Advice for century back to back

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I'm going to enter a back to back century ride next month, 120 miles one day and 120 miles the next. I'm concerned about my available carbs as all my loading will have been expended on the first day (I suspect), leaving only the night before to load up for the next day.

Has anyone got any tips for how to deal with this?

Ta

Ssushi

Are you planning on riding as fast as you can, or are you going to relax and enjoy the scenery? Will there be lots of hills, or is the terrain more moderate? If you are not going to turn it into a personal best attempt, then you can just ride at a pace that won't completely deplete your energy resources on the first day. Even so, you will need to consume plenty of carbs while riding. I usually carry energy bars and gel with me on the bike even on rides with fantastic food stops. I find that I can have trouble eating enough regular food to provide me with sufficient energy otherwise, because on rides like that I eat more than twice as much as I would normally. Doing at least one century ride before this event would be very helpful in determining what your fitness and endurance levels are. I do a ride like that every May in Montana, and I try to remember on day 1 that there will be a day 2 requiring just as much energy. More info on your goals for the ride would be helpful.

The ride is generally flat and I intend to go at it but not flat out. I don't want to be meandering my way though it though.

I've completed a 120 mile ride (v. hilly)a few months ago and found I had plently of energy at the end. I can eat easliy on the bike and would do so regularly.

It sounds like you have a pretty good idea as to what your capabilities are, so I don't think you will have any problems as long as you pay attention to any signs your body may be giving you on fatigue or energy levels.

Originally posted by Ssushi
I'm going to enter a back to back century ride next month, 120 miles one day and 120 miles the next. I'm concerned about my available carbs as all my loading will have been expended on the first day (I suspect), leaving only the night before to load up for the next day.

Has anyone got any tips for how to deal with this?

Ta

Ssushi


With that sortof mileage for two days you need to be eating on the bike....plus a big feed that night.....try and set yourself a schedule while you are riding......ie drink every twenty minutes....carb drink every hour.....and adjust it according to the conditions....the way you come unstuck is if you dont have a schedule....the pace goes up....you dont eat or drink for extended periods.....and you pay for it the next day!!!!

I'm with Shaneo here - try and make sure that you keep yourself fuelled on the bike. After the race, be sure to get fluids inside you asap (preferably a recovery drink) and try and get some food in you within the first 20 minutes.

That evening, be sure to get plenty of rest and eat a moderate meal with good carb content. Don't overdo it too much as you don't want to be bloated for the next day.

On the day of the 2nd race, if you have time eat a moderate brakfast 2 hours before the start (to give it time to be digested).

Try and stick to a routine that is close to normal. Race day is not the time to go experimenting with new diets and foods. Find out in advance what food works for you on the bike (gels, bars, bananas (ripe), bread rolls etc). If you eat sensibly you should find that you'll have the energy reserves you need for both days. Make sure to hydrate properly (if your pee is clear then you're getting the liquid you need - but don't overdo it).