Well, three consecutive century’s, actually, over three days.
The SO and I are considering doing the Golden Triangle ride in May, consisting of three days through the mountains with grades of up to 8% in some parts. We’re both fit, him more then me, and we are both road cyclists.
But we’ve never done one of these before. The most I’ve rode at any one time is about 80 km. Anyone have some experiences to share?
If you’ve never done so you might want to at least do one century before the event, as that is physically strenuous enough that you might get exhausted at the end if you’d only done 80k up until then. Jumping right from 80k to 3 consecutive centuries is insanity. Just one is slightly less physically strenuous than a marathon.
Caveat: I’ve never myself completed a century, tried several times but my bike always broke down at around 80. But even at 80 I was exhausted the next day (and this is on a road bike in flat Florida, although the Florida heat might have something to do with encouraging my exhaustion.)
I’ll plan to take the bike out this weekend or next and try out a century.
This also isn’t a ‘race’, if that makes a difference. I can go as slow as I want. I’m more worried about the day AFTER the first day, and the day following that. It’s hard to get into it when your legs feel dead!
Agree w/ Ludovic. While I’ve done several 100 milers and even a couple of 1.5s, three in a row is a different beast altogether. Never once did I feel like hopping back on a bike the next day.
If you’re up for this (and when you’re up for this) my hat’s off to you. Hellacious undertaking right there.
No matter how well supported the ride will be, always carry some backup food and water.
My usual load is 3-4 Powerbars and a large capacity Camelback.
You need to eat plenty of carbs and protein both during and after each day’s ride. You need to be well fueled and recovered for each day. Look up the typical diet of a Tour of France rider to get some idea of what’s needed( bearing in mind they’re racing).
Looks like it’s a metric century each day? (A “century ride” is a 100-mile ride even in metric countries, and a 100-km ride is a “metric century”.) I think that would be doable, especially since you have all day to complete the 100-km ride each day. I think my conditioning was at a similar level when I first did Cycle Oregon, which seems like similar difficulty.
Still, if I were you I’d try to ride as much as possible to get ready. I’d recommend ramping up to at least 100 miles per week.
Oh right, yes, it’s a metric century, sorry all.
Time to bring the bike out daily it seems. I was going to postpone my daily rides to and from work until the gravel is off the road, but sounds like I need to get on it ASAP. My bike is in for a spring tune up tomorrow night so I can get out right away.
Lots of protein, carbs and water WITH me, check.
p.s., In my experience, the major difference between a single long ride and a multi-day ride is soreness. Not just muscle soreness but chafing, rubbing, pressure, etc. all take their toll on the 2nd day and later. Proper clothing helps, as tight-fitting clothes minimize chafing. Lubricants like Chamois Butt’r help too. And of course, doing some long rides before the event will help you identify problem areas so you can take preventive measures.
Agreed. A metric century is achievable by any reasonably fit person, even with a few climbs thrown in. Two in a row shouldn’t be a problem. Three will be a workout, absolutely. But the big factor is soreness. Muscle soreness will be part of it. Make sure your bike fits. I cannot stress this enough. Remember that what seems comfortable for a nice leisurely five-mile jaunt probably won’t work well for longer rides. People buy hybrid bikes because they feel comfortable and un-intimidating in the bike store, and then they discover that long rides, or even moderately long rides, are uncomfortable, and they assume that the ride is too long. But it’s the bike.
Your butt will be the sorest part. The right seat is very important. I swear by Brooks leather saddles, but to each their own, and anyway a leather saddle requires a fair amount of breaking in before it gets comfortable. You wouldn’t want to go a long ride with a new one. Cycling shorts can help.
Thanks.
I have a road bike (2008 Specialized Ruby) and I had it fitted properly when I bought it. I also have proper bike shorts that I plan to wear throughout!
I know it’s still going to suck though. I teach spinning and have been on a Kaiser all winter. About 2 months ago the SO and I bought a Tacx VR trainer and I got on my bike for a few rides a week. Boy did my ass and thighs hurt! It’s getting better now, but I plan on doing a bit more real road time before the big weekend. Nothing like a few potholes to remind you where your sit bones are!
I think folk are being unduly pessimistic here.
Three hundred kilometres in 3 days is not hard for even a half fit person. We are not even talking of keeping 10mph.
The main things to think about are fluid, fluid and fluid- you will soon get tired of sweet drinks, and sweet food such as cakes.
Make sure not to ride too high a gear, for general riding on a flat road you would need to be spinning around 42T X 18T with your pedalling at around 60 rpm, no more than that.
Don’t struggle up grades, you have time, walk if you want and don’t let pride force you to fight, unless you are reasonably fit, 8% is not all that steep, but of course it also depends on how long, but all you need do is make sure to select a low enough gear and ride steadily. At no time should you feel as if you are fighting to make progress, if you do feel that way, get off rest and walk.
Your main problems will be sore neck, back and wrists, but if you ride too high a gear that’s when you may find achy legs.
Have a good time, it will not be as hard as you think, I’ve ridden longer club runs in a day and not suffered unduly, except for a lack of sleep - they were long days!
Ah, got it. With the training you said you’ve been doing this should be a great event for you and your SO. What I’m incredibly jealous about is the scenery you’ll be in. We’re hot and flat. You’re in some of the most spectacular on Earth. I hope if you take a camera you’ll post some afterwards. Have a wonderful trip.
Thanks muchly casdave!
I plan on posting pictures for you all when it’s done as well; I’ll make sure I take some nice scenic ones for you.