HELP!!! Training for a HUGE ride

[papaver]

One isn't that bad no.


Just drink every 20 mins, and eat every hour. That's really essential. Take your time and try not to go too fast. Don't stop too long. A couple of minutes, otherwise it'll be harder to get into your rythmn

[maillotpois]

Does anyone have any other advice on riding a century? It shouldn't be THAT bad. I mean, it's like doing four 25-mile rides...right?

Exactly. Just break it up like that. When you start the day, you're not riding 100 miles; you're riding 25. Then another. And so on. All the double centuries and long brevets I have done I approach like this. I'm not riding 600k; I'm riding to the next controle.

[mayanorange]

You can do it! one mile at a time if need be! And I still have issues with my bottle too- I recently got a camelback and I'm in love. I still have a bottle with my Endurance Fuel System mix, but it's nice to get a quick sip without the fumble.

[Brandy]

I made it for 50, but I started feeling kind of light headed and blank (Like it was just the road, my bike, and me perpetually turning my legs). Maybe it's because I wasn't eating or drinking enough?

What is your nutrition strategy on long rides? It sounds like that could have been the issue. I'm one of those people that knows better, but I still get myself into trouble here, particularly if it's not a hot day.

For a long distance ride like a century, you need to start taking fuel on right away so you don't get into a deficit that it's hard to bounce back from. Keep the fuel coming consistently, eating before you're hungry and drinking before you're thirsty.

[tantrumbean]

When I was really really stressed about my first century last year, someone gave me the following advice: "Pedal one turn, repeat as necessary - you will get there!"

I know it sounds dead basic, but for some reason it really helped!

[BikeDutchess]

I recently got a camelback and I'm in love.

+1. On longer (and especially warmer) rides I find that I do much better keeping up with hydration if I use my Camelback. It was a life-saver on my Vegas-to-Phoenix ride.

Do force yourself to eat too, to avoid either bonking or hitting that wall!