Anyone doing STP 2009? A little scared of what I got myself in to

[ZooZoo]

I committed to it in 2008, but haven't been able to get the training in that I need (totally my fault). I still have six months and I'll be working my butt off at the gym and in the saddle between now and July. It's been 15 years or better since I last rode STP.

But I'm hoping that with lots of training in th next six month and if I take it easy on the ride and enjoy myself, I can finish the two days. There's a group from work riding, but only two of us are newbies, so we'll probably stick together and meet up with the others where we can. *Sigh* Please tell me I'm not being stupid.

[maillotpois]

You have seven months. You're not being stupid. Just be consistent in your training, indoors and out, and you will be fine.

[ZooZoo]

Thank you! That is my plan, I just needed some reassurance that it was resonable.

[LilBolt]

Since you've already done it before, even though it has been a while, you know what to expect. I had to dig a bit, but on page 8 of the STP Seminar Book There is a plan that begins in mid-February for 1 and 2 day riders to follow on page 8. Also, if you can, try to incorporate some bike commuting into your schedule. It is great that you have friends to work with toward your goal. I know I wouldn't have been able to do my first 1 day STP without going thru the entire training-to-event journey with my friends. See you on the road!

[OakLeaf]

You've got plenty of time to train. Last year, I rode TOSRV for the first time since 1993 (the first day was also my first century since 1993). I'd only been back to road cycling for two years after a 12 year hiatus. I didn't ride it fast, but I finished easily in spite of some rather impressive rain. Just make sure like they say, have 500 miles under your belt before the event, and at least one 75 mile ride. You'll be fine.

[ttaylor508]

You will do fine! Like LilBolt said, you have done it before so you know what to expect. I have done it 6 times, the last three in one-day and last year I only had about 700 mile of outside riding in. I think it is more the quality of your training rides, not so much the quantity. I think the online training guide is a little much for someone who works full time to commit to and the fact is that you can definitely do it in two days with less training than that guide suggests. I supplemented with indoor spinning classes and that really helped boost my power. The most important thing to remember is to have fun and go at your own pace.