Anyone doing STP 2009? A little scared of what I got myself in to

[LilBolt]

ttaylor is right. I found that in lieu of doing the mid-week miles, going to Spin worked well. Just made sure I got some good miles in over the weekend. Train enough so you can enjoy the experience, but don't get too stressed about missing rides. The key is for everyone to be safe and ride within yourself so you can have a great time.

[ibcycling]

I'm doing STP so hope to see you there! My friends and I are crazy enough to try it in one day though. At least you have the benefit of a previous STP under your belt. I'm sure you'll be fine and six months is more than enough to prepare. I've looked over the training schedule and it's very doable.

Maybe we should start an ongoing thread for those of us doing STP to track our training. Could be a fun way to stay motivated!

Lora

[kfergos]

I did it last year, my first time ever. You can do it! What worked for me: Following the suggested mileage schedule provided by the Cascade Bicycle Club. I followed it pretty diligently, and had no trouble (relatively) on the ride itself. Also their training suggestions PDF is helpful. Keep reminding yourself that it's not about how fast you do it; it's about finishing it and enjoying yourself.

I'm planning on doing it again this year, so I'd totally be game for keeping track of STP training here somewhere -- let me know if it happens. And if anybody here in MA wants to do long training rides, I'll be looking for biking buddies! (I trained alone last year; it was very lonely.)

[MM_QFC!]

It looks as though you're all set with a good training plan and have heard about the resources, tips, tons of info on the Cascade Bicycle Club's site too.

There are also at least a few archived threads on the Northwest forum here on TE, that are "STP-specific", as a number of TE women have posted for information from those of us who live in the area and who are STP veterans, so I'd suggest searching through and reading all of the helpful information that we've shared over the years.

Be sure to incorporate group rides - even with a few others - into your STP training, as you'll want to be prepared to ride with @ 9000 of your fellow riders on the STP route, complete with traffic, RR tracks, lots of pacelines, newby riders and too many personal SAG vehicles adding to the crowded route - ARRRGGGHH!

Tailwinds!
Mary

[ttaylor508]

Flying Wheels is a great training ride for STP. It is June 13th this year and leaves from Marymoore Park in Redmond. You can find out more info at the Cascade website. It is much hillier than STP but not nearly as crowded. I think there are a 50, 70 and 100 mile loops available.

[MM_QFC!]

glad that you mentioned Flying Wheels and wanted to add that some of us who've done the STP a number of times refer to the STP ride as the recovery ride for Flying Wheels!

[ttaylor508]

glad that you mentioned Flying Wheels and wanted to add that some of us who've done the STP a number of times refer to the STP ride as the recovery ride for Flying Wheels!

Too Funny! I have always used Flying Wheels as a fitness gage to see how prepared I am for STP One-Day. The last 12 miles of Flying Wheels gets me every time, but recovery is always found in the beer garden!