Bike the Limits 30, 60, and 100 mile ride
May is nearly upon us, which means that San Jose Bike Party’s 4th Annual Bike the Limits ride, a self-supported 60 and 100 mile ride, is around the corner. Save the date: Saturday May 11th, and start getting in shape.
Training Tips and more after the drop…
Training:
Build up your mileage slowly. Join us on test rides for any of our rides if you don’t have a group to ride with. Ride to and from the test rides to add mileage. If you can do 120 miles in a week with 65 miles being on one day, you can do a century. Ride the bike you will be riding on the century. Try out different foods/drinks to find out what you like. You may like a certain flavor energy bar, but it may taste different after you’ve had the same flavor 5 times in the last 5 hours. Eat something with protein within 2 hours of your rides.
Bike:
The third person to finish the first Bike the Limits ride rode a single speed cruiser. It’s not what you ride, but that you are comfortable riding it. Make sure you are comfortable on your bike for extended periods of time. There are no offroad sections, so buy a set of road (smooth) tires for your bike. Get your bike tuned a month before the ride to be able to iron out any problems that may arise. Don’t make any changes on your bike for the 2 weeks before the ride. Make sure your tires are inflated at least two days before the ride (ideally the morning of the ride).
If you have gears, use ‘em! Starting from a standstill takes a lot of energy and strains muscles. Use your easy gears and gradually build up your speed from lights.
Food before the ride:
Eat till you’re satisfied the night before (not too much fat). A light breakfast is recommended.
Food during the ride:
You will be burning about 500 calories/hr. Consume about 200-250 calories/hour every hour. Your body can only digest about 250 calories/hr when you’re exercising so any more than that and the food will sit in your stomach. 200-250 is about 2 granola bars (one pack), 2 kudos bars, 1 energy bar/hour. Eat something with protein (3-4 grams/hour). Pack a lunch or figure out somewhere on the route where you can stop to eat. Things that are salty will taste really good. Most of you will be biking for at least 6 hours + lunch.
EAT BEFORE YOU ARE HUNGRY
Hydration:
16 oz of fluid an hour. More if it’s really hot.
DRINK BEFORE YOU ARE THIRSTY
Electrolytes:
salt: about 300-500mg/hour (most food will have enough salt)
potassium: 100mg/hour
Stuff to bring:
sunblock, sunglasses, something to keep the sun off your head (hat/helmet), tools you know how to use, patch kit/spare tube, device to inflate your tires, credit card, ID, some cash, camera, cell phone, map, lights
Ryan
March 5, 2013
Awesome!
Townie Bill
March 6, 2013
This is an event I’ve missed the last two years but the test rides were taken and endured. There is no reason why this year’s event, Bike the Limits III, shouldn’t be every bit the Century the previous year’s events have been. The ride will be at a good pace but those of us who are rolling heavy, physically out of shape, or maybe of a more muture age may wish to keep a more conversational pace. On the other hand, this is not a ride for the casual cyclist unwilling to set goals and acheive them. To those dedicated cyclist, I reach out. Yes, this is a self supported ride and there could be drops. Plan ahead. Let’s do the test rides and plan to start early for the Bike the Limits ride. Like maybe as early as 7:am on May 11. You in?
Townie Bill
March 6, 2013
This is the 4th Bike the Limits ride?
Wow, time flies.
Brian
March 12, 2013
Ben and I are in if I can the 600K already scheduled. We had a blast last year!
SJSHARK408
March 9, 2013
This seems like a challenge! I’ve done 30 before but never past that. This would be interesting to try, I’ve never done anything like this.
Brian
March 12, 2013
Is John skating again? That makes riding it seem almost to easy.
Ryan
March 12, 2013
Any idea what the route will look like or where it will be located?
Some BIKE THE LIMIT GUY
March 14, 2013
I have a feeling that this year will test some vertical limits along with the century…
Andrea
March 14, 2013
LOVE this!!!
Mariam Morshedi
March 14, 2013
Will this ride include climbs? If so, any idea how many and how difficult?
betsy ward
March 15, 2013
When will the route be announced? I am doing the Cinderella Classic (66mi) in April and want to do my first century in May for my birthday.
Spliffer
March 15, 2013
What a pleasant evening to kick off the busy season for Bike Party!
Let’s endeavor to keep this and all rides “uber-safe & peaceful” my bicycling brethren
Let that signature; SJ Bike Party Community’s “esprit de corps” flow freely throughout the ride.
Remember Bike Party is a family friendly event. Please be on the look out for parents with toddlers in tow.
Let’s follow the rules of the road. If you don’t know THE RULES; just check out: How We RIDE.
I few bicyclist thought it would be cool to do an optional: quiet, and personal homage to the bicyclist who lost his life, a few days ago, while riding — in the bike lane — on San Tomas in Campbell.
All that’s required is just a thought and or, a smile in memory of a fallen fellow bicyclist in yet, another seemingly: senseless accident.
Let’s have fun with this classic theme ride and, always Bike Party safely together forever!
((((((((((((((( May the FORCE be with you! )))))))))))))))))))))))))
Sheldon
May 8, 2013
OK, who’s doing this???!! None of my regular riding buddies will be able to make it. I missed it last year, and don’t wan’t miss it this one, so I guess I’ll ride “solo”. Please feel free to join me if you’re about the 9 hour pace (including lunch break)