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Vicelord 09-13-11 10:06 AM

Going To Do My First "Race." What To Expect?
 
Hey all, I have a few questions regarding how to prepare for this thing, what to expect during it, and etc. Hopefully you'll want to answer my questions. Thanks. Feel free to interject other tips on etiquette or things to look out for, too.

http://www.active.com/cycling/scotts...ale-2011-mk791

1. I've never ridden 70 miles before. I rode 50 when it was 107 outside. It should be about 73-75 at race start, and my 50 was solo, so I'd assume this shouldn't be an issue. Obviously no one but me knows if it will be an issue, but is my line of thinking correct in that I can finish it? Or for the first "race" should I consider the mini-tour.

2. I'm pretty damn sure I'll go through more than two bottles of water. The ride goes through the middle of the desert and it's not like I can walk into Circle K and fill up the bottles. Is it customary they have water stations along the course, or people to hand you food/drink?

3. Would it be prudent of me to position myself in the back at the start and let all the fast guys go?

4. I'll be riding as an individual. Does that mean I should keep it solo? or can I ride in a peloton/group to make it easier?

Thanks.

RacerOne 09-13-11 10:28 AM

First thing to do is get yourself a set of aero-bars...

Vicelord 09-13-11 10:32 AM

They are banned, otherwise I would. I would zip tie them on.

Seriously though, those questions were serious. HA

spazzkid 09-13-11 10:38 AM


Originally Posted by Vicelord (Post 13219369)
4. I'll be riding as an individual. Does that mean I should keep it solo? or can I ride in a peloton/group to make it easier?

I might be breaking some rules or ettiquette here but I dont see why you shouldnt ride along with the peloton.

somedood 09-13-11 10:42 AM

For that much money they better have feed zones.

Looking at the map it looks like there are some aid stations which should have at a minimum water. It also looks like it is all the citizen category so if you feel comfortable just hang with the peleton where you can.

Bob Dopolina 09-13-11 10:42 AM

1. It'sNOT A RACE.

Really.

2. For 70 miles you will certainly need more than 2 bottles. Stuff another one in your jeresey. Based on the description I saw there will be water stops if you ned them.

3. It's NOT A RACE. Your position in the group is irrelevant. If you want to ride with the 'fast guys' then stick your nose in there ad ride with them. Sitting at the back of a group of people who aren't racing will mean your no longer racing, too.

4. The fact that you even ask this question means it is NOT A RACE.

Vicelord 09-13-11 10:49 AM


Originally Posted by Bob Dopolina (Post 13219569)
1. It'sNOT A RACE.

Really.

2. For 70 miles you will certainly need more than 2 bottles. Stuff another one in your jeresey. Based on the description I saw there will be water stops if you ned them.

3. It's NOT A RACE. Your position in the group is irrelevant. If you want to ride with the 'fast guys' then stick your nose in there ad ride with them. Sitting at the back of a group of people who aren't racing will mean your no longer racing, too.

4. The fact that you even ask this question means it is NOT A RACE.

Why thank you bob for your ever so helpful reminders that it's not a race. I'm aware that it is not a race, hence why my title says "race." They call it one but it isn't one.

Bob Dopolina 09-13-11 10:53 AM


Originally Posted by Vicelord (Post 13219628)
Why thank you bob for your ever so helpful reminders that it's not a race. I'm aware that it is not a race, hence why my title says "race." They call it one but it isn't one.

You're welcome.

Your questions didn't seem to be aware of this fact.

It is important because it will directly affect the answers to your questions.

StanSeven 09-13-11 11:05 AM

The thing I would worry about is crashes from inexperience in pacelines/groups. I imagine you're going to get real speed from groups getting larger and larger as the ride continues and thus the danger increasing

Vicelord 09-13-11 11:07 AM


Originally Posted by Bob Dopolina (Post 13219662)
You're welcome.

Your questions didn't seem to be aware of this fact.

