Fifty Plus (50+) - Big ride in 3 wks; can't do any long rides to train; should I worry?

Hi,

As I've posted before, my "big" ride of the first half of this year (big for me, anyway) will be the 82-mile "Tour de Blast" up to Mt. St. Helens....6,240 feet of climbing (41 miles to the top, then 41 miles back).

I think I'm ready for the ride (have done over 2,500 miles year to date; including 7 rides over 50 miles, including a 100-miler and four pretty hilly metric centuries -- two last weekend alone). My problem is I wish the ride were tomorrow, as I don't have a lot of time to ride for the next 3 weeks. I can get some of my bike commutes in -- which are 10 miles each way, pretty hilly -- but with travel and other commitments I am looking at no more than 200 to 225 miles of riding in the next 3 weeks.

My riding will likely be limited to:

This week: 3 to 5 commutes (20 miles round trip, plenty of medium-sized rollers to work on)
Next weekend: maybe a 15-mile ride each day
Week of June 9: two or three commutes, at most
Weekend of June 14/15 - no riding; out of town for wedding
Week of June 16: commute on the 16th, 17th, 18th. Rest on 19th; travel to ride site on the 20th.

I'm guessing I'm ok, and I know the schedule will allow me to maintain some fitness, but I am a little worried I can't get in any long rides the next 3 weeks. I'm not looking for a great finishing time -- the weather on this ride can be iffy (some years it's hot at the base, snowing at the summit)...I'm just looking to finish somewhat gracefully.

Your thoughts? Will I be a wreck if I can only ride 200 miles the next 3 weeks? Am I over-thinking this?

You'll be fine- but if you are worried- Do one or two of your commutes fast.

The milage you have behind you will still work and 200 miles in the next few weeks will be OK. Just don't try and do the hills in the big ring as part of your training.

Give up now, you don't have a chance!

You might be better off with a bit of an enforced taper. Your strong base won't wither away, and a bit of recovery as you've outlined may make actually improve your performance.

Give up now, you don't have a chance!

Kinda what I was thinking.

Too late now, though.

Endurance won't be your problem, spend as much time as possible climbing hills at a relatively fast pace. The exertion with help maintain aerobic fitness.

I'm with JT on this one. The forced taper may actually do you good.

" Big ride in 3 wks; can't do any long rides to train; should I worry?"

Absolutely. Nothing will prepare you for a big ride better than worrying. :rolleyes:

Final-week preparations for a big ride are about as effective as all-night cramming for a final exam. Your fitness for the big ride is already set.

Best part of the big ride will be the second half

Best part of the big ride will be the second half

I always find the 3rd half in the beer tent is the best.

Thanks, all, for your encouragement. Unfortunately, my "taper down" period is already starting out crazed. I missed the commute by bike today; lots of family and work commitments over the next 3 weeks.

I am going to have to put the lights back on my bike and ride pre-dawn or after dark if I want to get in any riding...or else my dog is going to get a lot of fast, late-night walks over the next 3 weeks.

If you already have the aerobic base then, according to "Aerobics" by K.H. Cooper, you will maintain fitness level with an accumulation of 30 points/week. This translates to 3 x 10-mile bicycle rides per week each taking between 30 and 40 minutes.

Looks like your availability will achieve this so you are good to go!!!

I always find the 3rd half in the beer tent is the best.


:beer::love::beer:

should I worry?

http://www.norcalblogs.com/dog/alfred_e_neuman.jpg

So this is a 41 mile ride... That shouldn't be a problem. Take plenty of water and food. Take your time. Just make sure your brake pads are fresh and adjusted for the return trip.

So this is a 41 mile climb

fixed!