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"Rip that bandaid off..."

DISCLAIMER:  If you are just getting into Ultra Cycling be cautious and experiment in training to find
your limits. Completing an Ultra should be your primary objective.  Ride within your limits.

I strongly believe you should go as hard as you can for as long as you can and if you fade so what,
you will be further down the road. Time, weather and overall fatigue drains you as the night wears on.  
As the ride drags on it is no longer a physical challenge it then moves to the next level-your psyche.  
Many beginning ultra cyclists take their time in getting through the course and while being cautious and
conservative is important, I believe they are exposing themselves to the elements much longer than they
have to.  

Typically Double Century courses have the majority of the climbing early. Get through the climbing
before it really heats up.  After the climbing, the course usually takes you back to the start through
generally downhill terrain.  I find navigating at night to be much more difficult and would rather do it
during the twilight hours and not at night. Psychologically, when still riding in the 13th, 14th, and 15th
hour you are truly having to dig deep to finish your event.  

Please, heed my advice STAY MOVING, STAY ON THE BIKE and you will have a much more
enjoyable day.  Visit with friends at the finish and enjoy their company over a nice hot meal.  
Let's talk about Did Not Finish the dreaded DNF.

1.  I heard this a long time ago and can't remember where or who but unless your injury will take more
than two weeks to heal then a DNF shouldn't be considered an option.  Some of you may not agree or
may not have a high pain threshold.  I understand how you feel and you must consider your personal
goals and your personal situation above all else.  And while you are considering those things allow me
to introduce other things you should consider.  The months you spent training for this event, the costs
associated with the event i.e. airplane fares, lodging, time off of work, and your crew and their
expenses and their commitment to see you complete the event.  

2.  If your machine is beyond jerri-rigging to finish the event then a DNF seems logical. For certain
events you should have spare parts and you should have the mechanical know-how to repair your bike
and continue.  


The previous two reasons are the most obvious reasons to DNF but what follows isn't so apparent at
the time.

3. Digestive issues they are the bane of an Ultra cyclist. Some days you do everything according to
plan.  You follow your nutrition plan to the "T" and most likely it's the same plan you have used before.  
But today it isn't working and you are bloated or lacking energy.  You have three obvious options:

A.  You can continue to ride.  Many times these things work themselves out.

B.  Change your nutrition protocol to something more simple i.e. water, crackers, bread, soup

C.  Stop riding and let your stomach settle.  

While C goes against one of the fundamentals of  Ultra Cycling, it may be necessary if you wish to
complete the event.  Sometimes it can only take a few minutes off the bike to resolve a stomach issue.  
Sometimes it can take a little longer while sitting in the shade.  Other times, like my 2006 Furnace
Creek, you may have to force yourself to empty your stomach and start over.  But no matter how long
it takes it WILL resolve itself and you WILL be able to continue.  You just have to give it time.  

4.  I would like to stress this point on beginning Ultra Cyclists.  In every event you will feel highs and
lows. I tell people that the bad thing about Ultras is that they are long and you suffer but I also tell them
that the good thing about Ultras is that they are long--- and you have enough time to recover.  It is
difficult to see things from this perspective when you are feeling the worst you have ever felt.   But you
WILL recover.  I think the one thought that goes through every cyclist at one point or another is "Wow
if I feel this bad now (mile 100 of 500) I'm going to feel so much worse later.  Geez! I might even feel
five times as bad!"  

That isn't reality though.  The longer the event goes (drags on- depending on your condition) on the
better the opportunity to recover and feel those highs again.  My advice give yourself some time either
off the bike or keep pushing through it at a lower intensity.  As long as your goals are to finish the
event and you are not concerned about placing-- RIDE ON!
As the winter approaches I just wanted to share some tips for wet weather riding

1.  Watch For Oil Slicks:  Wet weather makes roads slippery.  The rain brings oil to the
surface of roads, making them especially treacherous.

2.  Brake Early:  The wet roads means you will have wet breaks and rims which results in less
efficient breaking. Start breaking early, gradually applying pressure.  This will help clear the water
from you brake pads before you need to stop.  

3.  Corner Slowly: You have less traction on wet roads, so reduce your normal cornering speed.

4.  Avoid Puddles: Puddles can hide holes in the pavement, broken glass and other nasty
surprises. Avoid puddles if possible, or go through them slowly.
5.  Don't Ride The Line:  Painted road lines are extra slippery when wet.  Avoid riding on the
line and corner carefully when crossing over painted road lines, metal plates or service covers.

6.  We Can't See You:  Rainy weather decreases your visibility. Wear bright outer garments so
motorists can see you better.

7.  Dress Code:  Wear a cycling rain poncho or waterproof suit.  If you can afford it, GoreTex
or other breathable fabric will keep the rain out and keep you from feeling clammy.  To keep
your head dry, try stretching a shower cap over your helmet.  Keeps the heat in & the rain out
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