RAIN Ride 2010 (Questions) This is long, sorry!!

[indysteel]

Like Mr. Silver, I did RAIN the first time about 14 months after I first started riding. I also did it again a year later. It's very doable. Training, in part, depends on "how" you want to do it. To ride it comfortably/strongly, I'd first and foremost suggest riding....A LOT. I would recommend getting some longer rides under your belt, i.e., at least 100 miles. If you can comfortably do a century, RAIN isn't that much harder. It's largely a question of figuring out how to eat and drink on a longer ride. You have to know what your body will tolerate and you also have to develop a certain discipline about staying on top of your nutrition and hydration needs, especially in the heat. That takes some practice.

It's also a question of getting used to being in the saddle for a long stretch. I didn't find RAIN all that difficult to finish to be honest with you, but my "training" for it consisted of averaging about 175 miles per week. so my legs and butt were used to a lot of miles. I don't necessarily think you need to ride that much, but you do need to consistently ride a fair amount. Obviously, if you can find a training partner(s), you may find it easier to get those miles in.

Success at RAIN is also partly a question of bike fit. If you experience any discomfort on your bike, try to get it sorted out before the ride. You really need to be comfortable on your bike if you're going to finish strongly.

There are a couple of other things to consider to do RAIN. It attracts a large group, so practice your group riding skills, even if you don't plan to do the ride with a group. You also need to consider the logistics. Getting to Terre Haute and back from Richmond take some planning. I don't necessarily think you need a dedicated SAG driver, but they can prove helpful. When I've done the ride, my driver caught up with me at the lunch stop (so that I could eat my own food), at Greenfield (which is an unofficial SAG stop just as the route rejoins US 40) and at the final SAG stop.

Finally, RAIN is partly a function of the weather--which you have no control over. If you're lucky, you'll have a tailwind and/or it won't be too hot. If it is really hot or you have to deal with a headwind or crosswind, the ride will likely be a lot harder. Mr. Silver and I are lucky in that we enjoyed some decent weather the years we've done RAIN. In 2006, the weather was horrible (95 degrees plus humidity). A lot of people dropped out of the ride because they couldn't handle the heat. I've always said that I would play the ride by ear if the weather was less than decent. I would suggest the same thing. IMO, it's just not worth it.

[Mr. SR500]

People either ride RAIN for time or fun, difficult to do both. Riding for time is hard, but riding for fun with friends can be a blast.

Training should consist of lots of miles and a couple centuries, the last being maybe 2/3 weeks before RAIN. Build base miles with 40/50/60 mile rides.

Personal SAG makes everything a little easier, but not necessary. There are official stops at 40/60/90/130 miles, with plenty of shops along the way. They have the usual tour fare. That said, I avoid all the food until the end and then eat like crazy.

Nutrition is key, I use a combination of Hammer products. I start with 4 bottles, 2 water, 1 Heed, and 1 Perpetuem shake (about 8 scoops). I also carry some Hammer gel and PayDay candy bars. I start right away with the Perpetuem, I can usually drink it for about 4 hours, after that I just don't want anymore. I chase everything with water, average about a bottle of water an hour. Try to keep Heed - regular strength going with some gel shots and a PayDay when I just need something to eat. My plan usually starts to fail after lunch (mile 90), the Perpetuem is hard to get down, I'm done with Heed, and craving something different. By mile 100 I called my wife and wanted some grape drink (Gatorade or whatever), so I got my grape drink at mile 115 and finished on Grape Gatorade, PayDay's, and a little Mountain Dew (yes a little can really give you a boost at the end of a long ride).

The key is continue to take in calories, I try really hard the first 3/4 of a ride to stick to quality products and nutrition, know I'll likely follow my cravings toward the end.

You have lots of time, just enjoy riding, RAIN is very doable with a little planning and work. I've known guys to complete rain with less then 1,000 miles for the year, and a long ride of no more then 50 miles. It's a high energy event, and you get caught up in the excitement. The start is fast and packed, by the end you might have long stretches of solo riding. The weather can have big impact, this year was awesome.

Put it on the calendar and have fun!

[indysteel]

My nutrition plan isn't all that different from Mr. SR500, although I drink Cytomax instead of the products he mentioned. I, too, can't really handle Gatorade, but Cytomax works for me. I also bring along bite-sized chunks of Paydays and try to eat something every 15 minutes or so. I try to drink water or Cytomax every five minutes, alternating with about a 2:1 ratio. At lunch, I try to get a bit (not too much) protein. I've skipped the lunch that is provided and had my own waiting for me instead via my SAG driver. Remember to keep drinking during lunch. It's an easy time to get dehydrated.

My stomach isn't terribly fussy so I can generally eat about whatever. My biggest hurdle at RAIN has been a persistent hot foot. But for that, the ride was pretty easy. I've done harder, hillier rides that are shorter. Again, however, I'd note that I haven't really had to do it in terribly hot water. I'm sure that has made a difference.

[Miranda]

I'm with Mr. Silver, I think you can do it.

RAIN's on my list of cycling goals too. Well, my century was suppose to be this year but you can see the result of that with my dog crash thread *sigh*. Being positive and looking forward though...

I think finding what is the right food and drink combo for you is a lot of trail and error. Tons of great reading on here to stir your thoughts on where to start. And I bought some cycling books related to distance riding and sports nutrition etc.

Keeping a training log is key to sorting out that trial and error, imho.

