I am going to complete my first of at least 3 centuries this Sun in preparation for IM CDA. My question is I always do the local 20 mile Sat ride. Is it better to skip the ride (do an early morning swim instead) and save my legs for the 100 on Sun?
Quick info: My longest ride was 80 miles 2 weeks ago. The Sat ride splits into different speed levels (18 mph, 20 mph, 22 mph). I normally do the 24 ride.
Thanx for any help you can provide.
Save it for Sunday. Too easy to get caught up in the local ride and go harder than planned (someone will find out about your Sunday plan and invariably work you a bit harder just because) and leave you flat for Sunday. Let it ride for one more day and let loose Sunday.
Unless you are using the 20 mile ride as a skills based ride, it is too short to build endurance. You may be better served by swimming. Although a 20 mile ride is unlikely to beat up your legs much so it should be pretty safe any way you slice it.