RAIN Ride 2010 (Questions) This is long, sorry!!

:confused::eek::confused::eek:Ok, please don't laugh at me, but I have some questions about the RAIN Ride, in Indiana. First of all, right now that ride is my cycling goal. I eventually want to do that ride at some point in my cycling life. Now with that being said, a coworker who is a biking fanatic says that I could do it as soon as next year, with a little hard work. This individual is very trustworthy and very knowlegeble, considering he did the RAIN Ride, but he is a HE and I want some female imput. I pretty much just started riding this year. I've done three, 40 mile rides, one 50 mile ride and planning on doing a 72 mile ride in October. I was riding all the time this past summer, about 20 miles a day, 6 days a week, but about the last 2 months or so I've slacked off because of my job. I work 12 hour shifts and most nights turn into 14 hour shifts. I have no where come near 160 miles which is the RAIN Ride, but I just really want to do it. Here comes the embarrassing part: I HAVE NO IDEA ON HOW TO TRAIN FOR THE RAIN RIDE!!!! I've been trying to read articles on training for double centuries and brevets, but I'm so lost. Between the uping of milage by a certain percentage every week and eating specific types of food and trying to refuel during rides? My head is spinning!!! Then I understand I have to ride longer distances to build up endurance for the ride, but when riding solo, 20 miles gets so boring. I really just need someone to point me in the right direction. I figured I would try to do this ride in 2 or 3 years, but like I said a coworker says it's not that far out of a possibility or dream. Please someone make my head stop spinning!!!!

The longest ride I have done is 120mi, so I may not be the best person to be answering this question. However, my training has been good this season, and I am sure that if I wanted to, I could be ready for 160 in a few weeks. Basically, you really do need to ramp up your mileage. I personally enjoy riding alone, so 75mi by myself on the open road on a sat morning, is thoroughly enjoyable. However, if you don't like that, find a couple of riding partners. I have done some rides where I ride the first 30mi myself, meet a friend along the way for 30mi, and ride the last 15-20 home on my own. This works well if your friends are not training for the same distances as you, but still want to get a shorter ride in. It is also good if your friends aren't quite as fit as you, because you'll be pacing yourself on an 80mi ride thereby helping you and your friends be more evening matched in terms of speed.

Food: As you ramp up your mileage, you will begin to figure out what works with you in terms of food. Eat before you get hungry. I always bring bananas with me on a long ride, in addition to cliff shot bloks and payday candybars. Somtimes a take trailmix, but that is usually when I am all out of payday candybars. Fruit leather works well for me too. Make sure to hydrate well during the ride. I usually carry a bottle of water and some kind of diluted sports drink. I start with the water, and by the end of the ride alternate between water and sports drink.

The most important thing is to have fun! Training is hard, but should be enjoyably so! Any chance that your co-worker will train with you?

You're ready...I did it 14 months after my first ride and finished in the top 10% last year - I didn't do it this year. It's a blast.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...highlight=rain

There are many clubs that have RAIN training built into their club schedules.

Where are you located?

Just build up to miles - not increasing your cumulative miles more than 10%/week, plan the logistics, and pace yourself.

chicagogal-- I would love to train with my co-worker, but he is really above my level in cycling along with the fact that we work alternating shifts from each other, so our schedules would be impossible to work around. When it comes to food and refueling, my main problem right now is that I can barely eat anything during a ride because I will get heartburn or indigestion. I can't even deal with gatorade and drinks like that unless I dilute it with water heavily.

Mr. Silver-- I'm glad you have such faith in me already. I live in Madison, IN. but work in Columbus, IN. My husband will ride with me to a point, but at about mile 20, he's pretty much over it. My main isssue with training and doing long rides alone is finding a safe route without a bazillion cars trying to run me over. Thanks for everyones imput and I am always ready for more!!!!

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Originally Posted by jessica47201

I can't even deal with gatorade and drinks like that unless I dilute it with water heavily.

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When you say "drinks like that," what else have you tried? Gatorade is notoriously hard on the stomach, especially the pre-mixed kind that's made with HFCS.

