To ride... or not to ride... that is the question!

[Skierchickie]

I'll be the lone dissenter here.

October 19th is almost 3 weeks away. You could go for 60 miles next weekend, 80-85 (at a slower pace) the next, and be all set for 100 the weekend after that. I only say so because I just did it. I had only a handful of 40-50 milers in by mid-August. I did 60 one Sunday, 83.5 the next Sunday, and a solo 100 the following Saturday. Tired - sure. But no problem making it. Then I did shorter rides and 2 weeks later did 120. Definitely had to make sure to ride easy, but it was really no problem.

If you want to do a shorter one, or your back is questionalble, by all means do that. But if deep down you want the satisfaction of proving to yourself that you can do it, and you are healthy, then just do it in a smart way.

Fuel is very important along the way. I pop Gu or Shot Blocks every so often, along with a couple of Power Bars. And Heed. Of course, my hottest ride this summer was the 83.5, when it was almost 90 degrees, but most of my long ones have been in the upper 50s and 60s. That can made a huge difference.

Ultimately, do what you want to do, and have confidence in yourself. You are young and a strong rider - just don't injure yourself or blow yourself up trying to maintain a blistering pace over distances you aren't used to. And DON'T jump directly from 43 to 100!

Have fun!

And you don't have to have BF along to get your training in! If you want to do it, and he doesn't, then go for a long ride! He can just have supper waiting for you when you get back.