First 200k Report

[Nanci]

I rode my first 200k brevet yesterday. I realize now that I was praying for the wrong thing. Instead of asking for no rain, I should have been asking for no wind. So I got a beautiful sunny day, 45F in the morning, 59F in the afternoon, with a 30mph wind!! It was all the radio stations could talk about on my way to the ride...

Other than that, it was a good day. I hadn't been all that worried about the distance, because I knew I could ride 105, so what was another 19 miles...The time limit is 13.5 hours. So much to learn, about getting my card stamped, and controls, and secret controls...And riding with a cue sheet, not a permanently marked Century ride! My greatest fear, other than rain, was getting lost. So I spent hours at work Friday, going over the route on Yahoo Maps, printing out and highlighting sheaves of paper, which I never looked at, but was happy to have as a back up, and I found studying them Friday, like studying for a test, made the "exam" on Saturday a piece of cake! I knew in my head what the route looked like, and which direction I was supposed to be going at all times, and the general shape and configuration of the route.

I didn't know what I was going to need/want, in terms of clothing and food, so I had this rather large bag on my rack filled with snacks, sushi, choc milk, knickers in case the wind pants got too warm (not an issue) and a wind vest in case my jacket and wind jacket got too warm (not an issue). All I ended up removing was my jacket, leaving a wind jacket, arm warmers and a LS jersey, and my windproof gloves.

I stayed with the lead pack (!!!) for about 20 miles, until it all split up when people stopped to pee. Then I ended up riding with a 70ish man who saved me from the headwind. Imagine a rectangle, lying on its side. The first leg was West, with the wind directly out of the West. On my own, I was struggling to maintain 12mph, and behind the Windblocker, could maintain 16, but he was working his butt off. He left me at the first control, at 40 miles.

I navigated my way to the town of Williston, where I saw traffic cops blocking traffic at the light. All this for us?? In fact, the whole road was blocked, but luckily they let us through. I heard talk of a parade. And there it was, going the opposite direction. Two fire trucks, sirens going, an honor guard with a flag, then, curiously, cars and cars full of black people only, and many walking along. Ok, Martin Luther King Jr. parade. Somehow, it seemed kind of depressing, almost funereal.

Then a nice Southbound short leg, and a nicer long Eastbound leg. I was amazed at how rural the ride was- how undeveloped Florida is. You hear all the time about people moving here, and things getting developed, and the Everglades being ruined, but here I was, riding 124 miles, in pretty much wilderness. A ramshackle house here and there, a few tiny towns, but no gas stations, stores, communities, signs of civilization. It was just me and the live oaks and the swamps and the pine farms and the wind. Lots of multi million dollar horse farms on the Southern leg, though.

Then came a horrifying Northbound leg to the control at 80 miles. There were 63 riders, but I only saw a group of four recumbents, passing me, and someone in orange a long way ahead, who I would almost catch if I could stay in the aero bars, but I couldn't, because the wind from the side was so strong it would almost blow me over, and I needed to have my hands on the bars.

I ate my sushi lunch at the 80 mile control. Took off my shoes and felt my frozen feet unthaw for the first time in 6 hours. Did I mention that my nose ran non-stop for the entire ride, (did you know wind can blow so hard it can blow the snot right away from your nose???) and though I have never been a snot-rocket proponent, I just had to try. But was not really successful, since I could only manage to get it as far as my sleeve...I felt like I had been rubbing sandpaper under my nose for hours, and every square inch of the terry on my gloves was saturated. Geez...

Then came the "wonderful" West/North/West/North zig zag for about 20 miles. The wind, combined with the hills, was horrifying. I was down to 6 mph in my granny gear! I could feel it blowing me backwards. I never saw another rider from 80 miles to the end. BF kept calling and e-mailing and telling me to hurry up and it must really suck to be me. I stopped to answer the phone in a gorgeous place- under the live oaks, across the road from a flock of about 100 Sandhill cranes- our winter visitors. When I saw them from a distance, I thought at first they were sheep, they are so big! There was one last huge hill, due West, into the wind, which never abated all day. I made it up, then stopped for a bottle of chocolate milk. Then a jaunt North, then a turn to the east, and I was flying! Or, I would have been, if I didn't have quads of jelly.

Went through the little town of Micanopy, and came to the Secret Control at 110 miles. The guy wanted to talk, but I just wanted to be done. He said the guy that whizzed by me a minute ago didn't stop- but he probably wasn't part of the ride, he didn't look like a randonneur (does that mean I do??).

Finally, the turn on to the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail for the last seven miles. I couldn't even get up to 15 most of the time. Riding time- just under nine hours. 14 mph average speed. I thought, as I was coasting in, now, could I run a marathon right now? I don't think so. I don't even think I could walk it. Anyone who does Iron-distance racing-you're tough. When I got back, they had a nice dinner, snacks, drinks, but the cell phone was ringing off the hook. BF wanted me home, where he had made a meal of chicken tacos and bought a special bottle of wine and chilled it for me. My quads hurt more than I think they ever have. I wanted so much for someone to come take me home. I had a short fantasy of asking the kid in the car next to me if he would pack up my bike if I gave him all my dollars and change. The drive, when I finally got going, wasn't so bad. The hot bath felt wonderful. I made it till 9:00, but couldn't manage to read in bed.

