This page will highlight the Basics - What you need to know to be able
to ENJOY the organized rides in your area. Here in Cleveland, Ohio, the
first ride for many new bikers is the MS 150 - Pedal to The Point. It
receives a lot of press, and is very well known by a lot of people - bikers and
non-bikers alike. Ironically, it is the ride that has the busiest SAG
(Support And Gear) wagons, picking up tired, cramped and fatigued riders.
Why? Most cyclists agree that the MS-150 attracts a lot of new,
inexperienced people to bicycling. That's GREAT... but YOU MUST TRAIN in
order to complete... let alone enjoy... the ride!
I've talked to a few people who said, "I tried that ride.. it was too
hard. I'd NEVER try it again... and I'd tell everyone NOT to do
it..." Upon further investigation, you will find that these same
people will also tell you that the farthest ride they completed before that was
under 20 miles... or worse - they just bought a bike at K-Mart the day before!
Training really is quite simple - no matter what your age, weight, sex or
physical condition. The key is... START OUT SLOW!! Go as far as you
can COMFORTABLY go. DO NOT over exert yourself! Be sure to DRINK
PLENTY OF WATER before, during, and after your rides!! Proper hydration is
critical - especially in the summer months! After your ride, relax!
Be sure to stretch before and after your ride, as well as during your
breaks! Do another ride on the same course a few days later. When
you're comfortable with the distance, try to go just a bit further.
Steadily increase your speed and your distance, and before you know it, you're
ready for the organized rides!!
Believe it or not, you only need to complete a ride of 25 miles once a week
for several weeks before the date of the organized ride you'd like to
participate in. 25 miles may sound like a lot, but many of my friends are
shocked to learn that the FIRST ride I take them on.. at THEIR pace.. and at
THEIR speed... ends up being between 15 to 18 miles! Now that's at a
relaxed pace! After several weeks of steadily increasing your distance and
speed, see how easy it is to get to 25 miles?
But Brian - the MS-150 is 75 miles... EACH WAY!! That's TRIPLE the
mileage... and I have to go back and do it again the next day!!
RELAX!!! My wife said the same thing in 2000!! She trusted me... and
completed a 25 mile ride once a week with me and some of our riding
friends. When it was time for the MS-150, she was ready! The fact
that you've conditioned your body, plus the adrenaline of the ride itself, along
with the camaraderie of the other riders will get you to the finish line!!
Remember - the ride IS NOT a race!! Go at your own pace, take as many
breaks as you feel you need to, and HAVE FUN!!!
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