Planning For Your Event
So you have decided to do your first Century Ride or CycloCross event or Time Trial. WOO HOO
Good for you. I am a fan of doing races/events as I feel they help with the motivation to keep training and break up the monotony and just doing group rides. So let’s go through a couple steps you should be thinking about.
1. Know the details - This may seem obvious. What is the distance? What type of course e.g. flat or hills; road or trails. Are there time limits. What about food/drink. What will the weather be like? And of course the small details like where, when, how much does it cost.
2. Know your current level of fitness - are you able to ride the distance or ride fast enough to qualify? What do you need to work on to get ready? If not, how will you get ready?
3. Attitude - Are you going to test the waters or are you going to compete and win? Big difference in preparation.
4. Is your bike ready?
When you have answered these questions-then you can start making a plan—of course, this depends on if you signed up with enough time to prepare properly. Make a plan with a Coach or at least talk with other riders in your group to get some advice. Being properly prepared will make a huge difference.