This morning, I feel ok. Knees hurt a little. (Thank God they didn't, on the ride!!) Quads a little sore. Neck ok. Diaphragm and ribs, ok. I have promised my neck I will go buy it a memory foam pillow, since it has been hurting all week. I wonder why I felt so crappy at the end, yesterday. I'm sure I was trained enough. I never felt anywhere near that sore in a Century. Could it have just been battling the wind for so many hours? I stood a lot more than usual, because that was simply the only way to get up hills, no matter how tired I was. Usually when I'm tired, I avoid standing, but if I tried to just spin up, I'd make no progress at all. It actually felt good to stand, until my quads were momentarily depleted. Hmmm. I would like to go for a recovery ride this morning, only it is 30F, and I don't feel quite warmed up from yesterday.

By the way, I thought I had solved the cold feet problem by putting chemical toe warmers in my shoes. I was in heaven for about two hours, then the warmers lost their heat, and I was cold the rest of the day. I saw lots of PI foot and toe warmers out there. I'm thinking I still want the real winter cycling shoes, though.

Anyway, that was my adventure. I was thinking about the 300k next month, but at this point, it hardly seems possible. Ir was it just the wind?? How on earth do you train for that distance?? I'm going to have to do some research...

Nanci

[Blueberry]

Nanci-

No ideas on the training - but I just had to say WOW! You're one amazing woman! And yes, I would bet that the wind was a very significant part of your fatigue. I can't imagine riding that kind of distance, much less in that kind of headwind.

CA

[Nanci]

Carrie, here's the thing. The 200k is just the beginning of the series- it goes 200k, 300k, 400k, 600k! The 200k must be like a little training ride for most people. How do you get there?? Rhetorical question. I remember hearing about Century rides, how that seemed unimagineable, but now, to me, it's no longer a scary distance- I'm familiar with it. I have to find out how to take the next step- but it's a big one! 62 more miles- that's another four hours of riding for me, on a good day! How do you train for 372 miles? Do you get to sleep???

I have a book, long distance cycling, which has been very helpful, but for training, there are just a lot of charts- so many miles each day- I get along better with formulas than charts. I need flexibility- I never know if I will be able to ride after work, if I will get out in time. Luckily the brevet season is over before triathlon season (BF) gets really kicked off.

Just babbling in my tiredness...

Nanci

[pkq]

That was a real test! Congratulations on completing it.

I've found the chemical warmers need to be "regenerated" occasionally. Just take them out of your shoes and loosen up the stuff inside a bit. I guess compressing them cuts off too much oxygen. Just a guess......

When I lived in Lake Charles, LA, we rode into the wind as much as possible because it is relentless. At least with hills, you get a break.

[Veronica]

Good job Nanci! Have you checked out the RUSA site?

V.

[jobob]

wow. What a great report. Nanci, you are my hero!

I wonder why I felt so crappy at the end, yesterday. I'm sure I was trained enough. I never felt anywhere near that sore in a Century. Could it have just been battling the wind for so many hours?

It must have been all that wind. Wind can really sap energy, and be downright demoralizing. And to be in such a strong wind, for so long, well, heck! I'm so impressed with you.

Riding time- just under nine hours. 14 mph average speed.

That's great! I'd be lucky if I could do that under the best of conditions (assuming I could even make it up to 200K at the rate I'm going, grumble grumble whine )

I'm attending a randonneuring seminar this afternoon, if I pick up any useful training tips I'll pass them on.

- Jo.

[Nanci]

Veronica- Yes, thank you. I've also been doing a lot of reading on the Ultra Marathon Cycling site.

Jo- You are so lucky! I wish there was something like that here.

Now I'm reading about a 12-hour race next month. I wonder if that would be fun. It starts with three 3.7 mile loops in a stadium, then an 89 mile long loop, then 11 mile repeats of a short loop till time is up. I think I could do that.

I kind of wish I had a buddy to ride with, though.

Nanci

[Running Mommy]

Great job! It was DEFINTELY the wind!!
I think the key for those longer distances is having a solid nutrition plan(you do), learning to pace yourself and spin easy early (you do), and just plain getting used to spending HOURS on the bike! OY! You can do it. I have no doubt. I think it's prolly more mentally daunting than anything.
Again- FABULOUS JOB! Don't forget to get back on that bike and spin super easy to help those legs recover. Also- one other thing I do after a long effort is find a way to ice down my legs. Right now it's to jump in my 55 degree pool. But if I go to a race I make sure my hubby has bags of ice on hand at the finish line. I really feel it in poor recovery if I don't ice after a race or long ride/run. I think that is key for us long distance gals.

