Programme for an attempted 100 miler

[mjr]

I haven't seen the magazine, only the training plans on the BC website. If they're talking about one-minute intervals at flat-out effort, that's not what is usually understood by 'sweet spot' and does indeed sound more like HIIT.

I am sorry that I cannot offer an online link to the RL version - https://www.prudentialridelondon.co.uk/training/training-plans/ links to PDFs of the plan pages, but seemingly not the explanatory page 51 they refer to. It says the plans were devised by Andy Cook, which is why I suspect you may be more correct than the magazine author.

 

[smutchin]

I am sorry that I cannot offer an online link to the RL version - https://www.prudentialridelondon.co.uk/training/training-plans/ links to PDFs of the plan pages, but seemingly not the explanatory page 51 they refer to. It says the plans were devised by Andy Cook, which is why I suspect you may be more correct than the magazine author.

There's probably some information missing. This is from the Intermediate plan - it has a 1.5hrs 'sweet spot' session, but then talks about one minute and five minute sweet spots in the notes:

I'm guessing it means high-intensity intervals within a tempo session, which would be a fairly normal training technique.

In any case, it goes to show why you should be careful when following training plans off the internet, rather than something that has been devised for you personally by a coach. And I expect none of this is of any interest to the OP anyway!

 

[tallliman]

Go and do it! Only advice is make sure you're comfortable on the bike and aim to ride a touch slower than usual.

 

[Jenkins]

My main tip - wait for a day with a decent southerly breeze.

 

[Banjo]

A few people have mentioned saddle discomfort.

A sore arse is proba ly the one thing that could spoil it for you.

If you are comfortable now after your 30 milers then dont change anything ,saddle or clothing.

On the ride day use chammy cream or similar to grease all the nooks and crannies in your undercarriage.Ideally repeat this during the ride.

You will get roun d if you want to.

 

[mjr]

On the ride day use chammy cream or similar to grease all the nooks and crannies in your undercarriage.Ideally repeat this during the ride.

Shouldn't be needed if the saddle fits and if not, adding cream to irritation doesn't seem like a great idea. At least ensure it's an antibacterial one, I guess.

 

[Banjo]

Hell of a lot of long distance cyclists Audaxers etc swear by sudocrem. I use a bit of Vaseline.

 

[mjr]

Hell of a lot of long distance cyclists Audaxers etc swear by sudocrem. I use a bit of Vaseline.

I know many do, but I think it's better to deal with the cause (often a badly fitting saddle or too much thick, rough insulation on one's bum) than apply palliatives, if you can. Building up distances should allow one to identify irritation hotspots without them becoming full blown sores.

 

[Banjo]

Problem is that assuming the width is right the only real test of a saddle is to go a long way on it.
Hopefully the op wont have any problems but if he does then a bit of cream could make the last 30 miles a bit more comfortable.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Don't try anything new (like weird bum creams, different foods etc) that you haven't already tried.

 

[vickster]

Don't try anything new (like weird bum creams, different foods etc) that you haven't already tried.

Indeed...definitely NOT gels (if you do, maybe take some spare shorts )

 

[smutchin]

Hell of a lot of long distance cyclists Audaxers etc swear by sudocrem. I use a bit of Vaseline.

I never use chamois cream or anything else. Did 410km last weekend and 375km the weekend before and remain unscathed.

Creams can form a barrier that doesn't let the skin breathe, which isn't a great idea on very long rides.

I usually carry a change of shorts on rides over 300km, which definitely helps keep it all feeling a bit fresher down there.

 

[mjr]

Creams can form a barrier that doesn't let the skin breathe, which isn't a great idea on very long rides.

Yeah, but some people feel that cyclists aren't wearing enough hot sweat-soaked padding, so they tell them to do something else to hold the sweat against the skin for even longer.

 

[The Essex Spurs]

Well the amount of replies is staggering but a bit bewildering as so much info to digest!!!!
What about eating the night before? Any advantages to eating certain foods or at a certain time????

 

[vickster]

Well the amount of replies is staggering but a bit bewildering as so much info to digest!!!!
What about eating the night before? Any advantages to eating certain foods or at a certain time????

Just eat normally. Have porridge for breakfast, or whatever you would normally have. Take some flapjack and jelly babies. And cash for lunch and cake stops. And a couple of bottles of water / squash on the bike
You can stop, rest and eat when and where you feel the need
The thing to plan is how you get back if the untoward happens bonk, mechanical, take a tumble)
Don't overthink it, you're not riding the TdF on the moon.