Bicycle tour

Hi......

I did the Seattle-to-Portland w/i six weeks of radiation last year. This was 202 miles over 2 days.  I remember that I had to make sure I ate all the anti-bonk potions as crashed each day between mile 20-30.  I think I am just fine for this year.

I think this is a question of managing energy.  I can't do a major cycling event w/o my friends: Accelerade, GU gel, and shot blocks.  Plus any number of other energy potions.

When you are doing a major amount of miles, you need to do everything that we have been trained NOT to do.  You need sugar; you need calories; huge meals are probably too much, but you do need high energy snacks. 

You also need to push yourself.  That is how you get stronger.

But unless you put major calories into your system, you won't get there.  Because, you don't want to be doing an event where your body needs 3500 calories and feed it 850.  It will tank on you every time.

My friends who cycled across the country last year were consuming 7000-8000 every day.  I think more than you need, but you get the gist of what I am saying.

Good luck.  My two pieces of advice are to make sure you are getting enough calories, plus train.  Oh, and make sure you keep your tires pumped up.  Major difference in cycling 50 miles with 110 psi vs 80 psi. - Claire

Hi Marianna,

I will be the STP rider with the ankle brace as wiped out about 10 days ago.  I think I will be fine to ride, but obviously not trained quite as much as I would like to be.

I did the STP last year w/i 6 weeks of finishing radiation.  I found I needed to use all my energy potions between Mile 20 and Mile 30 each day.  Otherwise, I had enough stamina to ride the 100 miles each day.

I need to get a box of GU gels as a lifeline.

I did have less lung capacity following radiation, which I think was better about 6 months later.  Noticed a big surge in energy then.  But don't think totally healed as pulled my lower pec about 4 months ago x-country skiing in heavy powder.

I think I have full energy now and both pecs are now healed.

Now if I can get that foot/ankle to feel better.  Will be training anyway this weekend as will be dead meat otherwise.

One other thing.  The official hydration stuff is Nuun which I find useless as no sugar in it.  I need sugar, so be forewarned.  I normally use Accelerade.  Again, you need calories.  Otherwise, you bonk which is no fun.  I have done that one too, which is why I am giving this warning.

Sort of like stopping at the Starbucks on my up skiing and saying "I want the breakfast sandwich with the most calories." - Claire

p.s.  I will also say that nothing with breast cancer treatment equals getting back on that bicycle seat on Day 2.  Really!!!

Forgot to mention that a latte sets you up for Day 2.  This is WA state so you will find the drive up espresso stands along the route.  Some guys stopped at the Cowgirls one last year, and woke up really fast at 6 AM when they were served by baristas wearing next to nothing.

There will be enough adrenalin going to get you through the start of Day 2.

I suggest ibuprofen too.

Make sure you pack a warm sweater.  I have needed it.  I have a v neck cashmere sweater I bought on eBay.  I wore on Day 2 the last 2 years.  You can have a hot first day (80s) and a chilly second day (near 60).  If really hot, people are out with hoses.

There are usually only a few really hot days in Seattle.  People come here with summer clothes and freeze.  It's 54 out right now, going up to the high 60s today.

You may not need the sweater, but you don't want hypothermia either.  During last year's LIVESTRONG, hypothermia was no joke.  I had on TWO sweaters and still froze.

I am sure though that you will find this weather a treat after roasting in Texas. - Claire

Wow, thanks for the information! I am glad to know about the drive thru coffee, as I am an addict and was worried about getting enough caffeine on Day 2, as we're staying in a church in Centralia.  Not sure how well I'll be sleeping after a night on the floor on a pool floatie. 

So, as I was reading the guide, I noticed that there are rest stops where you have to pay for food?  Is that the norm on this ride? I need to bring cash if that's the case.  We were a little puzzled by that, and wondered if that was every stop, or just the "mini-stops" on the route.  

We are shipping our bikes out tonight, so we're officially road bike-less for a week. Have toyed with the idea of putting some miles on my mountain bike.... lol, train heavy, ride light.  

Thanks for the tips on the clothing. I got my tyvek jacket in the mail, and figured I would use that with a long sleeve jersey, plus a tank style undershirt. Is that enough, or do you think a sweater as well?  I'll bring one in any case. I also wanted to pack my knickers and leg warmers.... do you find that those are good for the ride? How wild to be talking about sweaters in July. I am so happy to cycle in cooler weather. It is brutal here, and our last ride topped out at around 101 degrees, which I find dreadful. 

I would put in some miles on my mountain bike this weekend, if I were you.  I think you need this extra training.

Actually, Group Health doesn't sponsor ME, just the event.  They do a number of other ones, and even have a fitness website for members (they are a cooperative) and employees.  Was wonderful fun calling my radiation oncologist a weenie last year.  This was during my follow up visit.

I was the one doing the ride, and he is also a cyclist.  He agreed with me BTW.

Glad I was able to help here.  I have learned all this the hard way.

Hi Marianna,

Wanted to send you and your group my best wishes, and yes, I will post how it goes.  Glad I told you to bring sweaters as really needed mine yesterday.

Picked up my packet, so am really excited. It's always quite the adventure. - Claire

Marianna and I both got to Portland!!!  We are both still eating everything in sight.

Anyway, I posted a pic in one of my other recent posts.  I was absolutely fine, other than my trashed ankle which was really hurting towards the end.

Fundraising was for Cascade.  Just the most amazing cycling here. - Claire