Team in Training

[KTeach]

I did a TNT event this fall - met lots of nice people - had a great time at the event - and raised almost $6000! However ... "buyer beware" or something like that! The coach was a SUPER nice guy as were all the assistants and mentors. Yet the "training" was pretty simplistic... we rode together once a week and got "tips" but that's about it. It is hard because there are people with so many different levels of ability in the same group - we did eventually split into 2 groups, but that happed late in the training. I met other people at the actual event from different parts of the country who'd also trained with TNT - some had similar experiences, others had excellent coaching. It is a worthy cause, and was fun! but my advice is to talk to riders who've ridden with your particular group before making such a big commitment (I found many people were doing TNT events for their 2nd and 3rd time and they were great resources for the inside scoop on how things in the group would go). Also, find out where the training rides are from the coach! At the info session I attended I was told they'd be in a variety of places in my county - but they ALL turned out to be 45 - 80 minute drive from my home.

[UpNorth123]

Hi Hill Slug!
I, too, am participating in TNT this year...a first timer, two weeks into training for the Lake Tahoe ride. At 46, and not having been on a bike in ummmm, well, a loooong time, it's quite the challenge. The first day I rode two weeks ago (23 degrees), I thought, am I nuts?? But today (50 degrees) and 170+ miles on my new bike, I'm thinking, hey I can do this!

For me, TNT offered the ultimate combination of getting in shape again (me), support and coaching from a certified trainer for a newbie, rejoicing in my dad's good health as a survivor of non-Hodgkins lymphoma, and raising funds for continuing research to support those who are battling blood cancers every day. Plus, I get to meet new people and peddle around the backroads in rural Wisconsin...and buy new toys!

Fund-raising is going well so far, but if anyone is willing to support a very worthy cause, here's my website: Cycle4aCure

Look forward to reading through the threads on this forum and picking up tips, techniques and encouragement.

Happy cycling!

-UpNorth123

[Hill Slug]

Welcome UpNorth!!!

Congratulations on joining the team and getting your mileage in! I was basically in the same place you are for my first year in TNT. I started out on a heavy hybrid, and used my tax return to get a lighter road bike - Specialized Sequoia Comp. The training was hard, and I also thought what the heck am I doing here.....But I knew.....so I kept going. Our coaches are pretty good. They make the effort to reach each person and provide any assistance needed. As a mentor this year, I'm providing tips to folks on fundraising and some very basic training stuff. Just the kind of stuff that I learned. The Tahoe ride was awesome last year. The weather was perfect and everyone had a great time. I did have to walk some of the climbs....Emerald Bay is short but steep, and Spooner is an 8 mile climb. The company, bikethewest.com that puts this ride on does a great job with it. The rest stops are well stocked with good stuff. The CHP and Nevada state troopers did a great job keeping us safe.

Get as much hill work as you can.....you'll need it. I was out there all day because I did some walking, but it wasn't bad because there were others walking too. You're not really alone. And there are riders of all different levels. So have fun with your training, and know that you CAN do it.....

Please feel free to PM or email me if you have any questions...

Where are you traveling from for the ride????

[UpNorth123]

Hi Hill Slug-
Thanks for the warm welcome! Training is perking along...although we're really hoping for spring to arrive soon, yesterday on our 60 miler we were all still in long pants and sleeves and shells and ear muffs at 42 degrees. Ugh. We figure it just makes us tougher

I've met my goal for LLS and am now trying to make my personal goal of raising 5K or more. The following weeks will be challenging as the mileage gets longer, but now that I've fixed my first flat tire all alone (left the cell phone and potential 'rescue' sitting on my kitchen counter ) I'm feeling good.

Hope your fund raising and training are going well. I hear from other team members that those participating in charity rides, particularly TNT, have been labeled the Purple Menace. I do feel for those that have been training for speed, records, etc. for these events, but seems like there should be a way to allow everyone to meet their needs...like starting the racers 1/2 hour before the charity riders. Ah well, I'll just try to stay out of the way of the speed demons!

Only had a few minor aches and pains ... knees (temporary), ulnar nerve tinglees, so far so good for an over 40 broad!

Go Team!

Oh, and flying from Milwaukee to Reno. Our group is from the Fox Valley/Green Bay area of Wisconsin...there are also groups in Madison and Milwaukee we'll be meeting for our final training ride prior to the event.

Happy pedaling!

UpNorth

[Hill Slug]

Purple Menace, huh??? I like it.....

America's Most Beautiful Bike Run is TNT's primary ride on the West Coast, so out of the 3500+ riders, around 3000 are TNT. So.....we're at all levels. Some of the faster riders do go out early. And some of the slower ones do too so they're not out there aaaallllll day.

Our particular team stresses safety as much as possible. Last year we had 3 riders end up in the ER with broken collars or shoulders - one was at Tahoe... We are really into safety and so far we've had a couple of biffs, myself included, but nothing ambulatory!

We did 58 miles yesterday in 75 degrees....Hill work, my fave...

I hope your weather clears up soon. Although the day after we did Tahoe last year, it started raining then snowing, so the weather up there can be unpredictable at times.

Have fun!