). I want to train to make sure I have the endurance to finish the race, which should be basically flat in terms of incline except for bridges across the boros. In the weeks leading up to the race, I want to train for endurance (not necessarily speed). Does anyone have a training regimen that I could look at that would fit my profile? I think I could train between 6-10 hours a week.

Thanks!

No doubt, our readers here can offer more intelligent advice, but I've worked on the 5BBT since the first one in 1977. It's a TOUR not a race. Average speed will probably not exceed 10mph. In addition, there are plenty of rest stops, and you can simpy pull over (WAY over, out of the way , thank you) for a minute to rest. The big climbs are the obvious ones: FDR Drive to QB Bridge and Shore Parkway to VZ Bridge. plus the annoying (because of congestion) hill in Central Park. You won't be the fastest; you surely won't be the slowest. Until then just ride, and on Tour day, stay alert. Unlike us professionals here on BF, for many, this is the one and only ride of the year, and just riding in a straight line is an accomplishment. Stay alert. And when you make the left turn from 135th Street onto the Madison Avenue Bridge, give a wave; I'll be the yellow jersey on the white Falcon.

As the previous post stated, IT'S A TOUR! NOT A RACE. Watch out for people stopping for no reason in the middle of the road. Watch out for people running across the road. And watch out for people zig zagging all over the road thinking it is a race.