Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => The Knowledge => Further and Faster => Topic started by: sammyl1000 on 26 January, 2016, 06:45:03 pm

Title: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: sammyl1000 on 26 January, 2016, 06:45:03 pm
Hi, I have been reading this forum for a while and wanted to join up and get involved.

I'm a 34 year old with very little time due to children and commuting from the shires into London.

I last did my one and only Audax the 100 organised by Hampshire police road club in March 2014 around Hampshire, I can't recall what it was called, then that year let my membership lapse due to work and other things.

I'm returning this year and want to do a 200km maybe a few! What is the main difference? Other than doing it, what is the best way to step up the distance? In small blocks or just resolve to get out and do a 200?

Thanks for your replies.
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: sammyl1000 on 26 January, 2016, 06:47:32 pm
I forgot to mention I can manage 100km and have done recently although I do find it very challenging.
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: Kim on 26 January, 2016, 07:50:30 pm
If you can get to the point where 100km isn't particularly challenging, then 200km should be achievable but knackering.

It's mostly about ergonomics and pacing yourself.  And getting out there and riding.
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: Jaded on 26 January, 2016, 08:56:35 pm
Feeding is different, getting the right energy at the right time.
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: Ningishzidda on 27 January, 2016, 07:52:18 am
Double the distance, aim to complete with an average speed 10% less.

Your average kCals/km will be the same. Reduce speed by 10% and your kCals/min will drop by a larger difference due to the vehicles CURVED power vs speed curve.

When you move from 200 to 400km, operate the same rule. 400 speed can be 90% of 200 speed.

Example.
100 speed is 13.5 mph, 200 speed is 12.1, 400 speed is 10.9, 800 speed is 9.84, 1600 speed is 8.8 mph.

Seeings as events 1300 to 1800 have a min speed of 12 kmh ( 7.45 mph ) your safe.

When your avearge speed for a 100 minus 10% is lower than 14.3 kmh ( 8.9 mph ), you're not ready.
111% of 8.9 mph is 9.86 mph.

Big Tip. Don't go rushing off from the start of your 200 at the same pace as you rode the 100, or at the pace of more experienced riders. Stay at the target pace.
You'll be fine,,  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: T42 on 27 January, 2016, 09:43:31 am
It takes a lot of willpower not to join the pack for the first euphoric rush.  I've often intended to start 5 minutes after time just to let them get away, but on 200/300k rides it's so much fun I can rarely resist it.
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: LMT on 27 January, 2016, 11:03:51 am
Double the distance, aim to complete with an average speed 10% less.

Your average kCals/km will be the same. Reduce speed by 10% and your kCals/min will drop by a larger difference due to the vehicles CURVED power vs speed curve.

When you move from 200 to 400km, operate the same rule. 400 speed can be 90% of 200 speed.

Example.
100 speed is 13.5 mph, 200 speed is 12.1, 400 speed is 10.9, 800 speed is 9.84, 1600 speed is 8.8 mph.

Seeings as events 1300 to 1800 have a min speed of 12 kmh ( 7.45 mph ) your safe.

When your avearge speed for a 100 minus 10% is lower than 14.3 kmh ( 8.9 mph ), you're not ready.
111% of 8.9 mph is 9.86 mph.

Big Tip. Don't go rushing off from the start of your 200 at the same pace as you rode the 100, or at the pace of more experienced riders. Stay at the target pace.
You'll be fine,,  :thumbsup:

 ??? The OP is asking about doing a 200....

OP, just do it, pace yourself and remember to eat and drink often. You may want to go out and a do an imperial ton beforehand just to make sure that you are comfortable on the bike doing a longish distance, by comfortable I mean sorting out any little niggles to do with bike fit.
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: offcumden on 27 January, 2016, 11:29:33 am
The difference for me, these days anyway, is that I will generally ride 100km between meals (eg after breakfast and before lunch), so a cafe stop just means a drink, and maybe a scone or a banana from my back pocket. If I become tired, hungry or dehydrated I'll be able to eat, drink and rest at home afterwards.  Doubling the distance requires something more like a proper meal stop, and adjusting my pace to cope with the extra hours on the bike.

