110mile charity cycle in 4 weeks time...can i manage it?

[Mel.b]

At the start of Feb i ipgraded to a road bike and i signed up for a charity cycle that is taking place on the 7th July. Prior to that, the most i had ridden was 31 miles which was back in August 2011.

In Feb i rode 208miles inc two 31 mile rides. In March i rode 282 miles inc my longest ride at the time of 43 miles. In April then up until the 13th I had ridden 165miles. On the 13th April i fell off my bike and fractured my elbow:mad: This meant 6weeks off the bike where i did nothing :( i started back cycling on the 19th May and on the 27th may i did my longest ever cycle of 50miles, however i had to push up one hill. The following weekend i did another 50mile cycle at an average speed of around 12 - 13 miles per hour (which is my normal speed). There were no major hills on that route so i didn't have to push. All my cycling is done by myself and it is meant to be something that is fun and not a chore.

The charity cycle is 110miles and has 2300metres of climbing (?7500feet...sounds like a lot!!) The most climbing i have done is on the first 50mile cycle i did which had 900m of climbing (2900feet) and i had to push up the one cat 5 climb on that. I cannot underestimate how bad i am at hills - partly due to my weight but also possible exercise induced asthma which i am going to see the doctor about on Friday.

So basically in 4 weeks time i have to be able to cycle more than twice the distance and do more than twice the amount of climbing. I have been told not to worry about the climbs - that they are drags rather than steep hills, but the one i am particulary worried about comes 85miles into the cycle and is 6miles all uphill:eek: that's a long way to push if i need to. I'm estimating that the entire cycle will take me 9-10 hrs + stops. From what i have read people who have done it before say the atmosphere is worth at least 30-40miles and that there is always someone to cycle with as approx 5000 people do it.

I'm hoping to do my first 60mile cycle this weekend, but i really just don't know if i have done and will be able to do enough before the date.

Do you think it is realistic that i am going to be able to acheive the cycle? I swing between freaking out and thinking it will be ok (but i think freaking is winning at the moment, hence this post!) If i hadn't broken my elbow and missed 6weeks of training i would be confident, but i'm not now.

Thanks for listening!
Mel

[indysteel]

At what point do you need to decide whether to do it? I see no harm in pushing through the next four weeks to see what kind of training you can get under your belt and then decide from there on whether you feel strong enough to give it a go. Are there any shorter options the day of the ride? Anybody that can pick you up off the course if you start to really suffer?

Based on the fact that you don't have a long history of bike riding already under your belt, I think it's going to be a hard event on you even if you get some good training in over the next four weeks. You just don't have much of a cycling base as it is. You also haven't already experienced the learning curve that many of us have gone through in figuring out how to hydrate and fuel for long rides--especially during warmer summer months. So, I have to say that I think you're at a disadvantage that goes beyond just how many miles you've ridden thus for this year.

But no one can make this call but you. How much are you prepared to just gut it out? Are you fairly disciplined as it is when it comes to eating and drinking on the bike, or have you gotten into a deficit situation in the past? How fussy in your stomach? Is your elbow causing any further discomfort? Are you totally comfortable on your bike or are their any lingering fit issues? Any other physical issues?

One last thing I'd note, I think your estimate of 9-10 hours is pretty optimistic. You will likely spend more time at rest stops than you're accounting for and you may not be able to maintain your regular pace over 110 miles. At a 12 mph average, you're already looking at 9.16 hours on the bike. Dollars to donuts you'll spend more than 50 minutes at rest stops over 110 miles, especially if the crowd is that big. That's just based on my own experience. I have done long rides and spent minimal time at rest stops, but it takes a lot of discipline, and if you're feeling tired and dragging at all as the ride goes on or are spent from climbing, my guess is that you won't be in the mood to rush.

[Mel.b]

Thanks Indy for the well thought out reply, i really appreciate it. I think my pull out point before hand will be in the week before the event - it is just the accomodation i would need to check as to when i have to cancel before so i don't get charged. I've already said that if it is raining or blowing a gale i'm mot doing it! My 50 mile ride last week was in the rain and it was no fun :( there is no shorter route for this cycle and i will be going down by myself so i won't have my own support to rescue me although i presume there will be a broom wagon!

