180k ride

[Atsuko]

Hi, Coach Ginny
I have a question about our next weekend long ride.  This 180K ride is our longest.  I am planning to do it in Kelowna - around the lake. Today, I was told by a few people that I don't need to do 180K before the race since I can ride the distance ( I have done a 150K ride so far.) and I won't gain anymore than from riding 160K, thus I should just ride 160K instead of 180K.  What do you think about the comment? I understand about not running a full marathon before the race due to higher risk of injury but I"m not sure that applies to riding as well. I am a bit confused right now.  Since you gave us a plan for 180K ride, I would like to hear why you think it's beneficial.  I am totally in for a 180K ride if you believe in its benefit. 
Thanks
Atsuko

[GinnySellars]

Hi Atsuko
A couple of thoughts....

-I agree that riding 180km won't do more for your fitness than riding 160k. What it will do is teach you a few things. You will learn what it feels like to be in the saddle that long. You'll learn how to manage your nutrition over the long haul. You'll learn how you can feel like crapola at 150km, then pull yourself out of it and feel much better 10km later. You'll learn what it feels like to do a transition run after 6 hrs in the saddle. You may have more confidence on race day, knowing you've "been there, done that".

-So if you don't have time to do it, don't worry. It won't really improve your fitness

-If you have the time, grab on to the adventure of it, and enjoy the accomplishment of riding that far.

-You'll come home with a few stories, and a few challenges that made it tough. Share these with the gang, to see if there are solutions to any of them.

-Post a note on the forum to let us know how your adventure unfolded!

[Atsuko]

Thanks, Ginny.
 

[Daniel Auger]

Hello Atsuko,
I agree with Ginny. I did my 180K a two wekends ago and learned few things. The weather was really crappy when I did it (windy and rain) but I am glad that I did. Enjoy your ride.
Daniel

[Atsuko]

Good to hear from you, Daniel. I hope your training is going well. I am overwhelmed by the amount of training we are doing right now but at the same time, I am amazed with myself being able to manage it without any injury or overwhelming fatigue.  A few more weeks of big training and then tapering.  Can't wait for that. 
Atsuko