As most of you know, we are doing one of our group's most favorite routes tomorrow. I know it's a lot of miles for April, but the following Saturday is Tour de Cure and most of us should be able to handle the distance, if riding wisely. I say wisely because there are certain things all savvy riders do regardless of the pace or distance. Among these, are most important; "Early and Often." It's kind of like your parents told you when you were young regarding a savings account or investing. But, this is about riding, about hydration and nutrition.
At some point on tomorrow's lengthy ride, you are going to call down to the engine room for more power. It may be during the course of one of the Hammer Zones or perhaps the hill on Hamilton Bridge Road or shudder the thought; the Gargoyle Point Bridge...with a nasty headwind. Whatever the case, you are going to ask for more power at some point. But, what will be the response? That's why it is so important to eat and drink early in our ride and as often as possible. Don't wait until you feel thirsty or weak...at that point it is too late. Don't wait for the rest stops either. That is too much lag time between fill ups. The tank should be as close to topped off as you feel comfortable for most of the ride. This will help with the demands on the pistons as well as avoiding the dreaded Bonk.
Another way to help avoid that lurking Bonk is to take short pulls. I know, I know, we all want to look macho and beastly by taking some 7 mile pull uphill and into a headwind. We want to hear the accolades from our fellow riders; "Awesome pull!" or, "Beastly!"..."You animal!" However, if 20 miles from home you have to call Mama to come pick you up because your pistons have stopped functioning, what good was it. Same with speed; when it is your turn to pull, maintain a consistant pace, don't speed up because now you're on the front. You may not have as big an engine as you thought farther down the road. Therefore, as the Outlaw Josey Wales expressed, "A man's got to know his limitations." Know your limitations and take short pulls until you can gauge how your feeling. At our age, some days we have the legs and other days...well?!
And, if your having a difficult time of it, do yourself and everyone else a favor, stay at the back and suck some serious wheel! Nobody is going to laugh at you or call you a whimp. We have all had bad days and know all too well how it feels...so go to the back and enjoy the draft, okay? We would much rather you do that then to sit on the side of the road and wait for Mama...especially if we have to wait with you.
Now a word to you neophytes: Don't be intimidated by the monikers donned by many of the F&S peloton. Names like; Crusher, Big Motor, Twin Six, Danger, Hurt Locker and the like. (Although, I will advise you that even though a gentle Clydesdale, don't let Crusher fall on you...there's a reason he's called Crusher.) These names, to be sure, strike fear in most every riders hearts. However, they're all just pussycats. Nothing to be feared from this lot. Nope, they would give you the shirt off their backs...just don't ask for a cycling jersey. The only one you may want to avoid is the Left Lane. I wouldn't follow his wheel into an intersection...may be your last. Other that that, come on out and enjoy some good clean fun on the Around The Bay Loop tomorrow!
The train leaves the Maygarden and Summit station promptly at 7:05am! If you're late, just head north on Spanish Trail. You should be able to catch us as we soft pedal for the first few miles. Come on out and ride!!!
Don't forget the WFW ride at 8am on Sunday at Bagel Heads on Gregory. They're going Reverse Around The Bay...although a different route. Two great rides this weekend!
See you out on the road,
Bob
No comments:
Post a Comment