Originally Posted by SmokinMiles
I'm a newbie here on this forum. I searched and found some info from you all on RAIN (thanks Mr. Octopus)
My main concerns are
1. Should one meet his/her sag at alternate locations rather than the rest stops? Are the rest stops really crowded especially early on?
2. What type of food/drink is provided at the stops? There is no mention of what will be available on the website.
3. What time would you recommend arriving at the starting area?
4. Have any of you done this ride without sag? I've done 3 centuries completely on my own relying just on rest stops and convenience stores. Do you really need rolling sag the whole way?
The other main concern I have -being in the saddle that long- I'll have to deal with on my own!
Thanks in advance for your help....Crystal
I have done RAIN three times. It is a good ride and have enjoyed preparing for it. Here are my suggestions:
1. I was so pysched the first time I did it and someone suggested I drink as much water prior to the ride. I believe I drank almost a gallon water before the ride even began. Result: I had to go pottie in almost every alley in Terre Haute. Proper hydration and not doing something dopey like me is extremely helpfu.
2. Pray for tail wind.
3. Do not have a mindset of Terre Haute to Richmond. When I was asked to do the ride the first time, I had a winter and spring to think about it and prepare. A training objective you might say. During my "thinking" all I thought was "Terre Haute to Richmond." When I saw the sign that said, "Richmond Welcomes You" or "Richmond Population ####" I was ready to quit only to have about the longest 7 or miles I have ever ridden.
4. Do not do the ride with someone that bugs you to be in the front at the beginning with all of the other Hammer Heads. Ride at your own pace and don't let the adrenalin of the ride overcome your abilities.
In summary, if you DO NOT attempt 1-4 you will be fine. The first time I did the ride, my maximum distance was 123 miles. The second time was 86. Could tell a difference since we ride a few more hills here in Kentucky.
The Rest Stops are a bit cluttered and if memory serves, they are basic quality stuff you need. We had our own vehicle and considering the potential heat, we had him stop every 20 miles just in case and this worked great.
At about the 130 mile mark, I started singing "Bye Bye American Pie, something to do when the levy was dry" and started getting goofier than normal. Oh, by the way, the song was Don McLean.
Good luck and have fun.