A BIT OF CONVINCING

Over the years that I’ve been taking people on these Audax Rides, I’ve seen a fair number of folks go farther than they ever had before. A bit less than half the folks who have done one of these things had never done a 100 mile ride before they came out and did a the 125 miler.

Some folks are probably wondering, still, if they are capable. I’ll state right now, that if you can do a 45 mile ride and feel good at the end, then you are capable of doing the full 200K.

Here’s a way to gauge it. Let’s say you are in that last group. You’ve done rides in the 40 to 45 mile range, and you didn’t feel completely used up afterward. Then you should come along on the 65 mile Tune Up Ride. Does a 65 mile ride sound like too much of a stretch? Of course not. It’s less than 50% more than what you have already done. The pace won’t be furious. Other riders will help you along. You’ll make it.

After the 65 mile Tune Up, you (and I) will have a very real appreciation for your ability to complete the 200K. We’ll talk about it then. I won’t hesitate to suggest that you skip the big ride, if that seems warranted. But if you can do the 65 miler, and you don’t feel trashed at the end, then you can do the 200K. After all, it is effectively, just two 65 mile rides in one day.

Here’s why. The 65 mile Tune Up, is deliberately designed to be a bit tougher than the actual Audax 200K. Sure, there’s a mountain in the middle of the 200K, but it’s not that big a mountain. More, the terrain on most of the 200K is much less challenging than the 65 mile Tune Up route.

You don’t have to make your final decision about the 200K until after you’ve ridden the 65 miler.

Next week, I’ll post some training guidelines for the last two weeks prior to the Tune Up.

Now, go get on your bike and… Have a great weekend!