Have you tried HEED? Or mixing non-caloric electrolyte drinks like Emergen-C or NUUN with your carb of choice (plain sugar; barley syrup or rice syrup for me; some people like agave syrup or honey, but the fructose in those does me in)? Or some of the other drinks that are out there, that I'm not really familiar with?

On a long ride I need protein - more than they ever supply on a supported ride. I don't know why, maybe because I don't inundate myself with protein on an average day. Anyway, when I'm fueling myself, I choose tuna salad; or egg salad when tuna isn't available. I'm off to buy some Perpetuem for this weekend's ride, which I've never tried before, but I know I can't tolerate whey protein. Ordinarily I avoid refined soy protein, but it should be okay for the occasional big event I think.

Like Mr. Silver, I did RAIN the first time about 14 months after I first started riding. I also did it again a year later. It's very doable. Training, in part, depends on "how" you want to do it. To ride it comfortably/strongly, I'd first and foremost suggest riding....A LOT. I would recommend getting some longer rides under your belt, i.e., at least 100 miles. If you can comfortably do a century, RAIN isn't that much harder. It's largely a question of figuring out how to eat and drink on a longer ride. You have to know what your body will tolerate and you also have to develop a certain discipline about staying on top of your nutrition and hydration needs, especially in the heat. That takes some practice.

It's also a question of getting used to being in the saddle for a long stretch. I didn't find RAIN all that difficult to finish to be honest with you, but my "training" for it consisted of averaging about 175 miles per week. so my legs and butt were used to a lot of miles. I don't necessarily think you need to ride that much, but you do need to consistently ride a fair amount. Obviously, if you can find a training partner(s), you may find it easier to get those miles in.

Success at RAIN is also partly a question of bike fit. If you experience any discomfort on your bike, try to get it sorted out before the ride. You really need to be comfortable on your bike if you're going to finish strongly.

There are a couple of other things to consider to do RAIN. It attracts a large group, so practice your group riding skills, even if you don't plan to do the ride with a group. You also need to consider the logistics. Getting to Terre Haute and back from Richmond take some planning. I don't necessarily think you need a dedicated SAG driver, but they can prove helpful. When I've done the ride, my driver caught up with me at the lunch stop (so that I could eat my own food), at Greenfield (which is an unofficial SAG stop just as the route rejoins US 40) and at the final SAG stop.

Finally, RAIN is partly a function of the weather--which you have no control over. If you're lucky, you'll have a tailwind and/or it won't be too hot. If it is really hot or you have to deal with a headwind or crosswind, the ride will likely be a lot harder. Mr. Silver and I are lucky in that we enjoyed some decent weather the years we've done RAIN. In 2006, the weather was horrible (95 degrees plus humidity). A lot of people dropped out of the ride because they couldn't handle the heat. I've always said that I would play the ride by ear if the weather was less than decent. I would suggest the same thing. IMO, it's just not worth it.

People either ride RAIN for time or fun, difficult to do both. Riding for time is hard, but riding for fun with friends can be a blast.

Training should consist of lots of miles and a couple centuries, the last being maybe 2/3 weeks before RAIN. Build base miles with 40/50/60 mile rides.

Personal SAG makes everything a little easier, but not necessary. There are official stops at 40/60/90/130 miles, with plenty of shops along the way. They have the usual tour fare. That said, I avoid all the food until the end and then eat like crazy.

Nutrition is key, I use a combination of Hammer products. I start with 4 bottles, 2 water, 1 Heed, and 1 Perpetuem shake (about 8 scoops). I also carry some Hammer gel and PayDay candy bars. I start right away with the Perpetuem, I can usually drink it for about 4 hours, after that I just don't want anymore. I chase everything with water, average about a bottle of water an hour. Try to keep Heed - regular strength going with some gel shots and a PayDay when I just need something to eat. My plan usually starts to fail after lunch (mile 90), the Perpetuem is hard to get down, I'm done with Heed, and craving something different. By mile 100 I called my wife and wanted some grape drink (Gatorade or whatever), so I got my grape drink at mile 115 and finished on Grape Gatorade, PayDay's, and a little Mountain Dew (yes a little can really give you a boost at the end of a long ride).

The key is continue to take in calories, I try really hard the first 3/4 of a ride to stick to quality products and nutrition, know I'll likely follow my cravings toward the end.

