Katy Flatlander - Good first metric ride??

[marni]

I am starting to ride more here after work, the heat and humidity yesterday were terrible and the wind was bad as well. I am hoping for a light 5 MPH breeze, but know how Texas can be.....winds at the Hotter 'N Hell last year were horrible. Still planning on coming so hope the weather cooperates at least some.[/QUOTE]

In addition to riding after work you should start riding into and through the heat by starting in the morning (this would be on a weekend obviously) and riding until at least noon. You still won't be in the hottest part of the day but it will be hot enough. Ideally you should try at least a 50 miler in the full daylight heat and wind at least once just to see how your water consumption is and how your pacing is. One big thing I have learned is to over hydrate for a couple of days before the ride, plus carry lots of extra gus, gels, whatever since the heat can suck your energy right out of you.

[lgibster]

I am starting to ride more here after work, the heat and humidity yesterday were terrible and the wind was bad as well. I am hoping for a light 5 MPH breeze, but know how Texas can be.....winds at the Hotter 'N Hell last year were horrible. Still planning on coming so hope the weather cooperates at least some.

In addition to riding after work you should start riding into and through the heat by starting in the morning (this would be on a weekend obviously) and riding until at least noon. You still won't be in the hottest part of the day but it will be hot enough. Ideally you should try at least a 50 miler in the full daylight heat and wind at least once just to see how your water consumption is and how your pacing is. One big thing I have learned is to over hydrate for a couple of days before the ride, plus carry lots of extra gus, gels, whatever since the heat can suck your energy right out of you.[/QUOTE]

Yeah I am planning long rides on the weekends starting about an hour later than the start times (to compensate for being farther "north") and riding at least a 70 mile training ride before the ride in July. I always take plenty of water and extra gu packs. I find it is better to have too many than to run out and need one or two more. I ride along our river trail here so there is always some wind and lots of wind on most days. My goal is to finish on two wheels at a pace of about 13.5 to 14.5 MPH depending on how strong the wind blows. Right now I just want to do it no matter how long it takes.