Tips for first 100km race
#26
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Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: TN
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Congrats! Hopefully you'll have better roads next time.
#27
Senior Member
Congrats on finishing. Depending on the heat, I can finish nearly two 750ml bottles in a flat 50km, let alone 100km - I rarely go out with one bottle, unless I'm sure I'm toodling about for <30km. The only organized rides I've been on are Levi's Gran Fondo in CA (~1300m of climbing and an 8am, 10C start, with a midday peak close to 30C), and the 5-Boro Bike Tour in NY (7am start, 15C, chilly throughout). Some thoughts:
- If cold, bring a jacket. It will always feel colder on the bike with windchill
- If temps change, make sure you have a place to put the jacket. I've packed it into the back of my jersey, but I prefer a small top tube pouch, feels less awkward
- Always top up your bottles whenever you're at a rest stop, especially on a new route. You never know when you're gonna be caught out in the sun, with a headwind, on a climb.
- Eat a little every hour, even just a couple of cookies. But never stuff yourself, that's a recipe for cramping. Make sure you get your electrolytes, too.
- Stay with your friend. He/she may recover just in time for you to bonk, and it sucks being out there alone.
- You can always wait for the SAG wagon, but better to have a basic multitool, a tube, and some inflation. I carry a CO2 cartridge and a $20 bill - apparently, they're good for booting a tire if you get a gash. Also good for buying a snack when you get to the end.
- If cold, bring a jacket. It will always feel colder on the bike with windchill
- If temps change, make sure you have a place to put the jacket. I've packed it into the back of my jersey, but I prefer a small top tube pouch, feels less awkward
- Always top up your bottles whenever you're at a rest stop, especially on a new route. You never know when you're gonna be caught out in the sun, with a headwind, on a climb.
- Eat a little every hour, even just a couple of cookies. But never stuff yourself, that's a recipe for cramping. Make sure you get your electrolytes, too.
- Stay with your friend. He/she may recover just in time for you to bonk, and it sucks being out there alone.
- You can always wait for the SAG wagon, but better to have a basic multitool, a tube, and some inflation. I carry a CO2 cartridge and a $20 bill - apparently, they're good for booting a tire if you get a gash. Also good for buying a snack when you get to the end.