So, if you're used to half-day rides, remember that you'll be out all day on a 200km (esp. if it involves travelling to/from), so pace yourself accordingly.
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: sammyl1000 on 27 January, 2016, 12:03:35 pm
Really great replies thank you all. I did a metric century on Monday at 13.5mph so exactly as Ningishzidda mentioned which is spooky. I ate a couple of brioche, banana and some chocolate milk so not loads with some cereal before hand.

I think I will do an imperial century to build up and am entering the Kennet valley 100 as well.
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: Ningishzidda on 27 January, 2016, 01:01:38 pm
Double the distance, aim to complete with an average speed 10% less.

Your average kCals/km will be the same. Reduce speed by 10% and your kCals/min will drop by a larger difference due to the vehicles CURVED power vs speed curve.

When you move from 200 to 400km, operate the same rule. 400 speed can be 90% of 200 speed.

Example.
100 speed is 13.5 mph, 200 speed is 12.1, 400 speed is 10.9, 800 speed is 9.84, 1600 speed is 8.8 mph.

Seeings as events 1300 to 1800 have a min speed of 12 kmh ( 7.45 mph ) your safe.

When your avearge speed for a 100 minus 10% is lower than 14.3 kmh ( 8.9 mph ), you're not ready.
111% of 8.9 mph is 9.86 mph.

Big Tip. Don't go rushing off from the start of your 200 at the same pace as you rode the 100, or at the pace of more experienced riders. Stay at the target pace.
You'll be fine,,  :thumbsup:

 ??? The OP is asking about doing a 200....

OP, just do it, pace yourself and remember to eat and drink often. You may want to go out and a do an imperial ton beforehand just to make sure that you are comfortable on the bike doing a longish distance, by comfortable I mean sorting out any little niggles to do with bike fit.

I told him. Drop his speed by 10% and do that from the start.

"It doesn't matter how beautiful your theory is, it doesn't matter how smart you are.
If it doesn't agree with experiment, it's wrong."

"Design of experiments (DOE) is a systematic method to determine the relationship between factors affecting a process and the output of that process. In other words, it is used to find cause-and-effect relationships. This information is needed to manage process inputs in order to optimize the output."

 ;) :facepalm:

An experienced cyclist will say "We've a long way to cover today, so we'll take it easy and not get too knackered."
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: Martin 14 on 31 January, 2016, 11:36:00 am
Double the distance, aim to complete with an average speed 10% less.

Your average kCals/km will be the same. Reduce speed by 10% and your kCals/min will drop by a larger difference due to the vehicles CURVED power vs speed curve.

When you move from 200 to 400km, operate the same rule. 400 speed can be 90% of 200 speed.

Example.
100 speed is 13.5 mph, 200 speed is 12.1, 400 speed is 10.9, 800 speed is 9.84, 1600 speed is 8.8 mph.

Seeings as events 1300 to 1800 have a min speed of 12 kmh ( 7.45 mph ) your safe.

When your avearge speed for a 100 minus 10% is lower than 14.3 kmh ( 8.9 mph ), you're not ready.
111% of 8.9 mph is 9.86 mph.

Big Tip. Don't go rushing off from the start of your 200 at the same pace as you rode the 100, or at the pace of more experienced riders. Stay at the target pace.
You'll be fine,,  :thumbsup:

I like this, so will put this to the test starting from scratch :)
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: MarkA on 01 February, 2016, 10:53:12 pm
The year I stepped up to 200 I did a couple of 150s  first. I haven't  done a 200 for a few years and want to  this year so plan the same again i.e. a couple of 150s beforehand.  Possibly helps with confidence more than anything.
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: Tim Hall on 01 February, 2016, 11:03:06 pm
Really great replies thank you all. I did a metric century on Monday at 13.5mph so exactly as Ningishzidda mentioned which is spooky. I ate a couple of brioche, banana and some chocolate milk so not loads with some cereal before hand.

