How to prepare for a big ride?

[Bilsko]

Very nicely done!
As I’m starting to go through mental prep for my big ride (just 10 days away) that’ll push me 65% over my previous limit, thinking about the ride through a different lens (comfort, safety, nutrition, fun… in place of gear, food, clothing, etc.) is a useful exercise.

Taking time to review the course (even if its just a look at Google Streetview) is high on my list of things to do, as about 90% of the ride will be on roads that I’m completely unfamiliar with.

Having the additional constraint of an away-from-home starting point also means extra preparation as I wont be able to make last minute take it or leave it decisions as easily.

Lots of things to think about…

[JimF22003]

Excellent. I have gotten all the way to the start point of a “big ride” more times than I care to remember (it was three times) and realized I’ve forgotten something crucial. Usually it’s my shoes for some reason…

[eminva]

Thank you, Pete, that was very helpful! (although acc and I might suggest you also pack champagne for post-ride festivities).

Good luck Bilsko!

Liz

[creadinger]

Excellent article! It was nice reading it knowing that I regularly practice many of the things you talked about.

Sometimes, unfortunately even the best planning and preparation won’t save a ride, and bailing out will save many hours of un-fun suffering. In this case being prepared for the potential need to call my wife to pick me up was very important. http://app.strava.com/activities/45554868

[Bilsko]

@creadinger 47403 wrote:

Sometimes, unfortunately even the best planning and preparation won’t save a ride, and bailing out will save many hours of un-fun suffering. In this case being prepared for the potential need to call my wife to pick me up was very important. http://app.strava.com/activities/45554868

Uh Oh. This was Sunday’s brevet – nothing too serious I hope!

[creadinger]

@Bilsko 47404 wrote:

Uh Oh. This was Sunday’s brevet – nothing too serious I hope!

Nothing serious. Just a bad combination of a minor mechanical issue, tough climbs, cold temps, bad headwind, stress, and the unwillingness to feel like absolute crap for 7 more hours that was too much for perseverance to overcome. More simply – it’s a really tough ride early in the season that I wasn’t prepared for.

[Jason B]

Good article. I have a couple of Fondo’s in my sites this season and there were a number of good pointers.

[Dickie]

@creadinger 47403 wrote:

Excellent article! It was nice reading it knowing that I regularly practice many of the things you talked about.

Sometimes, unfortunately even the best planning and preparation won’t save a ride, and bailing out will save many hours of un-fun suffering. In this case being prepared for the potential need to call my wife to pick me up was very important. http://app.strava.com/activities/45554868

That’s one hell of a route Chris, I started hurting at my desk just looking at it… well done no matter what the outcome, just getting to the start line was an accomplishment!

[Author]

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