In short, I barely trained. I rode my bike to work several times (30 km) but that was about it. I didn't think I was going to get to go on the ride but a friend of mine who has conquered cancer twice! donated a large amount of money to me which resulted in me getting to the ride.
So. Now i'm freaking out. It's tomorrow. The last time I rode 100 km in a day, i was in a lot of pain.
Any words of encouragement to let me know that i'll be ok and will make it would be really helpful. Also, any tips for dealing with lactic acid along with a sore bike tushy would be really helpful.
The best thing to do is to pick a pace you are comfortable with and just take your time. Its not a race and if you find you are getting numb anywhere stop and stretch a bit and get the blood back flowing again. You can do it and you aren't the only one in this situation. Think positively and remember the reasons whay we are all doing this ride. The challenges ahead of you are far smaller than the person starring cancer in the eyes. We will all be there to cheer you on. Be strong Newbie One.
__________________
Riding in the memory of my Dad. This ones for you!
Definitely take the ride at your own pace, and just have fun! When you see all the riders tommorow, and start going, you will be full of energy and will be surprised at what you can do.
Hey Hunchy, I guarantee you're not the only one in your shoes. Take it at whatever speed you need to, and you'll get there. Yes, you'll be sore afterwards, but I think most of us will be. We're all doing this for something bigger, and that will carry you to the line.
See you tomorrow!
__________________
------------------------------- Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try. -Yoda
everything I have read on endurance sports has said that the biggest problem for newbies is that they start out too quickly. As a friend of mine said "there will always be better riders than you" don't let the competative edge that is in all of us enduce you to make the mistake of going out too hard and blowing up.
Start slow and build if you can. As others have said it is not a race. Even if you average 10 km an hour (including breaks) you will be there before dinner.
I too have had people give generously to me and I will do my best for them and the cause and you will not be alone out there.
take 1000 mg of Aspirin once every 4 hours, it will numb the pain to allow you to grind away to the finish line. start taking it an hour before the ride. Please ensure that you intake food first so the acid will be absorbed by the food.
You know what? I don't think your alone when you say you are scared. I bet everyone of us - those of us where this is the first time - are scared. But you WILL DO IT! and you will be so proud of yourself. And the person you are riding for will be even prouder and so thankful for your efforts.
Don't think of this as a 200KM ride. Break it down in your mind & take it 5KM (or whatever mileage works best for you) at a time. Keep the finish in your mind & image yourself crossing that finish line 1st) in Hamilton & then in Niagara on day 2. And finally, come to the back of bus (so to speak) with the rest of us newbie's. We will all support & encourage each other
I'm doing the 200M and know I'm going to just go at my comfortable pace. I take breaks and drink sport drinks before I'm thirsty, eat throughout the ride, and just have fun. You'll be fine.
__________________
Never Give Up; Never Surrender! Strength in Numbers. Livestrong!
We're all in this together and I'm definitely scared too. But like Wheelz3333 said, this is nothing compared to the fight that cancer patients go through every single day. I get teary-eyed just thinking about the event and have no doubt this experience will be more emotionally draining than physically but I'm looking forward to getting out there, meeting everyone and accomplishing something I never thought I'd be doing. Good luck, we're right there with you:)
I'm sure there are people in the 200 mile ride that are equally unprepared. Go slow, gear down and most important of all rest when necessary. Don't be afraid to ask for help at the rest/aid stations. That's what they are there for.
If you're sore or muslces are tightening up take a longer break than what you would normally. 100km is a long way but it will go by quickly if you find a good group to ride with.
I agree! My stomach's been in knots all week and I have had zero appetite!
As a first time rider, I think it's the unkowns that are freaking me out the most. I'm sure with the support and motivation of a few thousand riders, plus volunteers, plus cheering squads, not to mention keeping the reasons why we signed up in our minds we'll all be able to plow through!
Good luck to all and see yah bright n early tomorrow morning!
I am freaking out! And I am doing the 200M so you are not alone. Pace is important, as everyone has said but don't forget food! Carb load today the glycogen in the source of energy for the muscles what you take in today is what will be available for the sustained effort. Don't let the butterflies in your tummy keep you from eating.
This is my first time as well. I have read many posted and received great advice from all. They are all correct. It is not a race, start off slow, drink lots of fluid. Eat lots of carbs tonight (I plan to). You will burn between 1000 and 1800 calories on the ride alone. So you need FOOD!
This is my first time too and I'm definitely nervous as well. I've done a couple 70km bike rides but my right knee has been giving me problems. Wrapping it up in a tensor and I hope I'll be good to go! With the support of everyone else there I'm sure we'll all make it through together!
