The ChapStick Ride

Trucs de pros.

This winter reminded me of the never-ending winters spent living in northern Alberta. Cold Lake was home to some hardened cyclists. Ray – national team, rode for Tim Horton’s; Jose – Cat 1 roadie; and Paul – Elite national triathlete. The rest of us hung on to their wheels.

Our spring classic: the ChapStick Ride – Edmonton to Cold Lake, 250 km, with six to eight hours in the saddle. Jose routinely carried ChapStick SPF 40 in his jersey pocket, happy to hand out to any broken soul who “bonked” along the way. “Hey man, if I’m dragging your butt to Cold Lake let’s keep those lips soft and supple.” It’s a cruel world.

Let me share a few tips to help you avoid the ChapStick.

Group rides and etiquette

You learn valuable skills riding with stronger riders. Let everyone know you will spend the majority of time in the draft. You can take brief turns up front, no more than 30 seconds, then peel off. This way the pace stays high and you contribute to the effort. No aerobars, ever.

Pro tip: ride in single file. Without proper safety support, two or more cyclists riding abreast is dangerous on open roads. Don’t do it.

Fueling for the long ride

Endurance performance depends on what type of fuel you have available, where it is stored and how quickly you can access it. Early in the season, take a “fasted” approach, no food or sugar products. Electrolytes and water only, at least for the first three hours. This is how to train the fat metabolism process. Go easy and keep the ride aerobic.

Pro tip: do these on your own so you can control the pace. Get used to it; you race alone. During your race simulation sessions, practice with race nutrition.

It’s time to hit the roads and get in the wind. See you out there, and yes, I carry extra ChapStick.

 

Tony O'Keeffe39 Posts

Tony O’Keeffe a réalisé son lot de défis sportifs. Détenteur des titres de champion du monde dans sa catégorie d’âge du Ironman 70.3 et du Ultraman Kona Hawaï, il a complété plus de 30 Ironman avec multiples podiums et six premières places dans sa catégorie d’âge, neuf Championnats du monde Ultraman en plus de trois RAAM (Race Across America). / Tony O’Keeffe has succeeded at more than his share of sports challenges. Holder of World Championship titles for his age category in Ironman 70.3 and Ultraman Kona Hawaii, he has completed more than 30 Ironman events with multiple podium finishes and six first places in his age category, nine World Ultraman Championships as well as three RAAM (Race Across America) events.

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