It is important because it will directly affect the answers to your questions.

honestly, not to pick a fight with you, but when someone puts something in quotation marks, it typically means they are aware of that fact.

rbart4506 09-13-11 11:10 AM

You will need more fluids...Depending on temps, I'd say 3 bottles for sure...Maybe 4...

You will also need food...gels, bars, fig newtons...Which every you like...

Make sure you have a spare tube, pump/co2...

Riding with a group is ok, but watch out...A lot people will act like it's a race, even though it isn't...There will be sketchy riding...

Bob Dopolina 09-13-11 11:15 AM


Originally Posted by Vicelord (Post 13219751)
honestly, not to pick a fight with you, but when someone puts something in quotation marks, it typically means they are aware of that fact.

If you were 'aware' of this fact you wouldn't have asked about positinng in 'the group'.

I was trying to point out that it is 'NOT A RACE' and that many people will stop for 'refreshments' and that they will be provided to you if you ''run out'' of water.

Also, asking about 'riding solo' vs 'riding in a group' is a question that would only come up in the context of rides that are 'NOT A RACE'.

BTW, I did answer your "questions' previously.

branstone 09-13-11 11:18 AM

is Bob Dopolina always this much of an ass?
Actually it is a race because the top three riders ( men and women ) get prizes.
quote
"Awards -
Awards will be presented to the top three overall male and female cyclists in the 70-mile citizen's ride"

also, why the f' do you care what he calls it, he asked specific questions.

Inertianinja 09-13-11 11:21 AM

the point of making it clear that it's not a race isn't to make you feel bad - point is that you don't have to stress yourself.

just go at a comfortable pace. set a goal (i.e. if you can keep a constant pace of 18mph, you can finish in about 4 hours.)
use 2 water bottles. drink plenty of water.
you don't need to eat a ton of food. for 70 i'd probably bring 2 cliff bars and 2 gels. resist eating the crap (peanut butter and jelly, cookies, etc) that they have at aid stations.
keep your distance from people that look wobbly, or are on hybrids, or slow down a lot on any incline.
there will probably be a fast group off the front. you can try to go with them, but don't kill yourself.

Elvo 09-13-11 11:24 AM

It's a race because you can win a finisher's medal.

Vicelord 09-13-11 11:25 AM


Originally Posted by Inertianinja (Post 13219830)
the point of making it clear that it's not a race isn't to make you feel bad - point is that you don't have to stress yourself.

just go at a comfortable pace. set a goal (i.e. if you can keep a constant pace of 18mph, you can finish in about 4 hours.)
use 2 water bottles. drink plenty of water.
you don't need to eat a ton of food. for 70 i'd probably bring 2 cliff bars and 2 gels. resist eating the crap (peanut butter and jelly, cookies, etc) that they have at aid stations.
keep your distance from people that look wobbly, or are on hybrids, or slow down a lot on any incline.
there will probably be a fast group off the front. you can try to go with them, but don't kill yourself.


thanks, so they actually provide food at the aid stations? I think I've got the food thing down pretty much pat. On a couple of 50 mile rides I ate one Zipvit (200 cal, 50 carb, 160mg caffeine) and went through 4 bottles of Nuun tabs dissolved in large water bottles. I felt great after one of the rides but the other was 107 degrees and I had some very mild heat exhaustion. I think for 70 I'll add a bonk breaker and keep some gummies for when I'm bored.

I suspect that 18mph for 70 miles, especially with wheels to suck ocassionally, I should be fine. I typically do moving speeds of 20+ according to my Garmin, but because of stop lights I can never average more than about 18-19 on a ride. 4 hours sounds like a good goal.

Vicelord 09-13-11 11:26 AM


Originally Posted by ********** (Post 13219847)
It's a race because you can win a finisher's medal.

I don't consider it a race (for me) because even if I wanted to try to win, I'd have no chance at it.

