Training for a Double

[kelownagirl]

I've been searching the web for info on training for a double century and have found lots - in fact probably too much. Does anyone have any site that they recommend?

I've been riding since last spring and have worked really hard for the past 7 months to increase my speed and endurance. Riding with my hubby really challenged me I think. Next spring he and his brother are riding a 300km+ ride from Banff to Jasper. It has some climbing (5600' total gain) and weather challenges (can be cold, unpredictable, and even snow in June). I want to try to do the ride and think I'll need to train in some organized fashion if I want to even try to be able to keep with them.

Any suggestions as to which training plan works well?

Thanks,
barb

[Fredwina]

everything I can think of I'm sure you're doing. I was going to suggest logging your rides (you're on Bike journal)to get a sense of your progress and doing lot of climbing , although 6000 feet isn't a whole lot (I've done an imperial century with over 9000 feet) 6000 meters would a different matter.
Maybe Veronica or Nanci will wander by. I'm still a newbie when it comes to Ultra riding

[kelownagirl]

everything I can think of I'm sure you're doing. I was going to suggest logging your rides (you're on Bike journal)to get a sense of your progress and doing lot of climbing , although 6000 feet isn't a whole lot (I've done an imperial century with over 9000 feet) 6000 meters would a different matter.
Maybe Veronica or Nanci will wander by. I'm still a newbie when it comes to Ultra riding

Thanks Fredwina. Yes, I definitely plan to do more cimbing - easy around here because we have lots of hills. I think my biggest challenge will be the endurance part and tryng to do the guys' speed. Not sure if it's even a good idea to try that but if I don't, I have to ride it alone.

What I'm really looking for, is some sort of planned out training schedule that gives me an idea of how to pace myself between now and then, and what to focus on to give myself the best advantage. I love BJ by the way. It was really helped me build my skills.

Here are a few sites I've looked at...

http://www.diablocyclists.com/RiderTips/DoubleCenturyTrainingProgram.htm

http://www.ultracycling.com/training/prep_for_double_centuries.html

[maillotpois]

This site was helpful for my first double last year:

http://www.lisbonne.com/davisdouble.shtml

I would also suggest trying to find ride reports for the doubles you are planning to do. That really helped me in my first year of doing doubles - knowing what to expect. A couple of great folks who do ride reports on CA doubles are:

http://felixwong.com/news/category/bicycling/double-centuries/

http://www.adampaul.com/cycling/reports.shtml

This may help Fredwina - I think you're aiming for CTC?

KG - I would caution trying to ride at someone else's pace on a double unless you are also training comfortably at that pace. It is great to have the benefit of the draft, but not if you are blowing everything to stay with someone else. I've done it both ways - on my own and with others. The on my own ones were actually some of the most special - there's something about just being alone for 200 miles (give or take hooking up occasionally with others). It really makes you mentally tough. (Of course the 600k was a whole different mental story!!)

[kelownagirl]

Thanks MP and I know you're right, it's dumb to try to keep with someone else's pace. I am going to try to train well and see how I'm doing next May. If I can keep up comfortably and reasonably, then I think they'll slow down a bit for me. I'm an anchor, I'll ride alone for most of it and feel good about my own personal accomplishments. :)

[eclectic]

. Next spring he and his brother are riding a 300km+ ride from Banff to Jasper. It has some climbing (5600' total gain) and weather challenges (can be cold, unpredictable, and even snow in June).

What a beautiful choice for a ride! Reportedly the most beautiful place in North America! (or so Lake Louise says :) I tend to agree it is in the top 3!
Good luck training for it.
When the time comes I can't wait to hear about it and see some pics!