BB200 Training Plan

[gairym]

Evening folks,

I know, I know, it's a little early to be thinking about preparation for an event in mid-October but I'm already thinking about what kind of shape I need to be in in order to successfully complete the BB200*.

(*note: by 'successfully' I'm thinking of a finish of around 28 hours realistically but obviously I'd be delighted with a sub-24 hour finish)

I don't really know my ass from my elbow when it comes to training plans and so I was wondering if some enlightened chap/chapette on here might fancy jotting down a few pointers or an outline of suggested targets that someone hoping to get round the BB200 route in a (semi)reasonable time might follow in order to get them into decent shape in time???

For example what should I be capable of two months before the event in order to be ready in time? What can I do now to pre-prepare? Working on just long distance or with interval/intensity training too?

All of the online training plans I've taken a look at seem to be aimed at century road rides at best and so aren't going to be much use in this case.

I'm guessing that a fair few others on here would benefit from such a plan too and so any assistance would be a beautiful selfless act and I'm sure would be rewarded in the next life (not that I believe that but it's better than stating that I've got nothing to offer in return for any assistance).

Cheers in advance and (with a little luck) I'll see you on the start line!

Gairy.

[mountainbaker]

Do long rides, with lots of hills (>=1000 foot per 10 miles), include hike-a-bike, don't avoid it. Work out your eating plan on long rides, this is where I went wrong last year. Now I tend to eat something every hour on long rides, maybe just a flapjack most hours, but then a proper fill around normal meal times.

When you're riding, and you start thinking "I want a break soon" make yourself ride a bit further, like the top of the next hill. Nothing worse than taking a break at the valley floor, enjoying sitting by a stream for a bit, then getting on and climbing that killer hill with cold legs.

[Richpips]

I know, I know, it's a little early to be thinking about preparation for an event in mid-October but I'm already thinking about what kind of shape I need to be in in order to successfully complete the BB200*.

I'd say it's far from being too early. You'll need to do some hard work between now and then if you're not already reasonably fit.

I'd aim for 4 decent rides a week, two working on speed intervals, maybe 2-3 hours each, and the others as longer 4+ hours to start, moving up to 8 hours back to back. Do one of your rides at least with a laden bike.

If you want a tester, maybe 6 weeks before aim for a 80 miler (with all your gear).

On the longer rides concentrate on eating and drinking without faffing. Efficient riders can save a lot of time.

[barney]

Problem #1 is that I don't have a car midweek and at the weekend I can only do short rides for family reasons

Problem #2 there are no local off-road trails with any decent hills, my midweek training is therefore limited to longer rides but on country lanes/smallish off-road climbs with my full kit on my bike.

So I'm not really getting too much hike-a-bike/bog/proper climbs except on shorter weekend rides

Should I be concerned? I'm really after finishing any time (last will do) although obviously don't want to keep Stu waiting hours after everyone else is home.

[slarge]

In that case do lots of threshold work, and some intervals. You are trying to build power and endurance, so the excuse of "no car" should mean you ride your bike everywhere. Don't worry about the lack of local trails, ride on the road, just do lots and lots of it.

[gairym]

Thanks guys.

Do long rides, with lots of hills (>=1000 foot per 10 miles), include hike-a-bike, don't avoid it. Work out your eating plan on long rides, this is where I went wrong last year. Now I tend to eat something every hour on long rides, maybe just a flapjack most hours, but then a proper fill around normal meal times.

Hills and hike-a-bike are not a problem around here. Also, eating isn't a problem (as is evident from my girth).

I plan on making the most of the surroundings and seeing if I can't utilise the Alps as training for riding in Wales

When you're riding, and you start thinking "I want a break soon" make yourself ride a bit further, like the top of the next hill. Nothing worse than taking a break at the valley floor, enjoying sitting by a stream for a bit, then getting on and climbing that killer hill with cold legs.

Agreed!

I'd say it's far from being too early. You'll need to do some hard work between now and then if you're not already reasonably fit.

That's what I was thinking too. It's only three months and lots of the stuff I've been reading on training blocks mentions at least three sets of 4 week blocks in order to get in shape for something significant.

I'm reasonably fit this year already and so it's not like I'm starting from scratch. I've done a couple of century road rides (hilly ones too), a nice alpine sportive and a good few reasonably sized rides but if I'm going to finish the BB200 in anything nearing 24 hours (ok, in under 30 hours) I'll need to up my game quite a bit.

I'd aim for 4 decent rides a week, two working on speed intervals, maybe 2-3 hours each, and the others as longer 4+ hours to start, moving up to 8 hours back to back. Do one of your rides at least with a laden bike.

I think realistically I'll be able to manage 4 rides a week but it'll likely be something more like 3 x 1-2 hours and 1 long ride on the weekend. Nearer the time there'll be scope to take some extra time to do a couple of two day trips.

If you want a tester, maybe 6 weeks before aim for a 80 miler (with all your gear).

Good idea. There's a humdinger of a 140km route I've seen down in the valley (+6000m alt. gain) which I could try with around 6 weeks to go to gauge progress (and carrying all my kit would not only be good training but also possibly handy in a life-saving capacity if I don't make it back by nightfall).

Barney,

We'll see who's last - I don't think I've ever not been the slowest person on any bikepacking trip!

Cheers, Gairy.

[Charliecres]

My plan is as follows:

• * Ride as much as I can. Realistically, that's going to be a couple of short rides and one of three-hours-ish during the week then one long ride at the weekend.There aren't any big hills near me but there's plenty of opportunity for fitting lots of up and down into a ride.
  * Do some long, loaded days on unfamiliar terrain, riding into the night for as long as I can.
  * Fingers crossed

[Bearbonesnorm]

I think it's the nature of the climbing in the area rather than just the amount which can cause problems. It tends to be short / medium climbs with quite a gradiant followed by a short descent then on to another climb ... repeat until knackered.

I've just got in after a 2 day bimble ... which was only something like 80k but it contained nearly 3000m of ascent. Obviously, given that the downs are over quickly it tends to feel like you're forever climbing

[FLV]

Do some of this

This evenings carry

[slowupslowdown-under]

Sadly off the bike for a month (yikes) but have put an 8 week plan in place for when I get back to get 950 miles in of which will be a 70/30 split road and off road (loaded).

Will be taking it steady away, saving the legs and be right on top of the hydration and eating strategy put together for two big rides done recently!

Lessons learned from last time will mean less stopping and trying to keep my head in the right place between the hours of 2 and 6 which is when I struggle the most.

Really can't wait!