You have lots of time, just enjoy riding, RAIN is very doable with a little planning and work. I've known guys to complete rain with less then 1,000 miles for the year, and a long ride of no more then 50 miles. It's a high energy event, and you get caught up in the excitement. The start is fast and packed, by the end you might have long stretches of solo riding. The weather can have big impact, this year was awesome.

Put it on the calendar and have fun!

My nutrition plan isn't all that different from Mr. SR500, although I drink Cytomax instead of the products he mentioned. I, too, can't really handle Gatorade, but Cytomax works for me. I also bring along bite-sized chunks of Paydays and try to eat something every 15 minutes or so. I try to drink water or Cytomax every five minutes, alternating with about a 2:1 ratio. At lunch, I try to get a bit (not too much) protein. I've skipped the lunch that is provided and had my own waiting for me instead via my SAG driver. Remember to keep drinking during lunch. It's an easy time to get dehydrated.

My stomach isn't terribly fussy so I can generally eat about whatever. My biggest hurdle at RAIN has been a persistent hot foot. But for that, the ride was pretty easy. I've done harder, hillier rides that are shorter. Again, however, I'd note that I haven't really had to do it in terribly hot water. I'm sure that has made a difference.

I'm with Mr. Silver, I think you can do it.:)

RAIN's on my list of cycling goals too. Well, my century was suppose to be this year but you can see the result of that with my dog crash thread *sigh*. Being positive and looking forward though...

I think finding what is the right food and drink combo for you is a lot of trail and error. Tons of great reading on here to stir your thoughts on where to start. And I bought some cycling books related to distance riding and sports nutrition etc.

Keeping a training log is key to sorting out that trial and error, imho.

Simple notebook works. But, I would forget to find the paper when I needed to. So, I started typing mine in the notes section of my Garmin bike computer in Training Center on the pc. Desk top computer is pretty hard to misplace lol. And part of closing my ride is enjoying the review of my stats.

And hey, you know what... if you "go for it" and it doesn't pan out... there is another year to try again. Good Luck!:)

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Originally Posted by indysteel

Finally, RAIN is partly a function of the weather--which you have no control over. If you're lucky, you'll have a tailwind and/or it won't be too hot. If it is really hot or you have to deal with a headwind or crosswind, the ride will likely be a lot harder. Mr. Silver and I are lucky in that we enjoyed some decent weather the years we've done RAIN. In 2006, the weather was horrible (95 degrees plus humidity). A lot of people dropped out of the ride because they couldn't handle the heat. I've always said that I would play the ride by ear if the weather was less than decent. I would suggest the same thing. IMO, it's just not worth it.

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+1 This is so true!

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Originally Posted by jessica47201

Mr. Silver-- I'm glad you have such faith in me already. I live in Madison, IN. but work in Columbus, IN. My husband will ride with me to a point, but at about mile 20, he's pretty much over it.

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Similarly, I live in Evansville AND Bloomington. On the other hand, Silver can ride circles around me... You need to PM makbike - I bet she can give you some good routes across the river in KY.

Susan, in addition, would you say it's important to not plan your flight schedule back to Indiana on the same day you need to drive down to RAIN???:D:D:eek:

OK, headcount - WHO's IN FOR THE HILLY HUNDRED?????

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Originally Posted by Mr. Silver

OK, headcount - WHO's IN FOR THE HILLY HUNDRED?????

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Well, forgive the hijack, but I'm in! It will be my first attempt at the Hilly, but we've been training on hills in Metamora, Laurel/Orange, and Batesville/Oldenburg, so hopefully I can eek out a finish. Never thought I'd see the day when I'd choose to ride hills... :eek:

As others have said ride your bike and give yourself a solid base. The year I rode RaIN I made it a point to ride numerous centuries prior to July. I rode several back to back centuries. I rode and rode and rode some more. Some may say I over prepared but I felt great on the ride. My body handled it well and I felt absolutely wonderful at the end.

I made it a point to drink every five minutes or so. I alternated between water and Gatorade (I like it and it works for me). I also used Shotbloks about every 30 miles or so.

For me, finding a comfortable cadence was the key. Once I settled in and found it it simply became another day on the bike - one I enjoyed tremendously.