That is a good point about fueling while on the bike and something i need more practice and experience with. Saying that i haven't run into problems yet. My first 50mile cycle was in in 80f sunny weather, which is just about unheard of in Ireland where i live.

My elbow hasn't caused any major problems since i've been back on the bike although the rotation isn't as good which means i'm not comfortable with my hands in the centre of the handlebars which is a disadvatage for climbing. In terms of fit I'm waiting for a shorter stem and am just breaking in a new saddle. I was also getting a numb tip of my pinky finger which we determined was due to the way i was holding the handlebars causing compression of the nerve. I need to rotate my wrists out more which is not natural or comfortable yet, however on the 2nd 50mile cycle i made sure i was doing this as much as possible and i didn't experience any significant numbness.

The 9-10 hurs was excluding the rest stops, but i agree it is probably still optimistic. The sense of acheivement in completing it this year will be so much more though than giving myself another 12 months and doing it next year. However at the same time i don't want to suffer and be miserable because this is meant to be fun for me.

You've given me a lot to think about, thanks :)

[Grits]

All my cycling is done by myself and it is meant to be something that is fun and not a chore.

If there is a shorter option, I would recommend doing it. Not that you couldn't finish this ride, but boy would it be a long haul. It sounds like you are stressing about it, which is affecting your riding fun now. A shorter option would relieve stress and make for a more enjoyable experience that day.

If there isn't a shorter option, then as long as you could sag in if needed, you can always do what you can and promise yourself not to feel like you failed if you don't do the whole 110. After all, you did have an injury that set you back in your training. Be kind to yourself!

[ny biker]

It sounds like a lot of climbing to me.

It's too bad there is no shorter option. One thing you could do is make sure in advance that there is a broom wagon, and then start the ride, hope for the best, and be aware that you can use the broom wagon option if you feel you can't finish. However this only works if you're okay with the possibility that you won't do the full ride -- some people feel very disappointed and frustrated if aren't able to finish.

What specifically is the ride you're thinking of doing? I have a cycling friend who lives in Dublin, and I can ask her if she's familiar with it.

[indysteel]

What part of Ireland are you from? Once upon a time, I dated a man from Dublin for about 18 months. We visited different parts of the country during my visits. What a beautiful place and a beautiful people.

[Mel.b]

It is the Ring of Kerry cycle. I'm finding conflicting info about the elevation for it. Mapmyride has it at only just over 1000m and a little shorter as well! See .... http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/50954934
While ride with gps has it at around 2000m see... http://ridewithgps.com/routes/435902

Can i ask to do the mapmyride version?!?!

It is meant to be one of the easiest sportives to do, despite the length. The website indicates that it is fine to reach the first food stop at 64kms (40miles) in 4 hrs.

I'm not sure how i would feel only completing part of it - a sense of sucess but also failure i guess. A friend on facebook had up a quote the other day that said 'don't let your fear of failing triumph over the joy of participating' (john lennon) and i guess this is something i am trying to remember also.

Indy, i'm on the west coast, in co.clare a gorgeous part of the country but am originally from australia :)

[azfiddle]

Hi Mel,

I did my first century ride, El Tour de Tucson (111 miles) in November. My longest ride prior to that was about 75 miles, however there was only about half as much climbing as your ride will have. It took me a little over 8 hours, including all the rest stops.

I was riding about 300-400 miles / month during July-September, did more than 500 in October, and cut back during the last 3 weeks before the El tour.


If you are able to keep up your training this month and you can complete a ride of 75-85 miles, with at least 2/3 of the climbing, you can probably do it. If you are able to ride with others, and get the advantage of drafting for part of the way you will also spend less energy than when you are riding alone.


OH! the Ring of Kerry- I would LOVE to ride there! I think you should train for this as though you are sure you will do it, and just assess it one more time before the deadline.

On my one trip to Ireland (mainly for music), I was in Dingle for a day, rented a bike and rode around Slea Head. It was amazing. And then I borrowed a folding bike from my friends when I was in Clare and rode from their house in Kilshanny to Doolin and another day up past Kilfenora.

