300km cycling in a day
yirara
Posts: 10,783 Member
I'm a bit crazy. A friend made me aware of a 320km cycle tour through the Netherlands on the longest day of the year. And I just decided that I want to do this. Which is crazy as I never cycled more than 40km on a day. Crazy? Me? 
At least my bike is not too bad: it's a fairly lightweight trekking bike (mountain bike gear system, no suspension, suitable for travelling, offroading and city). I might finally exchange the bar from a slightly raised straight one to a flat, slightly longer one.
And I need to fix a few problems on the gear system as I fell yesterday when I found out it's not a good idea to cycle over slightly tilted wet glazed tiles. Ouch! I don't think I'll be able to work out this week.
Anyway, lets just do this
At least my bike is not too bad: it's a fairly lightweight trekking bike (mountain bike gear system, no suspension, suitable for travelling, offroading and city). I might finally exchange the bar from a slightly raised straight one to a flat, slightly longer one.
And I need to fix a few problems on the gear system as I fell yesterday when I found out it's not a good idea to cycle over slightly tilted wet glazed tiles. Ouch! I don't think I'll be able to work out this week.
Anyway, lets just do this
6
Replies
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My husband and I did a 300 km randonnee about 2 weeks before his accident. That's the last long ride we've done.
But prior to that I've done heaps of 300+ km rides. I'm a long term long distance cyclist.
Build up to it. Aim for a century in March or April if you can. Century = 160 km. Then go for a 200 km 2-3 weeks later.1 -
Nah, the weather is usually too rubbish for cycling here. I might just wing it and see what happens. I'm not trying to beat a speed record. And worst case I drag myself to the next train station and go home. Even though I'd miss out on the finisher beerglas and hefty dinner 2
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You'll feel do much more comfortable if you actually train for it ... even a little bit.
If the weather is bad join a weekly spin class at the gym. That's a start.2 -
Well, I do cycle to work every day, and once the winter is over I will cycle more as I don't own the car and want to visit all communities of the Netherlands somehow. But yeah, it's not a lot.0
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TavistockToad wrote: »
But he did finish I take it? That's all what it's about as far as I'm concerned.
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So you are planning to ride 320 km in ONE day and your training plan is to "wing it"? Please let us know how this turns out for you.8
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TavistockToad wrote: »
But he did finish I take it? That's all what it's about as far as I'm concerned.
of course....0 -
garystrickland357 wrote: »So you are planning to ride 320 km in ONE day and your training plan is to "wing it"? Please let us know how this turns out for you.
Miserably, I suppose
Though the big failures in my life were always those I really prepared for, and those that went well enough where I winged it. Both sports, school and uni, professionally... and relationship 1 -
TavistockToad wrote: »
But he did finish I take it? That's all what it's about as far as I'm concerned.
Yeah a parkrun is what, 5k? Meanwhile your commute is how long? Even minimal actual training would help you.0 -
Nah, the weather is usually too rubbish for cycling here. I might just wing it and see what happens. I'm not trying to beat a speed record. And worst case I drag myself to the next train station and go home. Even though I'd miss out on the finisher beerglas and hefty dinner
Honestly that's an incredibly bad idea.
Not for the speed but for the needless suffering and hugely increased chance of failing to complete the event. Time in the saddle will make a massive difference to the chance of succeeding and getting some enjoyment out of it.
Would also recommend switching to a road bike, I did a century ride on a hybrid but once I borrowed a road bike for a 115 mile event I never went back to doing long distances on flat bar bikes.
Apologies if I "mis-remembered" (thanks for that word Hillary!) but are you in the UK?
If yes have a look at the Audax UK site for events and guidance and if you change your mind about preparing for the event the British Heart Foundation has some really good training plans.2 -
If the weather's not great have you considered an indoor trainer?2
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I don’t think OP actually asked for our advice , and that seems evident from their responses!
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yeah - even as a cyclist, i wouldn't just go out and do 300km without training - i'm aiming for a double century (miles) in May next year and starting training for that now (320km) - just winging it is a recipe for getting injured (says the person who essentially just winged a marathon and argueably her last ironman)1
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Nah, the weather is usually too rubbish for cycling here. I might just wing it and see what happens. I'm not trying to beat a speed record. And worst case I drag myself to the next train station and go home. Even though I'd miss out on the finisher beerglas and hefty dinner
Honestly that's an incredibly bad idea.
