First 200k Report

[Nanci]

Veronica- Yes, thank you. I've also been doing a lot of reading on the Ultra Marathon Cycling site.

Jo- You are so lucky! I wish there was something like that here.

Now I'm reading about a 12-hour race next month. I wonder if that would be fun. It starts with three 3.7 mile loops in a stadium, then an 89 mile long loop, then 11 mile repeats of a short loop till time is up. I think I could do that.

I kind of wish I had a buddy to ride with, though.

Nanci

[Running Mommy]

Great job! It was DEFINTELY the wind!!
I think the key for those longer distances is having a solid nutrition plan(you do), learning to pace yourself and spin easy early (you do), and just plain getting used to spending HOURS on the bike! OY! You can do it. I have no doubt. I think it's prolly more mentally daunting than anything.
Again- FABULOUS JOB! Don't forget to get back on that bike and spin super easy to help those legs recover. Also- one other thing I do after a long effort is find a way to ice down my legs. Right now it's to jump in my 55 degree pool. But if I go to a race I make sure my hubby has bags of ice on hand at the finish line. I really feel it in poor recovery if I don't ice after a race or long ride/run. I think that is key for us long distance gals.

[Surlygirl]

Hey Nanci
You are amazing. I can't even imagine doing what you did.
At REI they have foot warmers, like the toe warmers that go in your shoes that are for your whole foot. They are called Heat Treat Foot warmers and are about 4.00 for a pair. Maybe bring a couple pair with you. Worth a shot and cheaper than new shoes.

[SnappyPix]

Nanci,

Firstly, congratulations on completing the 200km against such relentless winds. Wind has to be the worst thing of all - it's merciless, it's unpredictable and it's like cycling into a brick wall.
To have covered such long distances on your own, with no-one to draft, or take turns drafting with, is truly admirable - good planning revising the route beforehand - that was one factor you didn't need to worry about at least, especially as you were riding alone.
It was a fantastic report - I always wonder about other peoples' experiences of long-distance events and as I'm just a mere beginner dabbling with centuries at the minute - it's really helpful to know what you ate, what you wore, how you coped psychologically with the distance, etc. I have the greatest admiration for you.
I can't even begin to fathom how people cope with 600km distances, or ironmen triathlons - it's beyond my comprehension; but then, I guess it's always a gradual thing and it's all just a journey where you suddenly find yourself further down the road than you'd ever thought you'd get (metaphorically and physically!). Always something to be aiming for.
Thanks so much for sharing - and congratulations again.

[Bike Goddess]

Great job! I would say that wind was a factor in your MPH. As we all know, wind makes us strong! And tired!

Like you say, 100 miles doesn't sound so far anymore, now it's 125 miles! As you go beyond the miles you've done before, it does seem to break down the mental barriers. I agree, how much time do you want to spend in the saddle?

Look forward to your next adventure. I have a lot of respect for the randonneurs- Doing the kinds of rides you do is so different from the organized rides most of us do. Like you said, doing your homework was a vital part to your success! Lots different from just getting a map and following the arrows and other cyclists!

[CorsairMac]

Nanci: I'm so proud of you - what an accomplishment!! We live with the wind here in NM - heck for 3o mph they don't even post high wind warnings! LOL On days like that - my only goal is to complete the ride, all other thoughts "fly" out the window! To have finished it was amazing enough - to finish in alone in those weather conditions was worthy of She-Ra, Princess of Power! I've heard of icing your legs down after a ride like that but haven't tried it (I Hate being cold). I do try to elevate my legs as soon as possible after riding any long distance or under tiring condition. So far, I've gotten up the next day and ridden again without any issues.
I wanted to try Brevet riding but they don't have it here in NM - the closest is CO which is about a 4-6 hr drive and I didn't want that on top of trying to ride 200k on up. So I'll live thru you! Keep up the good work and good luck on the "next" step!

[Lise]

Nanci, you ROCK! Congratulations! What a wonderful accomplishment, and a great ride report.

As you were writing about the ride, I thought of what they say about the "wind off the lava fields" in Kona. To get off your bike after all that, and go run a marathon--incredible.

I wish I had iced my legs after I ran the marathon this fall. I was so sore that night that I couldn't sleep. Heat is so tempting, especially when you're chilled to the bone, but the hot bath I took was a mistake.

Looking forward to more reports! Lise

[snowtulip]

Wow, great job Nanci! I have no advice, but thanks for being an inspiration. I look forward to hearing about your next brevet!