So, on a lark, I registered for a 90 mile race early this year. Now that it's only two weeks away starting to get anxious -- even though its not a 'A' race or anything.
This season I have not done any ride longer than 60 miles. But twice a week, I do one around 48-56 and one around 40-45 -- both hard rides incorporating intervals. This equates to 3 and 2.5 hours in the saddle respectively (mileage varies due to length/intensity of intervals). On a weekly basis I average about 10 hours in the saddle.
I am a cat 5 and, at this point in the season, am active (pulling/taking digs etc) in the front of my typical 35-40 mile races.
Last year, the lead group of 26 riders in this race averaged 24 mph. The group makeup appears to be a fair number of cat 1's and ex-pros --> Andrew Crater (ex pro) was the winner.
Soooo - if I did absolutely no work, is it conceivable that I could hang with that lead group and gain some insight into how the big boys ride? Or is the difference between 50 and 90 miles so great that I should consider myself lucky to finish?
- K
This season I have not done any ride longer than 60 miles. But twice a week, I do one around 48-56 and one around 40-45 -- both hard rides incorporating intervals. This equates to 3 and 2.5 hours in the saddle respectively (mileage varies due to length/intensity of intervals). On a weekly basis I average about 10 hours in the saddle.
I am a cat 5 and, at this point in the season, am active (pulling/taking digs etc) in the front of my typical 35-40 mile races.
Last year, the lead group of 26 riders in this race averaged 24 mph. The group makeup appears to be a fair number of cat 1's and ex-pros --> Andrew Crater (ex pro) was the winner.
Soooo - if I did absolutely no work, is it conceivable that I could hang with that lead group and gain some insight into how the big boys ride? Or is the difference between 50 and 90 miles so great that I should consider myself lucky to finish?
- K