repechage

I would too suggest a saddle with a central cutaway. I have for a few female friends lately and they have all provided rave reviews.
In looking at the saddle tilt, in this case I would get the nose down a bit too.

As to feet, I cannot tell from the image if those pedals have SPD type cleat receptacles or not. If not get a pair of at least dual mode, receptacle one side and plain on the other. If riding plain pedals I think you were handicapping yourself.

Congrats on achieving the complete ride. It should give you confidence for additional adventures.
Nice scenic images too. I just don't snap them, old racers never die, we just always treat a ride as a training ride.

Velocivixen

I'm slowly moving the handlebars down (a little each week), so tonight I removed the Brooks & reinstalled the original saddle which has a depressed "channel" down the center & I have it level. So far, so good. Plus it has way more forward/aft ability on the rails.

The pedals are the Rivendell "Thin Gripsters" with no foot retention. Shoes I wore have the ability to take cleats, but I don't want clip less pedals, unless I was going this distance regularly. I don't like clip less in the city with so much stop & go.

jyl

Shimano and Wellgo make pedals that are rat trap on one side, SPD on the other. I'm using them on my commute bike. Convenient.

Fahrenheit531 

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I don't think I've seen that video before. Ever.

So thanks!

daf1009

Wow...knobbies AND platform pedals...I am now even MORE impressed...

Great job VV!

jimmuller 

Already planning for the next one. That's good.

Normally I wouldn't quote my own posts but I will here for purpose of enhancing your prep for the next one, and for the benefit of anyone else planning a first long ride. Back in note 25 of this thread (on page one with my settings, ymmv), I wrote:
The point may seem obvious, especially right after your first long ride, but it's worth restating. Riding a long distance, be it 50 miles or 100km or 100 miles or whatever, is a compromise between time and energy required. No matter how you do it, it takes a long time. You must be comfortable on the bike all day because it will take all day. But you must also be able to lay down the miles without expending too much energy because it will require a lot of energy. The trick is to find a bike and a riding style that hits a good compromise.

The same tradeoff holds for when you stop and what you eat and drink and how fast you go. You can't stop too often or you'll take forever to finish. But you have to stop some or you'll hit the wall or become dehydrated. You can't push too hard or you'll tire too early, but you can't take it too easy or the sun will go down while you're still out on the road.

It's a matter of striking the right balance.

USAZorro

Absolutely. Well done on finishing.

When you finish fine-tuning your bike's set up, you will be able to look back on your big adventure and realize how much easier the next one will be.

Slash5

Congratulations.
I have not ridden that far in years but know what it's like to ride a much longer ride than you are used to. Always makes me wonder about these charity rides, 200 km in 2 days or so.
How do these non cyclists do it? Bad enough the 100 km the first day - getting up the next day and doing it again?

Velocivixen

I'll be very honest & say I spent maybe 20 minutes at each stop, and there were 5 stops. I needed to rest, physically and mentally, and to eat & drink. If I don't eat/drink regularly & blood sugar gets low then that's it. I'll be in big trouble (no, I'm not diabetic). Definitely will be perfected here in the next couple of weeks. High quality road tires and maybe different saddle (I've put original saddle back on since I've lowered the handlebars).

I pigged out all weekend and am not happy with what the scale says. So back to it today.

crank_addict

Too funny---
When the pics were first posted, I'm thinking....could those be fat knobbies, no way and she knows better. I didn't even want to remark about it. And what about Mister Velocivixen, did he not clue you in or advise some lighter weight, smooth flywheels?

Give yourself another pat on the back. You just gave yourself an additional 20 mile bonus points

Velocivixen

I know about tires, but this is my only 650b tire bike and am awaiting new tires. If anything I advise him.(people always think he works on bikes, when in fact it's me).

RobbieTunes

Immaculate Deception.


No problem. Scales can be replaced, ignored, or put in closets.

Jeff Wills

Just heard about this ride today. Something to aim for if the weather stays good: Willamette Falls Haul

Pompiere

I know people like that, who are hard core cyclists, but don't ever pick up a wrench. On the other hand, I bought a new bike 4 years ago and haven't even been back for the free 30 day tune-up. Not because I don't like the shop, but it is a bit of a drive, and I can do it myself quicker than taking the bike in.

daf1009

R3tired

Excellent. Well done. But those tires next time you really should try something that runs at least 100psi.

jyl

You mean, stays beastly hot and smoky? I'm am on my knees begging for rain.

Either way, rain or shine, I'm down for this ride.