Not for the speed but for the needless suffering and hugely increased chance of failing to complete the event. Time in the saddle will make a massive difference to the chance of succeeding and getting some enjoyment out of it.
Would also recommend switching to a road bike, I did a century ride on a hybrid but once I borrowed a road bike for a 115 mile event I never went back to doing long distances on flat bar bikes.
Apologies if I "mis-remembered" (thanks for that word Hillary!) but are you in the UK?
If yes have a look at the Audax UK site for events and guidance and if you change your mind about preparing for the event the British Heart Foundation has some really good training plans.
Netherlands, now. No, I don't have the cash to buy a second bike, and neither the space to store it. I will have to do a few longer rides, but I don't want to train properly for it as a) weather b) rubbish weather c) I'm tough and can do some amazing things. But I can not train cardio regularly anymore due to some as of yet unknown possibly endocrine problem. I get sick if I do cardio regularly. A very tough day is fine though. I know that from some very long, very strenuous, very untrained hikes earlier this year and a few other things.3 -
here are a couple of links for you to check out:
https://www.active.com/cycling/articles/12-training-tips-for-an-ultra-distance-ride-880710
https://www.verywellfit.com/bicycling-a-double-century-training-schedule-31194340 -
deannalfisher wrote: »here are a couple of links for you to check out:
https://www.active.com/cycling/articles/12-training-tips-for-an-ultra-distance-ride-880710
https://www.verywellfit.com/bicycling-a-double-century-training-schedule-3119434
Thanks a lot
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@sijomial reminded me of another issue. If this is a supported ride, you will potentially put a fair amount of unexpected weight on the people running SAG than is necessary or even appropriate. It's one thing to have multiple flats (despite carrying multiple tubes or running a tubeless setup), get unexpectedly dehydrated, accidently take a wrong turn, etc. Those are all unexpected events. On the other hand, if you go along with your plans (or lack there of), it's almost to be expected that you won't finish. Not because of some inherent physiological flaw that is unique to you, but because you're a human being who didn't train and doesn't have the bike fitness to predictably complete the ride.
As I and others have said, there are so many resources (some of which are free) that would help you do this successfully and it's foolhardy to not use them.3 -
Nah, the weather is usually too rubbish for cycling here. I might just wing it and see what happens. I'm not trying to beat a speed record. And worst case I drag myself to the next train station and go home. Even though I'd miss out on the finisher beerglas and hefty dinner
Honestly that's an incredibly bad idea.
Not for the speed but for the needless suffering and hugely increased chance of failing to complete the event. Time in the saddle will make a massive difference to the chance of succeeding and getting some enjoyment out of it.
Would also recommend switching to a road bike, I did a century ride on a hybrid but once I borrowed a road bike for a 115 mile event I never went back to doing long distances on flat bar bikes.
Apologies if I "mis-remembered" (thanks for that word Hillary!) but are you in the UK?
If yes have a look at the Audax UK site for events and guidance and if you change your mind about preparing for the event the British Heart Foundation has some really good training plans.
Netherlands, now. No, I don't have the cash to buy a second bike, and neither the space to store it. I will have to do a few longer rides, but I don't want to train properly for it as a) weather b) rubbish weather c) I'm tough and can do some amazing things. But I can not train cardio regularly anymore due to some as of yet unknown possibly endocrine problem. I get sick if I do cardio regularly. A very tough day is fine though. I know that from some very long, very strenuous, very untrained hikes earlier this year and a few other things.
i'm sure i'll get flagged for it - but there is a tough and there is stupid...this is blatently stupid - you have multiple cyclists in this thread trying to help you/give you advice and you are ignoring it - a 300km is on average an 11-16hour event - how are you going to do that untrained?10 -
Nah, the weather is usually too rubbish for cycling here. I might just wing it and see what happens. I'm not trying to beat a speed record. And worst case I drag myself to the next train station and go home. Even though I'd miss out on the finisher beerglas and hefty dinner
Honestly that's an incredibly bad idea.
Not for the speed but for the needless suffering and hugely increased chance of failing to complete the event. Time in the saddle will make a massive difference to the chance of succeeding and getting some enjoyment out of it.
