quick tips

[Pedal Wench]

I hate having to ask this, because I'm not sure this is a smart idea, but here goes...

I'm doing a weeklong bike trip in Colorado in just under three weeks. I've got the weight on my bike down as much as possible, I've been trying to do as much hill work and distance training as I can. I've got my equipment list looking pretty good. (Thanks to everyone for rain gear advice)

I'm still worried about the climbing. My new bike is a double, with a 13/29 on the rear, but I'm still scared. The only thing that I can think of is losing a few pounds off myself. I eat very well, very balanced. Tons of veggies, only whole grain carbs (nothing white - no potatoes, flour or rice) and actually, pretty low-carb - not by design, but I just don't eat alot of bread or pastas anyway, and low-fat -- no beef, pork, or fried anything. Oh - and very low dairy - one fat-free yogurt for breakfast, and that's about it. I've been building up lots of muscle in my legs, and I CERTAINLY don't want to lose any of that. So, with just over two weeks to go, any suggestions? I was thinking that just good clean eating might do it - only eat foods that are going to benefit my riding. Protein and veggies, minimizing fat too. Any other suggestions for getting a few pounds of fat off while maintaining muscle? My weight could come down quite a bit - it's gone up as my training has increased, but clothes fit the same, but I know there is still a little bit of fat, especially around my hips.

Help!!!!

[LBTC]

there's a lot of articles out right now that indicate that a diet fairly high in dairy actually helps us lose fat. apparently the calcium does some magic. must be a similar magic to how it helps muscles heal and recover from strenuous exercise!! maybe your low-dairy diet could increase to a medium-dairy diet??

also, you said your bike is a double. by this do you mean you have only 2 chain rigs in the front? with your worries about climbing have you thought about changing to a 3 chain ring set-up? I'm not sure how feasible that is with your bike, but, when the going gets tough, more gears to drop down to is never a bad thing!! it's not like your plan is a race!!

I'm sure you'll do fine, Audio, just stay in the moment and have FUN!!

Namaste,
~T~

[wabisabi]

I worry about losing weight in only three weeks and still remaining strong. From what I read, I don't think you can really lose much in that amount of time--it will be mostly water. Although I don't use it that much, I really appreciate the "granny gear" on big hills. I did a 5 mile straight up hill yesterday and blessed it! It is easier on the knees and legs; if you blow out a knee in the midst of a multiday ride it could be absolutely miserable if not fatal to the rest of the ride.

[MightyMitre]

I agree - trying to loose any weight at this stage probably isn't a great idea. You need to be as strong and healthy as poss.

You could always splash out on a triple but might cost a few pennies,as you can't just add on another ring. You've got to get an extra long rear mech cage and get your LBS to fit it.

Have you considered a compact chain set? Only 2 rings but the big ring is a few teeth smaller than a standard one which is kind of a half way point rather than going the whole triple, and you don't need to mess with the rear mech.

OR.... you could just relax, exercise light and rest plenty during the last week and I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time. If you do find you have too much equipment you could always pack it up and post it home!

[Pedal Wench]

I agree - trying to loose any weight at this stage probably isn't a great idea. You need to be as strong and healthy as poss.

You could always splash out on a triple but might cost a few pennies,as you can't just add on another ring. You've got to get an extra long rear mech cage and get your LBS to fit it.

Have you considered a compact chain set? Only 2 rings but the big ring is a few teeth smaller than a standard one which is kind of a half way point rather than going the whole triple, and you don't need to mess with the rear mech.

OR.... you could just relax, exercise light and rest plenty during the last week and I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time. If you do find you have too much equipment you could always pack it up and post it home!

That's why I said it might not be my best idea --- should have thought about it a few months ago...

The setup on my bike, with the very large rear cassette, gives me almost the same gearing as a triple (thank you, Sheldon Brown!) so I'm not going to change it out, I just want to get the engine in the best shape possible! I'll just watch what I eat, eliminate all unnecessary calories, and see what happens! Thanks!!!

[alison_in_oh]

That's why I said it might not be my best idea --- should have thought about it a few months ago...

The setup on my bike, with the very large rear cassette, gives me almost the same gearing as a triple (thank you, Sheldon Brown!) so I'm not going to change it out, I just want to get the engine in the best shape possible! I'll just watch what I eat, eliminate all unnecessary calories, and see what happens! Thanks!!!

Hey, I responded to you on the other forum before seeing this one. Just know that at this stage of fitness, you are treading a fine line between having enough energy and "raw materials" for training and muscle building, and creating the necessary caloric deficit for weight loss. A week ago I thought that losing just a smidge more fat would be a great way to improve my climbing. Then I got my bodyfat measured -- it's about 15-17% now, which is pretty darned lean. I don't have any fat to lose, I don't want to lose my muscle -- time to work on the POWER end of the power-to-weight ratio!

[sarahkonamojo]

Changing your diet is not a good idea. And trying to lose weight before a weeklong event could spell trouble.

I'm anxious about the clinbs also, but hope to just relax and enjoy the ride.

skm

[Pedal Wench]

Okay! But, no harm in cutting out excess calories, right? Honestly, I've been pretty bad lately. (Microwave popcorn - it's a whole grain, and after a ride I need carbs, right? See, plenty of room for improvement!)

Alison - sorry about the cross-posting! I forgot that you're on bikeforums too! I've got a case of multiple-personality disorder, so you couldn't have known! (For everyone else, I'm '3Cannondales+1Bianchi' on bikeforums.net)

For what it's worth, I was visiting my BF in Miami this weekend. The only hill is an overpass that used to kill me. The bike I have down there has a triple, and I've been known to use the granny. Well, we did the overpass four times yesterday, and three of the four times I didn't do it in my granny, I didn't do it on my middle ring, I did the climb on my big ring! With no problems at all! Actually had to slow down so I didn't overlap with my BF, who usually flies up the hill! I had to ask him each time if we had a tailwind, cause both directions felt like there was one! I'm probably being paranoid, but I just want this trip to be as wonderful as I think it's gonna be.

I'm just going to 'eat clean' for the next few weeks. I'll just cut out the junk - and keep riding (if the weather cooperates!)

Thanks all!!!

[alison_in_oh]

Okay! But, no harm in cutting out excess calories, right? Honestly, I've been pretty bad lately. (Microwave popcorn - it's a whole grain, and after a ride I need carbs, right? See, plenty of room for improvement!)

Yeah, I think it's OK to "clean up" a little, like my decision to say no to seconds on dessert. BUT, you simply must listen to your body. If as a result of cutting those few hundred "empty" calories, you end up hungrier than usual, replace those calories but with something more nutrient-rich!

Way to go on the climbs!