Training Update
/27 days from the start of my ride, and training is in full swing. After a winter of strength training, a spring of building a cardiovascular base, and more focus lately on hills and ‘burst’ training, I’ve logged over 2,700 miles this year and will continue training hard up to my ‘rest week’ (one week prior to the ride). I’ll also take some low-intensity recovery rides during that break as well, but in general, my strategy for physical training has been just to go riding whenever I can, for as much as I can. Don’t be a hero, don’t be a wimp. Just get used to sitting on the saddle for hours and hours a day.
I’ve learned a few tips on bikepacking from YouTube videos about packing the right gear, downshifting at the start of a climb, or finding what part of a pedal stroke gives the most power on an incline. There’ve been experiments with my handlebar angle to prevent numbness in my hands, and the best cadence for a faster recovery time while maintaining maximum power. I’ve also gleaned insights from adjusting tire pressure for gravel versus asphalt. So I guess maybe it’s not just the miles.
Sure, watching the Tour de France and the Tour de France Femme helped, I guess.
Of course, I could never keep up with the slowest rest pace of a single one of those riders. Not even close. They’re the world’s best cyclists in the prime of their career, with the finest coaching and technology behind them and the backing of millions of dollars of sponsorship.
I’m a 56-year old hobbit with an off-the-rack bike and a fondness for cheese and excuses.
But pulling myself up a hill, I’d be lying if I said I don’t sometimes conjure the voices of Phil Liggett, Bob Roll, and even Paul Sherwen commentating on my ride. (Whatever it takes, right?) And watching the pro’s form can be instructive, I suppose, if it’s still mostly aspirational.
Hearing from all the donors and supporters has helped (immensely) as well.
I’ve enjoyed the support of so many people in the form of emails, text messages, attaboys of all sorts, and, of course, donations to the two Shore to Seaway 2023 beneficiary organizations: World Bicycle Relief and The National MS Society. So far, donors have contributed $4,152 (69% of the $6,000 goal)! So, thank you!
Of course, before the ride, there’s the logistics.
The details of my trip logistics - how I’ll get to the starting line, what I’ll be carrying with me, how far I can expect to ride each day & where I’ll crash each night, and finally, how to get me and my bike back home - will be in my next post. Being as it’s a solo ride (more or less) that starts somewhere that’s an 8-hour drive from my home in one direction, and ends somewhere that’s an 8-hour drive in another, my travel plans are part of the adventure. How I’ll be carrying and cooking food in the national parks and remote areas of Northern Maine is another part. How I’ll deal with navigation and communication outside of cell service is a third. … But with a bit of thoughtful planning (not the least of which is where to stop for elevenses) … I believe hobbits are just as capable of a little adventure as anyone.
