consecutive long rides

[Look]

What a great place this is!

To answer some questions:
eclectic, They aren't races, just organized Sunday rides to raise money for local charitable organizations. I'm riding a Look 555, carbon road bike, Shimano 105 components, I'm a "re-entry" and have only been riding this go-around a few months. I'm 46 yo with much older knees!

mtdarby, these rides are both around Hudson, across the river from St. Paul. Although Merrill is a lovely area too if memory serves. Maybe we will cross paths sometime. Especially as my endurance improves and I do more of these.

and indysteel, I think I can fit in the back to back longer rides this weekend. Thanks for the suggestion!

Again, thank you all for the encouragement. Especially the encouragement to EAT!

[ibcycling]

Ah, just the discussion I was looking for! I'm hoping to do a 2-day ride in late September, 60 miles each day. I've got lots of riding to do between now and then to build up my mileage though. Last Sunday I did 36 (my longest so far) and was pretty tired this week. Felt good yesterday and plan to do 32ish today. I've got 7 weeks till the ride. I'd love any thoughts or suggestions on being ready for it.

Look - sounds like a great set of rides! Good luck to you and great job on the one you just did!

Lora

[Look]

I finished both 65 milers. The first one felt great. Beautiful day; the people I rode with pushed me but didn't smoke me; the ride was well supported and the food and drink at the rest stops were great.

During the week, I took it easy, just spinning the legs out a couple of times, got the massage, and ate lots of good healthy food, including lots of protein.

Yesterday's ride was harder. Windy and hilly course. Not nearly as well supported. And of course my legs were just tired. I had quite a bit of tightness in one hamstring during the week and so that was with me. At 30 miles I felt as wiped as I had previously after about 50 and called my husband to tell him to stand by. I even walked up one hill. I saw two friends off their bikes, one for a dropped chain and the other because of fatigue, and my brain just shut off. I walked. But that walk rejuvenated me and I finished fairly well.

I took all the advice. Protein right after the rides. Drank lots and ate plenty during the rides. Stretched. Took breaks. Just tried to stay steady instead of pushing myself early and wearing myself out. And I finished.

I don't know what the next goal is. But I'm certain one will present itself.
I probably have the whole winter season to think about it!

Another milestone... near the end of the course, my baby went over the 1000 mile mark. I got her in May, couldn't ride the first 2 weeks because of rain...so I'm pleased with that start.

[Starfish]

Another milestone... near the end of the course, my baby went over the 1000 mile mark. I got her in May, couldn't ride the first 2 weeks because of rain...so I'm pleased with that start.

You should be pleased...that's awesome!

I suspect you are going to really surprise yourself with what you can do next year.