The grades look they are mainly 2-4%, which is a steady climb but not that is not super steep. You can take a rest, ride, and take a rest again if you need to.

Keep us posted!

[ny biker]

I tend to agree that if you can work up to 75-85 miles, you can probably do this ride. And if you end up not finishing it, it will probably still be one of the longest rides you've ever done, and good experience to help you prepare for the next thing you sign up for.

My friend hasn't actually done the Ring of Kerry, but she has heard that there are no major climbs and she said she'd be surprised if there was >2000m of climbing overall. She's also heard that people who live along the route are out offering food to the riders. I've done a few rides where people offered food, drinks and moral support along the road, and it's always a great pick-me-up.

[smittykitty]

In the words of Nike "Just Do It", then my husband said on recent 74 miler (longest ride to date) "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" (guess I'm stronger). And then I tell myself "if it is to be, its up to me". I also agree very much with John Lennon.

I don't mean to make light of your concerns. I've been dealing with that a lot myself. I'm just finally able to say "I'm riding the two-day Seattle to Portland (200 miles) ride in mid July. Until the 74 miler a couple weeks ago, I was saying I was "signed up" for the STP. Now I actually feel like there is a possibility I could actually do something that incredible! Yes, it will be painful, incredible hard and exhausting. It will be the toughest thing I've ever done both mentally and physically. I know what you mean, finishing is a great accomplishment. But I guess if we don't then we can say "this time it wasn't meant to be"

You have gotten lots of great advice from the ladies who know a WHOLE lot more about biking, so listen to them. Just don't discount yourself too soon! I think you can do this.

Oh and one last quote "I haven't met a hill I can't walk up yet". Unfortunately I have to use that one every now and again. So if you have to walk a while, that's ok too.

Good luck and continue to enjoy the training time. You have the right attitude. Ride for the fun of it. Oh, and yes. Take the Map My Ride route if it has less climbing:)

[Mel.b]

So i got out yesterday and compeleted a 120km (75mile) solo cycle. I had 6hrs 11min of moving time and just under 9 hours in total:eek:(is going to make the ROK a long long day) Lots of photo stops in the first 40km. I did the second 80km in 4hrs 13min moving with another 1hr 15min for stops.

Stops at 40km, 70km, 100km and 107km. I needed the stop at the 100km point as my right foot under the cleat was starting to feel like it burning. A 10min rest off the bike and it was fine. I found the last 20km hard going however even though it was pretty flat. The thought of having to do another 60km and having hills in that part is scary, however everyone who has done it tells me it will be fine and groupthink will bring you around:rolleyes:

There was only 650m (2100feet) of climbing and that was all pretty much in the first 60km (37miles). Before I did the route I thought there was 1000m so I'm a bit dissapointed there wasnt as much as I thought. I made it up all the hills, but had to stop at the top of two short steep sections. I made it to the top though which was good:p I've been trying to clarify the amount of climbing on the Ring of Kerry and a couple of people who have done it have said between 1200 - 1500m (3900 - 5000ft).

Only problem now is the side of my left index finger that is closest to the thumb is still numb. I think I am compensating for the reduced range of movement in my left elbow that i fractured so I am going to have to get my fit or how i hold the handlebars looked at.

[maillotpois]

Sounds like a beautiful ride!

On the elevation thing - I have found Ride With GPS to be wildly inconsistent and inaccurate in gauging elevation gain. I looked on Strava, where cyclists record rides using their GPS (much more accurate), but could not find anyone having listed the ride, or anything in that vicinity. But my conclusion would be that RWGPS is high. (I pre-rode the middle section of a 1000k I am working on for my club and got 10,000 feet with my GPS where RWGPS was saying 19,000 feet.)

On the numbness thing - do get the fit checked out. I fractured my scapula several years ago and that hand is much more likely to stay numb after long rides. I think there may be some underlying nerve damage or frailty in there because of the fracture, so that may be an issue for you. But fit (and body position on the bike) is your first line of defense.

