Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - First 200k

I'll be riding a 200k permanent with a local rando who's shooting for his R-12. Start 3:00AM (yeek, that's not even 10 hours away!). I've ridden 100 miles in a day, but it was broken into three pieces - 14 miles twice (my daily commute) then a 74 mile run of things all at once later in the day and into the wee hours with a local group of night owls.

This will be mostly country roads. I'll be on my daily commuter, a flat-bar bike with slick tires, good lighting, fenders and a rack, not to mention a flat kit complete with two spare tubes. I don't mess around on the commute. I'll probably only be running one pannier, just go carry my wallet, some extra water and snacks.

I have 5 half peanut-butter sandwiches with me, some electrolytes and plenty of water. There are five controls, all of which are 24/7 for refueling, bio-breaks and replenishment. I've stayed pretty well hydrated today and nourished with a balanced diet that was a little heavier on the carbs in the form of fruit and pasta than usual.

Anything I should really consider bringing that I've left out? Any last-minute tips? My gut instinct says after 2 hours in the saddle it's pretty much all going to be the same. Drink before you get thirsty, eat before you get hungry, stay focused, stand on the pedals for a while if I get uncomfortable and everything will be fine.

Take it easy and don't overdo it the first 50 miles and you'll do fine.

Make sure your lights have good batteries and don't forget your reflective gear.

Good luck.

remember that you have a lot of time to work with. If anything goes south and you have to spend time fixing spare tires or dealing with digestion/bonking, don't panic. Think through the problem, get it solved and keep on going.

If your spirits are poor or if you're feeling discouraged, eat something. It's surprising how often poor morale can just be blamed on simple low blood sugar.

Oh, and stop dicking around on the internet. Go to bed! ;)

Thanks, guys. And yeah, I took a nap.

Well, I finished. It's probably going to take a few days for me to fully come to appreciate what I went through, though.

That, and I should probably get my road bike fixed up before I try another one of these. My mountain bike (with slicks and clipless) made it, but didn't make it easy on me... mostly lack of hand positions. :lol:

Photos and first part of the write-up:
http://kc-bike.blogspot.com/2008/06/200k-permanent-ride-report-part-1.html

congrats!!

before you know it you'll be doing 300k's and beyond!