Otherwise known as STP. I am looking forward to this extended ride, covering two days, and (depending on which piece of literature you read) biking the 202 (204) miles.
This is my first STP so if you have any words of wisdom, by all means send them my way. So far, what I have gained from others goes like this: drink lots of water, eat small snacks along the way, get butt butter, loose clothes, stiff shoes, and avoid the temptation to eat the big hamburger at the end of the first day.
I liked the mountain climbing that I have done: slow, consistent plodding along for hours with a sense of completion at the end. I imagine that this ride will be much the same. I am looking forward to the fellowship of riders. I am also looking forward to riding a Metrofiets cargobike. Metrofiets has graciously loaned me their Oregon Manifest bike for my trip. I have ridden it a few times and it is a slick and smooth ride. Light for a cargobike. The most notable feature, aside from the superb craftsmanship, is the carbonfiber deck with tie-down notches.
If you see me on the ride, give me a wave as you speed on past.
Part of me is nervous. It is a long distance. Certainly not impossible and I know that I can do anything short of Olympic qualifying. Even though I know this, I have not experienced STP before. I have confidence but no background. And for this reason, I wonder, "what if I do not make it?" Then I think of slogging up a mountain for 12 hours, one step at a time.
Experience 200+ miles. I can visualize 200 miles and how long that takes by car, or train. But to travel it by my own power, will give new meaning to 200 miles. I know what 20 miles on a bike is like and I and sure that 200 is more than 20, ten times, but it does give me some perspective.
I will get to enjoy every curve in the road, wooden fence, field. I will see them at a livable pace. A pace where I can stop and take a second look, instead of racing by at 60 mph.
The goal that I have for this trip is to gain an understanding (appreciation?) of what 200 miles on a bike is like. From there I will be able to imagine any future bike trip.
Map image taken from Preride Guide.
On the STP web site there are several suggestions for training. My training program consists of prayer. I do not have the time or ability (I have three sons under 10) to get away for an extended ride so I will just have to pull this off through determination (ignorance?).
You can follow my ride on Twitter, BikeNounVerb, or Metrofiets.
3 comments:
In addition to water, you should be drinking electrolytes (like sodium and potassium). You will be losing those in sweat. Gatorade is good (only G2 comes without high-fructose corn syrup) because it has these as well as sugar. You can make your own Gatorade.
I drink a lot of water during days I do field work, but I always get chapped lips and feel so much better when I stop and buy Gatorade.
Steven, good point on the chapstick. I always forget this, even when snowboarding or hiking or climbing. But not this time, thanks you to.
I can't wait to read about it! Having ridden two extended rides on that Metrofiets this last week, I can tell you it will be a dream, Travis!
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