And if you can do 75 you absolutely unquestioningly can do 110. :)

[Mel.b]

Thanks for the vote of confidence maillotopois :) My finger is starting to get the feeling back - feels like it's been at the dentist and I will definitely be following up with my bike fitter.

It was a beautiful ride, especially the first half. Here are some photos I took along the way...

Not taken yesterday but on the same route, taken before I broke my elbow
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d198/meldives/SAM_0020.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d198/meldives/SAM_0024.jpg

These are all from yesterday further along the road than the two above
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d198/meldives/SAM_0044.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d198/meldives/SAM_0046.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d198/meldives/SAM_0056.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d198/meldives/SAM_0057.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d198/meldives/SAM_0067.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d198/meldives/SAM_0072.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d198/meldives/SAM_0062.jpg

and finally, the pub I stopped at for my second stop!
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d198/meldives/SAM_0073.jpg

[maillotpois]

Beautiful!!! We just had to cancel a trip to Ireland and Scotland planned for next month, so it's a little bittersweet to see your great photos. :)

Keep them coming, though.

[azfiddle]

Good job on your ride, and thanks for the pictures. Where exactly was your ride? Clearly a music- friendly pub where you stopped!

[smittykitty]

Beautiful. Love Europe! I want to ride there!!!! Wow, what a long ride all by yourself. You are doing great! I don't think I could go that far without at least one other person to help motivate me. Every impressive! And, good job on the hills too.

[Mel.b]

Beautiful!!! We just had to cancel a trip to Ireland and Scotland planned for next month, so it's a little bittersweet to see your great photos. :)

Keep them coming, though.

That's a pity about your trip, hopefully you will get here another time. In the meantime i'll try to keep the pics coming :)


Good job on your ride, and thanks for the pictures. Where exactly was your ride? Clearly a music- friendly pub where you stopped!

Thanks :) i rode around Lough Derg in the west of Ireland. The river shannon flows into it. I passed thrugh three counties - Clare, Tipperary and Galway.


Beautiful. Love Europe! I want to ride there!!!! Wow, what a long ride all by yourself. You are doing great! I don't think I could go that far without at least one other person to help motivate me. Every impressive! And, good job on the hills too.

Thanks :) Sometimes i tnk i am better on my own as i know then i can't give up and only have myself to rely on. It would have been a long way for a friend to come and rescue me (or an expensive taxi ride back to my car:D)

[Catrin]

Thank you for posting the pictures, such a great place to ride! Absolutely, if you can ride 75 miles you will make it :) 75 miles is the furthest I've ridden, and I did it solo for pretty much the same reason you did. I hope your fitter can take care of the hand problem, and let us know how things go!

[azfiddle]

You are definitely going to be ready for the 110 mile ride.
I hope you find a solution to the numbness in your hand.

I heard a beautiful jig once named Loch Derg, and meant to try to find music or a recording to learn it. Maybe this will inspire me to look for it again.

Keep us posted!

[rubysoho]

Hmm, you sound like me before the 170 mile (over two days) ride I completed two weekends ago. I had a training plan but, like you, life happened and I just wasn't able to put down the mileage I thought I needed to complete the ride.

Two months before the 170 mile ride I rode 85 miles on my own. I was miserable. My training routes had few hills compared to the 170 mile ride. And leading up to the ride, those last two months, I put in a few (less than five!!) fifty mile rides and a handful of 20-30s. Again, I was so nervous and felt so unprepared.

Like you, I was mostly on my own. I traveled 5 hours, nobody with me, for the ride. Though I was meeting with college friends. However, they average 18-19mph on these distance rides and I knew I wouldn't keep up. And I didn't. I rode all 170 miles, mostly by myself.

But, it didn't matter. The first day, 85 miles, was absolutely amazing and even at the end when it was ALL MAJOR HILLS (!!!! :eek:) I loved it. The second day was stiff to start but managed, there were twenty miles in that ride when I didn't think I could finish. However, something changed and the last 20 felt good/decent again.

I won't lie. Parts of me hurt. My knees and especially from my saddle.

I think the key is fueling well during the entire ride. Since you've been riding 50s and a lone 75 I think you are ready for your 110. Just take it easy, don't push yourself on hills. If you feel like you are trying hard, change gears.

