Am I in over my head?

Morgan123

Morgan123

Likes Dirt
Hey guys, for some reason I thought it'd be a good idea to enter the 200km round the bay in a day with a couple of friends. The only problem is I've been partying in Europe for the last 3 months and it's only a few weeks away. I'm not worried about the distance in terms of fitness but what I am worried about is how sore my arse is going to be and whether I'll make it. I've got a pair of knicks but I don't think they'll cut it.

Will buying a quality pair of bib knicks make a big enough difference and is there anything else I can do apart from getting in as much riding as possible before then?
 
K

Klips

Likes Dirt
Yes, knicks which suit your particular butt configuration and saddle will help (trust me, it's not one shape suits all!). Train hard for two weeks them take the week before super easy, just cruise rides with a few sprints to keep things ticking over but allowing the body to recover. Also worth having a look at the AIS carb loading protocol so you don't run out of energy.
 
slowmick

slowmick

38-39"
if you thinking you are going to take a long time can i suggest you take a second pair and swap at the ferry. a pair dry knicks for the second leg will feel like heaven.

on the ride make sure you eat. once you run out of energy there is no putting it back whiel you ride and sudeenly the world is a crap place. I have no specific advice i just know the first time i did it i did not eat enough and completely ran out of go around altona on the way home.
 
M

Mafra

Likes Bikes
Chamois Cream
Eat, eat, eat.
Hydrate.

Also, make sure you have your position on the bike sorted, there is nothing like 7-10 hours on the bike to show up small niggles, especially your cleat position and how that effects your knees.

If you're someone who finds massage useful, do it the week before, but early so that any post massage soreness has had time settle.

Have fun, be prepared for the mental black hole that you're likely to fall into, but remember most of the time it passes.
 
RB 24

RB 24

Likes Dirt
^

Yep couldn't agree more.

Eat as often as you can. Don't get caught in the hype and go like a rocket early on. Have a good chat to your mates to ensure you are all on the same level (mentally and possibly physically). This will help when you hit the wall and you need your mates to encourage you. I and another mate ended up pushing the third rider for 90kms after he hit the wall. We took it in turns with a hand on the back and physically pushing him.

Be prepared for the hate/love situation that will surely happen.

And last but not least. Enjoy it.
 
M

mars mtb

Likes Dirt
Not just good Knicks, but a very good pair of Knicks that works for you, some chamois cream and keep eating and hydrated plus don't try and hammer the distance, ride it not race it and you will be good. Enjoy the day.
 
Morgan123

Morgan123

Likes Dirt
Thanks guys, I'm pretty big on just trying to enjoy the day so won't be going too hard. Main problem is the bike, i'm riding a piece of shit and isnt set up for me in any way. Tempted to buy one this week but am a little strapped for cash, guess I could hire something.
 
Haakon

Haakon

has an accommodating arse
Morgan123 said:
Thanks guys, I'm pretty big on just trying to enjoy the day so won't be going too hard. Main problem is the bike, i'm riding a piece of shit and isnt set up for me in any way. Tempted to buy one this week but am a little strapped for cash, guess I could hire something.
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That one will be worth sorting...

This would be a good emergency buy option http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/thomastown/bicycles/reid-falco-road-bike-medium-/1089979432

You'll sell it on for what you paid easily enough.
 
Morgan123

Morgan123

Likes Dirt
Managed to find a friend with a decent enough bike in my size to use, so thankfully that should be sorted. Bought a decent pair of bib knicks and road 115km yesterday to get a bit of a feel for the actual race, taught me a fair bit and has given me hope!
 
Calvin27

Calvin27

Eats Squid
Morgan123 said:
Managed to find a friend with a decent enough bike in my size to use, so thankfully that should be sorted. Bought a decent pair of bib knicks and road 115km yesterday to get a bit of a feel for the actual race, taught me a fair bit and has given me hope!
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Good stuff mate. I am the opposite.

Signed up for 210acw. Been in Europe for 2 months (too old for partying but too much wine and cognac).

Went for a ride today 100km with one climb. The ride was insanely hard with some decent headwinds for about 50km of it. Felt like dying. Didn't bonk but everything hurt. 1 week to go I rekon I might make it but it's all dependent on wind conditions at this stage...
 
Morgan123

Morgan123

Likes Dirt
Given me hope but still extremely worried haha, main concern is still how my arse will manage that long of a trip. Im doing 210AC as well :help:
 
Nautonier

Nautonier

Eats Squid
Let's hope the conditions are something like today. Hopefully you will be distracted from the pain in your arse by the pain in your quads, glutes, back and neck.

The poor Magpies will be exhausted from having to launch repeated attacks on thousands of riders all day long.
 
RB 24

RB 24

Likes Dirt
Morgan123 said:
Given me hope but still extremely worried haha, main concern is still how my arse will manage that long of a trip. Im doing 210AC as well :help:
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You will be walking like a honky tonk pornstar for a few days.


Good conversation piece.
 
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