Riding 100km for the first time?

The good news is that you only have to ride 94.7km, so this should be easy. But still, 94.7km may be the longest distance you have ever ridden a bike. With 30 days to go until the event all is not lost, there is still time to train and make it.

Here are 6 things to do in the next 4 weeks to get you over the line:

Set Goals. Establish weekly goals – increasing your distance for the next two weeks, and then decreasing your distance for the last two weeks. Set your goal with a friend. It’s much easier to get out of bed at 5am if someone else is doing it with you.
Have a plan. If this is your first long race, don’t be overly ambitious. Riding 94.7km is a great achievement in itself. Planning not only includes getting your body and mind ready, but having a plan for logistics. Know where your seconds will meet you, know when to refill with water and plan for the mishaps. You don’t want to pull out of a race because you forgot a spare tube.
Get your friends involved. The 947 challenge is great fun, but even more fun when everyone is doing it together.
Know the 947 route. There is nearly 1500m of climbing on this route. Get to know when you can push it and when you need to relax. Remember, most of the climb comes at the end.
Do dress rehearsals. If the first time you use all your gear is on the race day, you won’t know what to expect. Practice in full kit and get to know how much fluid and food your body needs. Failing to care for your body by properly fueling and hydrating it, is like giving your body a flat tyre during your race.
Be confident and have fun. After training, planning and impatiently waiting for race day, go out there and have fun!