I think I will do an imperial century to build up and am entering the Kennet valley 100 as well.
The Kennet Valley 100 is a lovely day ride, good choice.
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: drossall on 02 February, 2016, 10:46:02 pm
Yes, excellent event. Hoping to ride it again this year.

I too like to build up to 200s by riding the odd 150. I can ride 100km easily. These days, 200km is a challenge. I try to have ridden 100s or ideally 150s on two or three preceding weekends, especially now that week-day mileage is a problem because I work in London. Can't ride every week (family and other commitments), but three in six would be good. I'm not sure it's just about fitness, but about confidence from completed rides as well.

I've packed in several 200s. I've also finished the odd one wishing I could carry to do a 300 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: matthew on 03 February, 2016, 07:51:57 pm
Really great replies thank you all. I did a metric century on Monday at 13.5mph so exactly as Ningishzidda mentioned which is spooky. I ate a couple of brioche, banana and some chocolate milk so not loads with some cereal before hand.

I think I will do an imperial century to build up and am entering the Kennet valley 100 as well.

This is promising, just remember on a 200 that you will probably need a better meal at about half way.

For some that will mean beans on toast at each of the first two controls (50, 100km) and something sweeter at 150km. Personally having grown up touring with a pub lunch I tend to a snack at 50km e.g. bacon roll and then something more substantial at 100km (jacket potato + tuna or a pasta dish) then whatever I fancy at 150km.

What you need to eat and if that should be small and frequently or large and further spread is individual and the knowledge comes with experience and to an extent training. The important thing is not to get too hungry before you eat else you don't have sufficient energy to digest the food and ride at the same time.
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: contango on 03 February, 2016, 08:57:30 pm
Hi, I have been reading this forum for a while and wanted to join up and get involved.

I'm a 34 year old with very little time due to children and commuting from the shires into London.

I last did my one and only Audax the 100 organised by Hampshire police road club in March 2014 around Hampshire, I can't recall what it was called, then that year let my membership lapse due to work and other things.

I'm returning this year and want to do a 200km maybe a few! What is the main difference? Other than doing it, what is the best way to step up the distance? In small blocks or just resolve to get out and do a 200?

Thanks for your replies.

I rode a 150 between my first 100 and my first 200. An obvious halfway stage is either a 150 or an imperial 100 (more or less 160km).

One thing I've done when figuring if I'm ready to do something new is to take a best guess how I'd handle extra distance at the end of an existing ride. What I did in 2014 (the last year I did audaxing due to leaving the country) was to gauge myself based on a couple of my own rides, then shorter audaxes. I'd been off the bike for a while for weather issues, and really wanted to get a 300 under my belt. So I rode about 80km at my own pace, then figured if I could still ride further albeit at a slower pace. The next step was a local 120 (plus 30km each way, which I cycled) and after riding 180km I concluded I could ride another 120km in the time I'd have left on a 300.

Ultimately the only way to find out for sure is to enter and see how you get on. If you're in Hampshire you could try the Elstead series (that offers a 100, 150 and 200) or the Hungerford Hurrah/Hungerford Hooray (140/200). I've done the Elstead 150 and 200 and the Hungerford Hooray and enjoyed them both.
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: simonp on 03 February, 2016, 09:01:50 pm
When I was new to riding 200s, I found it got hard, legs feeling heavier, around 150km. I think by then I'm probably, even when eating a lot, running low on glycogen.

Getting better at burning fat while riding will help. Avoiding excessive sugary food in your daily diet may help with this, and also training fasted (e.g. first thing in the morning before breakfast).
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: LEE on 03 February, 2016, 09:53:39 pm
If you can get to the point where 100km isn't particularly challenging, then 200km should be achievable but knackering.


It's that same logic that found me at the start of PBP1200 thinking .. "This all started with a bloody 100k !!"
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: sammyl1000 on 03 February, 2016, 10:04:50 pm

When I was new to riding 200s, I found it got hard, legs feeling heavier, around 150km. I think by then I'm probably, even when eating a lot, running low on glycogen.

