Tips for surviving day 2 of double century???

rides4sanity

I posted this on the Century Cycling board, but DCMAT was my only response (thanks dc), so I thought I'd try it over here. My husband has told me just to man up and stop fretting so I can enjoy it, which I'm working on, but I could use some words of wisdom.

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I'm starting to spaz just a bit. I had planned a good back to back 60+ last week, but btwn weather and family it just didn't happen. Laying low this week, just 10 miles easy then teaching spin tonight, and then maybe an easy 10-15 on Thursday.

I'm totally good for day 1, 105 miles (60/40 flat/hills), but really nervous about starting out on the hills day 2. I'm aiming for 15mph (cruise 17-18 on flats, lose a bit for the hills) average day 1, and if that feels good I'll bump it up for day 2. I just don't want to have nothing left for the return trip. Just about everybody I know who has ridden this has crashed or been too sore to finish day 2 on their first atempt. Unfortunately, I'm usually not smart enough to quit, so I will likely muttle through regardless, but I really want to get this done in manner I can be proud of.

Any nutrition or comfort tips anybody has would be greatly appreciated.

Speedtrap

I would love to give you some advice, but I would not "Man Up" to a double century at this point so I can offer nothing except carb load the day before and make sure you are eating well on the trip to keep your energy up.

rides4sanity

Beginning to think there is no good way....

2getgeorge

if you put in the miles for prep, then it will be cake.
just make sure you stretch and relax after first day.
when I say stretch I do not mean 10 sec touch my toes.
a good 1/2 hour or more depending on your flexibility more if your not. just google stretching for bicyclists youtube should provide ample instruction.
get yourself "the stick" its a roller massaging stick.
Himalayan Sea salt drink 2 glasses before bed or take a bath in it..
get the correct supplements for both days. I use hammer nutrition. go to there website https://www.hammernutrition.com/ and call or chat with a rep. they will set you up with all the supplements. I use heed, endurolytes, perpetuem tabs, hammer gels, anti fatigue pills, race day boost and hammer bars.
your nutrition the week before and during the event will also help.
also consider http://madalchemy.com/

rides4sanity

Thanks george, I actually get a massage after day 1 to help loosen up. The nutrition info is great, will definitely check it out.

bsexton3

Drink plenty of water, especially on day one. When I ride like this, I have one bottle with water and another with some type of electrolyte tablet or powered. Take turns drinking from one then the other. Make sure I drink 32 ounces of liquid every two hours while riding.

I also take time spinning. I get in a gear that allows me to easily pedal at 90-95 cadence. The speed can still be there, but the pedals are light. This, especially on the end of the first day allows my muscles to work different or something. Read it in a magazine several years ago and tried it. It works for me.

Carb load after day one. When your stomach can handle it, have pasta or pizza after the first day. Again, read about it, and for me it works.

And, the old saying is, "don't try anything you didn't try in training." I once thought on day two of a week of riding 75 plus each day, have a caffeine hammer gel. It killed me. If yo haven't taken something on a ride or after a ride in training, then don't think it will help in the real thing.

In the end, it is always in the mind. THe first 5 miles the second day is always the worst for me. Once I am up and in the saddle, it is another day to enjoy a bike ride.

Let me know how it goes.

rides4sanity

Thanks Bsexton! Honestly it just helps seeing what others do to see that I'm on the right track. As long as the weather predictions hold true this should be a great weekend, low 70's & overcast light wind.

rides4sanity

Finished day one in 5:43, ~18mph average (103 miles bike time - stop for lunch not counted nor were the miles I back tracked to find my node on the bridge after catching teammate to tell them I was going back), Day two was a wash, road bikes and rain don't mix. Next year I'll try again for the double, not a bad time for my first go at the distance. Not sure how to post a picture here or I would

bsexton3

Good first day ride. Don't know if I could keep an 18 mph pace for 100 miles. Might depend on where you ride.

Sorry to hear day two did not happen.

I am planning my first century of the year this friday or saturday. Will ride to the coast by myself to meet the family playing on the beach.

rides4sanity

Good luck, be safe!

AlwaysInMotion

Congrats! You finished Day 1 strong and ready to do it all over again. So, Mother Nature decided to be uncooperative. Rain outs are understandable - it's not supposed to be a total hell. Hope to hear you're back out there for your next double century soon.