Prepping for a race (n00b Alert)

[TK-Sp3cialiSt]

It is a road ride so doubtful he will have a hydration pack(or suffer ridicule on here)

 

Simply ride the best you can... 80km isn't that bad and there aren't too many hectic hills out that side, just pace yourself same as your training rides and you will do fine.

 

Make sure you drink enough and have energy food(bananas or energy bars, i use the mini bars) every 20km or every hour. There will be water points, but be aware that the drinka will likely be warm and not that pleasant by the tine you get there.

 

As mentioned above, get there a little early and prepare your kit the night before

 

Good luck and enjoy

 

Edit : spelling

[Scott2luvit]

never just cycle to finish, just listen to your body, if you can pin it, then pin it, if you cant then you cant, but give your best man

[karnuffel]

Morning All,

 

Just thought I would post some feedback

 

I finished the race in 3:49.  Cycling out was a breeze but cycling back I had the wind in my face...

 

I tried energy bars from futurelife (the peanut butter one sounded good) but I have to admit they where way too chewy and I battled to swallow them.

 

My body feels good, but in future Ill make sure I put sunscreen on my knees too  . My writs was really sore from about 30 KM...  How can I avoid this?  Will better gloves help?  

[DieVlieg]

On the eating thing. Either you eat or you don't eat on the road but if you eat to little it is worse than eating nothing at all. Eating to little can cause fluctuations in blood sugar. Eating too much wastes your time and eating nothing you might feel drained to the end. I also try not to stop for water if I can so I can not rely on race fuel in my water for an entire race.

 

My solution

 

Ok I must inform ppl the slower you go and the longer you stay on the bike you might need more water and more food or energy drinks. I do not go that fast but fast enough for my strategy.

 

1. I try and load myself up before the time with slow carbs not sugar. If you start a race on suger then you have to replenish every 30 mins. I always have to use the loo before the race (nerves mostly).

 

2. I have two water bottles which is enough for a 3 hour to 3.5 hour ride in not too warm weather. Also hydrate starting the day before with maybe some Rehidrate before bed and when you wake up.

 

3. Keep one bottle full of water and the other with some race mix.

 

4. Start on water only and this is the tricky part start with the race mix 30 mins before you normally start losing energy and have small sips regularly. If you get thirsty between sips drink some water. Also stop drinking race fuel 30 mins before the end. You cant metabolize that fast.

 

This way you use what you loaded your body with in the first half or more of the race then you start metabolizing race fuel for the remainder without worrying that you will spike. Personally I stay away from strong solutions from bad experiences.

 

If you are slower or the race is very technical and causes you to stay in the saddle longer then maybe eat REAL FOOD while you ride and leave the sugary race fuels at home altogether.

[Vetseun]

dont overthink it...go have a jol, forget the rest

Listen to Rouxtjie

[Vlakvark T]

   

 

THAT FIRST 20 KM -

 

EVEBODY RACE FOR A GOOD POSITION AT TOP SPPED  IS AND THIS IS WERE NOVICES LIKE US GET FINISHED.

 

TAKE IT EASY AND INCREASED LATER ON

 

MY NENEMIS IS CRAMPS NORMALLY AT 50 KM - WILL START TO USE RENNIES ON MY NEXT RACE - NVER HAPPEN ON 80 KM TRAINING RIDES

[karnuffel]

   

 

THAT FIRST 20 KM -

 

EVEBODY RACE FOR A GOOD POSITION AT TOP SPPED  IS AND THIS IS WERE NOVICES LIKE US GET FINISHED.

 

TAKE IT EASY AND INCREASED LATER ON

 

MY NENEMIS IS CRAMPS NORMALLY AT 50 KM - WILL START TO USE RENNIES ON MY NEXT RACE - NVER HAPPEN ON 80 KM TRAINING RIDES

 

The first 20 was fun and scary at the same time...  Its easy to forget that you have to come back the way you came while flying downhill with the wind at your back 

 

I overtook a lot of tired people from about 60.  

[GreatGusto]

MY NENEMIS IS CRAMPS NORMALLY AT 50 KM - WILL START TO USE RENNIES ON MY NEXT RACE - NVER HAPPEN ON 80 KM TRAINING RIDES

 

Try increase the intensity of your 80km training rides.

[Pieterg]

Enjoy take it slow