Elvo 09-13-11 11:27 AM

http://www.eteamz.com/Upload2/files/Tour70-mile.JPG

pdedes 09-13-11 11:28 AM


Originally Posted by Vicelord (Post 13219369)
Hey all, I have a few questions regarding how to prepare for this thing, what to expect during it, and etc. Hopefully you'll want to answer my questions. Thanks. Feel free to interject other tips on etiquette or things to look out for, too.

http://www.active.com/cycling/scotts...ale-2011-mk791

1. make sure you have adequate rest a couple of days before, you can't improve your fitness any further. complete all your bike maintenance, pack all your stuff. day before do an easy short ride.
1. I've never ridden 70 miles before. I rode 50 when it was 107 outside. It should be about 73-75 at race start, and my 50 was solo, so I'd assume this shouldn't be an issue. Obviously no one but me knows if it will be an issue, but is my line of thinking correct in that I can finish it? Or for the first "race" should I consider the mini-tour.

2. I'm pretty damn sure I'll go through more than two bottles of water. The ride goes through the middle of the desert and it's not like I can walk into Circle K and fill up the bottles. Is it customary they have water stations along the course, or people to hand you food/drink?

3. Would it be prudent of me to position myself in the back at the start and let all the fast guys go?

4. I'll be riding as an individual. Does that mean I should keep it solo? or can I ride in a peloton/group to make it easier?

Thanks.

1. make sure you have adequate rest a couple of days before, you can't improve your fitness any further. complete all your bike maintenance, pack all your stuff. day before do an easy short ride.
2. expect mass chaos as this is not an organized race and people of mixed abilities will be all on the road at the same time.
3. if you are expecting to be competitive, ride with the fastest group you can stand and it should hurt plenty. otherwise pick a safe group and ride at whatever pace you feel comfortable with. don't crash yourself, or anybody else. be predictable.
4. don't ever do one of these rides again. if you really want to race, get a license and register for a real bike race.

Vicelord 09-13-11 11:29 AM

t/y **********. I actually have the map here, but I can't find a description of what aid stations are. Talk to me like I'm a three year old. I've never seen/ridden/researched/or inquired about one of these rides. I really know absolutely nothing about how they work, other than that I'll be riding my bike around Scottsdale.

pdedes, are you saying I shouldn't be doing this ride? I haven't signed up yet... what is your reasoning for saying I shouldn't do it? chance of crashing?

jeebusaurousrex 09-13-11 11:31 AM


Originally Posted by Inertianinja (Post 13219830)
the point of making it clear that it's not a race isn't to make you feel bad - point is that you don't have to stress yourself.

^This

Vicelord 09-13-11 11:35 AM

the "fast guys" are a bit faster than me. lol.

I'd generally be ready to do that, but the first 1/3 of the "race" is where all the climbing is. Will they make the climbing easier for me? or will I use all my energy trying to keep up and blow up half way through? ha I guess I'll find out.

jeebusaurousrex 09-13-11 11:37 AM


Originally Posted by Vicelord (Post 13219915)
...but the first 1/3 of the "race" is where all the climbing is...

You're pushing it now.

caloso 09-13-11 11:40 AM

70 miles and 5 rest stops. Take a couple of bottles and stick a clif bar in your jersey so you can ride past the first one. I'm betting that one will be a zoo.

Bob Dopolina 09-13-11 11:42 AM


Originally Posted by Vicelord (Post 13219915)
the "fast guys" are a bit faster than me. lol.

I'd generally be ready to do that, but the first 1/3 of the "race" is where all the climbing is. Will they make the climbing easier for me? or will I use all my energy trying to keep up and blow up half way through? ha I guess I'll find out.

If you are not a good climber then you certainly want to hit the climbs closer to the front. It's called SAG climbing.

If you start next to the fastest climber and lose 200m over a climb to him then you are 200m behind him on the desecnt. If you start the climb 100m behind him and still lose the same 200m now you are 300m behind on the descent.

Go to the front, find the fast guys and suck their wheels over the climbs in the first 1/3 of the 'race'. Don't pull or do any work on the descent unless you have to to catch someone.

If you do get dropped on the climbs be patient and wait for other riders to come up to you as it appears you would not be strong enough to chase the faster guys on your own. Thet's pretty tough.

Have 'fun' and never forget that it's NOT A RACE.


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