Metric Century or just go for Century?

[TrojanHorse]

actually, registration for the amtrak century hasn't started yet - I think it's June 23rd at 7 am, and it reputedly sells out in an hour.

I reckon it's one of those "do it once" rides.

[Pamestique]

I may eventually use my HR data as a way to track progress, or as a training tool, but for now, I'm simply using it to gather data. My current goals are not to be a stronger, faster rider - but simply to lose another 50-60lb or so.

If weight loss is a goal I believe you are riding too hard. You need to stay aerobic and not be anaerobic. I think for your age, your HR should be arouund 120 - 125 for weight loss. But there is a ton of material you can read on the matter... I am hardly an expert...

[Pamestique]

actually, registration for the amtrak century hasn't started yet - I think it's June 23rd at 7 am, and it reputedly sells out in an hour.

I reckon it's one of those "do it once" rides.

Yes I agree... but did it a handful of times hoping each time it would be better. I did post my best century time however on Amtrak... riding and resting time 7:20.

[ChrisM2097]

If weight loss is a goal I believe you are riding too hard. You need to stay aerobic and not be anaerobic. I think for your age, your HR should be arouund 120 - 125 for weight loss. But there is a ton of material you can read on the matter... I am hardly an expert...

I've read that before...but I'm not fully convinced. I've already dropped 40lb doing what I'm doing.

[nkfrench]

I vote to do the metric first, then set century as your next goal.
You will quite possibly learn all sorts of things on rides > 40 miles.
You need to be smart about food, drink, pacing your effort
Clothing issues
What you need to bring along / what to leave at home

Things I've found out, YMMV:
Sweaty gloves cause blisters after 50 miles
Some gloves provide better cushioning, noticed after 40 miles
Riding with heart rate ~160bpm (85%) is hard for a long ride. The harder you ride the fewer mistakes you can make with food/fluids.
Shoes gave me hot foot after 40 miles .: got bigger shoes and moved cleat
one saddle was miserable after 20 miles
sunscreen might have been a smart idea
certain brands of sports drink cause cramping, my electrolyte replacement strategy didn't work
keep rest stops short to avoid stiffening up and wasting time (while the day gets hotter)
bring wet wipes/chamois butt'r to clean and re-apply
how old+worn a pair of bike shorts can be before the fabric fails .: don't wear oldest shorts on long rides
neck gets sore/tired after 50 miles, need to move head around more
waiting until thirsty to drink gets me dehydrated .: bad

Depends on if you want to finish your ride tired but happy; or if you struggle to survive/finish and want to sell/toss your bike.

[nkfrench]

ChrisM2097

I find that intense exercise builds muscle. My appetite is curbed and I want healthy foods not junk.

On losing weight:
Some people respond well to exercise, some respond well to diet.
Some respond to both exercise and diet.
Some don't respond well to either.

[Beachgrad05]

Not ice cream...popicles. To me not the same.

Having done Amtrak a "few" times here is my take... the beginning 20 miles suck... why are they there? Every frickin goober in the world does Amtrak. It's a very dangerous ride because alot of the people are clueless and squirrely. What's the weather like in CA in Sept? Generally very hot, in fact the last 2 times i did the ride, when I hit Torrey Pines it was over 100 degrees! Don't let anyone tell you this ride is easy. It's not flat, and has some tough hills. Torrey is at 80 miles and is a real drag. After Torrey is the death ride into San Diego. There is a street crossing I swear I have seen people almost get wiped out - its very dangerous. Then you have to wait for the train in the heat and then there is the noisy long crowded train ride back... don't get me wrong, many people love this ride and OCW does a great job putting it on. Just not my cup of tea but that said, it is a popular ride each year. I'm sure this year is already closed but plan on trying it next year.

Won't be this year that I try this ride as I have other stuff happening. My friend who rode it did it several years back from what I know. I might try for the Cool Breeze one in August. But for now, the Metric in June is a good thing to aim for.

[contango]

I've read that before...but I'm not fully convinced. I've already dropped 40lb doing what I'm doing.

I'm not an expert on this kind of thing by any means and I tend to work on the basis that if something works then it must be at least partly right. That said for those of us who start out significantly overweight (and being the Clydes area that's probably most of us here) it doesn't take a whole lot to shift the first few pounds. The key question is how to keep shifting more and more weight.

I'm down about 60 pounds from my heaviest, still want to lose another 20-30 but it's much slower going from here. I lost the first 50 while barely noticing my weight was dropping but at present the scales are resolutely refusing to give me a number below 230.