Go for it. Find a group to ride with and work together for it will make a difference in your day. Don't think of it as a 158 mile ride but break it down into smaller segments (SAG to SAG). Don't linger too long at the stops - get what you need and get back on the road - too much time off the bike can be hard on the body.

With the cold weather months lingering ahead think about getting a trainer so you can still ride on a daily basis. Time on the trainer will put you ahead of the game once the warm weather returns in the spring.

Hope this helps. Be safe and have fun.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for everyones imput on fueling and training. I'm feeling like I might actually be able to acheive this. Unfortunately I'm not all in for the Hilly Hundred, I have to work and I'm not sure I could do all of the hills. I used to drive to Bloomington every other day for EMT school, in a car and I can't imagine all those hills on a bike. But hey, good luck to all of you doing the Hilly and thanks for the awesome tips and imput you've given me so far. I'm eating it up and then some!!! I'm already looking up rides in 2010 that I want to do and the RAIN Ride is just one of the many!!!! Thanks again!!! And feel free to keep sharing!!

Makbike-- I've already got my rollers in the garage and set up ready to ride when the weather gets nasty. Right now I'm on the hunt for some new tires to use on my rollers. Right now I've got 700x35c, cyclocross tires. I'm shopping around for some 28's. I'm kinda looking forward to getting on the rollers. I know I probably won't come close to getting any long distance, but rollers are challenging and I like that.

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Originally Posted by Mr. Silver

Susan, in addition, would you say it's important to not plan your flight schedule back to Indiana on the same day you need to drive down to RAIN???:D:D:eek:

OK, headcount - WHO's IN FOR THE HILLY HUNDRED?????

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You are correct Mr. Silver! Once again, and planning more conservatively, I will not be able to do Hilly due to travel. Maybe 2010 will be the year!

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Originally Posted by Mr. Silver

OK, headcount - WHO's IN FOR THE HILLY HUNDRED?????

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Originally Posted by susan.wells

...I will not be able to do Hilly due to travel. Maybe 2010 will be the year!

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Ghee, 2010 could just be a big party then. I had just paid my $ for Hilly 100 and one other event prior to that before my crash.:( Getting my MRI next week and the doc will decide if my separated acl will heal without surgery or not. He'd let me pedal the bici stationary now, but no outside steering. I don't see me being together by Hilly. You'll have to take me on the ride in spirit. Climb one hill for the MIA TE team.:cool:

I did my first RAIN ride this year which was a historically cool day but nontheless I did do it. I only got up to 100 miles about a week or so before the ride. That was my first century and then I did the 160 about a week or two later so I know you can tackle this thing. If you are stable on rollers you are probably a lot stronger rider than you know. Rollers kick my butt! I think you have this thing beat already.

As others have said the trickiest thing is figuring out how, what, when to eat and drink. You can't really find definitive guidelines because it's all so subjective from one person to the next. My advice is just start playing with different combinations now to see how your tummy feels or how you feel energywise while you are riding. OK here's another thing, I'm doing the Hilly and I have NOT trained :). I just take it easy, the ride is way too much fun to miss! It's not competitive its all about the fun. I have a granny gear and I'm not afraid to use it! :D

I guess I'm assuming you are riding clipped in? If not, try getting some inexpensive clip in pedals and shoes (mountain bike style are nice so you can walk around easily, those are called SPD style). Being clipped in really helps me with stamina on a long ride like RAIN.

I hope that helps a bit and would LOVE to see you come down to the Hilly!!! :):):)

I popped a Shot Blok every 20 minutes as a reminder to drink. I took 3 Excedrin at the start and 3 halfway through (that's WITH caffeine).

And note these stats that I compiled after last year's ride. Age doesn't matter either...

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=25577

Well I went around to some stores today in Clarksville and picked up some fuel to tryout and see what I like and don't like. Here's what I got:

GU Energy Gel--Chocolate Outrage
Clif Shot---Chocolate
Clif Shot---Vanilla
Clif Shot Bloks---Cran-Razz

I was hoping to try some different brands, but the majority of stuff that I was finding was mainly Clif Brand. I was actually hoping to find a new jersey but didn't really see anything I liked. I guess better luck next time. Tomorrow after I get back from the Madison Chataqua Festival of Art, I'm hoping to get in a good ride and try out one of the Clif Shots, weather permitting. Thank you all for the advise, I'm lovin' it!!!!!