Another tip: think of it as a bunch of short rides. Are there going to be stations where cyclists stop? If so, know the distance between those. For me, it was a "bunch of 12 mile rides." Okay, in reality the stations varied by a few miles but on day two that is what kept me going. Even if there aren't stations, plan your ride so you know you will stop ever twenty miles to refill water bottles and let your legs rest. I kept my stops as brief as possible but I only skipped two stops (one each day). When you feel your worst, because it won't be easy, just try to get started. Once you get started and heading for the next stop try to focus on the people around you and the country side. I yelled out to some cows that I passed a few times. :p

Anyway, sorry to go on like I did. I think you are ready. Keep training but also remember rest is just as important. Cut back on riding the two weeks before the ride. No more than really easy, short rides the week before to keep your legs loose. Fuel well, starting at the beginning of the ride and do so often.

Good luck! You'll do great. Even if you can't finish it is still a major accomplishment to ride as far as you are riding. Be proud!

Edited to add: Figure out something that motivates you through the hard times of the ride. For me, I had just visited Auschwitz two weeks before the ride. Those people suffered so much and while I wasn't riding for them I knew I could survive two days of biking. I also had some riders who inspired me. One was a 75 year old, diabetic man and this 170 mile ride was his 10th year completing it! In my training rides, I saw a man riding who only had one leg. I know he must have overcome so much and to still ride was amazing. The key is getting the focus off yourself (but still remember to fuel!!).

[Jo-n-NY]

Rubysoho-really enjoyed reading your post. All was great advise.

[Mel.b]

Rubysoho, thankyou so much for your post :) You did an awesome job on your cycle and I hope I can do the same. I think your point about keeping things in perspective is also important - after all it's just a cycle and there are people who are and have been though a lot harder things than that.

I was happy with my spin tonight - i did a hill that I really didn't think i would be able to make it up and I made it up, not once but twice! I'm trying to concentrate on some shorter rides during the week with more of a focus on doing hills and then a longer ride on the weekend. This weekend I have a 100km ride planned with about 1000m of climbing. One of the big hills on that cycle I have done twice before (but needed a rest stop). The other hill i last did 12months ago on my heavy hybrid and had to push up so it will be interesting to see how i manage it this weekend. If I've got anything left in the tank after 100km there is one more hill that i could do which i haven't done before.

[indysteel]

Rubysoho-really enjoyed reading your post. All was great advise.

Agreed. That's a really great perspective, Ruby. Congrats on your accomplishment.

Mel, I agree with the people who say that if you can do a 75, you can do a 110. It sounds like you'll be good to go, especially if you pace yourself and eat and drink right. I can't wait to hear all about it. The pics of your training ride are fantastic. DH and I really need to get to Ireland. I've sort of put him off when he's mentioned it because my memories there are slightly bittersweet. But, that was a long time ago, and DH should see Ireland at least once in his lifetime--preferably with me by his side. It's an enchanted place.

[smittykitty]

Mel, your training is going so great. Hills really get me down, 1st physically, then mentally. I really need to find some hills in our flat neighborhood and hit them hard.

And Ruby S, thanks for such a motivating post. Great perspective. I really needed that this week after a 30 mile, flat bike path toasted me the other day. (I guess I worked a little harder than normal, but still!). Life is really getting in the way for my July STP. I knew it would, but signed up anyway. I'm so stressed out that I think it is actually zapping me physically too. So glad you got through your ride without training as well as you should have.

I just decided I will honor a friend who lost a leg to cancer in her teens. I will picture her snow skiing, what a site. We lost her a few years ago, but not without living life to the fullest!

[rubysoho]

Glad you liked my post. I have to say many of the tips (fuel early and often, break but not for too long, think of the the ride in small pieces, etc...) all came from friends or people who have been doing so many of these long rides (I was listening in on conversations! :D ). Those are people that helped me get through the mental part of my ride. Which, I think, is a huge part of it. I hope passing it along helps you (and others) achieve your goal. Again, I think it is very attainable for you based on your posts.

