Attempting my first 40 mile ride.... got any pointers?

[rubysoho]

I'm committed. I've convinced a cycling friend of mine to be my "pace car" this weekend as I attempt a 40 mile ride. Meaning, his job is to make sure I don't get excited and start sprinting in the first 10 miles of the ride (it is just soooooo fun to go fast!!).

This past weekend I rode two 20 mile rides on back-to-back mornings and felt pretty darn good the following day. A 40 seems doable in my non-experienced-and-slightly-crazy mind.

What do I need for this ride? I am assuming my single water bottle won't cut it. I also assume I should have some form of food.... Night before nutrition?

Any pointers would be much appreciated. Including any reality checks!

(History: I bought my bike in 2008, did some light riding for a few months, life happened and I just picked up cycling again within the last month, maybe a bit more. I went from a first ride of 2-3 miles, to 5 miles, to 12 miles, to 5 miles, to 23 miles one day and 20 miles the next over the course of the last month... with a few short spins inbetween when I didn't have time during the week to put in anything over a few miles... no major pain, I did ice my knees after the two 20 milers but that is because I wasn't being smart about gear choices, I think)

[crazycanuck]

Spend the next few days thinking about what you're going to eat & drink on the ride. Also, how often are you going to drink/eat. Eat before you're hungry and drink before you're thirsty.

When doing the ride, take your time & remember you have to get yourself from A-B, no one else.

Most of all..have fun!

[Cataboo]

Just do it - have fun.

Peanut butter & jelly sandwiches tend to be easy to eat and still bike afterwards.

I usually carry a granola bar of some sort and some cliff shot bloks with caffeine.

Put a 2nd water bottle on your bike if you can - but if you're not going to be riding in the middle of nowhere, there is usually a store or someone's garden house or something that you can stop by and fill your water bottle up.

[roadie gal]

How hot and humid is it going to be? How much do you drink? I would try to carry at least 2 water bottles and some munchy like an energy bar, granola bar or a PB&J sandwich.

I'm a big drinker, especially if it's hot, and I HATE getting dehydrated, so I tend to carry a lot of water. Be honest with yourself about how much you may need.

[rubysoho]

thanks all! I drink a lot an hour before my ride (stopping 30 minutes before I pedal out) and on the 20 milers I did not finish my single bottle (on top of drinking a decent amount of water in general). But, I also drink a lot after. This ride will have a planned break at the 20 mile mark if needed where I can refill the two bottles. I don't know how much is between mile 1 and mile 20 though so I am packing a little food.

Should be around 80 degrees this weekend, 56% humidity. I am going to try to carry more than what I think I will need.

[tulip]

Don't underestimate the amount of food and drink on the ride. I ride more or less by the clock: every 5 minutes I take a gulp of whatever is in my waterbottles. Every 15 minutes I take a bite of whatever food I have in my jersey pocket. Be consistent and you won't bonk.

40 miles is not a century, but it's a decent ride and if you are not careful, you could bonk or get dehydrated. After the ride, have some chocolate milk and chips, or whatever recovery food/drink you like.