Bonking!!!

[mark10]

My cycling partner and i have a 20 mile route that we use a lot. Which a fairly fast lumpy ride. 18mpr avg.

The problem i have is the last mile and half, it includes a short steep incline followed by a long flat stretch and a gentle up hill to finish. by the time i get there i have no legs left, ie. no power to get up the hill.

Can anyone tell me how to train/ride so that my legs last longer?

I also do 40 60 and 100+ rides but i always have the same problem, after about 20 - 40 miles, as soon as things go up hill i have no leg power to get me up there.

Any help would be great. Cheers

 

[Dayvo]

20 miles shouldn't cause you to bonk!

Much depends, though, on the the conditions: headwind, uphills, your form on the day, if you've had enough to eat and drink prior to, and during the ride.

You could also try cycling in a lower gear on the uphills; i.e. spin (faster cadence) instead of grinding (slower cadence).

 

[mark10]

maybe bonking is too strong a term, but i know that it hurts.

thanks for answering, ill try all the above.

 

[Dayvo]

I know that it hurts.

Indeed it does; I've bonked badly three times and it comes suddenly and almost without warning.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonk_(condition)

Let us know how your future rides go!

 

[marinyork]

Save some in the tank. I know what you mean having got back from the Peaks, speedo says 70 miles and having to climb several hundred feet to get home . It's in those sort of circumstances just drop right down and spin, anything to get you home. That said if you're doing 18mph you either live somewhere very flat or should be giving us all tips .

 

[jimboalee]

How many weeks have you been riding?

 

[I am Spartacus]

How many weeks have you been riding?

days

 

[Will1985]

Do you eat or drink before or on the ride?

 

[montage]

I don't think science is going to help much.....just train the pain more often