Quote Originally Posted by gnat23 View Post
I've been watching the Tour of California, I heard the stories about Mt. Hamilton, and I just bought Chris Carmichael's "Food for Fitness" book. Inspiration hit me flat across the side of the head.

That's it, I'm gunna get GOOD this year. DAMN good instead of just plodding. So I put my finger on July, and I'm going to start NOW to train for Death Ride. I feel like I'm going insane. But wow.

Luna Chix, are you guys doing the hill series again this year? *bounce!*

Any other tips or tricks to get started would be awesome. I feel dumb looking at these numbers.

-- gnat! (so the PREP periodization phase starts soon, right?)
gnat-- Let me be the first to congratulate you on taking on a ride that you actually have to train for. On the other hand, allow me to put your fears to rest. This is a VERY well supported ride. In addition, there are thousands of people out there doing the event at the same time you are. This event is much easier than people make it out to be.

My suggestion is to find a good (min 6% grade) 7 mile climb and go out and climb it once, twice, thrice and so on. It may take time to build enough endurance to do three in a day but keep working on it. You will have to do five ascents the day of the event. Do the climbs at low to moderate intensity. Speed is not important--- technique is much more important.

Good luck and you will do fine.

I have included my race report and recon ride report from the day before the event.