Anyone doing STP 2009? A little scared of what I got myself in to

[ZooZoo]

I committed to it in 2008, but haven't been able to get the training in that I need (totally my fault). I still have six months and I'll be working my butt off at the gym and in the saddle between now and July. It's been 15 years or better since I last rode STP.

But I'm hoping that with lots of training in th next six month and if I take it easy on the ride and enjoy myself, I can finish the two days. There's a group from work riding, but only two of us are newbies, so we'll probably stick together and meet up with the others where we can. *Sigh* Please tell me I'm not being stupid.

[maillotpois]

You have seven months. You're not being stupid. Just be consistent in your training, indoors and out, and you will be fine.

[ZooZoo]

Thank you! That is my plan, I just needed some reassurance that it was resonable.

[LilBolt]

Since you've already done it before, even though it has been a while, you know what to expect. I had to dig a bit, but on page 8 of the STP Seminar Book There is a plan that begins in mid-February for 1 and 2 day riders to follow on page 8. Also, if you can, try to incorporate some bike commuting into your schedule. It is great that you have friends to work with toward your goal. I know I wouldn't have been able to do my first 1 day STP without going thru the entire training-to-event journey with my friends. See you on the road!

[OakLeaf]

You've got plenty of time to train. Last year, I rode TOSRV for the first time since 1993 (the first day was also my first century since 1993). I'd only been back to road cycling for two years after a 12 year hiatus. I didn't ride it fast, but I finished easily in spite of some rather impressive rain. Just make sure like they say, have 500 miles under your belt before the event, and at least one 75 mile ride. You'll be fine.

[ttaylor508]

You will do fine! Like LilBolt said, you have done it before so you know what to expect. I have done it 6 times, the last three in one-day and last year I only had about 700 mile of outside riding in. I think it is more the quality of your training rides, not so much the quantity. I think the online training guide is a little much for someone who works full time to commit to and the fact is that you can definitely do it in two days with less training than that guide suggests. I supplemented with indoor spinning classes and that really helped boost my power. The most important thing to remember is to have fun and go at your own pace.

[bikerHen]

My sister and I, plus a few members of our womens cycling club are going to do STP this year. My sister and I are both STP virgins. We plan to start training as soon as we have snow free pavement. Which I HOPE will be sometime in March. I'm going to the gym three days a week, on my trainer three days a week and doing my best to shed some excess weight. STP has been on my to do list for a few years. It's a little scary, but I'm ready to give it a try! bikerHen

[LilBolt]

ttaylor is right. I found that in lieu of doing the mid-week miles, going to Spin worked well. Just made sure I got some good miles in over the weekend. Train enough so you can enjoy the experience, but don't get too stressed about missing rides. The key is for everyone to be safe and ride within yourself so you can have a great time.

[ibcycling]

I'm doing STP so hope to see you there! My friends and I are crazy enough to try it in one day though. At least you have the benefit of a previous STP under your belt. I'm sure you'll be fine and six months is more than enough to prepare. I've looked over the training schedule and it's very doable.

Maybe we should start an ongoing thread for those of us doing STP to track our training. Could be a fun way to stay motivated!

Lora

[kfergos]

I did it last year, my first time ever. You can do it! What worked for me: Following the suggested mileage schedule provided by the Cascade Bicycle Club. I followed it pretty diligently, and had no trouble (relatively) on the ride itself. Also their training suggestions PDF is helpful. Keep reminding yourself that it's not about how fast you do it; it's about finishing it and enjoying yourself.

I'm planning on doing it again this year, so I'd totally be game for keeping track of STP training here somewhere -- let me know if it happens. And if anybody here in MA wants to do long training rides, I'll be looking for biking buddies! (I trained alone last year; it was very lonely.)

[MM_QFC!]

It looks as though you're all set with a good training plan and have heard about the resources, tips, tons of info on the Cascade Bicycle Club's site too.

There are also at least a few archived threads on the Northwest forum here on TE, that are "STP-specific", as a number of TE women have posted for information from those of us who live in the area and who are STP veterans, so I'd suggest searching through and reading all of the helpful information that we've shared over the years.

Be sure to incorporate group rides - even with a few others - into your STP training, as you'll want to be prepared to ride with @ 9000 of your fellow riders on the STP route, complete with traffic, RR tracks, lots of pacelines, newby riders and too many personal SAG vehicles adding to the crowded route - ARRRGGGHH!

Tailwinds!
Mary

[ttaylor508]

Flying Wheels is a great training ride for STP. It is June 13th this year and leaves from Marymoore Park in Redmond. You can find out more info at the Cascade website. It is much hillier than STP but not nearly as crowded. I think there are a 50, 70 and 100 mile loops available.

[MM_QFC!]

glad that you mentioned Flying Wheels and wanted to add that some of us who've done the STP a number of times refer to the STP ride as the recovery ride for Flying Wheels!

[ttaylor508]

glad that you mentioned Flying Wheels and wanted to add that some of us who've done the STP a number of times refer to the STP ride as the recovery ride for Flying Wheels!

Too Funny! I have always used Flying Wheels as a fitness gage to see how prepared I am for STP One-Day. The last 12 miles of Flying Wheels gets me every time, but recovery is always found in the beer garden!

[MM_QFC!]

I rode Flying Wheels the 1st time as the last training ride for my first STP (2 days)...didn't think then - and still don't - that it was a help, since it was too hilly and not long enough. Since then, I used my own long training rides, as I train for mileage, not hills if I'm riding a 1-day STP.

And, oh yeah...from about St Helen's @ 25 miles out...I'm motivated to get to that beer garden for a cold one, followed by a hot shower. Added inspiration during those last hours of riding is that I'll be able to sleep in on Sunday morning, take a leisurely shower, have breakfast...ahhhhh!