Getting better at burning fat while riding will help. Avoiding excessive sugary food in your daily diet may help with this, and also training fasted (e.g. first thing in the morning before breakfast).

I would love to get up and out in the morning but never seem to get the chance.
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: sammyl1000 on 03 February, 2016, 10:07:40 pm

Hi, I have been reading this forum for a while and wanted to join up and get involved.

I'm a 34 year old with very little time due to children and commuting from the shires into London.

I last did my one and only Audax the 100 organised by Hampshire police road club in March 2014 around Hampshire, I can't recall what it was called, then that year let my membership lapse due to work and other things.

I'm returning this year and want to do a 200km maybe a few! What is the main difference? Other than doing it, what is the best way to step up the distance? In small blocks or just resolve to get out and do a 200?

Thanks for your replies.

I rode a 150 between my first 100 and my first 200. An obvious halfway stage is either a 150 or an imperial 100 (more or less 160km).

One thing I've done when figuring if I'm ready to do something new is to take a best guess how I'd handle extra distance at the end of an existing ride. What I did in 2014 (the last year I did audaxing due to leaving the country) was to gauge myself based on a couple of my own rides, then shorter audaxes. I'd been off the bike for a while for weather issues, and really wanted to get a 300 under my belt. So I rode about 80km at my own pace, then figured if I could still ride further albeit at a slower pace. The next step was a local 120 (plus 30km each way, which I cycled) and after riding 180km I concluded I could ride another 120km in the time I'd have left on a 300.

Ultimately the only way to find out for sure is to enter and see how you get on. If you're in Hampshire you could try the Elstead series (that offers a 100, 150 and 200) or the Hungerford Hurrah/Hungerford Hooray (140/200). I've done the Elstead 150 and 200 and the Hungerford Hooray and enjoyed them both.

I remember seeing the Elstead series and I wanted to enter one of those in the past, look forward to do it in the summer if back on.

I think my first 200 will be the grand national park2park Romsey

Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: sammyl1000 on 03 February, 2016, 10:09:57 pm

If you can get to the point where 100km isn't particularly challenging, then 200km should be achievable but knackering.


It's that same logic that found me at the start of PBP1200 thinking .. "This all started with a bloody 100k !!"

Brave man, how did you enjoy the PBP? (If that's the right question).

I thought the PBP article in the Arivee magazine was excellent.
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: frankly frankie on 03 February, 2016, 10:26:53 pm
It takes a lot of willpower not to join the pack for the first euphoric rush.  I've often intended to start 5 minutes after time just to let them get away, but on 200/300k rides it's so much fun I can rarely resist it.

I really don't see the point of this advice.

IMO and IME, if you do find yourself in the "first euphoric rush" that will probably be highly beneficial later on, in terms of getting round in time and in comfort.
If you don't - well OK there are other ways to skin the cat.
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: zigzag on 03 February, 2016, 10:35:52 pm
It takes a lot of willpower not to join the pack for the first euphoric rush.  I've often intended to start 5 minutes after time just to let them get away, but on 200/300k rides it's so much fun I can rarely resist it.

I really don't see the point of this advice.

IMO and IME, if you do find yourself in the "first euphoric rush" that will probably be highly beneficial later on, in terms of getting round in time and in comfort.
If you don't - well OK there are other ways to skin the cat.

i found myself in this situation during pbp. after my crash in the early kilometres i've got the adrenalin rush to catch the front group. looking at my power and heart rate figures i knew i was being stupid and irrational, but it was so much fun that i dug deep and caught them anyway, despite knowing i'd pay for this later. so what..
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: Kim on 03 February, 2016, 10:36:34 pm
IMO and IME, if you do find yourself in the "first euphoric rush" that will probably be highly beneficial later on, in terms of getting round in time and in comfort.

My experience is the exact opposite.  Riding at that sort of pace isn't compatible with me getting all the way round in comfort.

