I believe I would call this post a need for a pep talk haha. I am around 200 miles YTD. As a graduating Master’s student (thesis defense, paper submitting) I am finding it hard to find time to ride, and when I do find time I am exhausted. The lack of prep miles last year (first time) hit me hard. averaged 12 mph and around 8-10 hour days. that wasn’t from being leisurely, but from stopping so often…I am sure the heat didn’t help my case. I am a farely large clyde, on the order of 265 and 6’4″, so I was puffing and sputtering accross the sate last year. I was/am determined not to repeat my fate, but have become concerned that it is inevitable at this point. I just couldnt justify riding my bike when my career was on the line.
Yes I know better time management may have solved the problem more effectively, but either way I am where i am now and need to get a move on. Just had to get that off my chest.
P.S. I havent even had the chance to train on consumption or kurb sitting so I am in rough shape…
91 Replies
This year is much flatter than last, you’ll be fine.
First of all, don’t concern yourself all that much about consumption. While it’s true that racing cars like the ones at the Indy 500 earlier today need alcohol to run, that’s not necessarily the case for racing (or even non-racing) bicycles.
Secondly, take any and every opportunity to get on the bike. You mentioned you were finishing up a Master’s thesis — use the bike to get back and forth to the university. Just because you can’t go out for a 2-hour ride, don’t forgo riding at all. Even 15-20 mins is better than nothing.
Next, no one’s timing you on RAGBRAI.So what if you’re spending 8 or 9 hours on the road? You’re not riding to live up to anyone’s expectations, and remember that this is, after all, your vacation. There’s roughly 16 hours of daylight (5:00 AM to 9:010 PM). Just get on the bike, pedal your way through each day, and if you need to take time to smell the roses — big hairy deal, go ahead and do it!!
And lastly, so what if you are carrying a few pounds more than most? Welcome to the club!! Just as there’s a reason Clydesdales don’t run the Kentucky Derby, remember also that there’s also a reason Budweiser doesn’t have Shetland ponies pulling the beer wagon. It’s called “Heavyweight Horsepower” and if you’ve got it, flaunt it!
-“BB”-
+1 Bill.
Park the car, ride the bike (even just a bit helps).
Last year’s schedule sounded fine. Just embrace it.
See you on the ride!
Lose about 80 pounds, learn to spell, and get in shape. Stop whining.
I guess this is Roberto’s version of tough love!
OC, just get out and ride as much and as often as you can. If getting outside is an issue get a trainer for indoor riding. It’s not quite as good as outdoor riding, but works well. Give yourself a destination as well, somewhere worth pedaling too. Be it work, a park, a bar (double training goes for that one), and do it often (okay, maybe not as often to the bar destination). Find some hilly routes. Yes, this year is flatter than most, but hills will get you trained faster than anything.
I’m only up to 500 miles so far this year (outdoor miles), which is pretty good for me since the weather has been cooperating, even if other obligations weren’t. But I’ll be piling on some miles now.
Eight or nine hours on the route sounds like my normal schedule. Pie consumption and kurb sitting require very little preparation. Squeeze a little more calorie burning activity into you day such as using stairs rather than an elevator and cut back on the calories just a bit. See y’all in July.
RIDE RIGHT
OK, I apologize for the “learn to spell” comment. :twisted:
There is no need for that. Please do not come to Iowa. We prefer nice cyclists.
I’m a nice cyclist who’s simply tired of people making excuses. Judging from the shape the average American is in, I’d say there is a need…
In a perfect world, you would lost as much weight as possible and try to get going on the bike – but we don’t live in Roberto’s world.
Get up a little earlier and ride four miles – you will find it to be easy and fun. Get to school and do what you do. Ride four miles before dinner – you will feel better for having done so. Do this every day for a week. Then – the next week – add a mile – figure out a route that will allow for this.
If you follow this regimen, you will bike 40 -50 miles a week, which is better than thinking about it.
Losing 80 lbs. is not before Ragrbai is not only a ridiculous suggestion (and a mean one), it is simply not possible. You could, however, lose 15 or 20 (20 might be pushing it). Trust me – 15 lbs. less makes a HUGE difference on the rollers. Give it a shot! Then – when you are on Ragbrai – eat and drink as much as you want while riding (non-alcohol) – and, if you enjoy beer after the ride – do so without feeling guilty.
You will be fine!
When you ride, don’t call it training. Call it riding or cruising. Training sounds so NOT @ FUN
Roberto,
Well, now you’ve done it, stepped in it with both feet, then put them both in your mouth. We each have our struggles as long as we keep on going we will get there one step at a time, one turn of the wheel at a time.
Ride on and have fun.
Steve
I thought I was coming off as care free, more mocking myself than anything else. I apologize if my blurb came across as complaining. That wasn’t necessarily my intention. I guess mt caffeine induced ranting is not taken too kindly.
BB– Now that is a pep talk. I know the ride is not a race, and that a longer day is more than acceptable. I just want my long days to be from enjoyment and soaking it all in, and not because I have to continue to stop. I would ride to campus, but I literally live within 3 min of my lab. But your post does a little to lite a fire under my rear.
I usually enjoy posting here, however, I may be a bit more hesitant in the future…