If you would have asked me 1 year ago if I would EVER opt in to attempting to cycle 100 miles, I would have laughed and said ‘No f**ing chance!’. Ohh how times have changed. Here are some of the things I am focusing on to be able to complete Ride London and attempt to cycle 100 miles and they might help you too!
Break it down
Focusing on the task of being able to cycle 100 miles is almost too large to fathom…especially if the furthest you have gone is 60 miles (pointing at myself). So as with any big goal, the best way to tackle it is to break it down. As the aid stations seem to be placed every 25-30 miles or so, those are what I am focusing on. 4 smaller ‘races’ rather than the big old 100! This is a mental game as well as a physical one.
EAT, EAT & EAT some more!
Being able to cycle 100 miles is as much an eating contest as a physical feat of endurance. The calorie burn on a bike happens hard and fast, so it’s easy to under fuel your effort by not eating enough. I have no scientific formula for this, I just know that on any training ride I have done, staying well fuelled and well hydrated have what have helped make the biggest difference. I will have Mountain Fuel in one of my water bottles and an electrolyte tab (Precision Hydration) with plain water in the other. In regards to food, I’ll want a mix of CLIF Bars and Bloks…plus whatever real food is being served at aid stations. Just give me all the food.
Pace yourself (don’t be a clown)
As with any event, the temptation to boost off at the beginning is strong! Don’t fall for it! Pacing is a plays an enormous part in most races, let along ones where you cycle 100 miles. Stay calm, keep it easy and don’t get dragged into the start line hype! Stick to the pace that you felt good at during training and hold on for dear life.
Fail to prepare…you know the rest
As is the case with any event/race you do, you know that proper preparation prevents poor performance (alliteration at its finest!). Making sure you have your bike ready (wheels inflated, tyres checked, brakes checked) is the first step. Then your kit; make sure it is tried and tested. Nothing is going to stop cycling 100 miles from hurting but the aim is to always reduce the level of suck! Your nutrition storage, your spare layers if it gets too cold, your replacement inner tubes, your multi tool….the list goes on! Make sure you have checked and double checked you have these things ready before setting off.
Enjoy the day and relish in what you WILL accomplish!
The task is a big one and being able to cycle 100 miles is a massive achievement. No matter how long it takes (obviously avoiding the cut offs) try to enjoy the process. Enjoy the crowds and those cheering you on along the course and soak in the atomoshphere of hundreds of cyclists doing something amazing.
Enjoy your ride and try not to bonk!
Have you done Ride London before? Have you cycled 100 miles? What tips would you give a first time century attempter? Let me know and thanks for reading.
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