TIME TO LOCK DOWN

We’re closing in on the ride. It’s now just a bit more than three weeks to the Audax 200K, and only a bit over a week to the 65 mile tune up.

The “Lock Down” I refer to in this post’s title is this. It’s close to time to make the final decisions on your equipment. If there is anything major left to be done to your bike or your gear, now is the time to do it.

My hard and fast rule is, “No changes to equipment during the last two weeks prior to an event.” Notice that the 65 Mile Tune Up comes right at that boundary. There’s a reason for that. Runners don’t do races in brand new shoes. Every time I’ve ever violated my rule I’ve regretted it. Sometimes a lot.

Plan to ride the 65 miler with the same equipment that you will take on the 200K. If anything needs adjusting, replacing, or simply doesn’t work for you, this will be about your last chance to find that out.

Of course you won’t know what your final clothing choices will be until the day before the ride. It’s still way too early to outguess the weather. But even here, stick to things you know. Select a cool weather set that is tried and true. Pick an intermediate temp set to the same standards. Have a warm weather option lined up too. But the 200K is not the place to try out a brand new pair of shorts, or chamois lube, or sunscreen, or the latest “wonder food.”

Start making your final choices and preps now. Make your final adjustments to your bike. And then leave it be.