2-day ride tips?

[babeonabike]

Hi - I've been lurking for some time and appreciate all the knowledge I've gained from you ladies. I have a question I'm hoping to get some feedback on.

I started cycling about 6 months ago. I got into it for fitness, but it has quickly become a passion! I currently have a Trek 7.2 hybrid (I am researching to upgrade soon). Anyway, the farthest I've ridden was 65 miles about 3 weeks ago. My husband and I are planning to do an MS 150 ride (2-days) and I have some worry about whether I can do the 2 days back to back. I felt great on the 65, even afterward, but I'm not sure I could have done it again the next day. Any training suggestions would be appreciated...and do you think I can do this on a hybrid?

Thanks for any help!

[tangentgirl]

I would do shorter back-to-back rides, to get the feel of getting back on the bike the next day.

Also, I think the MS Rides have different options, so you could do 65 one day and, say, 20, the next. Some do, at least.

[babeonabike]

Thanks. I'm determined to do the full 150. I will do two longer back-to-back this weekend and see how it goes.

[Grits]

There are lots of MS rides going on now. I'm getting ready to do a two day one myself in New Bern this weekend.

The rides are so well supported with frequent rest stops, so you will get plenty of opportunities to get out of the saddle for a few minutes. Take advantage of them and take in some nutrition at every stop. They always have snacks, water and gatorade. I definitely eat and drink their stuff, but take some of my own as well just in case they don't have anything that appeals to me. On the MS ride I do the stops are generally about 13 miles apart, so I try to finish a bottle of whatever I'm drinking between every stop.

The adrenaline will get you a good portion of the way there. If you can do some back to back rides between now and then, you'll do fine. We are planning on doing 75 miles each day, but a lot depends on the weather. The first year we planned on that, and the weather was so miserably hot we only did 30 miles the 2nd day. Last year the weather was beautiful, and we did our first century the first day and then 30 the second, so we try to stay flexible.

You will have a blast! The MS 150 is my favorite bike event of the year, and for such a good cause.

Lori

[indysteel]

When is the ride? As others have suggested, the best way to train for a multi-day event is to by riding consecutive days. If your training schedule allows, ease into that second a day a bit as you gradually increase your total mileage. For instance, do 50 on Saturday followed by 25 on Sunday. The following week, do 55 on Saturday followed by 30 on Sunday. Those are just examples; YMMV. I wouldn't just start with two long back-to-back rides if you're not used to riding two days in a row like that.

Don't be surprised if the first 5-10 miles that second day are hard. IME, it takes a while for your muscles to loosen up. Once they do, it gets better. On any multi-day event, it's really important to make sure to hydrate (and eat) both on and off the bike. So, after that first day ends, continue to drink something throughout the afteroon and evening. You'll feel a whole lot better that second day if you're well hydrated.

[babeonabike]

The ride is October 9-10, so I've got 4 weekends left. I will do as you guys have suggested and ride some back to back. This weekend I have 45 miles planned on Saturday. I can follow that with 20-25 on Sunday and see how it goes. The following weekend my team is planning 60 miles on Sunday - I may take the day off work to follow that with a long ride.

In addition, I'm riding 2 other days/week, on day at a moderate sustained pace, the other day is intervals.

I will keep in mind what you said, Indy, about the first miles of day 2 and hang in til I'm good and loose. Also, on my 65 mile ride I ate religiously every 30 minutes and drank every 15 (a bottle an hour), and I felt really good, so I plan to stick with that on this ride.

[tangentgirl]

I'm determined to do the full 150.

Very cool! It sounds like you have the right attitude and training in place. Have fun!

[babeonabike]

Thanks! And thanks for the info, ladies.