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23/01/2010 11:23:27 PM
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Freddy
Posts 13
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Hi All,
Hiw are you feeling after yesterday's MCTDUC?
For those that rode the 150km Stage 4 of the 2009 Gran Slam Series, you'll remember the last few km's from Strathalbyn to Echunga. Well, I gotta say that Milang to Goolwa was much more difficult. The road after Langhorne Creek into Milang and on to Goolwa was the toughest conditions I (in my limited experience) have ridden in.
I am hurting tonight. I mowed the lawns today to try and get some movement in the legs.
I've not been on a ride where I've seen so many people break down both with their bikes and unfortunately themselves.
Couldn't believe the news last night with around 200 people treated or taken in ambulance during the ride.
Credit to all those that gave it a go and got involved.
Great to meet a few people along the way. Rode with a few from interstate during the ride and as a South Aussie it was great to hear glowing comments from those around the country about the whole TDU experience.
Keen to hear what everyone else has to say about the ride.
Cheers F
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23/01/2010 11:50:09 PM
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The Cheez
Posts 23
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I don't know what you're on about. I thought it was a piece of cake personally!
Just kidding. I've written somewhat of a sob story here:
http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/topic134-2010-challenge-tour.aspx?Page=3#post1641
However I do remember at one point between Milang and Goolwa, as I was grinding away at 11 km/hr on the flat, to run through each body part to see how it was faring:
- neck -> stiff as a board and couldn't move it back to horizontal eye level
- shoulders -> severe pain
- triceps -> agony
- lower back -> seizing up boarding on excruciating and severely sunburnt due to an apparent gap between the bottom of the jersey and the top of my bike shorts
- left leg -> quad would cramp when I straightened it and the hammy would cramp when I closed it (agonizing)
- hands -> both palms completely blistered
- hind quarters -> felt like I had become one with the bike (not in a good way)
- front quarters -> fortunately numbed the pain out
- balls of feet -> each pedal made them want to commit suicide
After I gave up at the 151.5km mark I couldn't eat or drink for approximately 3 hours for fear of quickly and violently revisiting whatever I had just swallowed, vowed never to get back on the bike again (I do that after every ride) but right now I am actually looking forward to the next ride.
Still can't walk properly today - my left leg feels like it's been punched 10,000 times just above the knee on the left side. But bloody loved the ride. To all my fellow friends who were left shattered and exposed on the side of the road with their bike flung carelessly as they desperately tried to find a nice piece of gravel to die in, BUCK UP there is always next year!
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24/01/2010 12:07:34 AM
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Freddy
Posts 13
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The Cheez wrote:
mmmmmmm similar symptoms being felt here!
- shoulders -> severe pain
- triceps -> agony
- lower back -> seizing up boarding on excruciating and severely sunburnt due to an apparent gap between the bottom of the jersey and the top of my bike shorts
- left leg -> quad would cramp when I straightened it and the hammy would cramp when I closed it (agonizing)
- hands -> both palms completely blistered
- hind quarters -> felt like I had become one with the bike (not in a good way)
- front quarters -> fortunately numbed the pain out
- balls of feet -> each pedal made them want to commit suicide
After I gave up at the 151.5km mark I couldn't eat or drink for approximately 3 hours for fear of quickly and violently revisiting whatever I had just swallowed, vowed never to get back on the bike again (I do that after every ride) but right now I am actually looking forward to the next ride.
Still can't walk properly today - my left leg feels like it's been punched 10,000 times just above the knee on the left side. But bloody loved the ride. To all my fellow friends who were left shattered and exposed on the side of the road with their bike flung carelessly as they desperately tried to find a nice piece of gravel to die in, BUCK UP there is always next year!
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24/01/2010 1:41:09 AM
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Robert Rau
Posts 149
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Hi,
Practise makes perfect (or something like that). Sore lots of people on their bikes the next day and heard a few rolled to Willunga......me I went to the gym to stretch a few tired muscles (nothing too sore, thats why Im an animal). Wind wasnt too bad, ridden against worse in the Murray to Moyne (cooked in 40 degree heat during the day between Mildura and Ouyen and froze in minus 2 around Cavendish to Hamilton, all in the same day). Phil Anderson once said if you cant find a hill to climb (around Milang there aint much) then ride into a head wind for training, so you can blame Phil for your woes Keep riding as its all an experience an makes you more tough, (as Nick Wood told me once, toughen up - he was absolutely right) - so on me bike and next is the Coast 2 Coast - whos comin?
