Australian Cycling Forums - Bicycles Network Australia

Hi All,

I am training for the Gippsland 600km ride in April two days of 300km however I am a little lost on how crazy I am to be attempting this...

Link to event course -

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/3077735" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Ok so I have ~ 7 weeks to go and the last 4 weeks riding has been -

Wk1, 339km, 11hrs 42mins ride time and 3,892 Vert, 7 rides one rest day *70km max distance
Wk2, 307km, 10hrs 49min ride time, 4,643 Vert, 6 rides one rest day *105km max distance
Wk3, 213km, 7hrs 32min ride time, 2,864 Vert, 5 rides 2 rest days *70km max distance
Wk4, 379km, 12hrs 56min ride time, 3,208 Vert, 4 rides 3 rest days * 207km max distance finished this ride strong Ave28km with 1,200 Vert and last 60km into head wind.

Total 1,278km, 15,102 Vert over 22 rides

7wks to event –

This week - current plan to do 300-400km with at least one 130km ride over 5 rides

After this week plan to do 260-300km the next week then alternate to a 300-400km week every other week except the last week where I will back it off and do a few 60km flatter rides.

I also plan to try and do at least 1-2 more 200km rides during the next 6 weeks...

The question I have is I know I can get to the finish line on the first day however I am very concerned re the 2nd day of 300km...

I will be riding with a very strong friend who will do this ride easily however my question is have I left my run a bit late and also what would you vary about my next 7-8wks of rides leading into the event?

Sorry to dribble I am just very excited about this event and also the fun of the rides between now and then 

Cheers
Scott

I would just try and do some back to back rides on the weekends if you can. 600 sounds harder than it is. Do another couple of 200k rides and then follow it up with another 100ks the next day if you can fit it in. if you can manage that then you'll be fine.

Thanks for the advice

I will try to do a few back to back rides on the back of the longer rides.

I am also doing a day a week of hill repeats ~ 40km with 1,000 vertical meters to keep building strength with endurance on the overall distance and longer rides...

Also on reflecxtion should I have posted this in the training area...? Can this be moved to there easily?

Cheers
Scott

A day of hills per week will help you with strength & endurance for sure, so I'd keep that up. The 1st day of this 600 has about 2000m of climbing( & some great scenery!) , nothing serious but it adds to the fatigue. the second day will be flatter, and hopefully not too windy. good luck.

Thanks Gassy for your help!

Update this week -

So far 5 rides over 4 days , 228km and 3,294 Vertical over 8hrs.

At least one more ride planned ~ 100km to 130km on Saturday with a rest day before and after this ride before next week kicks off another week of fun / training >>>>

Also a new question !

Whats your thoughts re compression pants, I wear them in winter / cold months (for the last 2 years) as I dodn;t have leg warmers and also have been wearing them on rest days, do these help during riding for the longer rides, what is anyones experience re these for recovery / assistance over this type of event?

Or should I just use them post ride after each 300km day as part of recovery only?

I am thinking I can do this.... maybe !


**** EDIT / UPDATE ****

Does anyone know where I can get a GARMIN Charge only cable that can be used whilst riding / on as I have some small battery packs I use for mobile phone charging however I heard if I use my normal GARMIN cable it to charge during a ride it turns it off whilst charging, apparently there is a cord that has less pins and can stay on whilst charging?? >>>> Help re this would be much appreciated : )
Cheers
Scott