Fifty Plus (50+) - 90 miler tomorrow

I will be doing a 90 mile ride tomorrow. My longest this year is 60 miles. Seems like everyone is trying to talk me out of it. The 60 miles took 4hr. and 20minutes in the saddle. And I felt good, could have done more. Did a 40 miler 2 weeks prior to that. Since the 60, I have been doing 18 to 34 miles at varying times. Even my doctor said "the 80 miler is a 30% increase, you need to be careful. Others say, it will be too hot (has been somewhat humid but hell, it's summer). Will be leaving at about 5:00am to beat the heat and will be concentrating on finishing and hopefully not being too concerned with the clock.

A little apprehensive, but in a good way, will be going solo and am looking forward to the trip. Why are others more concerned than I am??

btw, plan to take a camera.

Why are others more concerned than I am??


Certain medications impart a je ne sais quoi, a la belle indifferance.

Seriously, It's hotternhell out there. Stay hydrated.

if you can do 60 then you can do 90. just keep drinking! later.

Well, I can't figure out why everyone else is concerned. Do you have any health issues we don't know about? Otherwise, sounds like you will be fine. I did a Century a couple weeks ago, and while I pretty much felt ready, I am sure others had concerns they did not voice. My longest ride had been 67 miles before that, which went really well.


I do know that a headwind and heat made the last 30 or so tougher, and some folks on here have added that being tired at that point is pretty normal.

I think it's a great idea to start early. It sounds like your head is in a great place about setting your own pace to finish too. You don't mention if this is a "supported ride" or not. That makes a big difference I think. Hopefully it's supported, so you won't have to worry about running out of water. Otherwise it sounds like you are good to go. You are planning on eating something (nibbling) on the trip? I have been using Hammer Nutrition's Perpetuem on longer rides, and that seems to work great. Gives you the calories, electrolytes, and enough protein for the longer rides, but it still seems to help to nibble on something solid.

As they say .... "rip it up" :)

Good idea to bring a camera too! I thought of that, but actually ended up with two cameras with dead batteries (even though I changed batteries in one the day before), so I suggest some fresh spare batteries! Looking forward to your photos!

Wish I could be with you! Actually, the weather has cooled a bit and as others have said, keep hydrated (and fed) and you should be fine.

Looking forward to seeing the photos.

One problem I have on long solo rides is that I don't take enough breaks. Somehow, it's easier on an organized ride, where there is a table full of goodies waiting for you.

However -- a camera gives you a great excuse to stop from time to time and take a few shots.

If you're comfortable at 60 miles, 90 won't be a big problem. If you're tired, it will only be in the final stretch.

I think, if I were to do it, I would go and do the century. Anyway good luck and have fun.

We did 98.5 last Saturday with it being 93 degrees when we finished up. Our only mistake was in thinking that we didn't need to stop after the 63 mile point. All of us were starting to bonk at 90 miles due to the heat and needing more fluids. If it were 10 degrees cooler the finish would have been no problem. Like others said, keep drinking and eating and rest as needed. Late in the ride all your energy will come from processing fat and what you eat and drink. There will be no energy reserves left in your blood, liver or other organs. When you start to bonk you will also start to get dumb (I know first hand), so be careful of the symptons: dropping head, light headedness, feeling cool, decreasing heart rate and most importantly lack of attention to safety becuase all you are think about is getting the ride done.

Good luck, I am sure you'll get the ride completed.

Sounds to me like you are ready. Eat enough. Drink enough. Ride within your limits. Take pictures.

And I'm with George, add another 10 miles. :thumb:

You can do the 90 if you are sensible. Keep hydrated- and I mean a litre of water per hour - more if it is hot. But there is the magic milage that comes about 70 miles. That seems to be the Bonking stage. I cure it by only taking one break on a 100 miler and that is about 65 miles. I get off the bike- Eat something a bit more substantial than a cereal bar- have an energy drink and stretch a bit. Only takes a couple of minutes but works for me. One of these days I'll try a century without a break.

And like Geaorge and BG- Why get so near to another milestone without attempting it.

Don't Do It!














































:p
(have fun)

[QUOTE=DnvrFox;7127400]
Don't Do It!

You almost got me. Thanks all for the encouragement. Along with protein and energy bars etc I have some electrolyte chews and gatorade.

To those who suggested going for the century, I am saving that for Sept. even though it is only another ten, the 90 miles is approximate, wont know the exact mileage until I do it. But I know it is close to that number.

Will let you all know how it goes, and post the pics.

Why are others more concerned than I am??

Perhaps they're a little envious of you. Anyways, have fun!

If you have been training at 50 & 60 miles 90 is very doable but hope there are not big hills. The difference is after about mile 70 - thats when I always feel it. Take in calories when ever you can, at least 2000 calories would not be too many, you will burn more than 4000. 1 bottle of Gatoraide is close to 100 (read the label), energy bars typically range from 100 to 150 and a gel is about 100, so plan on about 15 of these and 5 bottles of sports drinks. The biggest issue I find is not getting enough in. I plan on doing my first century Sat and will pack 10 Guu, 10 bars, 2 large bottles of gatoraide and enough powder for 3 more, a full hydration pack with Nuun and more Nuun tablets. On my last 75 mile ride I went through 1.5 gallons of fluids so I am planning for 2 gals on this century. BTW - I typically buy a 1 gal bottle of spring water for $0.99 and mix my own drinks - beats the high prices water bottles and sports drinks.

Also - pace yourself, this year I have started to use a HRM on all my rides, for the long ones I use it to keep my heart rate low so I don't use up all my stamina too early. It also lets me know when I need a break - if I feel like I have no power left and my heart rate is not high I know I need a break and more food.

I suspect the words of concern are more in a lack of understanding about what can be done on a bike - you know what you can do, plan it well and it will be no problem.

Good luck and post a report.

Go for it! A nice option is to have a friend/loved one standing by to come rescue you if you just can't make it. However, know your own psychology. When I have a bail-out position I tend to want to bail out. I have to battle with my own head to push through the discomfort and make it to the end. But I do like having the option. There have been rides when I didn't have anyone to call and had to finish, even though I was in extreme anguish. That's never fun.

Just make sure you have planned rest stops, every 20 miles and even shorter if you like.

Just make sure you have planned rest stops, every 20 miles and even shorter if you like.


Great advice, but I think he is already finished (or not), as he was going to ride today.