I've been putting in about 150-180 miles a week training for the Assault on Mt. Mitchell, which is on June 9th. While I've done two long rides (86 and 100 miles, the last 3 weeks have been my normal routine, plus a 60 mile hill climbing ride (5000 feet of climbing, most of it in two intense sections). Today was the 4th time I've done it, and I may do it again on Monday. With only a limited time before the big ride, what should I do from here until the 9th? I can do a hard/long ride on Monday, and potentially one on Saturday the 31st, but will I be hurting my chances for the 9th? Or...should I taper down towards the big event? If so, any suggestions?

I usually only taper a few days before my big events. June 9th is still a long way off.

This week is going to be a big week - I did 2 55 mile / 5000 foot rides over the weekend, (one on Saturday, and one on Sunday). 40 miles commuting today, 40 on Thursday, and my last 'tough' ride before Mt. Mitchell. Here's my question:

Should I do Mt. Weather again (lots of tough climbing), or do a long ride with lots of saddle time? I've done an 86-miler and one 100-miler, but I'm wondering if I should focus more on distance for my last big ride before the event. Any advice?

I normally keep up the hard training until 1 week before the event, then just ride easy for the week so that I'm fresh on the big day. Also, if you have to travel to the ride, try and get there early enough the day before that you can put in an easy 15-20 miles to shake out the legs and make sure the bike is working well.

SP

Given a choice, would you do more mileage, or more climbing on the last big ride?