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24/01/2010 8:40:25 AM
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The Cheez
Posts 23
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Robert Rau wrote:
next is the Coast 2 Coast - whos comin?
I'd love to do the Coast to Coast - in fact I've do it the last 5 or 6 years (not including the one that was abandoned due to heat). However the missus is due on the 5th of March and chances are I'm not going to get a ticket to go off on an all day ride. She'll probably use a guilt trip like "What's more important to you, cycling or your first born?".
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24/01/2010 8:44:10 AM
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Freddy
Posts 13
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Unfortunately I'm off for a work conference then but a week or two after I'm heading to the Otway Classic on the Great Ocean Road - anyone doing that?
Robert, you are a machine - nice work!
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24/01/2010 9:06:52 AM
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Mike Johnson
Posts 6
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My lower back gave in after the 120KM mark and that headwind kicked in! Not too surprising though, it did the same when I attempted my first 100KM on Amy's Ride last year (hadn't gone past 70KM before that) but it provided the strength for my back to survive 100KM rides from then on. I rode the last 40KM in agony and too slow for my pride, but I had to make the end.
Around the 3KM to go mark I noticed my rear had punctured (slow leak) but there was no way my body was going to be able to change it, so I rode on it. Few nicks on one side of my rear rim because the sidewind kept pushing the bike and causing the rim to drop off the rubber onto the road. None too bad though and the rims are nothing special so I wasn't chipping away at my bank balance.
Crossed the line and was ever so happy to lie down on the ground! Got as many liquid carbs in me as I could early, then made sure to eat the majority of my free lunch. I pulled up fine the next day, albeit tired. I'd been 'carb'ing up and over hydrating myself in prep for the ride as best I could. Apart from my back failure I think the rest of me arrived in Goolwa nicely.
Will core exercises help my back on those occasions when I ride past my usual weekly limits? I know if I keep doing 130+KM rides my back muscles will adjust and support me for that long, but can I create the strength off the bike? I'll be on the coast to coast in march and would love to ride home from it, but I'm a little concerned. I'm confident I can make it there in comfort, but I may die on the ride home :P
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24/01/2010 12:38:42 PM
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Robert Rau
Posts 149
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If soreness of the back is caused by muscle weakness and not a skeletal problem then core strengthening exercises should be fine and benefit you greatly. I got some abdominal exercises ages ago in the gym regularly do some back strengthening ones (besides losing the weight). Also I use a Concept 2 rower regularly in the gym and have improved alot, and it is more fun than the treadmill as I hate walking. Ride to work everyday which is a 10 km round trip and ride about 3 times a week - average about 50-70km per ride. Roughly once a month I manage to squeeze in a double century. All I can say is ride regularly.....diet is my downfall as I still like cuppacinos and pizza too much.....cowabunga dude
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24/01/2010 10:53:15 PM
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Mike Johnson
Posts 6
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Thanks Robert.
I don't think it's skeletal problems though I can't be certain, but after the pain on Amy's ride my back adjusted to handling 100KM rides, so I prefer to believe it's muscle related. I've started stretching most nights even when not riding to help out with posture on the bike and I'll make sure to add some core exercises to the mix.
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25/01/2010 12:23:36 AM
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Michael Warner
Posts 121
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You should try to stand up regularly, which relieves strain on your back as well as allowing some blood to flow through your arse! And while you're standing, stop pedalling for a few seconds, arch your back and twist it from side to side as far as you safely can. If you can ride no-hands, sit up straight and stretch your shoulders, too.
I find that if I ride hard for more than about 20 minutes without standing, large parts of my body start to complain about it, and I feel stiffer the next day.
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25/01/2010 7:04:29 PM
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Alice Paterson
Posts 1
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I am shocked at the organisation of the Challenge Tour. I knew there was only one food stop but never expected for there only to be a banana waiting for me upon arrival. After the $145 entry fee, one would expect (at the very least) fruit cake, lollies and various fruits. The water stations were always packed and waiting in the sun for 20mins was unacceptable. After speaking to friends they have all said they'll never do it again and neither will I.
It was dangerous to put cyclists in that situation so I decided to voice my concerns to try and make a difference and change it for those next year. There have been a few others who called to complain but the more who call, the better action we'll have. They won't read it here.
