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How long between double centuries?

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How long between double centuries?

Old 05-19-06, 10:37 AM
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Sawtooth
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How long between double centuries?

I will be riding STP this year and had planned that it would be my first double century in a day. But I was recently invited to join a group in a slightly hilly double here in Idaho's mountains that I don't want to pass up. The problem is that there is only three weeks between events and I don't want to be weak for STP.

I am pretty fit right now and completed a sub-five hour (ride time) century a few weeks ago on my converted fixed gear. Centuries are fun and not that taxing if I am not going for broke. I just don't know how the double game is different (although I always feel like I could do much more after a century). How long will I need to recover from the first double?
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Old 05-19-06, 12:17 PM
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If you are new to doubles, I'd advise 2 to 3 weeks between them. If you are a bit more experienced, you can start your second double within minutes of finishing your first.

From what you've said, I think the three weeks you have between your two doubles is ample time.

Double centuries aren't much different from centuries ... they are just a bit longer.

All the best on the rides!!
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Old 05-19-06, 01:38 PM
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What Machka said. Depends on your experience with ultra-distance rides. Depends on how many candles you burned on the first double. Depends on whether you want to maximize performance or whether you're riding purely for fun.

For some measure of comparison, I did 235 miles in 12 hours (total time, including off-bike time) at a race on 5/6, and then did 220 a week later on the tandem with Mrs. Octopus (her first double!) in 14:48 (again, total time). After riding the second double on a Saturday, we went out last night (Thurs. night) and had the legs to honk it up on the tandem with the "A" group at the local club ride. Pulled about half of it. Got a 300K coming up this weekend (which I won't be riding for speed after wrecking myself pretty good last night on that club ride).

Anyway, from what you wrote, I'd say you'd be more than good. Three weeks is a long time. Good luck and have fun!
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Old 05-19-06, 02:09 PM
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Great advice from a couple of experienced riders. I appreciate it. I will let you all know how it goes. Good riding this season.
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Old 05-19-06, 02:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Sawtooth
I will be riding STP this year and had planned that it would be my first double century in a day. But I was recently invited to join a group in a slightly hilly double here in Idaho's mountains that I don't want to pass up. The problem is that there is only three weeks between events and I don't want to be weak for STP.

I am pretty fit right now and completed a sub-five hour (ride time) century a few weeks ago on my converted fixed gear. Centuries are fun and not that taxing if I am not going for broke. I just don't know how the double game is different (although I always feel like I could do much more after a century). How long will I need to recover from the first double?
I approach this dilemma by never riding more than 100-110 miles. That makes the whole point moot.

Good luck on the double century. You mega-distance cyclists are all insane.
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