In my experience, if I start strong and fast, I end up slowing down quite a bit in the latter part of the ride. If I start at a more comfortable pace, I'll usually maintain that pace to the end. Either way, I end up with the same average speed, but when I maintain a consistent comfortable pace I am in less pain after the ride. I still sometimes will start out fast, just for the challenge, but in general riding the slower consistent speed works better for me.
Make sure you eat enough through out the ride, and stick with food and drinks that you know won't bother you.
Have a checklist before the ride for all the things you need to bring to the start. The night before, pack up as much as you can, fill your water bottles, get your snacks ready, write down the directions to the ride start. I like to bring extra clothes, like a different jacket or warmer/cooler jersey, just in case I decide I'm not quite dressed right for the weather at the start.
And then have fun!!
- Gray 2010 carbon WSD road bike, Rivet Independence saddle
- Red hardtail 26" aluminum mountain bike, Bontrager Evoke WSD saddle
- Royal blue 2018 aluminum gravel bike, Rivet Pearl saddle
Gone but not forgotten:
- Silver 2003 aluminum road bike
- Two awesome worn out Juliana saddles