Crazy88s

I've been putting in a lot of hours at work so they decided to reward me with a comp day today. The weather is absolutely beautiful here in Atlanta so what better day than to try a 60 mile ride. My longest has been 45 and I wanted to train for the 62 mile ride in May for the Tour de Cure.

I decided to ride on the Silver Comet Trail as it's not too hilly and would let me gauge if I'm indeed ready for the Tour de Cure ride. It took me right at 4 hours to complete but I did it. I did learn a few things 1) You can never have too much water. I took 2 full water bottles with me and was dying at the end. I think I need a camelback. 2) I needed more energy bars. My energy was zapped at the end. 3) I am an athlete. Back when I weighed 370 pounds I could never imagine in a million years that I would be able to ride a 60 mile ride let alone a bicycle. Today at 250 pounds I achieved my goal and with enough preparation I should be able to do the Tour de Cure ride with no problem.

Here are the stats from my ride today: https://connect.garmin.com/activity/29963914

Mr. Beanz

Not sure what sort of facilites you have available on the trail but on a 60 miler, I will stop to mix some Gatorade powder about halfway through the ride, hten reifll with water before leaving the park (?). I carry powder in a baggie.

Plus if you are doing an effort that is overextending of yourself, try eating something solid at 60-70 % into the ride. A turkey sandwich (?) makes a huge difference on how you finish. Powerbars are only good for so much, eat something solid. Last time I did 100 miles, I ate a "nice" cheeseburger (no turkey available). Does wonders on the energy level in the late miles.

TrekDen

I think you've got it licked already. A Camelback could come in handy on some long solo efforts, but the TdC will probably have planned rest stops for you to top off the bottles. More than likely they will have some snacks as well. The few I have done, have provided well for it's riders. Of course you could always check with them before hand to make sure. Good luck, and strong pedaling.

Neil_B

You should be ready for it. Heck, you sound ready for anything.

If I plan a long ride, I try to bring extra water, just in case. When I've been touring, I've sometimes had as many as six bottles of fluid in the bike and trailer.

Ditto the advice about a turkey sandwich. "Solid" food is great on a long ride.

acpeeps

congrats on your weight loss......you are an athlete

MrClyde

That is a job well done!

For 4 hours, I would use at least 4 bottles, more if it is hot. I have a camelback for mountain biking, but don't like using it on the road bike. I just seek out the drinking fountains along the way, or just swing by a C-store.

Daspydyr 

Celebrate every victory! but keep that weight off. I hate trying to recapture weight I regained.

jeneralist 

A great achievement!

10 Wheels

Good ride

spthealien

Nice average cadence, too!

Pfishingruven

Nice job...congrats!