In practice, I always seem to be in the loo at the start, so it's less of a problem than it might be.
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: BobScarle on 03 February, 2016, 11:56:12 pm
The one piece of advice I would offer is this. Several people have already said that food will be very important during the ride, with at least one reasonable size meal. IMO it is very important to stick to food you know, and know that you get on with. In other words, do not experiment with food on the ride.

Oh, one other thing. It is amazing how much difference a handful of jelly babies can make when you are feeling low. I usually take a packet with me.
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: LEE on 04 February, 2016, 12:21:54 am

If you can get to the point where 100km isn't particularly challenging, then 200km should be achievable but knackering.


It's that same logic that found me at the start of PBP1200 thinking .. "This all started with a bloody 100k !!"

Brave man, how did you enjoy the PBP? (If that's the right question).


I completed the 2011 version and can't honestly say I enjoyed it.

I bailed on the 2015 version, on the way back, and can honestly say it was the best cycling adventure of my life (with a just few hours of carefully forgotten grimness).
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: vorsprung on 04 February, 2016, 02:05:37 pm
I completed the 2011 version and can't honestly say I enjoyed it.

I bailed on the 2015 version, on the way back, and can honestly say it was the best cycling adventure of my life (with a just few hours of carefully forgotten grimness).

2007 didn't particularly enjoy the worst conditions in 50 years on PBP.  Plus I lost my brevet card and had to go back and find it.  I did say "never again" at the time but..
2011 I did enjoy it.   The weather was much better, it was easier, stayed with good people before and after

I usually enjoy long rides.  If you don't enjoy long rides and do these kind of events then you are slightly odd (there's a lot of it about)
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 04 February, 2016, 03:24:12 pm

Hi, I have been reading this forum for a while and wanted to join up and get involved.

I'm a 34 year old with very little time due to children and commuting from the shires into London.

I last did my one and only Audax the 100 organised by Hampshire police road club in March 2014 around Hampshire, I can't recall what it was called, then that year let my membership lapse due to work and other things.

I'm returning this year and want to do a 200km maybe a few! What is the main difference? Other than doing it, what is the best way to step up the distance? In small blocks or just resolve to get out and do a 200?

Thanks for your replies.

I rode a 150 between my first 100 and my first 200. An obvious halfway stage is either a 150 or an imperial 100 (more or less 160km).

One thing I've done when figuring if I'm ready to do something new is to take a best guess how I'd handle extra distance at the end of an existing ride. What I did in 2014 (the last year I did audaxing due to leaving the country) was to gauge myself based on a couple of my own rides, then shorter audaxes. I'd been off the bike for a while for weather issues, and really wanted to get a 300 under my belt. So I rode about 80km at my own pace, then figured if I could still ride further albeit at a slower pace. The next step was a local 120 (plus 30km each way, which I cycled) and after riding 180km I concluded I could ride another 120km in the time I'd have left on a 300.

Ultimately the only way to find out for sure is to enter and see how you get on. If you're in Hampshire you could try the Elstead series (that offers a 100, 150 and 200) or the Hungerford Hurrah/Hungerford Hooray (140/200). I've done the Elstead 150 and 200 and the Hungerford Hooray and enjoyed them both.

I remember seeing the Elstead series and I wanted to enter one of those in the past, look forward to do it in the summer if back on.

I think my first 200 will be the grand national park2park Romsey

The New Forest Audax rides are also a good option, starting from Lymington.  A couple of years back we used the New Forest Century (160km) as a bridge for CET Junior to make his step up to a 200km.  Although the terrain is rolling there are no major hills and there are plenty of trees to provide shelter.

We travellled to Mildenhall for CET Junior's 200 as it was relatively flat and had more frequent controls/cafe stops for refuelling.  Worked a treat.
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: Phil W on 05 February, 2016, 06:32:38 pm
You'll experience a wider range of temps on a 200 so having arm  and leg warmers comes in very useful. You'll also feel the cold the more tired and further into the ride you are. You're likely to have a bit of riding in the dark unless the height of summer.  You may find you get sick of sweet stuff towards the end, so having some savoury snacks to eat helps a lot.

