Columbia River Run 400K ride report

**Susan Otcenas** · 10-27-2010, 03:31 PM

Originally Posted by maillotpois

What I like is that you got your 600s out of the way before the 400. That's cool.

I didn't mean for it to work out that way. But I was unable to do the spring 400 due to a scheduling conflict, and the summer ones usually found me elsewhere too. I didn't want to finish the year without one. Seemed incomplete to me. Plus, I wanted to KNOW I could get through one, prior to *having* to get through one for the PBP qualification! (Of course, given how it turned out, it wasn't exactly a confidence booster.

)

**GLC1968** · 10-27-2010, 03:49 PM

Originally Posted by Susan Otcenas

I'm thinking I need to invest in a really high quality thermos (not just a thermal bottle, but a real thermos) that I could put boiling water in at a 10-11pm stop, along with some type of rich salty broth/noodle soup (dried, from a packet) that could re-hydrate in the bottle, then get consumed over the next couple of hours, maybe along with saltines or plain bread or a biscuit. Seems like if it's something I'd look forward to eating, that I'd eat more, and sooner, maybe I wouldn't end up in the "I can't eat anything at all" place that I've now visited twice....

That sounds like a good plan. Having options sounds like it would have helped.

I have a travel thermos that fits in my bottle cage that seals shut (no leaking!) and will keep liquid piping hot for 8 hours. I found this out by filling it with coffee one morning, riding to work and then forgeting it on my bike until that evening when I left. The coffee was still drinkable hot (not just warm)! I bet you could get something similiar but perhaps a bit bigger. The one I have also has a button trigger 'spout' so that you can drink while riding (though I've never used it that way before).

**Susan Otcenas** · 10-27-2010, 03:57 PM

GLC - What brand is it?

**GLC1968** · 10-27-2010, 04:04 PM

I forget, but I can check when I get home. In fact, I can bring it over and you can give a try on your next long ride, if you'd like.

Heh - I remembered where I bought it and found it! It's a Nissan.

This is the one I have:
http://www.sweetmarias.com/sweetmari...r-jmw-500.html

And this one might work if you want more volume (but I don't know how leak-proof it is):
http://www.sweetmarias.com/sweetmari...le-ncd-18.html

**Becky** · 10-27-2010, 04:27 PM

Another stainless thermal option: http://www.amazon.com/Livestrong-Cha.../dp/B000VX7HO8.

This fits perfectly in my second bottle cage and I can open it with one gloved hand if need be. I've never done the 8-hour test though- coffee just doesn't last that long around me

**Bike Chick** · 10-27-2010, 04:28 PM

Wow, Susan! Just WOW! You are so tough. Any of us can certainly understand the feeling of not being able to go on. I just can't imagine dealing with it at 395k.

Congratulations on your finish. You are fortunate to have such a wonderful support system.

**crazycanuck** · 10-27-2010, 04:48 PM

Susan, if you're looking for another PBP type ride and a nice vacation..come on down to Western Australia in 2014 for the PAP (Perth Albany Perth) http://audax.org.au/public/index.php...386&Itemid=359

**OakLeaf** · 10-27-2010, 05:35 PM

Susan, I wonder if you're getting enough protein during the ride? Inability to tolerate sweets is something that happens to me when I'm down on protein. My body just won't take any more empty calories until it starts rebuilding some'a that muscle.

**Pedal Wench** · 10-27-2010, 07:01 PM

Nice!!!! We really should all plan a 400K together!

Protein options -- Whole Foods has turkey "sticks," kinda like SlimJims. I carried those around on my first 400K attempt. And, REI has all kinds of yummy turkey jerky options.

And, Nalgene has a bottle that fits into a bottle cage with a wide-enough opening to slurp soupy foods. I keep thinking during Sebring that I'll be able to heat up a Mountain House and drink/eat it while still riding. I've never actually tried it.

Congrats on an amazing accomplishment.

**jobob** · 10-27-2010, 08:19 PM

Originally Posted by Pedal Wench

Nice!!!! We really should all plan a 400K together!

**maillotpois** · 10-27-2010, 08:32 PM

Originally Posted by Susan Otcenas

I didn't mean for it to work out that way. But I was unable to do the spring 400 due to a scheduling conflict, and the summer ones usually found me elsewhere too. I didn't want to finish the year without one. Seemed incomplete to me. Plus, I wanted to KNOW I could get through one, prior to *having* to get through one for the PBP qualification! (Of course, given how it turned out, it wasn't exactly a confidence booster.

)

I didn't do a 400k for over a year after I did my 600k, so I think you did it right. And don't let the 400k crisis you had spoil the distance for you. It really is a lot more humane, in general, than the 600. And you did TWO of those!

**maillotpois** · 10-27-2010, 08:33 PM

Originally Posted by Pedal Wench

Nice!!!! We really should all plan a 400K together!

I'm aiming at 4/9/2011. It should be great!

**Susan Otcenas** · 10-27-2010, 10:29 PM

Originally Posted by OakLeaf

Susan, I wonder if you're getting enough protein during the ride? Inability to tolerate sweets is something that happens to me when I'm down on protein. My body just won't take any more empty calories until it starts rebuilding some'a that muscle.

Oak - good point. I did not eat much protein.

I gotta say, the salmon jerky idea is really appealing to me. I love salmon. The jerky will be salty. Mostly protein. Packs easily. Won't spoil.

I had a turkey sandwich at 6pm on my last 600K and I felt great all the way to the overnight control at 1:30 am. Tired, yes, but no stomach or nausea issues. It sat really well in my stomach. Salt & protein!

**Susan Otcenas** · 10-27-2010, 10:34 PM

Originally Posted by crazycanuck

Susan, if you're looking for another PBP type ride and a nice vacation..come on down to Western Australia in 2014 for the PAP (Perth Albany Perth) http://audax.org.au/public/index.php...386&Itemid=359

My friend Vincent, who saved my bacon on Sat/Sun, just came back from PAP! As did one of the other riders on Sat. They loved the PAP. Sounded like an amazing ride. I would love to come to Australia. I've ridden in New Zealand twice, but haven't make it to Australia yet. Some day!

[Vincent, btw, is a monster. He will have 32,000 rando kilometers this year. 20,000 miles. New RUSA record. He set the current one as well. (Though his RUSA page will only show 30,800 because PAP is int'l and RUSA only shows domestic km.) That is some serious mileage! ]

**crazycanuck** · 10-27-2010, 11:10 PM

Hey cool! I thought someone out there must know some of the riders that participated in this year's PAP. Umm ya, that's quite a few km!

Here's some info http://audax.org.au/public/index.php...d=386&Itemid=1

http://www.bicycles.net.au/forums/vi...32802&start=25 Perry also wrote more in another thread but can't for the life of me find it....

If you do end up venturing down this way and we're here, you're more than welcome at our abode

. There are nice beaches a short bike ride (or drive) away

.

I understand Western Australia's getting "permanents" soon..!!! It just seems that most of the Audax rides I want to do fall in the Mtb season or in the too dang hot to think about riding time... I think i might have to suck it up and do some in the too dang hot riding season

Thread: Columbia River Run 400K ride report

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