I signed up for RAGBRAI again. I had so much fun in 2021, I decided to do it again. Actually, in addition to the fun, I liked having a goal that guided my training.
I’ve been using Zwift all Winter and Spring so, as the weather finally warmed up here in Virginia, I’m starting the outdoor riding season in good shape. My crucial test last year about my RAGBRAI readiness was a 3 day weekend during which I rode 60 miles each day. This year I accomplished that same goal pretty early in the season.
This year there is a century day during RAGBRAI. I’ve never ridden a century and I wanted to do one before going to Iowa. I signed up for the 6 Pillars Century Ride, but the weather was awful that day and I reluctantly rolled my registration to next year. So my first century ride ever will be during RAGBRAI. This is easily the biggest concern I have about RAGBRAI this year: whether I’ll have a hard time on the century day. Last year there were 2 days of 80+ miles. The century day is not THAT much longer. Nevertheless, I’ve never done it so I’m concerned about preparation.
So far (late May), I’ve done my usual W&OD trail training ride 12+ times this year. That compares with 15 times last year before RAGBRAI. I still have 2 months to train; undoubtedly I’ll get more of those 60+ mile rides done.
Of note:
- This was the first hot weekend. I took deliberate steps to drink more, eat more, and rest more. I’m testing my hydration strategy (Skratch mix) and food strategy (eat before riding, Clif bar, then Blok energy food).
- I LIKE MY NEW BIKE. My Canyon Endurace is a dream to ride. This weekend marked a thousand miles on it. The electronic shifting is smooth and reliable and I don’t have to index the gears. The stiff frame transfers power nicely.
- I put a great saddle on it. No ass problems yet.
- My winter training did wonders. I’m setting personal records on courses that I’ve ridden a hundred times.
- Yesterday I took a break in Purcellville. I was sitting there, quietly eating and drinking, when a car went by. The driver slowed down, rolled his window down, and yelled, “Geaux Tigers!”. I was wearing an LSU jersey. Later that day, I passed a biker going in the opposite direction. After he passed me, he yelled back, “War Eagle!” The lesson: wear interesting jerseys.