Simple notebook works. But, I would forget to find the paper when I needed to. So, I started typing mine in the notes section of my Garmin bike computer in Training Center on the pc. Desk top computer is pretty hard to misplace lol. And part of closing my ride is enjoying the review of my stats.

And hey, you know what... if you "go for it" and it doesn't pan out... there is another year to try again. Good Luck!

[susan.wells]

Finally, RAIN is partly a function of the weather--which you have no control over. If you're lucky, you'll have a tailwind and/or it won't be too hot. If it is really hot or you have to deal with a headwind or crosswind, the ride will likely be a lot harder. Mr. Silver and I are lucky in that we enjoyed some decent weather the years we've done RAIN. In 2006, the weather was horrible (95 degrees plus humidity). A lot of people dropped out of the ride because they couldn't handle the heat. I've always said that I would play the ride by ear if the weather was less than decent. I would suggest the same thing. IMO, it's just not worth it.

+1 This is so true!

[Mr. Bloom]

Mr. Silver-- I'm glad you have such faith in me already. I live in Madison, IN. but work in Columbus, IN. My husband will ride with me to a point, but at about mile 20, he's pretty much over it.

Similarly, I live in Evansville AND Bloomington. On the other hand, Silver can ride circles around me... You need to PM makbike - I bet she can give you some good routes across the river in KY.

Susan, in addition, would you say it's important to not plan your flight schedule back to Indiana on the same day you need to drive down to RAIN???

OK, headcount - WHO's IN FOR THE HILLY HUNDRED?????

[HoosierGiant]

OK, headcount - WHO's IN FOR THE HILLY HUNDRED?????

Well, forgive the hijack, but I'm in! It will be my first attempt at the Hilly, but we've been training on hills in Metamora, Laurel/Orange, and Batesville/Oldenburg, so hopefully I can eek out a finish. Never thought I'd see the day when I'd choose to ride hills...

[makbike]

As others have said ride your bike and give yourself a solid base. The year I rode RaIN I made it a point to ride numerous centuries prior to July. I rode several back to back centuries. I rode and rode and rode some more. Some may say I over prepared but I felt great on the ride. My body handled it well and I felt absolutely wonderful at the end.

I made it a point to drink every five minutes or so. I alternated between water and Gatorade (I like it and it works for me). I also used Shotbloks about every 30 miles or so.

For me, finding a comfortable cadence was the key. Once I settled in and found it it simply became another day on the bike - one I enjoyed tremendously.

Go for it. Find a group to ride with and work together for it will make a difference in your day. Don't think of it as a 158 mile ride but break it down into smaller segments (SAG to SAG). Don't linger too long at the stops - get what you need and get back on the road - too much time off the bike can be hard on the body.

With the cold weather months lingering ahead think about getting a trainer so you can still ride on a daily basis. Time on the trainer will put you ahead of the game once the warm weather returns in the spring.

Hope this helps. Be safe and have fun.

[susan.wells]

Susan, in addition, would you say it's important to not plan your flight schedule back to Indiana on the same day you need to drive down to RAIN???

OK, headcount - WHO's IN FOR THE HILLY HUNDRED?????

You are correct Mr. Silver! Once again, and planning more conservatively, I will not be able to do Hilly due to travel. Maybe 2010 will be the year!

[Miranda]

OK, headcount - WHO's IN FOR THE HILLY HUNDRED?????

...I will not be able to do Hilly due to travel. Maybe 2010 will be the year!

Ghee, 2010 could just be a big party then. I had just paid my $ for Hilly 100 and one other event prior to that before my crash. Getting my MRI next week and the doc will decide if my separated acl will heal without surgery or not. He'd let me pedal the bici stationary now, but no outside steering. I don't see me being together by Hilly. You'll have to take me on the ride in spirit. Climb one hill for the MIA TE team.

[WindingRoad]

I did my first RAIN ride this year which was a historically cool day but nontheless I did do it. I only got up to 100 miles about a week or so before the ride. That was my first century and then I did the 160 about a week or two later so I know you can tackle this thing. If you are stable on rollers you are probably a lot stronger rider than you know. Rollers kick my butt! I think you have this thing beat already.

As others have said the trickiest thing is figuring out how, what, when to eat and drink. You can't really find definitive guidelines because it's all so subjective from one person to the next. My advice is just start playing with different combinations now to see how your tummy feels or how you feel energywise while you are riding. OK here's another thing, I'm doing the Hilly and I have NOT trained . I just take it easy, the ride is way too much fun to miss! It's not competitive its all about the fun. I have a granny gear and I'm not afraid to use it!

I guess I'm assuming you are riding clipped in? If not, try getting some inexpensive clip in pedals and shoes (mountain bike style are nice so you can walk around easily, those are called SPD style). Being clipped in really helps me with stamina on a long ride like RAIN.

I hope that helps a bit and would LOVE to see you come down to the Hilly!!!

[Mr. Bloom]

I popped a Shot Blok every 20 minutes as a reminder to drink. I took 3 Excedrin at the start and 3 halfway through (that's WITH caffeine).

[jessica47201]

Hey thanks eveyone for the great information. You guys are so motivating me and you actually have me thinking and believing that I can do this next year. I tried out the Vanilla Clif Shot. I wasn't really crazy about the actual flavor, but it didn't give me any heartburn!!! Yeah, for me!! Looking forward to trying out the others!!!