Saving Hawaii

This could be a lot of fun. This could be not so much fun. I need to make it to the next city up the river tomorrow for music-related things so I'm looking at about 90mi RT. That's quite a bit further than anything else I've done in a long time. My longest ride in the past month was 34 miles (granted about 20 of that was hauling a 3 year-old in a Wal-Mart trailer), but it's pretty flat and I have plenty of time.

Worst thing that can happen is I won't be able to sit the next day, right?

Any tips?

Cyril 

Should be a pretty straight forward ride.
Bring a bit of food and water, set a comfortable pace, and have a wonderful time.

Papa Tom

Are you doing all 90 miles in one day, or is it 45 per day?

Saving Hawaii

90 in a day.

poormanbiking

Just pace yourself and leave yourself plenty of time.

wolfchild

Use some Butt cream.

danspun

I second the Butt Cream. I did a three-day 240 mile ride last august and besides making sure to pace myself, drink plenty and snack often, the cream did its job to prevent what would have been some chafing in the late summer minnesota humidity.

Null66

Me?
I have to eat and drink far more and far more often then I think.
You'd think I'd learn...

metz1295

may your ride home be downhill and with the wind.

Saving Hawaii

Google Maps tells me I'm gonna face a grueling 600-700 feet of climbing over the next 90 miles. I'm pretty sure at least half of that is altimeter error.

no motor?

I rode for about 45 miles yesterday, and ate enough for a small family. I drank a lot of water and sports drink too, which meant lots of stops for peeing. 45 miles in 1 day is much longer than my usual rides, but it ended up being a lot of fun with only a few brief episodes of misery. Pace yourself, prepare to eat and drink more than you think you will and you should enjoy it too.

Null66

On a Hardrock?

Marvelous!

modernjess

I survived a brutal gravel century in awful weather a couple weeks ago, but it was an amazing experience. You should be able to do the miles. Here's my takeaway that might be helpful:

- Make sure your bike is sussed out and comfortable.(Obvioulsy)
- HYDRATE like it's your job in the days leading up to the ride.
- Set a reasonable pace, stay out of the aerobic red zone too much or too early.
- Bring plenty of water, DRINK early and often, a bottle every hour at least. Carry one bottle with water one with an electrolyte replacement drink of your choice.
- EAT something every 10 miles or so. Energy bars, gel's, blocks, PBJ, fruit, trail mix whatever you can chew and stomach while pedaling. Add protein in at the mid point. Eating is key to keeping up the energy levels.
- Use plenty of chamois cream. Re-apply if you feel any discomfort.
- just keep pedaling.

Good luck.

metz1295

if you maintain a doable pace and you're well hydrated and nourished, 45 miles one direction isn't that hard. 45 miles back won't be that hard either. the big question is how much time and what activities will take place in between? how much time will you have for rest? I think any long distance rider on here would agree if you ride 45, take a 2 hour nap and ride another 45, you'll achieve that without too much issue. however, if you ride 45, spend the next 8 hours being active especially if you're outside, it's a completely different story. will it be dark on your way home? is your route high with auto traffic? those factors will slow you down too. whatever prep you do, I hope you have a back up plan in terms of travel and/or room and board.

no challenge is worth major injury...unless you're getting paid for it.

Rootman

The worst? Not by a long shot. You can get into serious trouble by being ill prepared and not making adequate plans.

As others have mentioned - take PLENTY of water

Take some snacks too.

Do you have a backout plan? Someone you can call on and rely on if you get into trouble, breakdown or exhaustion.

Are there places to stop along the way for breaks, water refills and purchase more snacks if need be?

Be sure to take an ID card (DL) and either cash or at least a debit card.

Got spares? Tube? Air pump? Set of nytril gloves so your hands don't get greasy?

Got rain gear?

Got maps - unless it's an absolutely straight shot and you know the route.

This is a serious undertaking and you should plan accordingly.

ItsJustMe

If you've been commuting regularly, it probably won't be that big of a deal. About once a year my company has an all-hands meeting at a facility about 36 miles away from my house. I get up early, ride there, endure the 2.5 hour boring-fest, ride back and I'm usually back home by 1:30 PM. I've gotten a bit sunburned a couple of times and I definitely am feeling it, but it's not bad. That's a 72 mile day after a year of 25 mile days.

Saving Hawaii

54 miles down. 47 to go. It's all downhill from here.

metz1295

you go, dude

high quality ride. looking forward to the details.

no motor?

Mine was uphill and into the wind both ways....

Northwestrider

Expanding your limits with success, I'm sure the last 47 will make you smile.

Saving Hawaii

Didn't quite finish. 87 miles in with only 14 left to my house I broke a spoke and that was that. I tried to make friends with some cows while waiting for my girlfriend to bail me out. They seemed confused.

metz1295

that's sucks, but still a great accomplishment. cows don't get cycling. you need to move on.

danadear

LOL..cows.

I consider 87 miles a success. Way to go!

50voltphantom

The bike gave up before you did. Well done.

metz1295

i like that point of view