My 16 year old daughter and I are signing up for the ride this year. We've never done anything like this, nor do we currently ride our bikes! I'm taking all tips and advice. We've started riding stationary bikes at the gym and plan to pull out the bikes when the weather changes and I'm done with my ultimate hike training in late April. It's all about bonding and one one time! Let the words of wisdom flow.
-- Edited by CNC Staff on Friday 28th of February 2020 12:40:55 PM
-- Edited by CNC Staff on Tuesday 3rd of March 2020 02:25:11 PM
I have done this ride 20 times and I agree with mtliquor, the 8 week plan is great but most of all just ride, ride, ride. Get yourself used to being in the saddle for hours a day and do as many hills as you can. Go to your local bike shop and make sure your bikes are fitted properly and are mechanically sound. The weather forecast right before the ride is helpful but never totally correct. Pack for everything, cold, hot, wet, and have a decent tent to keep yourself dry. Also prepare yourself mentally for cold, hot, wet. You'll have a great time, why do you think I've done it so many times, you will see interesting things, meet interesting people and I'm sure you'll love the great route CNC always comes up with.
The 8 week plan is pretty spot on. You dont need to do all your miles on the road but it is important that you get in a lot of saddle time. I spent a bunch of time on the road and on trainers at the gym that simulated hills. You will still need to do hills on the road and climbing. Some days I did 30 miles on the road before work and then 20 simulated miles on the trainer afterwards.
Riding on the route you will be riding 15-25 miles on average between rest stops. If you break it down to the mileage between rest stops, it may be easier to look at it as 3-4 rides between them of 20 miles each than one large distance.
If you train for climbing hills, I assure you that you will not be surprised on this ride. Hills and headwinds are some of the hardest things on this ride, but if you train for them, it will just help you to make it!
Bike fit is pretty important too as well as finding a seat/saddle that is comfortable for long days of riding.
Also consider joining and or riding with your local club. They have plenty of experienced riders that can offer advice as well as getting the experience to ride with a large group of cyclists. When starting out on a typical day of CNC you may be in clusters of several hundred riders until the groups open up. That group riding experience will be extremely helpful on this.
Take pictures! You will see lots of interesting stuff, and people! I make a photo book each year and re-live it during the winter. Lots of N.C. history along the way. You will be making memories. Be sure to photo you and your bike on the beach.
A new participant here. My husband and I have been following the 8 week plan and are finding it difficult to get up to the total weekly milage suggested. we normally ride 20 - 50 miles 3-5 times a week . do you think the full ride will be too much for two 60 yo? do you have any other suggestions for riding to help us prepare?
If you are riding 20-50 miles a day a couple times a week you will be in good shape. This is a tour, causal ride for most riders. Ride at your own pace, stop when you want. There are plenty of 70 somethings that do this ride every year.
A new participant here. My husband and I have been following the 8 week plan and are finding it difficult to get up to the total weekly milage suggested. we normally ride 20 - 50 miles 3-5 times a week . do you think the full ride will be too much for two 60 yo? do you have any other suggestions for riding to help us prepare?
60 yos are prime timers ;) There are people in their 80s who have done this ride. My father did it a couple times in his 70s.
I've never done a 7 consecutive day ride and was wondering if the 8 week CNC training schedule is adequate to ensure an enjoyable M2C ride. The second tip on the 8wk training program says you should build up to a weekly total of 3-4 times the average daily mileage of the ride. The final week of the training program totals only 153 miles which is only 2.2 times the average daily mileage of the M2C. Is this enough? Thoughts or advice this first-time rider?
Most long-distance training programs (be it cycling or marathon training) have some tapering down in the final weeks. That's why the mileage is less at the end. You want to have fresh legs for the ride.
I would also second the person who said to think of this as multiple 10-15 mile rides. The rest stops are fantastic on M2C, with food, music, and something interesting to see, not to mention conversations with other cyclists. I usually spent 20-30 minutes at each one.
You need to have a saddle that is comfortable for the full daily mileage, good cycling shorts with padding, and probably some tubes of Chamois Butt'r just in case. I also found that a massage a couple times during the week was a great way to relax after a long day of riding.
Instead of starting a new thread I thought I'd just throw my question in here. I've done RAGBRAI twice and am wondering what the rest stops are like in M2C. I'm sure with only 1,000 riders the stops aren't as elaborate (versus 10,000+), but do groups have fundraisers? (i.e. school groups, scouts, etc. selling water/gatorade/baked goods)
Same question for the overnight towns, church, Vet, scout fundraising dinners?
Love being able to help the local communities that welcome the riders.
The rest stops are pretty awesome. Body Armor electrolytes drinks and water, all the good stuff pickle cups, peanut butter/banana sandwiches, cliff bars, fig bar, trail mix etc. Many of the stops have additional choices like church bake/breakfast sale and awesome food trucks, school fundraisers etc. also many stops are in towns with nice restaurant and ice cream shops, etc. too! A lot of choices but you could do the whole trip on nothing but CNCs well stocked rest stops if you wish.