Here's who I called:
Mike Rann's Office 8258 0480
SA Tourist Commission 8463 4500
Tourist Minister (Jane Lomax-Smith) 8226 1205
Ian Evans 8278 5844
Santos Tour Down Under 8463 4701
It doesn't take long just to inform them that you were disappointed. At the very least, let the Ian Evans and the SA Tourist Commission know. If they hear enough about what needs to be done, they must change it. I almost fell over when I head the main person in charge of organising the Challenge Tour does not actually own a bike (they do not understand the requirements of cycling 160km).
$145 x 7500 (there were more that 7500 on the ride)
= $1,087,500 (hmmm, how did we afford Lance?)
Where did that million dollars go? I don't think it went into ensuring cyclists were safe and well looked after, that ride was done "on the cheap" and it put us all at risk. I was shocked at how many fit and young looking men were lying on the side of the road with drips in their arms. They need to know it was unacceptable.
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26/01/2010 12:31:42 AM
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Robert Rau
Posts 149
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Training for these type of events is an essential element like the back up the riders receive when the wheels start to fall off (so to speak). The emergency services looked very busy and they should be congratulated on their efforts and the marshalls and police that directed traffic had a very difficult job on the day. It is strange how Mike Rann can secure some water from NSW with our tax paying dollars, but it was very difficult to source water on the day at the drink stops, and shade was at a premium. Still the traffic remains a huge problem as people attempt to retrieve riders and bikes, but not so bad as last year where the event was very dangerous. The TDU is not my favourite ride on the social calender and lucky its not the only major one - me thinks peoples hearts have been won over to Ride like Crazy, and people know what value for their money is about...
Hope riders are learning that they need good preparation, and organisers learning that certain aspects of an event can not be skimped on. Eventually everyone will receive email evaluation for feedback and it is our responsibility to offer constructive feedback......me, I just like to ride and ride any damn distance beyond anyone else can handle as that is a challenge Start training and enjoy the bike, next year will then be easier and hopefully more people will have less difficulties other than the occassional flatty Im dying for a good cuppacino after one of these rides but can never find one.....
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26/01/2010 12:07:36 PM
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Corks
Posts 16
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Alice, one sympathises with the plight of many of the riders taken ill during the course of the ride but I feel your direct broadside at the ‘organisation’ is a shade near-sighted. In anyone’s language 160km is a long way and as Robert quite rightly states straight-up, nothing can take the place of proper physical preparation for events such as these. It is understandable that many riders (perhaps including yourself) had got caught up in the excitement of an amateur leg as a prologue to a Tour stage, but unless you regularly ride upwards of 3-4 hours (or 4-5 hours if you average say 20-25kph), it is a physiological fact that you will not complete a ride of 120-140km with any dignity – this is BEFORE you even add other extremities to the equation such as heat, wind and adrenalin. Again, it does not matter if you are fit enough to go to the gym two or three times a week, you play social tennis or netball on the weekend, or you can swim 100 lengths of an Olympic size pool – you will NOT be able to complete a 160km bicycle ride unless you can ride > 75% of a 160km bicycle ride regularly. I suppose what I am saying is that one must take responsibility for THEIR OWN organisation in endurance events such as these. When a human body collapses and requires medically induced rehydration, then categorically the body was not in a sufficiently hydrated state 72 - 96 hours beforehand. Frankly speaking, it would not surprise me if over 50% of participants were not sufficiently hydrated when they sat on the starting line in Norwood that morning (not least because of the very warm night prior). My post may seem a bit harsh, but unfortunately these are the realities of doing such an event (as for a genetically gifted athlete or not).
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26/01/2010 7:20:37 PM
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Daniel Kelly
Posts 41
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Interesting, I didn't wait at all at any of the drink stations....sure the food stop wasn't great, but honestly is a bit of fruit cake or a lolly really going to make that much difference?
Other rides people compare this too are missing a pretty big point, they don't have 8,000 going.
Prepare for it properly, take plenty to keep you going, top up on the way, too easy.
edited by Daniel Kelly on 26/01/2010
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26/01/2010 7:58:22 PM
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Mike Johnson
Posts 6
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Daniel Kelly wrote:
Other rides people compare this too are missing a pretty big point, they don't have 8,000 going.
Amy's ride didn't have 8000 riders to deal with, nor the excessive funds that 8000 riders delivers yet they managed to have more than 8 taps at a single drink stop.
I prepared for the ride and that's probably partly why I didn't go home in an ambulance, but when the TDU ride is the most expensive (that I know of) on the Adelaide calendar, I _do_ expect the same if not more in regards to support.
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26/01/2010 9:24:14 PM
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JDL
Posts 48
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There are two completely separate issues here, the supposed hardness of the ride, due the headwind, and the drink/food stops...
