Cycling STP (Seattle to Portland) in a day is quite the challenge. Use these ten tips to stay safe and sane on your 202-mile journey to glory. And don’t forget to sign up next year early — tickets sell out fast!
1. Train
This is probably obvious, but working up slowly to the milage is important for your ride to go smoothly. Start cycling at least three months in advance and work your way up to rides over a century (100 miles).
If you can do two centuries in two days, you’ll be able to do two centuries in one day.
2. Eat, Eat, Eat
No matter how well you’re riding, if your tank is empty, you won’t be going anywhere. As you are training, figure out what food works for you.
My rule of thumb is a snack every 20 minutes — whether that is a Shot Blok or a bite of banana– and a meal after 100 and 160 miles. Eat before you’re hungry and you won’t bonk.
3. Drink Up
Before, during, and after your ride, hydration is of utmost importance. The week before your ride, start drinking more than usual — 10 to 12 glasses of water a day. While riding, ensure you are drinking enough by taking regular sips (perhaps after your snack every twenty minutes?). Don’t wait until you’re thirsty — it will be too late.
4. Lubricate
Nothing kills the joy of a ride like a saddle sore. If you don’t want a lopsided, yelp-filled ride, butter up your butt, wear properly-fitting chamois (without undies), and reapply cream as needed.
5. Get Fit
Just as you are getting your body in shape, get your bike in shape. If this is your first long trip or if you are getting reoccurring pain during rides, get a bike fitting! Cycling doesn’t need to be painful, so if you’re feeling numbness or neck or knee pain, get fixed up by an expert.
6. Tune It Up
Before your big ride, make sure your bike is in tip-top shape. Tune up your bike yourself, or take it to your local bike shop to ensure everything is rolling smoothly.
7. Pack Early
Nothing is worse than getting to an event and realizing you forgot your bike. Ah! That happens!
Get your extra tubes, pump, bottles, and sunscreen together two days before your ride. That way, if you’re missing anything, you’ll have time to purchase it. Once assembled, make a list and check it twice on that early ride morning.
8. Ride Right
Riding in groups can be a challenge. Make it easy for yourself and other by knowing the rules of the road. And remember, cycling on roadways is dangerous, so keep yourself and others safe by sticking to the rules.
Pass on the left, be vocal, and stay out of traffic to begin with. Learn the rest, and use it.
9. Don’t Change Anything
It’s ride day and you’ve decided to try your new bike. Stop! Back away slowly.
On your big day, don’t change a thing. You’ve practiced for months and now it is time to stick to your plan. Eat what works, keep your seat in the same place, and stick with those shoes.
10. Have Fun!
The most important thing to remember is this is fun! Stick your bum on your seat, pedal more faster, and look around — you can smell the roses while flying by them.
Just keep spinning. — Arielle
Photo Credit: Thank you to STP for the photo!