Would also recommend switching to a road bike, I did a century ride on a hybrid but once I borrowed a road bike for a 115 mile event I never went back to doing long distances on flat bar bikes.
Apologies if I "mis-remembered" (thanks for that word Hillary!) but are you in the UK?
If yes have a look at the Audax UK site for events and guidance and if you change your mind about preparing for the event the British Heart Foundation has some really good training plans.
Netherlands, now. No, I don't have the cash to buy a second bike, and neither the space to store it. I will have to do a few longer rides, but I don't want to train properly for it as a) weather b) rubbish weather c) I'm tough and can do some amazing things. But I can not train cardio regularly anymore due to some as of yet unknown possibly endocrine problem. I get sick if I do cardio regularly. A very tough day is fine though. I know that from some very long, very strenuous, very untrained hikes earlier this year and a few other things.
I cycle a lot OP, despite cycling facilities being waaaaaay worse here in England than in the Netherlands, the longest distance I ride is 210km.
It's hard, even as someone who does 8,000km a year. Eight and a half hours cycling hurts, even when I've trained for it. Although you won't have the same elevation you will be much slower and will probably run out of time, you will be fixed in one position on an unsuitable bike and not conditioned for an all day ride.
As an idea of the discomfort you may face my cycling guru has mentored quite a few high level riders and he took an ex-international rower out several times as she transitioned to cycling. He was really impressed (but not surprised) with her exceptional strength and fitness levels. After her first long ride she was so sore she was actually bleeding.
The weather is bad now but not in Spring. You can borrow not buy a suitable bike (just like I did).
Sorry but your idea is foolhardy, not brave.8 -
If nothing else this thread has inspired me to lay out my 200 mile training plan for May next year5
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Nah, the weather is usually too rubbish for cycling here. I might just wing it and see what happens. I'm not trying to beat a speed record. And worst case I drag myself to the next train station and go home. Even though I'd miss out on the finisher beerglas and hefty dinner
Honestly that's an incredibly bad idea.
Not for the speed but for the needless suffering and hugely increased chance of failing to complete the event. Time in the saddle will make a massive difference to the chance of succeeding and getting some enjoyment out of it.
Would also recommend switching to a road bike, I did a century ride on a hybrid but once I borrowed a road bike for a 115 mile event I never went back to doing long distances on flat bar bikes.
Apologies if I "mis-remembered" (thanks for that word Hillary!) but are you in the UK?
If yes have a look at the Audax UK site for events and guidance and if you change your mind about preparing for the event the British Heart Foundation has some really good training plans.
Netherlands, now. No, I don't have the cash to buy a second bike, and neither the space to store it. I will have to do a few longer rides, but I don't want to train properly for it as a) weather b) rubbish weather c) I'm tough and can do some amazing things. But I can not train cardio regularly anymore due to some as of yet unknown possibly endocrine problem. I get sick if I do cardio regularly. A very tough day is fine though. I know that from some very long, very strenuous, very untrained hikes earlier this year and a few other things.
Um ... if you get sick from doing cardio, you're not going to feel well on a 300K.
One of the reasons we train for a 300K is to get our bodies used to eating and drinking properly. It's not all about building the muscle etc. a lot of it has to do with nutrition and hydration. What works for a 40 km bicycle ride may not work for a 300 km bicycle ride.
Another reason we train for a 300K is to ensure that our bicycles are properly set up and that we've got the right equipment. How do you feel about cycling in the dark? I know this is scheduled for the longest day of the year, so you've got a good chance of doing it all in daylight. And maybe you'll be faster than I am. But I do my 300Ks in 16-18 hours. How do you feel about being on the bicycle for 18 hours, and perhaps into darkness?
I've cycled a lot, and I keep pretty active in general with walking, hiking, running, weights, etc. ... but I still build up to a 300K if I haven't done one in a little while.3 -
I’m a casual cyclist. I enjoy it, but it’s priamrily a cross training/recovery type activity for me. I’m a runner, and recently ran a marathon - I’m in decent enough physical and cardio shape that I can comfortably complete a ride of reasonable distance without taxing myself physiologically.