A simple thing to consider. Most of the time lost is when you are stopped at a control. On a 200 you'll have more controls than a 100 and more opportunities to lose time. So try to minimise time at the early controls when you're feeling good, which allows a longer stop towards the end to regather your strength for the final push to the finish,
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: Kim on 05 February, 2016, 06:34:25 pm
Try not to break your glasses halfway round.  Getting them fixed is a great way to lose time.  (DAHIKT)
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: sammyl1000 on 05 February, 2016, 10:45:02 pm

Try not to break your glasses halfway round.  Getting them fixed is a great way to lose time.  (DAHIKT)
i broke my glasses the other day but luckily my friend fixed them. It is a very real risk.
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: hellymedic on 05 February, 2016, 11:51:42 pm
I don't go far without a spare pair of specs now.
As I buy cheap frames which I never get reglazed when my prescription changes, I have a ready supply of adequate, though not quite perfect spares.
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: Ningishzidda on 06 February, 2016, 01:29:16 pm
Once you’ve got the hang of riding 100s, your pulmonary, cardio and muscular systems have settled down to adapting the most efficient workload for fat use over the expected timespan. Funny how the mind decides what workload to employ.

The BIG mistake when progressing to 200s is going off from the start at a workload applicable to a shorter ride. The brain has never experienced a ride double the distance, so does not know where to set the workload.

Having made the BIG mistake, the next time out on a 200 the brian will remember and adjust the workload. If it doesn’t and you go off at short distance speed again, consider yourself more stupid than a very stupid thing.
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: Kim on 06 February, 2016, 01:37:48 pm
I don't go far without a spare pair of specs now.
As I buy cheap frames which I never get reglazed when my prescription changes, I have a ready supply of adequate, though not quite perfect spares.

I have spares, but I wouldn't think to carry them on an audax.  Touring, probably.

But I can see well enough to do most things[1] that don't involve reading signs without them.  But there's a difference between bailing out and riding >100km with no glasses.  I'd be worried about getting things in my eye.

I do carry a small jeweller's screwdriver, though.  Because you never know when you're going to have to tighten a screw on your glasses, or strip down a shifter to extract a broken cable.


[1] Including bodging broken glasses back together.
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: Ningishzidda on 09 February, 2016, 09:25:25 am
I don’t wear my specs when I’m timetrialling.
They get drenched with sweat, AND, if I wore them, I would see what I’m doing and it would scare me to slow down.
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 09 February, 2016, 09:31:55 am
Once you’ve got the hang of riding 100s, your pulmonary, cardio and muscular systems have settled down to adapting the most efficient workload for fat use over the expected timespan. Funny how the mind decides what workload to employ.

The BIG mistake when progressing to 200s is going off from the start at a workload applicable to a shorter ride. The brain has never experienced a ride double the distance, so does not know where to set the workload.

Having made the BIG mistake, the next time out on a 200 the brian will remember and adjust the workload. If it doesn’t and you go off at short distance speed again, consider yourself more stupid than a very stupid thing.
this is very true. ease into the ride
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: velosam on 15 February, 2016, 12:32:23 pm
I have only done a 100km and 200km, once each I think. Well definitely on the latter only once.

I had a small flapjack and a sip of water every hour on the hour.  We also did not stop much, until about 110-120km in, where we had a proper lunch. Pretty much the same story back, with any stoppage pretty much on the bike having a snack.

I prefered it as we kept on going and I would struggle to get going on a longer say half an hour break for a cup of tea or something.

When I do it again, I think I will try and adopt the same strategy.

The last 45km were hard as the sun was going down and the roads were busier.
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 15 February, 2016, 01:03:01 pm
The last 50km is almost always the hardest, even on a 50km ride.
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 15 February, 2016, 01:21:50 pm
When I started building up distance I was worried that at the end of a 100 I seriously thought I couldn't get on the bike and ride another 100. Funnily, that happens for me at every distance (and still happens at the end of most rides).

While food and drink is definitely important (and I have had some bad days where I have got that wrong) I think it's mainly about believing you can do it, breaking the ride into smaller pieces and just not thinking about the full distance until you are nearly home.

