FrozenK

I live in Anchorage, AK and have been riding about 120 to 200 miles a week for the last couple of months. Before that I was averaging less miles but about same saddle time riding in the snow. Did a 200k brevet in late April and this weekend the Denali Highway Gravel Grinder (two day race, first stage 125 miles 7000ft of climbing Saturday, second 42 miles 3100ft climbing Sunday) Hard to believe, but it was HOT Saturday with temperatures in the mid to upper 80's for most of the day.


Now, this Saturday is the 125 mile Anchorage to Seward brevet and the question is: am I crazy to be thinking about doing it? I'm signed up to do a 275 mile, three day bikepacking race in late June, and I don't want to be overtrained. But on the other hand, I had no problems the week following the 200k in April.
I understand that everybody recovers differently, but I'm hust trying to get an idea of whether doing Saturday's ride falls under the "you may be ok" or "don't be an idiot" category.

unterhausen

I've done worse. Finished a 1200k one weekend and done a 200k the next. The 13 1/2 hours allotted to ride a 200k means that you can take your time. I say do it if you want

StephenH

Three or four years ago, I did the 500-mile version of the Texas Time Trials. Then I took several days off and then started riding again. Result was that I felt like I had legs of steel, it felt great. So yeah, I'd say go for it. If you ride a 200k every weekend, you're fine.

RR3

If you can't do a little 200k brevet on Saturday, you won't be able to complete that 275 mile, three day bikepacking race.

So, I would say it is an essential element of your prep for the race. Just don't ride to hard. Think of the 200k as an easy training ride for your upcoming race.

FrozenK

Thanks, sounds like it falls under the "should be ok" category then

FrozenK

Did it, 9 hours 15 minutes. Gorgeous day, not a cloud in the sky and no wind (which can be an issue on this ride) It was a great ride.