In relation to the first issue, I agree with Robert and Corks, if you didn't train and prepare (and hydrate and eat correctly in the lead up) then it's no real surprise that some people found the ride beyond them.. I've done the 2003, 2005, 2009 and 2010 Challenge Tours (or Breakaway/Be Active Tours as they were previously called). In my opinion, this is the easiest one they've ever put on... Climbs all out of the way in the first 50ish km and then all downhill, flat to the finish... Yes, the headwind out of Milang was tough but all part of the challenge... Just click down a few gears and keep pedalling, doesn't matter if you're going slow, as long as you're moving... Encountering a headwind at 115km or whatever isn't any harder than encountering Menglers Hill at about the same distance, which is what normally happens.. A big climb is probably a bit easier mentally, because riding into a headwind is so f^*king boring and climbing's more fun (and you expect the climb, headwinds sneak up on you!), but physically it's not much different I wouldn't have thought..
As far as the drink/food stops go, I didn't have a problem with the drink stops at all. There were plenty of them and I didn't think the wait was unreasonable at any I stopped at... The one at Milang was probably the only exception due to lack of water pressure... I think everyone agrees the food was a crap arrangement.. Should have been more stops and more food on offer, however experienced cyclists should have been carrying their own food to get by..
So all in all I don't think the ride itself or the organization was that bad, I'm sure they'll fix the food thing next year..
edited by JDL on 26/01/2010
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27/01/2010 11:38:06 AM
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Neanderthal Nick
Posts 1
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Corks wrote:
It is understandable that many riders (perhaps including yourself) had got caught up in the excitement of an amateur leg as a prologue to a Tour stage, but unless you regularly ride upwards of 3-4 hours (or 4-5 hours if you average say 20-25kph), it is a physiological fact that you will not complete a ride of 120-140km with any dignity – this is BEFORE you even add other extremities to the equation such as heat, wind and adrenalin.
I think Corks is overstating the need to prepare with long distance rides in advance of an event such as the TDU leg, at least for those of us whose target is simply to get to the end before everyone else has gone home. I agree that you need to work yourself up to a certain level of fitness but beyond that diet and hydration seem to be the key.
I only took up cycling back in September and my basic training runs last 30 minutes (Monday to Friday) and up to 1.5 hours on the weekend, I have never trained at a distance over 70km. Since September I have entered and completed the full distances for Amy's Ride; Ride Like Crazy and the TDU stage - in all cases I have arrived at the end with enough dignity to keep me happy (though I must admit that at the end of Amy's Ride I finished with an empty tank). As far as I can see the most important aspect of preparing for a long distance ride is to start the carb loading at the right time and to make sure that you are fully hydrated before the start, when on the ride just keep eating and drinking to the finish. For the record I rolled into Goolwa at 1.15 and had time to soak up the atmosphere along Cadell Street before watching the professionals finish their race at an unbelievably fast pace. It was a great day.
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27/01/2010 2:05:20 PM
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Jason Daniels
Posts 30
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In rides like these, you need to ensure that you are not the weakest link. If you put reliance in others to feed and water you, then you're opening yourself up to someone else failing in their duties. Self sufficiency is paramount. Know the course and know where you can stock up if required.
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27/01/2010 5:56:57 PM
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Corks
Posts 16
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Yeah Nick, granted my emphasis on solid endurance riding is aimed more at an above-average rider, but still I think the principle holds for any level but no doubt everyone is different in the way they respond to a training load.
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27/01/2010 8:44:48 PM
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Liv Pilla
Posts 6
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I'd have to agree with Alice on this one. The ONE food stop was poorly organized this year. Even though people should have taken along some of their own food (and thank god I did!) to have only banana's at one stop is ridiculous... particularly given the cost of the event. $140 is hardly worth the cheap jersey and a few banana's. I'm a Dietitian, I've done this ride many times before and a several longer... And I know how much fuel you need for a 5-7hour ride. It's not to say you couldn't do it carrying all of your own food... but this is supposed to be a SUPPORTED event! If I wanted to ride 160km carrying all of my own gear then i'd do it for free and save myself from wearing that pitiful jersey.
The group that started at Woodside got to Strath before the food stop was even set up. So they got nothing! And what annoyed me the most was that there was NO sunscreen! Done on the cheap is correct... This should be a safe, fun, community event. Not a money making oppurtunity.
Riders have to take responsibility by preparing correctly, but they should also be given the best support $140 can buy. My 2 cents
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