Sunday, March 30, 2014

First LV100 long ride



The most important goal this week was to get in a 5 hour mtn bike ride... at any pace, and preferable hilly. That's hard to do in flat lands of northern Illinois. http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/520966168 65 miles and only 900ft climbing. Leadville has >10,000ft climbing.

Need more climbing. LTC. 4th street = 5%, to the west Julia street 8%, and Holmes 10%. Oh next time, just do them all. Also, instead of riding the switchback on 4th street,  try cutting right up the grass for 10%+ off road.


The weather went as predicted, 32F in the morning, South winds pick up and temps rise to 55. I got going before 8 and the few trails I tried were frozen, but still had ice and snow on them. So I stuck to roads after that. I stopped a lot early. After just an hour I was hungry and not well hydrated. Later I stopped for sunblock at a walgreens, and there was a subway next door, so I had a sandwich. After that I got in a groove, not a fast groove, just steady easy effort keeping the pedals moving. I stopped a few times to check the map. One time to check a strange noise... loose spokes on the rear wheel, that needs a truing. Each time I stopped, I removed a layer and/or replaced with lighter layer (I brought a clothes selection in my backpack). Yesterday, I bought some leg warmers on sale and wore those the last 2 hours. I really like them, and they work great.

Well, I met my goal this week of 10 hours total, and a 5hr long ride. I think my plan eases up a bit next week. I've gone from zero/nadda/nothing the last 2 weeks of February to 17hours the last 2 weeks of March. I need to be mindful with my ramp-up

Leadville beginnings


At the start of the month our group of 8 got selected for the Leadville 100 mountain bike ride. Or maybe it's a race... in my mind it's a ride. I will be trying to stay ahead of the cutoffs so I can ride the whole course. 100 miles in the mountains sounds like a great day to me.
 

After getting over the shock of getting selected. I realized I hadn't ridden or worked out in 2 weeks. I need a plan. I need to start riding. Chicago has had record snowfall this winter, and it keeps snowing. No riding outdoors  for me. I'll start with the compu-torture matchine. 

Basic Plan: 
  • Lose 25 lbs, 
  • Find a very comfortable setup on my mtn bike, 
  • Learn how to feed and hydrate my body during a 10-12 hour effort.
  •  Learn how to climb and learn to love-to-climb LTC