I'm back and I'm full of...

[kimba]

Questions!

Okay- so I started mountain biking last year- did some single track and loved it.
Tried winter riding- got my new bike -whoo hoo- and in a VERY freak accident, bruised my ribs and that was it for winter cycling..we had a frightful winter- no soft crunchy snow- oh no...just freezing rain, ice - extreme cold... Cold frozen pavement just feels harder than just plain old pavement, y'know?

But - I'm ready for more cycling this year-
I want to do a lot more.
I'm joining a local group- the first ride's in May -

and I want to do a charity ride in June-
They close off a major highway in Toronto and thousands of cyclists ride it for the Heart and Stroke charity. You'll probably laugh- but I'd like to do 75 k-
the choices are 25, 50 or 75. or more..Any good tips on training?
I'm doing small rides right now- the weather is still really crappy-
but I gotta get my butt in gear so to speak.

I've been doing yoga, planning to do some leg work at the gym-, I'm working on my quads- they're pretty tight. On the average I'm very strong, I have to work on my wind and legs I figure. My knees are shot but cycling doesn't bother them too badly...
however I've been off the bike all winter...

Oh yeah- it'll be on pavement, I'm riding my mountain bike- what about tires? There are Tyranorapter 2.25 knobbys on there now- I've also got a set of 2.1 Jimmy's and a set of IRC Backcountry's.
Or should I invest in a set of slicks for this one event?

Thanks to you all in advance!

[Veronica]

I'd get slicks. I did my first century on my mountain bike - but with slicks. Changing tires isn't too hard and it's good practice for when you get a flat. It'll give you the option of doing an occasional road ride w/o having to buy a road bike.

V.

[missliz]

Veronica's right, and I'd put them on and do road training just to be used to them by the event- they handle differently.
What you want to do is some really long slow rides for basic conditionig and endurance. Speed just picks up on it's own as you do these. Work on your hamstrings at the gym. Very Tedious! but worth it. Crunchies for core strength!
Actually, you should have been weight training this winter, 'cause now it's time to ride! Swimming is a really good in season crosstraing thing.
If you look around at sites like Bicycling Mag and such, you can get a training schedule for the century that's often modified for the shorter distances.

You'll do great! Even if SAG has to scrape you off the road it'll be fun.

Lizzy