For no good reason from 200km events up I start thinking in Metres from about 15k in....no idea why....it just happens!
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: sammyl1000 on 15 February, 2016, 07:43:11 pm
I understand the feeling when you stop it can just be so hard to get back to it, short breaks will be the way to go. Hopefully if I get the miles in I will do a 200k sooner perhaps May.
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: Ningishzidda on 17 February, 2016, 06:41:48 am
The last 50km is almost always the hardest, even on a 50km ride.

There's an old saying in cycling, "The first ten miles are the worst."

"What distance is this timetrial?"
"Ten miles."
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: Ningishzidda on 17 February, 2016, 06:45:22 am
I understand the feeling when you stop it can just be so hard to get back to it, short breaks will be the way to go. Hopefully if I get the miles in I will do a 200k sooner perhaps May.

Ignore my last post.
Every bit of physical exercise a person does should be preceeded by some warming up to get the lungs open and the blood system dialated.
When a cyclist stops, they have about twenty minutes before their systems have tightened up again. If a stop is longer than twenty minutes, a new 'warm up' is required.
Therefore, after half an hour stop, restart gently as if you had not done anything yet.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: Highlander on 18 February, 2016, 03:49:56 pm
There's many schools of thought on the best way to approach long distance riding but modern day life dictates that very few of us can train for 200k rides by routinely riding 200k. 

But you should aim to get a four hour ride in one a week if you can.  By that I mean four hours on the bike.

Don't think of a 200k as being twice 100k, that way you'll psych yourself out of it by dwelling on how you feel at the end of 100k and that's only halfway.

Think of a 200k as being three forty mile rides.  If you can do forty miles and feel reasonably comfortable how hard can it be to do another forty? 

Remember also that in a 200k you will almost certainly fall in with someone else or a group of similar ability and there's nothing makes the miles go by quicker than riding with a group.  However don't assume the others know where they're going...

If it's a hilly event don't be afraid to get off and walk occasionally, it helps relieve the stress on the "cycling" muscles.   
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: Greenbank on 25 February, 2016, 05:34:58 pm
Try not to break your glasses halfway round.  Getting them fixed is a great way to lose time.  (DAHIKT)

A plastic tea stirrer and some insulating tape is all you need:-

https://secure.flickr.com/photos/66870021@N02/6086680803/in/set-72157627532954606

I rode ~800km with them like that (although I did have sunglasses to use during the day).
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: contango on 27 February, 2016, 04:49:32 am
The last 50km is almost always the hardest, even on a 50km ride.

Almost always :)

Sometimes Nature and Fate combine in most unpredictable ways to bring you that most coveted of assistants, Tailwind. I still remember wondering how I was going so fast during the 50km ride home when I ECE-d a ride, and then realised I had a 20mph tailwind. For good measure as my GPS rolled over the magic 200km milestone I had a gentle downhill so got to just shy of 40kph, just for the hell of it. I figured it's probably the only time I'd ever get to that speed after that distance, and so far I've been right.
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: Kim on 27 February, 2016, 11:37:59 am
Try not to break your glasses halfway round.  Getting them fixed is a great way to lose time.  (DAHIKT)

A plastic tea stirrer and some insulating tape is all you need:-

https://secure.flickr.com/photos/66870021@N02/6086680803/in/set-72157627532954606

I rode ~800km with them like that (although I did have sunglasses to use during the day).

Sadly my failure mode was the nose-piece falling off, leaving a knobbly bit of metal.  Harder to bodge, but luck would have it there was an optician round the corner.
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: LEE on 02 March, 2016, 07:09:18 pm
In my opinion a 200km isn't as hard as 2x100km seems in your imagination.

Yes it's harder than 1x100km but you tend to find that your brain settles into the 200km end-point and 100km, which used to seem a long way, comes and goes fairly easily.

Pace yourself (Save any sprints for the final 5km not the first 5km)
Keep drinking
Keep snacking
Keep pedalling.

The final 20km will seem like 40km but, as other have said, that's the same on any ride.

You have all day.

