Quote Originally Posted by DarcyInOregon View Post
You should try a hilly metric first, and if that goes ok, then do a hilly century, and if you can do that then do the 200k. A lot of the distance cycling takes time and experience, to learn what you can and cannot eat and drink during the ride, when you need to eat and drink, knowing what and when to eat and drink when a new route is more hilly than expected or a hot wind blows in your face for miles, contributing to potential dehydration, along with gaining experience on climbing, getting the leg muscles strong, learning how to react in certain situations so that the reactions are instinctive, etc. ....
This is good information - thanks. I had assumed a progression of something like this - bit it is helpful to read it. I was thinking tonight about the difference of being able to stay in the saddle for the 13.5 hours allowed for the 200k compared to the amount of time I am currently accustomed to.