Long ride problem

[blueskies]

I'm grateful for your help. The overall lesson, for me, has been that the longer the ride, the more chance that a little issue will turn in to a bigger problem. Attend to the details.

Here's what I've learned:

Helmet: Doesn't feel too tight, but checked in the mirror & the straps are adjusted so that it tends to sit slightly crooked. Am taking the time to fine tune this today. I never would have thought about this...

Sunglasses: I paid attention, and noticed that I have a tendency to squint. Partially a habit, because I have dry eyes. Also though, I had changed lenses when we had some cloudy days & hadn't bothered to change them back when it got sunny again. So, I'm switching the lens & reminding myself to relax my eyes/face periodically. Very helpful, and something else that I never would have thought about.

Food: Eating even more. I was talking to my husband about this. He said "Yes, I notice that if I'm doing an extra long ride, around 100-120 miles, if I haven't eaten, I can really feel it." I practically need a Clif bar to go around the block!!! Oh, well. Eat early, eat often. I'm monitoring a little more closely & eating even more. Happily, nothing seems to upset my stomach on the bike, so I'm really looking forward to the CO lunches! And breakfasts! And dinners! And lattes! And maybe some ice cream. Love, love, love food that someone else makes! Did I forget to mention cookies?

Drinks: Bought a couple different drink mixes, including GU20 & Cytomax to try... I do drink a lot. Refill bottles at every opportunity.

GU & Caffeine: Yes. This is the 4th quarter miracle! Love it!!!

Being new: This is a return to cycling after a 15 year break, and I'm 48. I was in good shape when I started training, but not cycling. I have followed a great, progressive training plan, but I didn't have a base to build on. (But next year, I will.) And it is true, that as I've increased my distances, the point where I start to feel iffy gets further & further out there. In fact, I've been really enjoying that realization this week as I've done rides that are "only" 30 or 40 miles. Big change since February!

Velogirl/Lorri- It would be fun to meet you. I'll keep an eye out. Will you be wearing Velogirl jerseys?

Blueskies

[sundial]

blueskies, sounds like you are finding out what you need to adjust or tweak on your rides.

I noted some things in your post that I thought I'd make a suggestion or two.

You were talking about squinting. Do you have a pair of polarized sunglasses? It really does make a difference with the lighting. And you'll see the road better. Also, you might want to consider a pair of sunglasses with transitional lenses for those overcast or partly sunny days. You can pick up a pair for about $65 or so.

As for eating on the bike, have you considered a Bento Box? This is a nifty little container that holds several snacks. Since it velcros around the top tube and stem, it will be easy access for you to get your gels and goodies.

I hope you continue to have enjoyable rides and good luck with your distance training.

[blueskies]

Sundial,

I'm honestly not sure if my sunglasses are polarized. Probably not. They're the Performance Quattro glasses with 4 interchangeable lenses. I just checked their web site & it does say uva/uvb protection, but doesn't say polarized. I bought them & have never thought about them since. Probably because I was busy thinking about how much my sit bones hurt. Really, the saddle/shorts issue completely monopolized my problem-solving skills until the last month or so.

I've been thinking about getting a bento box. I've got a gelbot, so I can get to two packs of gel without stopping. I usually just pull over for a couple minutes to eat something that needs chewing. Would be nice to eat a bit while still rolling, in the right conditions.

Thanks!
Blueskies