I'm starting to get nervous...

[li10up]

I am getting a bit anxious about doing the Hotter N Hell Hundred this weekend. This ride is notorious for being very difficult. During the past week I've been struggling doing 30 miles in the heat. I'm just not sure I'm up to this. Originally I was just going to do the ride with one friend of mine and we are very similar in speed and endurance. Now there are going to be 4 of us trying to stay together. I'm afraid I'll try to ride above what I'm comfortable with. The forecast calls for a high of 94 and about a 30% chance of thunderstorms. Hopefully this means that it will be cloudy so we'll get a bit of a respite from the sun. The plan is for us to make it to Hell's Gate by the cutoff time (just to see if we can do it) and then take the shortcut back to the finish for an 80 mile ride. My longest to date is 71. I guess I just need to stay hydrated and fueled and leave the rest up to fate.

[mimitabby]

hey, lighten up!



really, good luck. if you're like me your nerves will be your biggest problem.

[Veronica]

Ride your own ride. I find if I'm pushing to stay with a group I don't eat and drink properly and can end up paying for it later.

V.

[KSH]

Heidi and I did it last year and we did the 75 mile route. We didn't make it to Hell's Gate in time (they shut it down 1 hour early!), so they routed us to the 75 mile route.

Just pace yourself and go your speed. Drink and eat and rest as needed. Don't let the group pick your ride for you. Be OK with not staying with them.

I have to say, overall the ride is not difficult. There are little to no hills... the only hard part is the heat, the chip seal, and the headwind on the way back into town. OH, and the scenery... it's dull as can be out there.

Well, good luck! Trust me, you can do it. Don't let it get into your head. It is a hard ride for people who aren't use to heat... but if you live in/around Texas, you will be fine.

[meridian]

I got a little nervous today too!

Yesterday I went out while it was 95 for a 35 mile ride, went too hard on a crappy food day, and got sick to my stomach later that evening because I made so many wrong choices earlier in the day. That evening had me second guessing things!

But I'm still in for the entire 100 miles, solo. I will force a reasonable pace, definitely rest more than I have been during my training runs, and I won't let the pacelines and groups pressure me into taking it harder than I can sustain.

Since I'm notorious for pushing too hard and being lax on my bike nutrition at times, I’m going to put that nervous energy into preparing well this week, lay out a general speed/rest stop plan, do light rides every day in the early evening heat, fuel up wisely, and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate (no excess caffeine or sugar).

No worries, we'll all survive! Best of luck!

[sundial]

I'm keeping you guys in my thoughts as the weekend approaches. If you can just keep in mind that you are there for the experience and for the fun, maybe it will take the pressure off you to perform at X level. I've been cycling in this heat wave and honestly, I feel acclimated now to ride the thing. If I were to do the HNH, I would make sure I'm hydrated and have plenty of fluids on hand, fuel every 30-40 minutes, and take small breaks to stretch.

I talked to a fellow cyclist last week who rode last years HNH and he said it was fun and really cool to ride with 11,000 other cyclists.

[han-grrl]

Here are a few things i have learned about the pre-race jitters -

1) prep and pack for all conditions - the more prepared you are gear wise, the less you have to worry about

2) you have trained and done all you can, you will do the best you can - remember the race ain't over until its over! as long as the bike is moving forward you are making PROGRESS

3) ride your race and don't worry about other people. Set your goals for your race, whether it is avg speed or time (i don't know about this race) set some goals, this will help keep things focused on yourself and not on other things you can't control

4) weather - can't control the weather. See number 1)

5) have fun! remember why you signed up in the first place!

Smile!

Han

[crazybikinchic]

I found out early that I hydrate much better with a camelback than not. Relax. We will all do well.

[li10up]

Thanks everyone...you're right. I signed up for this ride just for the experience of riding with so many cyclists and to prepare for my 100m century attempt next month. This is just a fun ride for me...no pressure. Good luck to all of you who are riding the HHH on Saturday! Have fun.

[indysteel]

J-

I have a feeling you're going to do just great! Drink lots; ride at your pace and have fun.

Give me a full report when you're done!

K-

[bouncybouncy]

I cannot tell how much it helps to drink up the day before as well....so drink plenty the day prior!!! And eat wel!!! You are aclimated to the heat so ride your ride and have fun...

[RoadRaven]

Hey there li, just some words of encouragement
From previous years threads, this ride sounds like a lot of fun - and keep that in mind. Have fun along the way, take each challenge as it arrives, and look forward to how fantastic you are going to feel for having entered and "had a go"!

looking forward to reading about it after its all done