Oh - I did come up with talking to cows I passed all on my own. :rolleyes: I think they recognized me on day 2! ;)

[azfiddle]

Mel, that sounds like a good plan with the mid-week training.

On the long rides, are you doing okay with nutrition and hydration?
Remember to eat at least 100 calories every half hour, with plenty of water. On my first century, there was one point where I just didn't want to eat, and knew that was probably when I most needed it, so I choked down a gel. I felt better after that.

You want to be really comfortable with what works with your system on a long ride before the big day- no surprises!

[rubysoho]

On my first century, there was one point where I just didn't want to eat, and knew that was probably when I most needed it, so I choked down a gel. I felt better after that.

That is the same way I felt on day two. I was force feeding myself from morning until I finished my ride. Wasn't sure I could keep down lunch but somehow managed. Calories coming is are so important!

For anyone doing longer rides... definitely make sure you are getting enough calories in from the very beginning of the ride. And if you can, I recommend using what you've been training with rather than relying on something at the ride stations - though you can use those fruits, etc... as supplemental.

A trick a friend taught me if you have a powder to mix in your drink. Make individual baggies for ever hour you plan to ride. Take a small pair of scissors as well (packed in the saddle bag or somewhere they won't be a danger to you!!). Then, cut a corner on the bag as you use them to make a new drink. It makes pouring sooooo much easier because it funnels the mix into your water bottle rather than you having to open the top of the baggie and tap and angle and try to get the mix in without spilling (and if there is any wind, good luck! It blows everywhere without the funnel).

[Mel.b]

Just back in from a 60km spin. I think i'm coming to the realisation that I don't actually enjoy long rides :eek::( I actually felt the same last week on my 120km cycle. I enjoyed the first part but it just became a chore after that, but I had no choice about it and had to keep going. Today I was within 1km of the car and had another 40km planned in the other direction but I just didn't want to. Honestly I would have been happy turning around after an hour and heading back to the car. Even though today's scenery was beautiful, I enjoyed my shorter rides in town during the week more. Plus as I was cycling along the coast looking at the water, I was thinking 'gee, wish I was diving instead'

On the plus side, I made it up the hill that I had to push up 12months ago, so I was delighted with that. Today was the first time since that I have tried it. I was in the granny gear for a lot of it, but I made it:) I'm not sure where all of this leaves me for the 180km which is in three weeks time. I don't know if it's fitness and because I'm so slow and that I cycle alone (although I had my ipod today) which makes it seem tedious or what?

I got a garmin 500 during the week and I can see how this is going to be a big help with my training, especially with regards to improving my cadence which is low. Here is a link to my stats and course from today
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/189826102 (ignore some of that heart rate data as it was playing up)

And of course, I can't forget to add some photos (although I'm cheating as these were taken on a different day although same route)

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d198/meldives/blackheadlighthouse1.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d198/meldives/corkscrewhill1.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d198/meldives/cid__2012-04-13_18_28.jpg

[goldfinch]

So pretty!

[Catrin]

Beautiful! And it doesn't matter when you took them :)

[Blueberry]

Please keep posting photos!! Those are fabulous!! I'm still dreaming of a trip to Ireland, so seeing photos is a huge treat:)

[Mel.b]

I aggrivated an old back injury on Thursday :( Not good. I won't be doing the cycle anymore. I'm getting physio at the moment but the back is still sore. Last week i only did 60miles in two cycles, this week will be nothing and next week is meant to be the taper before the big day so not much cycing happening. So, 60miles in 3 weeks is not good prep for a 110mile cycle! I want to enjoy the day, not suffer and hate it, so i'll be giving it a go next year. Thanks for all the support and encouragment :) and i'll keep posting photos as soon as i'm back on the bike.

[indysteel]

I'm so sorry to hear that, but good for you for respecting your body's need to heal.

[Catrin]

Oh, oh, oh! Those photos! When can I visit? :D

I agree, I think we need a TE tour :)

I know it was a hard decision to make to put off the event until next year, but good for you for listening to your body on this one. You will come out stronger for it and now you have longer to prepare for it.

[maillotpois]

Probably a wise decision - but do keep the photos coming!!!