Originally Posted by
bill_pfaff
Bill - you haven't said why you stop at 20 miles. - Stopping just because I’m out of energy. Not winded, not sore, not much else other than out of energy.
1. Are you drinking water while you ride? - I carry 44 OZ of a sports drink and pretty much finish it all especially if it’s hot.
2. Have you tried a snack like a banana every, say, ten miles to keep your energy up? – Well now this is interesting. I do not carry or eat anything while I ride. This was one of my questions. Am I riding far enough to snack and if so then how much should I snack and a bigger question is WHAT should I snack.
Need varies with your metabolism. You don't say if your sports drink is has a carbohydrate component - which could reduce the need to snack. The simple answer to finding out if a snack works for you is to try. Use a banana one day, a tuna sandwich the next - just find out what your body needs.
I know some in this thread have said I should not need to snack given my distance and I tend to agree with them but then again could that maybe be my issue?
There are no absolute rules. Experiment to find what works for you.
5. Keeping your tires at the correct pressure and your chain clean will help your speed – Tires are up to pressure. How do you clean your chain?
Lots of ways. Just type "bicycle chain cleaning" into google and look for a method you're happy with. It probably won't make a huge difference, but little things can add up and help tip you over the edge to a breakthrough.
6. Vary your riding – Noted. Trying intervals –Noted. But you see your doctor before pushing it too hard! – Noted but he’s pretty happy with what I’m doing.
Just be aware that interval training is *much* harder. Don't try following one of the standard "recipes" without medical supervision.