brianmcg123

I put that on a bagel once and it's just awful.

LesterOfPuppets

Not aero enough. Don't worry though. This one is only £135, which is getting cheaper every day:

superdex

THIS is BF of old. Nicely done, Hammer Droper.

banerjek

Almost one tube? Of course it didn't work because you need to reach the therapeutic dose for it to have any effect.

As a full grown adult, you need to eat two full tubes. One tube is for children under 12.

Jadesfire 

That looks like a classy hospital urinal bottle.



And I never thought I would type a sentence like that...

Zuzus pedals

I'm assuming there will be lot of SAG vehicles on hand for this bad boy. I'd sue 'em if there aren't. Hopefully they'll also be smart enough to provide a full lunch stop with a massage table just in case people aren't prepared with enough on-bike calories and pickle juice to stave off the inevitable bonking and cramping that are so common on a randonnée of this magnitude.

I always say if you can make it 10 miles, you can probably do a quarter metric, but just to be safe, it's probably a good idea to load the panniers so you can camp out during the event and try to finish it on the second day if you run into trouble.

Dan333SP

I do like the idea of camping if it takes too long, but they have a cutoff of 14 hours for this metric quarter. With the elevation change (more than 100 ft total) I'm worried I'll get picked up by the broom wagon before I cross the line

I think I'll pick up that aero bidon posted above to fill with pickle juice and electrolyte tablets. Can caffeine be mixed in safely?

GuitarBob

Yes, but do NOT close the lid. Consider yourself warned.

WhyFi

Isn't that like driving with the windows down? How will this impact aero?

GuitarBob

Sure, but there are always trade-offs. That said, if that bidon blows, he'll be going backwards.

Dan333SP

This is sig-worthy.

@PepeM needs to update us on whether the bottle flick is easier or more difficult with an aero bidon.

Does country of manufacture matter? Can you even call it a bidon if it's not made in France? Is it like California sparkling wine vs. Champagne?

silversx80

Might I also suggest you taper properly. Some people tend to take a week, or two before their event to taper, but they never give their legs a rest! This is asinine! You need to take at least 3 weeks off the bike prior to the quarter-metric. I wouldn't even walk from the bed to the shower, or stand in the shower.

Instead, get a Hoveround, dress in your kit every day, and watch TdF highlights to study tactics for the next month. You'll be mentally and physically ready for the challenge.

PepeM

This thread is bonkers.

redfooj

i recommend over/under intervals.

meaning 1 day, ride 17 miles. next day, ride 14 miles. this way, performance for the 15.5 mile event will be gradually optimized

DrIsotope

To paraphrase the great Tracy Jordan of 30 Rock, "I love this thread so much, I want to take it out behind the middle school and get it pregnant."

OldTryGuy

Don't need no stinkin tube, just like my gels.....https://www.amazon.com/Chamois-Buttr...=chamois+buttr Tear off top and down the hatch.

RPK79

Have you asked your doctor if you are physically able to do the training involved for a ride like this?

Zuzus pedals

Whoa! Not messin' around, are they? You sure can't afford to hang about with a stiff time limit like that. Better do some speedwork to get ready. Since drafting becomes so important when the speeds approach 2k per hour like that, it'd also help to hide in a pack and never take any pulls.

Sounds even tougher than I originally thought. That's over 6 feet per mile! In addition to the speedwork, you'll definitely need some hard core hill training. Start with riding up a handicap access ramp and gradually work your way up to grunting all the way from the first level to the second level of a multi-tier parking garage without stopping. If you can tackle - dare I say it ? - a highway overpass, you're probably ready for any surprises the course might throw at you, but I still reckon it'd be a good idea to bring a mountain bike triple and anticipate getting out of the saddle in case the grade goes as high as 3% on any of the ride. And don't forget to draft, draft, draft on the flat sections!

RPK79

Too heavy. Better off to convert to a 1x11 to save weight on cables, housing, rings, and front derailer. I'd go with something like a 30t ring of course.

Dan333SP

Ok, this is really good advice. I appreciate it. When drafting, should I ride on the hoods or in the dropes? I've heard you burn more calories in the dropes and I'm still worried about possibly bonking even though I've started carb-loading.

Dan333SP

I did, but he laughed. I think he thought I was talking about a 2.5K ride, not a metric quarter.

RPK79

It's important you get a doctor who is also a cyclist. Look at their hands. If they have tan lines on both they're a cyclist if they have tan lines only on one they're a golfer. Don't go to the golfer!

silversx80

This thread has really been weighing on my mind. Are you sure you don't have some sort of addictive personality with a goal this ambitious and lofty? I mean, the dedication and time required to train would wreak havoc on my family and life balance. This isn't to mention the self-inflicted pain and suffering.

I mean, hats off to you for doing it, but I think you may need a psycho-analyst and therapist.

superdex

After this you can set your sights on a mini-sprint triathlon next year

Jadesfire 

Wait, Wait, Wait!!! You can't go just by that! The doctor could be part of the ever-growing intermural Quidditch Association and spend his or her weekends wearing these.

The doctor has to have ankle and thigh lines as well. There shouldn't be any issue with asking for this proof. If the doctor doesn't immediately hitch up their pants and show off their guads, find another doctor. That right there just isn't worth your time.