I'm looking for some advice as it's my first time doing the ride!!! I'm so excited and riding with one of my best friends, but we're both non-experienced when it comes to long bike rides and events like this. To be honest, I'd much rather run 200km than bike it, haha, but that's why it will be such a good challenging weekend.
Just a few questions for anyone who's done this in the past (these may seem like very dumb questions, so sorry in advance!)
1. Do we need a tent? I saw in some pictures that all the tents were set up already and looked the same so i'm guessing we don't need to worry about that.
2. What is essential to have with me during the ride? I saw the list of things to pack, should i wear a backpack while i ride or try and find a bag for over the back of my bike?
3. What time should my family expect to be at the finish line the second day in Niagara Falls? I'm certainly not out to race it, I'd much rather take my time at the rest stops and talk to as many people as I can to make the most possible out of this weekend. But just to give family and friends a general time to arrive at the finish line
4. How is it best to pack my gear for the campsite? Just a backpack or duffel bag type, labelled with my name?
And lastly, any advice for the ride or training for the next 36 days? Looking forward to getting some good training rides in with the nice weather!!
1. As you suspected, you do not need to bring your own tent. The sea of blue tents they provide is an amazing site. There is nothing provided in the tent.
2. On the ride you should just carry some essentials, a flat repair kit, a small pump, a spare inner tube, light snacks and water (bottle cage recommended). Some people do use back packs, but most stuff the back pockets of their jerseys and/or use seat bags. My seat bag also has a few small tools, a little bit of cash, and ID. I also toss in a list of who I am riding for and my supporters. I also like to carry a camera and/or cell phone. Depending on the forecast, having space for a rain jacket may be in order, It is amazing what you can cram into those pockets.
3. Timing is tricky. I recommend telling them to get to Niagara Falls early, because parking can be a nightmare. My family leaves London by 6:30 and has breakfast in Niagara Falls and does some sight-seeing. I call my family from the last rest stop to give an estimate of when I will be arriving. Then, just before the arrival point there is a nice photo-op spot (mist rising from the falls, skyline) that some groups will also use as a gathering point so they can cross the finish together. You can call from there and give them the 1 minute (or less) warning.
4. You should back all your stuff into a single bag with your name on it. I use a big camping pack, others use duffel bags, suitcases or even heavy duty garbage bags. At departure you will put the bag on a truck and given a colour coded sticker for your wrist band. That will help to locate the bag at the endpoints.
For training, nothing beats riding lots. I usually do short rides (15-20km) 3-4 days a week and then at least one long ride ( 2+ hrs) on the weekend. I increase the weekend distance from one week to the next until I am doing about 100km. I also try to do at back to back long rides on one of the weekends preceding the ride. However, in the week leading up to the ride it is a good idea to taper off a bit.
I have also heard from people who never really did any training of any sort and still finished. I don't recommend it (nor did they) if you want to make the most of the experience.
With regards to arrival timing - at the end of day one, figure out how long it took you and base your best case arrival time on that. On day 2 most folks are slower so factor that in.
But as Silverfox said - get there early, parking is a challenge.
All you need on the road is the stuff needed in case you have a flat tire like tubes tire irons and a way to pump up your tire. You will need water bottles and a camera is also a great idea. Too many people carry way too much and it just makes it harder to ride and very uncomfortable.
The tents are all supplied so when you and your friend register pick each other as tent mates.
Pack light, nap sack is the best and bring only the basics and no valuables. The ride looks after your bags quite well.
Best way to train is ride ride ride. Try to do at least 100k a week and plan your route to climb hills. You climb the mountain twice. It's not a killer but it's not easy.
The ride provides food, water, medical and repairs so you dont have to worry about much except falling and crying.
You are going to cry because this is a very emotional event. Enjoy it and welcome.
Welcome and to echo what's already been said, you're going to have an absolute blast!
The biggest thing I can recommend for the actual day of the Ride is to not rush and take your time. It's not a race at all, and I find it's a lot nicer when you can relax and talk to those around you, and lollygag at the break stops if that's what you feel like doing.
One good idea is to practice replacing a tube on your own with the tools you'll have on the Ride with you. Odds are you won't get a flat, and odds are that even if you do, you'll have tons of people around to offer you a hand, but it's a good skill to have in your back pocket.
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------------------------------- Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try. -Yoda
