Do you think I can do a 45-mile ride in a month?

[gabriellesca]

Good point ....... I'm not sure if this has a SAG or not - but that's actually a great point. Its in Newport - so even if there is no SAG I can bring money for a cab and not worry too much!

I'm also just tempted to do the 25 - so I don't have to increase training - and just go and have fun with it! But somehow 25 feels so whimpy and I like the idea of a bigger challenge!

[redrhodie]

You'll be fine! I know the roads, a few hills, but nothing to worry about. When I did the NBW 45 mile route (which is probably the same route as this ride), most people did the 25. You can decide when you get to the turn around. Wind will probably be a factor in that decision. If there's not much, it will be a piece of cake.

[gabriellesca]

Thanks Red - yea its the 2nd Annual Tour of Newport - I can't get the cue off the website but this is their description:

The 25 mile Test Yourself ride continues along Purgatory Chasm , First and Second beaches and into the lavishly landscaped countryside. Our 45 mile ride Around Aquidneck island covers the same scenic roads as the 25 mile ride but then brings you to the Sakonett River Bridge as well as the Mount Hope Bridge, before returning on Middle Highway, where you are exposed to water views of the Narragansett Bay and inner harbor views.

A friend of mine did a run down there in the pouring rain with the wind - I'd just bail if the rain happened that day and lose the $25 fee. And even if its not the same course I probably could opt out and do the 25. Its the same price for both distances.

Thanks guys - I'm thinking of diving in and doing it. I said I wanted to do a 50 or metric century - maybe this will push me to get another ride in before the end of the season! Thanks!

[ame]

I think you can! What's the worst that can happen? If you feel you can't at mile 15, turn around. How do you feel after your 20 mi rides? If you are "done", then maybe not, but if you are feeling great then I don't see why not. Granted, your age and general fitness level as well as your butt are all deciding factors, but I went from 20 miles one week to doing 40 mile rides in less than a month and feeling fine. It was all about breaking in my butt, staying well hydrated, and taking short breaks to stretch when I need to. However, I play mind games with myself - if I'm going on a 60 mi ride, I tell myself I am going on 3 20 mi rides, and I stop at 20 for a couple minutes and then go on another 20 mi ride. It probably shouldn't work, but it does.

[gabriellesca]

Yea - my age and my WEIGHT (hello) aren't on my side so much. But I signed up and I'm pumped! Once I registered it gave me more details and they do have a SAG so if I can't make it I can always wait for the SAG - they have stops with food/water! So BRING IT ON! I'm pumped. Now to get myself to stay on my bike this week for 20+ miles - I usually don't have the patience for it but now that I have something to work towards I'm hoping I'll be more into it! Thinking I can do 20 this weekend - 25 the next - and 30 the week after. I'll spin a few times each week (hard for me to ride on the road during the week because of where I live - I drive to ride) - and push my time on the spin bike and the intensity!

WAHOOOO!

[redrhodie]

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/145763

I found the route, and it is basically the same as the one I've done, although there were some detours due to construction when I did it. I think I see one mistake on the cue sheet, at mile 18.8, it should be a left turn onto rte 138. I hope they'll have it arrowed correctly.

You're going to do great. I may come out if I'm around. I'd like to ride the northern section, which I never do if I'm riding alone.

[gabriellesca]

Thanks - this is great - their cue doesn't link so I can't download it! Is it a tough/hilly ride?

[gabriellesca]

Brings up the whole other issue of the fact that I have never had to follow a cue sheet on my own (thanks to team in training) - so I'm hoping its well arrowed!

ETA - WOW - full of turns - ay? When I did Mad River Valley Century there were like 4 turns in the whole ride. This might slip me up - I'll have to pay super attention. Though - don't most rides arrow the turns for you? Also wondering ...... there are some steep climbs in there ...... I have no idea how steep 301 ft. is ... anyone? (Sorry - I've never really done that sort of thing - gradients, %s, etc.) Is 301 ft. a steep climb - or even more scary - a very steep decent?

[redrhodie]

Yes, there are lots of turns on this ride! I'm sure they'll have good arrows to follow. This sounds like a well organized event. The ride I did was not, it was just one of those weekend club rides where everyone is welcome, there's no food or SAG, and you get lost. I guess you get what you pay for.

edit, I think the steepest climb is maybe 7%. There are a couple of short and steep, and one long one around mile 30, but nothing is that bad. In fact, the one that looks like a big hill starting at around mile 11 is a long, low grade (not hard). Do you have a triple or a compact double?

[redrhodie]

Also, that 300 ft gain is over a distance of around 10 miles. You don't need to worry.