Training going very well

[ny biker]

Good for you! It's sounds like your hard work is really paying off.

[Wasp]

Congrats on the progress your hard work is paying off. You will be in great form for your ride. Just wondering what kind of tunes your listening to? I think I need a playlist like yours to get me more motivated.

[Helene2013]

Thank you. I do put the time into the training, even if some evening I'd just like to crash in recliner. But generally, it is fun so not a chore. I don't want to finish last at this Challenge. So I really have to work my butt off to gain speed, and keep my strength.

As for music, I have mostly pop/country/rock. If the beat is not fast enough when sprinting, I use a MP3 speed converter. Don't have the name at work but you can accelerate the beat, without interfering with the voice (does not sound chipmunks at all). It did miracles. So depending of my evening training plan, I can set my own songs and speed for what is needed.

I must say I have a lot of Pitbull re-mix (with his various singers), Jennifer Lopez, Enrique, Bon Jovi, Daft Punk, some Luke Bryan and Brad Paisley, of course LMFAO. As you can see, I can switch what type of sound I like/want according to what I intend to do. But it definitively gets me into deep training as I sing louder than the speakers (when not searching for my breath and concentrating on my watts or cadence). haha

The type of videos we like to look at (although we use our own programs) are something like that. They are mostly all over an hour. Very good quality, and free (but for your band width usage if you are not illimited - which we are). On a giant screen it is very nice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CF3BAzSFE7g

[Donna1960]

When and where is this challenge in Quebec City? We are in the planning stages for our first trip to that part if Canada...

[Helene2013]

Quebec City on June 14th. It will do a 135km loop but we do not know the map yet. Should come out in February the site says.

You have to register for it and it is $300cdn. Limited space. Last I've heard, they were nearing 2000 cyclists, and the max is 4000. All those cyclists will meet a group of 1000 who are doing a 1000km stretch (but those you can't enter - long story short, it is by draw and teams and they need to raise x amount of money per person in the team). You also have to get all your stuff (jerseys, tags, etc. the day before the event) and be on start line at 7:30am the day of the Challenge.

Sorry, don't have the link in English.

[Donna1960]

Ahhhh we are planning our trip in May for our anniversary. Is this an annual event? Maybe I can check into it for next year!

[Helene2013]

So far yes. It is getting so big that they are thinking to extend the project in future years - end to end of province. I'll see if we liked that this year to redo. But from comments I read, people had a blast the past few years and keep wanting to return. Our bike shop wants us to join them in the 135km and they will lead the group and make sure they get the little push to finish for those last ones who are having issues keeping up (they'll act as leaders of groups). Waiting for more information from them. Our LBS will be the one with "repair shops" in different areas of that 1000kms as well as the 135km loop. It is a big "honor" when you are asked that also. It will be a 1st for us and I'm sure I will be very impressed. But still need to cycle all those kilometers myself. Help or not, impressed or not! hihi