Second attempt at 200km tomorrow

[CliftonGK1]

cross-posted from Long Distance forum


My first attempt was on the 17th last month. I could use the 92 degree heat, or the 6100' of climbing in the first 100 miles as an excuse, but that's just making excuses for what I did wrong... I went out way too fast.

I've learned my lesson, and I'm making my second attempt at 200km tomorrow by riding to and from the Flying Wheels Summer Century from my apartment. The only part of the ride that concerns me is the last few miles, because I live at the top of a 2.25 mile, 600' climb. So any route I take, I have to go back up that for the last couple miles out of 125.
It's supposed to be nice weather (I'm sure I jinxed it by writing that) and the course is less hilly than my last attempt, so I'm confident I can do it this time. I just need to silence that little voice in the back of my head, reminding me that I failed on my last attempt.

[w2n]

good luck!!!!!!! im sure you have it in you. :thumb:

[zpl]

Failure is great when you've learned something and can use that to improve yourself. It sounds like you're now better equipped to reach your goal than ever before. Have fun! -Scott

[Fastflyingasian]

when i do distance i generally dont think anything about mileage. i just do the best i can at starting slower than my normal rides and look at the scenery.

[CliftonGK1]

125.65 miles (201km)
~4600' of climbing
08:23:36 rolling time
~09:15:00 total time

:thumb:

[w2n]

WOOT! good show chap!

[zpl]

125.65 miles (201km)
~4600' of climbing
08:23:36 rolling time
~09:15:00 total time

:thumb:

Right on! :thumb: Nice work.

[Daveyboy]

125.65 miles (201km)
~4600' of climbing
08:23:36 rolling time
~09:15:00 total time

:thumb:

Sweet! It sure was a nice afternoon.

I was out there too, although I did only 106 miles, but I felt pretty good.

The hills didn't seem as bad as everyone built them up to be (although Inglewood Hill was pretty steep.)

Sounds like you're ready for STP one day.

[Mazama]

Great. Now you have me thinking of a goal for next year. Thanks a lot ;)

[AirBeagle1]

Tremendous job! I am seriously impressed...

[keithm0]

Congrats :beer:

Kasia & I managed to eek out 103 miles (about 165 kilometers) before putting the bikes on the truck and driving home. We were both SO glad we didn't bike to the park from our house -- I don't think either of us would have survived that last climb up 133rd. After that last big hill, my legs were done for the day.

Well done, CliftonGK1!

P.S. I have a couple of good photos from Inglewood Hill... ;)

[CliftonGK1]

Congrats :beer:

Kasia & I managed to eek out 103 miles (about 165 kilometers) before putting the bikes on the truck and driving home. We were both SO glad we didn't bike to the park from our house -- I don't think either of us would have survived that last climb up 133rd. After that last big hill, my legs were done for the day.

Well done, CliftonGK1!

P.S. I have a couple of good photos from Inglewood Hill... ;)

There were certainly some good climbs on that course! The warm up with Inglewood Hill was a little uncalled for (they should save that bad boy for a few more miles in) but I really like that back section of the ride on High Bridge, etc. which was the same as the TdC and 7 Hills courses.
The final climb (for me) back up Redmond Ridge was no worse than the final climb of the course, coming up the Sammamish Plateau. It's long, but never very steep.

You two will have to come ride my Eastside Loop o' Hate when I map it out. I'm aiming for >1500' per 10 mile section.

[Tom Stormcrowe]

Come up to ride the Speedway next June.....;)

Great. Now you have me thinking of a goal for next year. Thanks a lot ;)

[The Historian]

125.65 miles (201km)
~4600' of climbing
08:23:36 rolling time
~09:15:00 total time

:thumb:

WOW! Congratulations.

Here's another challenge for you:

C & O Canal Towpath:

*********
http://www.bikewashington.org/canal/plan-days.php

One Day "Nightmare" Option

Believe it or not, there is actually a fair amount of interest in this option. I don't know about you, but 184 unpaved miles severely exceeds my pain threshold <grin>!

However, for all you "X-People" out there, the current record (totally unofficial) is 11 hours and 41 minutes held by Paul Gruenberger and Ralph Olinger set October 1994. This was a supported ride starting from Cumberland. Paul Gruenberger also claims the unsupported record time of 12 hours and 36 minutes set in September 1991.

***********

The Great Allegheny Passage from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, MD, all 150 miles of it, has been done in a day as well. The treat is 28 miles of 2 % grade downhill at the end.

[CliftonGK1]

WOW! Congratulations.

Here's another challenge for you:

C & O Canal Towpath:

*********
http://www.bikewashington.org/canal/plan-days.php

One Day "Nightmare" Option

Believe it or not, there is actually a fair amount of interest in this option. I don't know about you, but 184 unpaved miles severely exceeds my pain threshold <grin>!

However, for all you "X-People" out there, the current record (totally unofficial) is 11 hours and 41 minutes held by Paul Gruenberger and Ralph Olinger set October 1994. This was a supported ride starting from Cumberland. Paul Gruenberger also claims the unsupported record time of 12 hours and 36 minutes set in September 1991.

***********

The Great Allegheny Passage from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, MD, all 150 miles of it, has been done in a day as well. The treat is 28 miles of 2 % grade downhill at the end.


1.84 unpaved miles exceeds my threshhold, actually. :) Even though my bike could be re-fitted to handle a tow-path ride, I'm strictly a road guy. Closest my baby's been to off-roading was riding through the grass about 50 feet to get to the registration tents at an event.

[JohnKScott]

Congrats!!

I'm trying my first 200k in a few weeks. Not as much climbing as yours though.

[CliftonGK1]

Congrats!!

I'm trying my first 200k in a few weeks. Not as much climbing as yours though.

Slow slow slow, eat and drink constantly. That's the best advice I can offer. Especially once you warm up and think you're OK to bump it up a couple of mph; resist the urge and keep your steady pace. I didn't think 125 sounded much different than 100 miles until the first time I tried it. For me, things change drastically just before mile 110... If I've paced well then I can keep going, if not, then that's where I hit the wall.

[CliftonGK1]

Oh, give yourself an easy recovery week afterwards if this is your next distance jump past a century. I've been to the pool a couple times and on my bike a couple times this week, but I haven't been commuting every day like I usually would.

[JohnKScott]

Good advice!

Yes - I have trouble pacing myself. Most of my workouts are intensity based and I constantly have to remind myself to SLOW DOWN on longer rides. And Lord help me if I see another cyclist in front of me. It's like a greyhound chasing the rabbit. Bad habit!

I have a somewhat hilly (for me) century this weekend. I will practice my pacing! :D

[Richard_Rides]

Clifton u da man!