Riding 90+ miles for the first time. Should I even attempt?
05-18-17, 03:05 PM
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Riding 90+ miles for the first time. Should I even attempt?
I am riding 90+ miles for the first time this upcoming Sunday. The ride is also 8000+ ft of climbing.
First let me say, I am very much looking forward to it, but very nervous about it at the same time.
My typical ride is 2700 - 3200 ft climbing and 40 miles. I complete this ride 2-3 times a week. My average per week is around 110 miles and 8000+ ft. I can maintain a 21 mph avg over a 20-30 mile stretch, so I feel like my cardio is OK. I have ridden 75+ miles with 4800 ft of climbing in a day, but half was in the morning and the other half 7 hours later.
My question is, should I even be riding something this advanced with the amount I currently ride? If it seems possible with my current riding schedule, what tips can be offered to help me get through this?
Thanks in advance!
First let me say, I am very much looking forward to it, but very nervous about it at the same time.
My typical ride is 2700 - 3200 ft climbing and 40 miles. I complete this ride 2-3 times a week. My average per week is around 110 miles and 8000+ ft. I can maintain a 21 mph avg over a 20-30 mile stretch, so I feel like my cardio is OK. I have ridden 75+ miles with 4800 ft of climbing in a day, but half was in the morning and the other half 7 hours later.
My question is, should I even be riding something this advanced with the amount I currently ride? If it seems possible with my current riding schedule, what tips can be offered to help me get through this?
Thanks in advance!
05-18-17, 03:10 PM
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It's probably doable if you ride in easier gears than usual and don't try for any speed records.
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I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
05-18-17, 04:06 PM
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Given your physical prowess and weekly riding routine, I don't see why you'd be at all nervous about this. Do you just never go out for more than a couple hours at a time, or what's the hang-up? If you're not accustomed to rides longer than a couple hours, just: ride within yourself early on and make sure that you're eating (small portions) and drinking regularly.
05-18-17, 04:42 PM
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Your credentials are much to good to have any concerns.
Enjoy your ride.
-Snuts-
Enjoy your ride.
-Snuts-
05-18-17, 04:46 PM
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It's a stretch, and you'll be tired, but I don't see why you couldn't do this. Just be conservative for the first half.
05-18-17, 05:03 PM
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I am riding 90+ miles for the first time this upcoming Sunday. The ride is also 8000+ ft of climbing.
First let me say, I am very much looking forward to it, but very nervous about it at the same time.
My question is, should I even be riding something this advanced with the amount I currently ride? If it seems possible with my current riding schedule, what tips can be offered to help me get through this?
Thanks in advance!
First let me say, I am very much looking forward to it, but very nervous about it at the same time.
My question is, should I even be riding something this advanced with the amount I currently ride? If it seems possible with my current riding schedule, what tips can be offered to help me get through this?
Thanks in advance!
Secondly ride your own pace. On an occasional massed-start ride I do, I try to go out in the first wave and hopefully be picked up with rider(s), or a group I can draft with at a comfortable pace (with permission). But even when drafting, or being drafted, or riding along with an amiable partner, I make it clear I will go my own pace as necessary.
05-18-17, 06:17 PM
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Yes, you should be ready. I typically ride about 100 miles a week (weekends only), and 2000-3500 elevation gain. I'd have a hell of a time doing 8000+ feet. It would take me 10-12 hours.
05-18-17, 06:18 PM
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(Basically, everyone above says Do It. )
Sounds like it will be an epic ride for you!
Is this an event ride with a lot of riders? What ride is it?
Take in enough food and drink, all through the ride. Standing up periodically, changing hand positions, and brief stops at the water stations will all help, too.
Try to go easier on the steep climbs. Like Jim said above, do your own pace. It's hard to watch some other riders pulling away, but let them go.
