So, last year, I bought a bike...
….it’s a very nice Trek hybrid. Mind you, the last time I had been on a bike prior to getting on my new fancy hybrid, I was 12, and it was a cruiser.
Somehow, after learning about my recent purchase, a girl I row with convinced me to ride on her dad’s team for the MS 150. I’m always down for a good cause,
This was in September, and it seemed too far away to care, now it’s spring, and I’m starting to panic. I’ve not done more than 20 miles at a time, and frankly, the thought of pulling 75 miles a day, two days in a row scares the hell out of me (and my ass, natch).
That being said, is anyone on here a cyclist? Has anyone done the ride? Any tips?
Comments
If you belong to a gym, start taking spinning classes. Start with 2 a week, then eventually build up to 3 or 4 if they have that many. Come early-summer, you’ll need to start scaling up your training to longer intervals — I suggest adding 15min to each class you take every week until about 2 weeks before the event. You should be able to do 3 hours+ of spinning at a time by then, which should more than prepare you for a 2 day ride.
I don’t have any practical advice, so:
Ohhh I’ve made a huge mistake.
Where will you be cycling? Is it all road? If so, you might want to rent a road bike for the event. They’re much better than the bike you have now. It will help you with endurance.
You can train on your bike now and then use the good bike for the actual 75 miles (x2). If you choose to go on your bike for ride, you might look a bit bush league. I’m not sure if your goal is to finish, look good, do well or what. Either way, the rented road bike will be quite beneficial. Who else is on your team? Are you all riding Trek hybrids? If so, ignore what I said and just have fun torturing your body.
good question, as i have recently gotten back into riding and am super excited about it. i signed up for the NYC 5 Boro Ride, which is 42 miles in one day. not nearly as long as your ride, but something to force myself into shape.
the first thing i got was an indoor mag trainer that i could lock my bike into for exercise at home (when it’s too cold or dark to ride outside). it’s awesome and getting my legs used to the constant movement and butt used to my new seat. i got one recommended by a friend (a Sette Glyde) – it’s a cheaper model with way less frills than some of the $300 ones out there, but it does the job. it locks the back wheel in and you’re all set – nice because it requires no tire changing if you have road tires or slicks.
i just finished converting my generic mountain bike from college into a rockin’ commuter by replacing the tires, pedals, seat, grips & adding a seat bag & new water bottle cage.
when is the ride? i’d say do those spinning classes or at least get an indoor trainer. definitely make sure your seat is a good fit for you & get used to it.
I would get the bike you intend to use ASAP, so you can get used to it.
Just get on the bike daily as slowly build up to the 75 miles. You’d be surprised how far you can go in an hour.
Also, get in the right gear, and maybe even with music, try to focus on a nice rhythm with your legs and breathing. Practice being aware of your cadence every ride.
yeah, the best advice is pretty much just to start riding every day.