Monday, March 26, 2012

Audax Preparations Revisited


This coming Sunday, 1 April.  Is our next Audax Tune Up Ride.  This one is the first of this year's 65 mile Tune Ups.  We will depart from Bicycles Unlimited, in Peachtree City, GA.  Ride time is 11:00 (sharp!)

Today's post concerns some of the last minute information that you might find useful.

First a word from our alternate sponsor…  The WEATHER!
As of this writng the forecast for this coming Sunday is kinda ugly.  That’s actually a good thing.  At this distance, this kind of forecast rarely holds.  I’m betting we’ll see the ‘cast deteriorate and then get better.  Besides, with temps in the mid-70s, just about anything is bearable.

We will be going rain or shine.  Give some thought to that now.  Lay out both the sunscreen and the rain jacket.  Make up your mind that you will go, regardless of the weather.  Riding in marginal weather is good training.  And don’t forget to lay out the shorts lubricant.

How to prepare physically:  In brief…  Take it easy this week!  You are about as “trained up” as you can be.  All you can do this week is either get rested, or increase fatigue.  I’d go with the former.  Decrease your activity level by 25 to 50 percent, and do most of your activity early in the week.  Taper.  Taper.  Taper!

You want to show up on Sunday morning, well rested, well fueled, and fresh, ready to have a great day on the bike, cranking out 65 gorgeous and hilly miles.

Getting the bike ready:  Start by cleaning it.  (A clean bike just runs better.)  Inspect those tires.  Check the brake pads too.  Lube the chain.  Go over your spares.  (Please carry two tubes that fit your bike!)  If anything isn’t working, get it fixed right now!  (Honest this is not the time to procrastinate!)


Outline of route and stops:  This is a hilly, route but it provides a lot of fun too.  Much of the loop is on fairly rural and scenic roads.  There are some screaming descents. 

We will make three planned break-stops.  The first will be a short one at approximately 15 miles.  (Water up well here!)  The second stop is 25 miles after the after first one.  At this point the majority (not all) of the major climbing is behind us, and we will take a bit longer break for lunch.  The third stop will be a short one, about 15 miles after the second.  This will put us just about 10 miles from the end.

Riding Style:  As usual on these rides, the group will stay together.  If anyone has a problem, the group will slow, or stop, to work the problem.  The idea is to get all of us to the finish together.  “One for all, and all for one!”

Come on out and join us.  This should be a great and happy ride.

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