I’m training for a 76 mile race in may and just rode my first time on gravel to train. I rode this on a XC mountain bike but I’m buying a Jamis Renegade steel frame in the next month or so. Any tips or advice for training?
by jesse_maps
I’m training for a 76 mile race in may and just rode my first time on gravel to train. I rode this on a XC mountain bike but I’m buying a Jamis Renegade steel frame in the next month or so. Any tips or advice for training?
by jesse_maps
2 Comments
What kind of gravel? I would say ride harder. Avg heart rate in the 120s woukd suggest that this was very low effort.
Consistency is key. Keep riding regularly. Try for at least an hour ride 3x a week and ideally a longer 2-3hr ride on the weekend.
The most important thing to know is this: you have enough easy access energy in your muscles to go for an hour or so without needing to eat. If you’re going for a ride that is going to be longer, you need to eat. Really this means things that are going to be quick and easy for your body to turn into sugar. You can go fancy and get sports gels, or you can go low tech and get some candy, pbj, etc. but you do need to eat. How much and how quickly will depend on a lot of factors. But like anything, it takes practice and experimenting too.
Also, drink plenty of water and don’t forget sodium too.
I’m personally a fan of drink mixes; gets my sodium and sugar alongside my hydration. I’d suggest looking into Skratch as a starting point. Know you may also need to supplement with additional solid food; don’t plan on just using drink mixes.