Oh, I suppose most importantly, any comfort issues you have during 100km will NOT get any better during the next 100km. 
Address any, even the smallest, comfort issues because discomfort follows an upward exponential curve with distance I've found.
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: Ningishzidda on 03 March, 2016, 06:48:55 am
Its also 'timing'.

Say for example, you ride 50 km in two hours. You rest at the cafe for over half an hour, and then you start again on the next 50 km.

These are 2 x 50 km rides.

If you ride 50 km in two hours and then take a quick five to ten minutes piddle and slurp, and then start the next 50 km, this is a 1 x 100 km ride.

A 200 km ride with three, half hour breaks is a 4 x 50 km day-trip.

If you can ride 100 km as a 1 x 100, and then take an hour's break before starting the second 100 km, its 2 x 100 km rides on the same day.

This is all based on the time it takes for the body's systems to return to sedentary mode.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: drossall on 03 March, 2016, 06:48:50 pm
This is all based on the time it takes for the body's systems to return to sedentary mode.
About a week, for some of us.
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: Ningishzidda on 04 March, 2016, 06:18:12 am
This is all based on the time it takes for the body's systems to return to sedentary mode.
About a week, for some of us.

I mentioned somewhere else. "Fitness". At Audax speeds and exertions, it could be half an hour for the fit crew. For heaven's sake, at Audax speed, you're only outlaying average 6 - 7 kCals/min, 8 tops. That's a slow 'speed march' round a marathon course and back.

 ;)

To be brutal. If it takes you more than a couple of hours to recover from an Audax event before going to your local dance, the distance was too long. Ride shorter distances until you can boogie the night away after, and then progress to a longer distance.

Ah, but there are some who enjoy the pain,,,,,
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: Whitedown Man on 04 March, 2016, 09:26:33 am
Yes sir, after cycling, I can boogie - but I need a certain song
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: rabbit on 04 March, 2016, 09:47:19 am
Just don't ride too fast  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: drossall on 04 March, 2016, 09:51:23 pm
To be brutal. If it takes you more than a couple of hours to recover from an Audax event before going to your local dance, the distance was too long. Ride shorter distances until you can boogie the night away after, and then progress to a longer distance.
I have loved cycling for 40 years, but have very limited time when family, Scouts and church come first. So, I get round 100s as best I can, and each year step up to 200s as soon as I am above. All the time, I remember when I rode 12 hour races, doing rather more than I would in a 300, and also rode between Hertfordshire and Cheshire in a day each way, visiting family (and future wife!)

I can't afford to wait till I can boogie the night away after a 100. I'd never even manage a 200. But I do ride 100s until I know I'll be able to walk after the 200.
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: hellymedic on 04 March, 2016, 10:03:12 pm
I have never wanted to boogie after a long ride. Eat, sit, sleep yes but nothing else.
I was single when I did Audax rides.
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: drossall on 04 March, 2016, 10:21:05 pm
I tend not even to boogie before rides. Or when no ride is in prospect for weeks, for that matter ;D

It remains the case that I fully expect to be able to feel tomorrow's 100km Audax still in my legs on Monday, though not to any incapacitating extent. Just a glow :thumbsup:
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: Ningishzidda on 07 March, 2016, 12:47:39 pm
Hmmm.

The 2014 Tinsel and Lanes by Marmite Geoff was followed on that Saturday night by an evening at my local social club in company of my ‘then and one time’ fiancée. Dancing was a ‘must do’, no matter how lousy I did it. Done though, with admiration from friends when my ‘then and one time’ fiancée told everyone I’d ridden 125 miles on a bicycle earlier.

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: New member and differences between 100km and 200km
Post by: Deano on 07 March, 2016, 11:15:25 pm
Ride the Wiggy 300 - it may still coincide with the Annual Wigginton WI All-Comers' Ballroom Dancing Contest, and if you finish in more than 15 hours*, you'll probably be invited to participate.

*Well, 15-18 hours. After that you have to control at Keith Benton's house, and he'll be utterly charming despite you having just roused him and Anne from bed.