Just about the time you think you can handle a bicycle, along comes a challenge that requires a bit more preparation than the typical weekend bike rally.
Like a 7-day 500-mile ride across one of those rectangular states in the middle of the country. In this case, Iowa.
Sure, you could probably do this ride with a minimum of pre-event riding and conditioning. It’s not like it’s a race or anything. However, you have to admit that riding from 50 to 100 miles a day for seven consecutive days is more than your usual week of riding back home.
So, once should prepare, right?
The folks I ride with came up with a training plan and then worked up their own series of activities to give it shape. RAGBRAI provides a training plan to get riders ready. Members of our Dallas-based group include veterans of the ride as well as former and current marathoners and triathletes and some serious and casual cyclists. Ages range from the 20s to the 70s, most falling in the 50-to-60 age range. One thing we all have in common: a love for cycling and a bit of competitiveness. Plus we do like to have fun.
We’ve been referred to as “beer drinkers with a cycling problem.” I’m sure someone else originated that phrase, but we embody it for sure.
But back to training: we focused on trying to build over the first six months of the year in two categories–quality and quantity. Typically, I’m a 100-mile-per-week rider but leading up to RAGBRAI I’ve been averaging around 200 miles each week.
That’s the quantity.
The quality takes the form of two events each week: a hill ride on Wednesday nights and a long weekend ride (or two) culminating in a 60-plus-mile ride. Sprinkled in were those weeknight dashes around the lake (White Rock Lake in Dallas) for 10-12 miles at 17 mph. The variety should prep us for the variety of riding in Iowa.
The idea here is to train not just your muscles but your mind and your butt. And to get yourself mentally prepared to be on the bike for prolonged periods of time. I think we’ve accomplished that.
So for those of you reading from elsewhere, be looking for the Texans from Dallas. Some of us will be sporting our colors from our Pedals and Pints group. A few novices among us I’m sure we will be more than ready.
Hey, some of this is about pie and pork chops, right?
Relentless
