SO I need some suggestions…I have a 105 mile ride scheduled for Saturday for my IMFL training. Here in NC the weather is going to stink. Heavy rain and thunder all day. I’m supposed to do a 14 mile run on Sunday. First thought was switch days and hope that the weather improves by SUnday. Which it is still looking pretty crappy for Sunday.
My last thought (and oh how this blows my mind) is doing the ride on my trainer!!! ugh!!! How many hours would that be on a trainer? Isn’t there some conversion factor for trainer riding vs riding on the road like 60 min equals 90 min? Anyone know about that? 6 hours to 7 hours on a trainer sounds thrilling doesn’t it.
If there isn’t thunder and lightening I would go for it, I had a couple 4+ hour rides in the rain training for IMLP, my mental thought those days was, “Today I gain a day on everybody else.” You are out there and most likely they are not, take some pride in that.
However, if the storms come through heavy, based on Chris Carmichael’s book, he say 1.5 hours on the trainer is 2 hours on the road, so if you are looking to get a 6 hour ride in, 4.5 on the trainer should be a good subsitute.
I knew that would be what people said. It’s rained for 3 days the roads are saturated. We have local flooding. I believe they are saying 4 inches more of rain. Now, if it’s race day you go. But the roads are down right not safe becuase of how much rain we’ve had. Plus they are saying thunderstorms in the afternoon. So I’m not being a wimp about not riding in the rain. DOne it many of times but these conditions are a bit different. So trying clarify that I’m not a complete wimp! hehe!
I have been training through rain and the occasional thunderstorm all summer long. My mantra all summer has been “rain or shine”. Today however all of the streets where I live are flooded. This morning while driving to work I was worried that my engine would flood. At this point it is looking like a Computrainer/Treadmill kind of day
Based on your description I say do 4.5 hours on the trainer, take a bathroom break at 1.5 and 3 just to make sure everything is still working, get yourself a nice setup, plan out what you will watch or listen to, it won’t be so bad, enjoy the ride.
If the roads are unsafe, do not ride. If you crash a month before the race, you will not be happy. Also, depending on the temps, riding in the rain can increase the chances of getting sick before the race (I always do). Long trainer rides can also help develop mental toughness. If you have a CT, you can set up a good session. If not, get on a regular trainer and develop a specific plan for the ride and pound it out. I am likely to forgo a 5 hour ride tomorrow (in NJ) for 2 hours on the CT. No worries.
I’ve got 5+ myself tomorrow for IMF. Calling for morning showers here in Cleveland, temp probably in the 40’s when I start, high of 54 and clearing as the day goes on. I’ve got 3 buddies who’re supposed to go with me, which makes it easier. Assuming they don’t bail, and they shouldn’t as they’re racing too. So you’re not alone. The last month before IMF is always a treat in Ohio:) That said, I’ve done the Kona Ironman course on my Computrainer in the past, with a break every hour. Hope I never have to do that again.
I’d recommend in door training if the weather is really bad… Light rain, go outside… But torential down poors, decreases visability for drivers out there, who in turn, well… Let’s not go there.
I ended up doing most of my long stuff indoors for my upcoming IM. I hit the road last Tuesday for a 6 hour / 106 miler and ended up feeling great without having been on the bike longer then 4.5 hours on the trainer.
If you get sick from the ride in the rain you will be in a worse situation than missing a ride. You are too close to IMFL to have health issues. Now if you are going to be riding in the rain and it’s 80 degrees outside then do the ride.
Personally I would rather go into a race undertrained and healthy than to race sick or overtrained.
Rain is one thing - lighting and electrical storm activity is another. If it’s the latter, I would not ride in or near that type of weather. If it’s garden vareity rain, then - get out there. Where warm cloths. Put a little extra lube on the chain. Plan a route that you can grab a quick warm tea to warn up if its really cool. I actually find riding and running in the rain not that bad - even quite pleasent. Roads are usually quieter and the air fresher.
If you decide to ride in the rain, make sure that you take care of your bike thoroughly after the ride. Wipe it down good and clean and lube the drivetrain.
Also, be careful of increased breaking distances in the rain.
Motorists tend to be less observant in the rain. Might want to have a light and more reflective clothing.
I am done with rain rides. CT all the way. Break it into pieces for sanity sake. Hey, maybe spread it over the day (say 3 x 1.5 hours with a few hours between).
To all of you bitching about that weather, I don’t want to hear you say in another thread how great your towns are. Your weather sucks!
As someone who rides with fenders 6 months of the year–I can tell you that no fender does a bit of good in the sort of rain which this guy’s talking about–and this close to the event, I really question either approach (6 hour trainer ride or slogging in the rain).
I agree with the 3 x 1.5hr rides, or even 2, and go in a little fresher.