I'll add a few things. I did it in 2008.

Indysteel said, "Mr. Silver and I are lucky in that we enjoyed some decent weather the years we've done RAIN."

that would be true if you consider riding for 50 miles in a constant hard downpour and lightning decent weather. :p but at least it kept us cool.

I would say that if you could continue the kind of riding that you are doing and add at least one really long ride a month that you will be doing good! by really long ride, I'd say add 10 to 15 miles longer than what you had previously done. I know it would be a drive for you, but you'd be welcome to come to evansville just about anytime and we'd take you for a longer ride, whatever distance you needed.

I would recommend at least one ride longer than 100 (like 120?) prior to RAIN. And possibly back to back long rides. The Horsey Hundred is an excellent training ride for RAIN. Usually around Memorial Day in Geargetown KY. First day is around 107 and second day is around 80.

Also, we did not have a dedicated SAG, but we had two Back up people to call if we had an emergency. We did fine.

A couple of small problems I had.....one of my bottles popped out during the hard rain and I didn't know it. So I only had one bottle. the stops are far enough apart that I felt that I needed two filled bottles at all times. So I eventually stopped at a gas station and bought a gatorade bottle That fit in the water bottle holder. Also, the first stop was way too far for me. I needed to eat earlier. So I had some things to eat with me, things that I could eat without stopping. But with the rain everything got a bit soggy (and this is even though all was protected)

a couple of other things I would do next time. Even though I didn't have a dedicated SAG, I did see my back up SAGs at a couple of the stops. I would have them stash some dry colthes (especiatlly socks) to change into, either for rain or sweat. I'd also stash an extra water bottle with them.

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Originally Posted by jessica47201

...Clif Shot Bloks---Cran-Razz...
I was hoping to try some different brands, but the majority of stuff that I was finding was mainly Clif Brand...

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Cliff Shot Electrolyte Blocks are my favorite and work well for me. The bars are bit hard to chew. Gu just makes me want to puke.

My favorite Cliff shot blocks are: margaritta w/triple sodium, orange w/caffeine... and cherry because it has caffeine. Cran-Razz is pretty good too.

The margaritta flavor can be a little funky tasting early in a ride. But the more you sweat, for me anyway, the marg is better... and the sweet stuff can get TOO sweet. I alternate. For bars I like Lara Bars. They are natural like Cliff products. And Lara is nut based. Something that agrees w/me.

Once you find a flavor you fall in love with, you can order on-line too. I hated to keep searching the store to never find my flavor in stock. Places like BikeTiresDirect you can order individual sleeves, vs an entire box on Cliff's web site.

The sleeve concept of Cliff's shots works much better than Gu's chomps... it just makes a mess in the jersey pocket.

Miranda - You're ready.

In a few weeks Silver and a small group will be going from New Harmony to Louisville...why don't you join them? It's about 140ish...

Mr. SR - you need to do it too.

...I'm not doing it...

Wow, New Harmony is beautiful!! I was only there for about 4 days during the flood, helping the whole sandbaging effort, but even during that horrible mess it was beautiful. The people were really friendly too. Next weekend I'm doing the Ghost rider ramble. I've invited someone from work to go too, but I don't think he's going and my husband won't do it either, since his highest milage so far is around 20 miles. So this is looking like my first organized ride by myself. Looking forward to it too. Miranda I really hope you heal quick and can get back on the bike soon. I can't imagine not be able to do something you love. Just take it slow and easy and thanks for all the info you've given me.

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Originally Posted by Mr. Silver

Miranda - You're ready.

In a few weeks Silver and a small group will be going from New Harmony to Louisville...why don't you join them? It's about 140ish...

Mr. SR - you need to do it too.

...I'm not doing it...

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I might work the vendor tent, not sure yet, maybe ride Sat. Why are you not riding?

[QUOTE=silver;464255]I'll add a few things. I did it in 2008.