I saw riders with leg cramps sitting by the side of the road when I did a hilly 70 mile ride. It had some 300 foot high, 10-12% grades near the start, and most riders pushed hard on those climbs. Then the later 1800 foot, 8% climb was where the cramps hit. I was getting lower back soreness and had to stop to stretch and recover a few times on the long climb -- I went too hard in the first section.
Lots of really steep climbs without low enough gears would be the only reason you might not finish.
Sounds like it will be an epic ride for you!
Is this an event ride with a lot of riders? What ride is it?
Take in enough food and drink, all through the ride. Standing up periodically, changing hand positions, and brief stops at the water stations will all help, too.
Try to go easier on the steep climbs. Like Jim said above, do your own pace. It's hard to watch some other riders pulling away, but let them go.
I saw riders with leg cramps sitting by the side of the road when I did a hilly 70 mile ride. It had some 300 foot high, 10-12% grades near the start, and most riders pushed hard on those climbs. Then the later 1800 foot, 8% climb was where the cramps hit. I was getting lower back soreness and had to stop to stretch and recover a few times on the long climb -- I went too hard in the first section.
Lots of really steep climbs without low enough gears would be the only reason you might not finish.
Last edited by rm -rf; 05-18-17 at 06:26 PM.
05-18-17, 06:39 PM
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Another guy posted that's doing the same thing this weekend. Maybe you should meet up and ride together.
05-18-17, 06:43 PM
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Go for it and have fun.
You should get the distance. The climbing will be hard, but not insane.
Is this a supported ride? There is always the sag wagon, but I doubt you'll wish to do that. Also look at the map to see if there are shortcuts you can take, if you choose.
You should get the distance. The climbing will be hard, but not insane.
Is this a supported ride? There is always the sag wagon, but I doubt you'll wish to do that. Also look at the map to see if there are shortcuts you can take, if you choose.
05-18-17, 07:01 PM
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if i could average 21mph for 20-30 miles, i wouldn't even ask. 
in fact, i would be looking for someone to race...
in fact, i would be looking for someone to race...
05-18-17, 07:17 PM
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Yeah, but 90 miles is a scant 10 miles shy of a century... so what's the point? 
The elevation is going to be a much bigger issue than the distance.
The elevation is going to be a much bigger issue than the distance.
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05-18-17, 07:20 PM
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If you are riding it, you will do fine with your conditioning where it is now. If you are racing or pushing it, that may be a different story. I have a hunch you'll do just fine though. Respect your need for hydration and nutrition.
05-18-17, 07:54 PM
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I wonder what would happen if ten people said not to do it. Would the OP do it or not?
05-18-17, 08:42 PM
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- You can ride your weekly total all at once
- You can ride 50% farther than your longest recent ride
Other people have suggested that once you're riding 200 miles a week you can ride any distance, although I backed off from over-training after a couple of solo 200 mile rides before trying 400km.
Last edited by Drew Eckhardt; 05-18-17 at 08:46 PM.
05-18-17, 10:44 PM
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Yes, but with that much climbing be sure to pace yourself on the climbs.
05-18-17, 11:01 PM
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05-18-17, 11:06 PM
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Two rules of thumb seem to work for me. When rested, staying hydrated, eating enough, and pacing yourself appropriately
- You can ride your weekly total all at once
- You can ride 50% farther than your longest recent ride
Other people have suggested that once you're riding 200 miles a week you can ride any distance, although I backed off from over-training after a couple of solo 200 mile rides before trying 400km.
- You can ride your weekly total all at once
- You can ride 50% farther than your longest recent ride
Other people have suggested that once you're riding 200 miles a week you can ride any distance, although I backed off from over-training after a couple of solo 200 mile rides before trying 400km.
My longest recent ride was 200 miles. 50% more equals, ummm, TOO MANY
05-20-17, 05:53 AM
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You'll be fine so long as you pace yourself. Might as well tack on 10 at the end and make it a century!
05-20-17, 12:46 PM
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You've been riding. Now is a good time to ride more. Pace yourself...you can do this!
05-20-17, 01:16 PM
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