Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Bike Across Florida 2008

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pedalpwr69
07-08-08, 11:23 AM
Hello all,
I've recently got back on the bike and I want to challenge myself. In the past I've ridden in some local MS150s, but I've never done a century. I found out that there is a ride called Bike Across Florida. It's one day, 170miles, and I want to do it. Right now, I'm riding mostly on weekends, 20-25 miles. The ride is November 9, 2008. I would like to do a couple of things:

1. Finish!
2. Finish in a decent time.

The website says you have to be able to ride at least 17 mph average. Right now, I'm averaging about 15-16 mph. How can I train for a ride like this? Also, what would you suggest for trying to get my average speed up?

Thanks in advance for your input.

-Marlon

mattm
07-08-08, 03:51 PM
if this is a group ride, i wouldn't worry about average speed too much. or what i mean is that your solo avg speed will be lower than what it will be if you paceline with other riders.

but if you really want to up your average speed, you could do interval training, or just upping your RPMs in general.

i would suggest doing at least 100-125 miles before the big day, to make sure your bike & body are in tune for the distance. sounds like a great ride!
boostedvolvo
07-12-08, 10:47 PM
yeah, make sure you do atleast that distance a couple times before the event. i am in florida, and i know, the middle of BFE florida is no where you want to have to stop

tgomes
07-15-08, 09:47 AM
I did the Cross Florida Ride several years ago when the Spacecoast club was running it. A really nice ride. Bike Across Florida however is not the same nice ride. It seems someone decided to turn it into something of a race so the scenic route was abandoned and a more straightline industrial course was used, I haven't been back since. If you want a challenging ride check out the RUSA site, www.rusa.org and look for rides in florida. Like you i am in Tampa and there are RUSA pemanent routes in the area, also the central florida group is very active. There is a 200k in August and a full schedule of 200, 300, 400 and 600K rides from there.

Tony