Indysteel said, "Mr. Silver and I are lucky in that we enjoyed some decent weather the years we've done RAIN."

that would be true if you consider riding for 50 miles in a constant hard downpour and lightning decent weather. :p but at least it kept us cool. /QUOTE]

Oops; I forgot that part. :p My group sat out the start of the ride, so while we did get wet, we missed the worst of it.

On an unrelated note, good luck at your upcoming 140-mile ride, Silver! I really want to join you some year for that. This, unfortunately, is not the year. I've barely ridden, especially over the last couple of months. Buying a new home and moving really sucks up both time and energy.

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Originally Posted by Mr. Silver

Miranda - You're ready.

In a few weeks Silver and a small group will be going from New Harmony to Louisville...why don't you join them? It's about 140ish...

Mr. SR - you need to do it too.

...I'm not doing it...

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Ooo, the ride sounds nice. And tempting. But my acl joint in my shoulder is an issue atm.:( I had my MRI test today. Go for my PT eval later this week. And see the ortho doc next week to discuss the test results etc. He's allowed indoor spinning atm, but no steering of the outdoor bici. I hate this feeling that I know I am loosing ground on my fitness gains. Just makes me depressed to eat the kids ice cream. Ugh--counter-productive. Just have to wait and see what the doc says. Definately a list add for next season though.

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Originally Posted by jessica47201

Miranda I really hope you heal quick and can get back on the bike soon. I can't imagine not be able to do something you love. Just take it slow and easy and thanks for all the info you've given me.

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:)Thx for those get well wishes. Yea, it's really hard listening to my friends century reports of recent. I am sincerely happy for their accomplishment. Just feeling blue I'm not with them on the success.

+1 on what Indysteel said, especially ab out the gear and comfort.

I did the ride in, I think, 2005. High temp 83, 8 mph west wind... so mostly tailwind. I did it for fun -- finished #300. I'd been riding lots of miles *that* summer -- 150-200 miles/week, so yes, I had worked out any saddle or angle issues with the bike. Think I'd done several 80+ mile days (I was working 20 hours a week, with Tuesdays off to riiiiiide). I had some coaching from folks who'd done it -- mainly of the "take it EASY AT FIRST" type, but I shall forever fondly remember Fritz at the bike shop telling me "Sioux, you ride those trucks. Go ahead and take it out at 17 or so and go for it." Since he got Susan Notorangelo through RAAM with flying colors, I figured he knew what he was talking about ;)

I Was back out at our Monday ride, tho' taking it easy. Another lady in the club finished #30 - first woman who wasn't on a tandem. She rode my kind of miles... but it was THursday before she was back out on the road 'cause it took that long for thigns to stop bleeding :eek: (but hey, she was 53... pretty awesome...)

I'd say it's about getting the gear that works (and it's about comfort - I was riding a hybrid, with sneakers & toe clips, but it's comfortable and light) and then having the time to put in the miles... and also, yes, the weather. You might sort of plan ahead for just how much nuisance & discomfort you are willing to endure if somethign goes amiss, if you tend to be in the "NO MUSTNOT QUIT MUST NOT QUIT" category.

Miranda, hang in there !!! It's better IMO to keep in touch with it, even tho' it hurts -- gives you something to look forward to.

My guy has done RAIN several times, and is encouraging me to ride it this coming year as well.

Gatorade and Powerade are all but poison to me--that much HFCS blocks nutrient uptake something fierce, and the stuff feels like thick slime going down. Hammer Nutrition's HEED and Perpetuem are far better fuels. If you don't have someone doing the personal sag vehicle thing for you, pack sandwich bags of powder mix pre-measured for your bottles, fill your bottles with water and powder at each stop, and move on.

Yes, you can do it. You will want to prepare for it, but you can do it.

Hey thanks eveyone for the great information. You guys are so motivating me and you actually have me thinking and believing that I can do this next year. I tried out the Vanilla Clif Shot. I wasn't really crazy about the actual flavor, but it didn't give me any heartburn!!! Yeah, for me!! Looking forward to trying out the others!!!

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Originally Posted by Mr. SR500

I might work the vendor tent, not sure yet, maybe ride Sat. Why are you not riding?

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We will be at the Hilly 100. This is a ride some friends and I are doing, probably on Oct. 16. Riding from New Harmony to Louisville. You are welcome to join us!!