Cycle North Carolina -> -> Looking for training advice
Post Info TOPIC: Looking for training advice
Warren

Date:
Looking for training advice
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I have been training for this years CNC for about 4 weeks now.  I've been using the 8 week training schedule and have progressed pretty well making the mileages every week.  I work (5) 10 hour days on second shift and it seems like the only thing I have time to do is work, sleep and do my training rides.  Is there any benefit to riding 6 days a week?  I'm considering increasing my mileages on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and then doing my normal long ride on Saturday or Sunday.  That would allow me to do the miles and still have 2 days off during the week and a free day on the weekend.  Any input would be appreciated. 


-Warren-



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bAD dOG

Date:
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Warren,


If you just started getting ready for the tour, I would worry about getting used to sitting on the bike for that kind of milage.  Make sure you have a good pair of shorts.  gloves and bike shoes are a plus.  If you cannot sit on the bike for a couple of hours, leg strength will not count for much.


CNC is not a race.  There will be plenty of people to talk to during the day, and this will help.  You can stop a lot and still get to the end.  Just be comfortable.


I know I am not answering the question directly that you sibmitted but hey, in 25 years of riding, I never "trained"  for a ride because that seemed like work and I ride for fun.  I hopeothers can answer your questions better.


bAD dOG,    Team Pok-A-Dot


 



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Jack

Date:
No need to ride 6 days a week
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Warren,


Riding should be fun, not work, even training riding is fun. If you cannot ride 6 days a week, or don't want to ride 6 days a week, don't do it.


If you are up to 100 mi/week, you can do CNC. The key is back to back rides of 40 mi or so each. How does the 2nd long ride feel? It's the leg recovery overnight, and as bAD dOG mentioned, the seat hours that count.


Cut back on the number of days you ride, ride what you feel like riding, and try 2 back to back long days, say Sat and Sunday. I usually ride for an hour a day 3 or 4 days a week, then ride a long ride on a Sat maybe 2 or 3 times a month.


I assume none of your joints are hurting by now, and that you are feeling no sharp pains. Be sure your bike is fitting comfortably. Don't try new equipment or clothes on CNC, know that they work w/o issues. Stay hydrated, and if riding longer than 2 hours, eat something you feel like eating. I am partial to pecan pies and moonpies myself...


Hey man, cut back the number of rides and you will find more joy in each ride you do. In a few weeks, sneak in a 60 miler, but at 80% of your normal speed. Going just a little slower allows you to go much longer.


Enjoy, and have fun!


Jack



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Warren

Date:
RE: Looking for training advice
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Thanks guys.  Great advice. I like the idea of back to back long rides on the weekends. I rode 41 miles this past Saturday in 2 hours 54 minutes. I think I'm on the right track. I just need to change things up a little bit.


Warren



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Whistle Dog

Date:
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It seems like the older I get the harder it is to find time to ride. There is always something to paint, cut , haul off, nail down or mow. For me commuting to work at least 3 to 4 days a week works well. My first four CNC rides ,I too worked on 2nd and 3rd shifts. My friends at work thought I was nuts. But I had a good set of lights (front and back). Even though I now work 1st shift I still commute. It's about 10 miles each way. My best time is 38 minutes but on avg. it takes me 50 minutes. The weekends is where I do my big miles. As of now I am up to 54 mile rides. I hope to increase that over the next SEVEN WEEKS. Oct will be here before you know it. 


I hope this helps. Come by and say hello. I will be hanging out with "Team Poke a Dot" I am the guy with the train whistle.  



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Beer Sherpa

Date:
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Hey Warren,


I agree with all the previous replies, especially in regards to commuting to work, but I'll add one other thing you should consider: Make sure you've done at least a few rides with bigger groups of people. You'll be riding with ~1000 other people on any given day, obviously we won't all be in one big group, but you'll definitely have company in front, behind and occasionally next to you-make sure you're comfortable with that. Also, riding in a paceline can be a huge benefit to making your ride easier, especially in a head wind, so I'd highly recommend practicing that as much as possible. Local bike shop's and/or MS150 training rides are great places to find groups to ride with.


Most importantly, as other's have mentioned, have fun and don't become a slave to your training regimen.



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Bobbi & Carl

Date:
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We are wondering about the mileage per day and if we start training now if we can actually do this ride.  We just found out about it.  How many days are in the hills?  How many days on relatively flat surface?  I ride about an average of 8-9 miles an hour and my husband does just a little faster.  Is this enough for this ride or is there another ride we can do that's more in our range?  Thanks for your help.



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team blaine

Date:
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I began training on August 11, 2003 for last year's ride and had not been on a bike in 13 years. I had no problems with the CNC ride, except neck and back fatigue from about 40 miles out. My advice is to spend as much time in the saddle as possible, so the 60+ miles a day will not be quite as hard on your body. And like someone else suggested, make sure you get in some back-to-back days of cycling longer distances. 


As for hills, we live in western NC so most of our cycling is on hilly terrain, unless we ride at the track of the old Asheville Speedway. If you don't live in a hilly area, you might want to check out  local gyms for Spin classes. They help build up the muscles for climbing, as well as working on cardio. 


One thing that appeals to me about CNC is that it is not a race, and all types of people are riding at all kinds of speeds. There is nothing intimidating about this event. Good luck!!!


Marcia (of team blaine)


 



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Warren

Date:
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Thanks Marcia,


Training seems to be going pretty well.  I live in Marion and have been doing most of my riding around Old Fort so I'n getting plenty of hills. I did a 50 mile ride yesterday in Bladen County where I'm visiting my parents.  The roads here are fairly flat.  With 5 more weeks to train I think I'll be ok.


Warren



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team blaine

Date:
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Warren,


Here's a benefit ride coming up in Asheville on September 11. Should be a good training ride. Since you live in Marion, it wouldn't be too far away for you.


http://www.gccchurch.org/infinity/ContentPath/gcc/Information/PublicLibrary/Reference/BikeRace-brochure.pdf


Marcia



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Warren

Date:
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Marcia,


I went to the web site but only found the date and time.  I would like to participate if I could find out how to sign up and where it's going to be held.  Any help would be appreciated.


Warren



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team blaine

Date:
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Warren,


Will get phone number info for you hopefully later today on the Angel Food Ride...


Marcia



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team blaine

Date:
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Warren,


Try the link below again. If it does not work, contact Chad Robinson at either of the following. I have his permission to give this to you...


Chad Robinson


(828) 687-3244 Chadlrobinson@eaton.com


The route will begin along the French Broad River in the Asheville/Woodfin area and go through Marshall on around Leicester. The distance will be about 60 miles.


Hope this helps!


Marcia


 


http://www.gccchurch.org/infinity/ContentPath/gcc/Information/PublicLibrary/Reference/BikeRace-brochure.pdf



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