cantdrv55

I haven't ridden a metric in exactly two years and I don't know if my legs can spin that kind of mileage anymore. I don't know if I can even sit on the saddle that long either. I was 20 lb lighter when I did the Marin ride and Tour of Napa in 2007. To prepare for those, I just took spinning classes 2X/wk and rode with the club most Sat or Sun for a 30 to 40 mile route. I'm not sure if the same training regimen will prepare me enough this time around as my baseline has shifted south. Got any advice? Also, I seem to have developed a love for nachos and cheese. Can't seem to get enough even though I know it's contributing to my girth.

kyle16

Well, the best thing I can say is to get on the bike and keep pushing yourself more every time you are riding. If the classes helped you in the past, do it again. If you have the motivation to create your own schedule and ride a lot, then go for that way. Create your nachos as a reward for a really hard training session on saturdays.

And yes, your legs can spin a metric again... easily. You have to get in the mindset of it.

I will just tell you for myself, I had never done a century before and I did the Livestrong Challenge century. I made a calendar for myself of what I thought I would need to do to get myself ready to do it. I ramped myself up every week on my long training session (in miles and elevation) and tried really hard to keep myself on it. This got in shape for it really quick. I set really hard guidelines for myself, so I knew I could do it a few weeks before i actually did the Livestrong ride.

Currently, I am preparing calendar for my first double century next year (I am looking towards the Davis Double of Solvang Spring). Simply said, discipline is the best way to achieve your goal. Make a biking schedule and stick to it.

That's my 2 cents.

JoelS

You've still got a little over a month. Get out there and ride, a LOT. Long miles. Find the pace that lets you just go and go and go.

johnny99

How hilly is this ride? If your weekend 40 mile ride has similar hills and you are comfortable with that distance, then you should have no problem with a 65 mile ride. You just need to eat and drink more during the ride for the extra distance.

And if you can do back-to-back 40 mile rides on Sat. and Sun., you will surely be ready for a 65 mile one day ride.

t4mv

Find the windiest (blowing wind, not curvy road) part of Benicia and ride around in it for 2-3 hrs at a time.

jmpsmash

how strained were you with the 30-40 milers? to be honest, a metric won't be much worse than a 40milers, you will likely be fine.

x136 

I think the rule of thumb is that you can do the distance if you can comfortably do 60%-2/3 the distance. So like others have said, if you can do 40, you can probably do a metric. I'd only done metric-length rides at most before I did my first imperial century.

Rushfan

+1

Benicia certainly gets windy so just practice riding into the headwind...

The route is almost dead flat. Two overpasses over 80 plus a small hill going to and leaving Lake Solano, and that's it. The other rule of thumb I've heard is that you can ride 3x the length of your typical ride. If you build up to ride 20 miles two-three times per week plus a little longer one day on the weekend, you should be fine.

cantdrv55

Is the Foxys route really that flat? I rode twenty in the wind and hills of Benicia and was OK with it. The 30-40 mile route the club takes goes to Martinez and back with about 2000' of climbing. I haven't done that in a while so I think I'll get on that soon. I'll probably do a metric on my own before the event to make sure I can still handle sitting on the saddle that long.

VaultGuru

Yes, it is totally flat. However, the course is essentially a north-south course. So, if you get a screaming north wind (as typically happens), you will go really fast to the first rest stop, then find a paceline to help you going back north. You should not have a problem if you pace yourself and stop at all the rest stops.
You can do it

Rushfan

It really is that flat. If you're doing 20 miles around Benicia on every ride, Foxy's metric will be easy in comparison. The only possible downside is that some years the wind shifts in the afternoon so you get it in the face coming and going.

Also, I wouldn't worry about riding 60 beforehand. If you can get to 40 comfortably, you'll do 60 fine just based on drafting, rest stop support, easier course, and event excitement.

cantdrv55

Great, can't wait!

Rushfan

I signed up for the full century but might be riding the metric-just getting over the flu and don't have the miles in. If I do change to the metric, I will be interested in a riding partner...

cantdrv55

I'll ride with you just let me know. There are a few other BFers doing this ride as well.