Training...

[Catrin]

I am trying to figure out the best way to 'train' for my 24 Hours of Booty ride the end of June. I want to ride at least 100 miles, but I know better than to expect myself to be ready to ride those miles all at once. I've 24 hours in which to get them done :cool:

What is the best way to approach this as far as training is concerned? My thoughts are to first get my (currently non-existent) mileage base up to 25 miles or so, and then work on doing that twice a day once a week, then perhaps in early June doing that three times a day on my long ride day of the week.

Does this sound reasonable, or is there a better approach? Perhaps in early June do one ride in the evening for 25-30 miles, and then do it again twice on the next day? It seems to me best to train for it in the way that I am planning on accomplishing those miles - but we all know how I over-think things...

[indysteel]

Honestly, just ride your bike and build up your mileage as best you can. Short of commuting, I don't know that there's a need to do multiple training rides in a given day rather than one long(er) ride. For building endurance, I always found it helpful to do long back-to-back weekend rides. With enough of those under my belt, I was able to do most rides comfortably, be it a weeklong tour, the two full days at the Horsey or RAIN.

There is a relatively short hill on the Booty route, so you might want to incorporate some climbing and hill repeats in your training, too.

[maillotpois]

I don't know anything about the event, but the name implies you may be riding at night, or through the night. If so, then training yourself to ride in the dark (testing and getting used to equipment) will definitely help. Knowing when you need to stop and nap is also important. I've ridden through the night 3 times for 600ks and a fleche, and each time I had very similar timing and manifestations of stupid sleepy.

On the mileage part of it, Indy's got great advice. I think a lot of times people really overthink training for endurance events when it's best just to build up your saddle time in a rational way.

Sounds like fun!

[Catrin]

Good idea about the night riding, I will need to figure out a safe way to do this. I DO have lights, but now I think about it they don't really last very long, only a bit over one hour on high. Perhaps I can borrow something for the event :) I suspected I was over-thinking the mileage part of it, over-thinking is what got me over-use injuries my first season when I was insane enough to think I could do a hilly brevet 6 months after learning how to ride a bike! Well, over-thinking and ignoring pain.

I think it WILL be fun Maillotopis! The course is only something like 3.5 miles but the lane for the riders is blocked from traffic, and there are police at each intersection for the full 24 hours. The route isn't a difficult one, so I am challenging myself with mileage - it is up to me how long/far I ride. The nice thing about the course it makes the event accessible to almost anyone who can ride a bike.

My LBS is providing mechanical support for the event and I think is is going to be a lot of fun! To make it better, I've joined a local team and this will be my first event with them :) I am also coming up with a couple of creative ways to (hopefully) take care of my fundraising requirement without having to ask for too many donations - I just DID that for the little stair climb last week and I don't like asking the same people for donations twice in the same year.

[kacie tri-ing]

I would suggest that you do a few on/off rides. Your legs really do feel different when you get off the bike for a while and then start riding again. Work up to saturdays or sundays where you ride 3 times. It can be REALLY fun, but it's also good to know how it will feel to hop back on the bike after relaxing-it does feel different. I also think it can be really helpful to try out some different foods. Some foods make me NOT want to get back onthe bike, and others make me feel springy and ready to roll. I am not suggesting over-thinking, but I am suggesting a little simulation so that you are not suprised by how you feel!