After riding casually, on and off for a decent ride here and there (keeping in mind my cardio/legs are conditioned for multi hour events), I went off on a 3 hour bike ride. My lungs were great. My legs were great. That ride was a mere fraction of this event you are considering. Not even a blip really.
I’m trying to find a delicate but clear way to say that said 3 hour ride makes me realize that time in the saddle in VITALLY important. My lady parts are STILL mad about it and it’s been more than a year. Every time I scroll by this thread they cringe again.
If you choose to plop yourself on an inappropriate bicycle for an event that will likely take you the bulk of a 20 hour period, have you considered how you will walk/sit/exist for the following weeks? I can guarantee there will be blood and loss of skin in a very delicate area.
The pro is that without training, it seems there’s little likelihood of finishing the event so you’ll get some respite there.
I’m sorry. I wish you the best but this is akin to tackling a 100km mountain trail race with no training more than a couple of 5-10km hikes over the summer.6 -
Duck_Puddle is right.
You don't want to prepare for this at all? I am going to bet that you have such chafing at 100 km that you quit right then and there.
You've got to work up to it -- to toughen up. You've got to know what cycling shorts work for you, what saddle, etc., etc.1 -
deannalfisher wrote: »If nothing else this thread has inspired me to lay out my 200 mile training plan for May next year
No kidding! I'm doing a century in April (havent done one in probably 10 years). My butt and shoulders are already plotting revenge if I don't stay serious with my training.0 -
The thing is, I think it is entirely possible for you to do a 300K (320K) in June ... and perhaps even feel reasonably comfortable doing it ... if you start working toward it now.
Even if you just work up to a century (160 km / 100 miles) in April or early May, that will help.3 -
garystrickland357 wrote: »So you are planning to ride 320 km in ONE day and your training plan is to "wing it"? Please let us know how this turns out for you.
Miserably, I suppose
Though the big failures in my life were always those I really prepared for, and those that went well enough where I winged it. Both sports, school and uni, professionally... and relationship
Please don't delude yourself into thinking that this will go well or that you will finish the ride without training.
Based on your stated approach, here's a more likely scenario: Mild discomfort beginning fairly early in the ride, soon turning to leg, back or shoulder soreness that becomes outright pain within the first 100km. Then it gets worse. If nutrition and hydration aren't right, be prepared for decreased ability to focus, and eventually impaired judgement. If you're very persistent and driven to succeed, this misery will unfold over a number of hours before eventually becoming so unbearable that it causes you to quit. If you're not as persistent, the misery will be of a somewhat shorter duration. In either case, there will be misery and no finishing the ride.
So add me to the list of cyclists who are hoping you'll re evaluate your approach.
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Lol, just updated my 200 mile training plan for May next year and it's not pretty. First century in three weeks. Would have been do able but I lost nine weeks of prep time, mid Oct until this week, due to an accident. Be a miracle to finish it the May double but the plans to tackle the California Triple Crown is definitely out the window.1
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I have done many 200, 300 mile rides and one 400 miles ride all in a day. Did 752 (1200km) in 4 days. With 10000 meters of climbing. It’s all on Strava. They are always hard. I can average 21-22 mph solo for hilly 100 miles and 200 are always hard. If I back the pace down to around 19-20 mph, 200 is easier for me but that last 3/4 hours still suck. And I ride 800 hours a year, I can absorb a silly amount of training stress.
Sijomial is right, it’s a lot suffering. If you are not prepared for 160km solo, 320km will take you 13-15 hours of pedaling. But if your not on a road bike the longest day of the year might not be enough light. That’s if your muscles hold out. With no training you may cramp with little chance of continuing. Do you understand nutrition for ultras...if not that alone could end your campaign.
But as I my friends say to me, I’m the king of crazy ***** so if you think you can endure and I guess have the bragging rights...Go for it. I look forward to hearing about...for good or something else...0 -
I've cycled the following ...
EVENT ............ NUMBER
CENTURY ........ 108
200K .............. 36
300K .............. 21
400K .............. 13
600K .............. 7
1000K ............ 1
1200K ............ 4
TOTAL ............. 190 rides over 100 miles / 160 km
So ... just a bit of "voice of experience". Because I love long distance cycling, I also hope you do it. But hope you take steps to make it a good experience. 3
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