[Surlygirl]

Hey Nanci
You are amazing. I can't even imagine doing what you did.
At REI they have foot warmers, like the toe warmers that go in your shoes that are for your whole foot. They are called Heat Treat Foot warmers and are about 4.00 for a pair. Maybe bring a couple pair with you. Worth a shot and cheaper than new shoes.

[SnappyPix]

Nanci,

Firstly, congratulations on completing the 200km against such relentless winds. Wind has to be the worst thing of all - it's merciless, it's unpredictable and it's like cycling into a brick wall.
To have covered such long distances on your own, with no-one to draft, or take turns drafting with, is truly admirable - good planning revising the route beforehand - that was one factor you didn't need to worry about at least, especially as you were riding alone.
It was a fantastic report - I always wonder about other peoples' experiences of long-distance events and as I'm just a mere beginner dabbling with centuries at the minute - it's really helpful to know what you ate, what you wore, how you coped psychologically with the distance, etc. I have the greatest admiration for you.
I can't even begin to fathom how people cope with 600km distances, or ironmen triathlons - it's beyond my comprehension; but then, I guess it's always a gradual thing and it's all just a journey where you suddenly find yourself further down the road than you'd ever thought you'd get (metaphorically and physically!). Always something to be aiming for.
Thanks so much for sharing - and congratulations again.

[Bike Goddess]

Great job! I would say that wind was a factor in your MPH. As we all know, wind makes us strong! And tired!

Like you say, 100 miles doesn't sound so far anymore, now it's 125 miles! As you go beyond the miles you've done before, it does seem to break down the mental barriers. I agree, how much time do you want to spend in the saddle?

Look forward to your next adventure. I have a lot of respect for the randonneurs- Doing the kinds of rides you do is so different from the organized rides most of us do. Like you said, doing your homework was a vital part to your success! Lots different from just getting a map and following the arrows and other cyclists!

[CorsairMac]

Nanci: I'm so proud of you - what an accomplishment!! We live with the wind here in NM - heck for 3o mph they don't even post high wind warnings! LOL On days like that - my only goal is to complete the ride, all other thoughts "fly" out the window! To have finished it was amazing enough - to finish in alone in those weather conditions was worthy of She-Ra, Princess of Power! I've heard of icing your legs down after a ride like that but haven't tried it (I Hate being cold). I do try to elevate my legs as soon as possible after riding any long distance or under tiring condition. So far, I've gotten up the next day and ridden again without any issues.
I wanted to try Brevet riding but they don't have it here in NM - the closest is CO which is about a 4-6 hr drive and I didn't want that on top of trying to ride 200k on up. So I'll live thru you! Keep up the good work and good luck on the "next" step!

[Lise]

Nanci, you ROCK! Congratulations! What a wonderful accomplishment, and a great ride report.

As you were writing about the ride, I thought of what they say about the "wind off the lava fields" in Kona. To get off your bike after all that, and go run a marathon--incredible.

I wish I had iced my legs after I ran the marathon this fall. I was so sore that night that I couldn't sleep. Heat is so tempting, especially when you're chilled to the bone, but the hot bath I took was a mistake.

Looking forward to more reports! Lise

[snowtulip]

Wow, great job Nanci! I have no advice, but thanks for being an inspiration. I look forward to hearing about your next brevet!

[tattiefritter]

Nanci, first of all congratulations on that ride, I've been out for over 10 hours on an offroad ride with the headwind from hell (and freezing painful feet), I know how you feel.

Secondly, regarding your shoes, are they summer shoes? Are you squeezing extra socks into them for cold riding? The reason I ask is that you mention that your toes started to warm up when you took your shoes off - this used to happen to me (on the ride above in particular - my feet took hours to warm up) as basically my boots were far too small. I used to own a pair of Shimano winter boots (not gore tex) which I bought a size up from normal as Shimano shoes are notoriously small, however it was not enough to take my winter socks as they are quite thick (Sealskins merino waterproof socks), or any socks actually they were just too tight. After an hour my feet would just freeze as the circulation was being cut off. They were not cheap boots so I persevered for a while but eventually I called it a day on them and bought another pair.

I went for the new version of the Shimano boot which is Gore Tex lined as UK winter offroad conditions are generally wet, windy, wet, muddy, wet, cold, wet (did I mention wet). I spent quite a bit of time getting the correct size which in the end was 2 sizes above my usual by UK/Euro sizing but the same as normal in US sizing! The difference is unbelievable, I now have warm feet when riding, something I never thought was possible, this is due to the fact that the boots fit with my winter socks on and also the Gore Tex in particular shielding my toes from wind.

I do have some neoprene full overshoes for commuting which are warm but on cold days I can really feel the wind through them, if I was out on the roads for over an hour at this time of year I would be wearing my gore tex boots - no question.