Riding in MS-150: Seeking Advice from Experience

[like2bike]

My husband and I are riding in our first ever endurance ride for Multiple Schlerosis. We are riding for the cause and for the experience itself (and not to "win" or to "race"). The ride is 82 miles one day, and 68 miles the next (and it's in Pennsylvania so lots of hills).

We think we are ready physically (although there ALWAYS room for improvement) and our spinning instructor has offered to do private sessions with us to help us train further (bless her heart).

I'm looking for advice from others out there who have ridden in these kinds of situations. Do we stop at every rest stop? (I've heard different arguments). Do we eat at every rest stop? Do we ride the day before or rest? What's best to eat the night before? Etc. etc.

Thanks so much for any advice you can give.

Lori

[Bike4ale]

Hi Lori,

Greetings from about 4 hours east! My wife & I have been doing the MS-150 since 1997 in Central PA. You'll meet some great people and have a meaningful weekend for a good cause.

Our first year (like idiots) we rode in running shoes and cageless pedals. That's right.......nothing but PUSH, PUSH PUSH for 150 miles. Needless to say, we were the last to finish on the 2nd day....but we did it!

Get a good meal and some rest the night before. High carb doesn't have to be PASTA. But if that's what you like....go for it. My wife & I do really well on Mission Style Burritos from a place here called Neato Burrito. These things are awesome....stuffed with all sorts of good stuff. Protein, rice, veggies. The point is.....get a good meal of whatever you feel good on.

Do you stop at every rest stop? My advice.....only if you want to or have to. Some people like the social aspect of stopping and chatting with people. Play it by ear. If you're hungry, thirsty, or if your teeth are "floating"....by all means, stop. If it's anything like the ones we've done, it will be well supported with rest stops every 15 miles or so. Unless we need something, we usually stop at every other one. Also....VERY IMPORTANT......DON'T EAT TOO MUCH AT THE STOPS. I've done that. I'm a sucker for Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies. Also, at ours there's always a woman serving up her homemade pasta salad at lunch. I've learned to stay away from that. It tastes good at the time....but....you know....

There's a formula I got out of BYCYLING magazine a few years ago on calorie intake. Maybe someone else will know it, but I dont. I'm a big guy (6'4", 230lbs). I usually try to take in about 200 - 250 calories per hour between food and drink.

They will have plenty of water and usually Gatorade. If you prefer something other than Gatorade (I use Cytomax), measure it out in zip lock bags and take some with you. It's best to consume what you're used to eating and drinking.

Do you ride the day before day 1? I wouldn't....get some rest. My wife, however, likes to do something so she usually goes out for a jog the day before. You'll get enough biking in over the next few days. A different motion isn't a bad idea. Something light.

The night after day 1, be prepared to EAT....EAT.....AND EAT SOME MORE. We always say that's one of the reasons we do this sport!!! Our MS chapter usually has beer, pizza and live music later on in the night about 3 hours after dinner. Aaaaahhhhhhh..............beer! I don't know your arrangements, but we spend the night on a college campus. Usually Gettysburg.

Day 2.....the first 10 miles are the worst part. You'll dread getting on the bike again. But, you know what.......for some reason I always ride better and faster on day 2. Not sure why. Maybe it's just the anticipation of being finished.

The first year, the farthest we had gone before the event was 60 miles. The next day we got out for another 40 or so. You might want to practice back-to-back longer rides before the event. I don't, however, think it's necessary to actually do 150 before it's time.

Have fun, it's a great cause. I hope the weather is nice. When is it? Ours is mid July out of Gettysburg.

I hope I've helped. Let me know if you have any more questions.

[like2bike]

Well my goodness what an incredibly helpful and insightful response! I am so appreciative of everything you told me because some of the things I didn't even consider! Plus it's nice to hear from a fellow Pennsylvanian!!

WOW: you and your wife did the entire ride with running shoes and cageless pedas--absolutely amazing! You should be proud that you finished--i'll bet that made you all the stronger.

I like your advice of eating what you're used to. That makes complete sense and I will follow thru on that. Also, not to eat too much at the stops. I thought the complete opposite. I was thinking to eat eat eat as much as I could at the stops, but what you're saying makes more sense.

Our ride is June 12th and 13th, from Cranberry, PA to Lake Erie. We are wimps and booked a night at the holiday inn (instead of the college). I'm such a girl! I need my beauty rest!! (oh pa-leez, i know!)

I'll be rooting for you and your wife come July. But I hope your ride isn't during the Tour de France--wouldn't want you to miss Lance's #6 win (Oh i hope so!)

Thanks again, Ale. And yes, my husband and I too bike for ale and for food, glorious food! (and of course, because it's fun too!!!)

Much peace to you,
Lori

[Bike4ale]

Don't forget to get a good breakfast both mornings. I'm usually good with either a bagel or maybe a good old PBJ.....usually a banana. The MS provides a good spread for us on day 2 with eggs, french toast, fruit, etc. I also need at least 1 cup of coffee. If you're a coffee drinker, don't go overboard or you'll be peeing in the bushes all morning.

I'll have to look....I think ours is July 9-10. Or 17-18. I'm not sure.

Yours sounds like a beautiful ride. We'll have to try that sometime. Ours is nice....it dips down into Maryland and back, and you get a nice tour of some of the Gettysburg battlefields at times. The problem is, riding in and out of Gettysburg at the peak of tourist season. Stupid tourists!

[Bike4ale]

WOW: you and your wife did the entire ride with running shoes and cageless pedas--absolutely amazing! You should be proud that you finished--i'll bet that made you all the stronger.


I forgot to tell you. In addition, the first 5 years we did this on mountain bikes with slick tires. I couldn't believe it last year when I finally did it with a road bike. What were we thinking?

[like2bike]

Ale,
We have hybrids (Trek 7500s) so we don't have road bikes either! Crap--you're so lucky you have a road bike for this effort!

We're going to change our tire profiles for the ride, tho, from 38 to 28. I don't think our bikes will be as difficult as a mountain bike would be, but still, not as aweful as a road bike. Lucky duck!

Your ride thru Maryland sounds so pretty--we go to Rehoboth Beach every summer and the drive there has so much beautiful scenery!

Thanks again for your time and advice. VERY MUCH appreciated.

Lori

[like2bike]

I meant to say NOT AS AWESOME AS A ROAD BIKE!!! YIKES!~~ :oops:

[Bike4ale]

You'll be fine on hybrids. I think I was actually riding 1" tires on my mtn bike....or, whatever the skinniest tire was...I used it. Enjoy the ride. Make some friends. I bet next year, you'll stay at the college. (That's where the fun is after day 1) Plus, after the first day, you could sleep LIKE a rock....even ON a rock!

Let me know how you liked it.

[Bike4ale]

OK, so I'm bored. Desk job....Friday....you get the picture.

One year on the MS-150, we met a 16 year old riding a full suspension mtn bike WITH KNOBBY TIRES!!! We actually roomed with he and his mother (who also rode...not with him).

After day 1, we asked how he did. He said he kept pace with a bunch of roadies averaging 20 mph!!!!! And he took the century option for 100 miles that day! We're talking some serious Central PA hills here! After the 2nd day, he was disappointed that he only kept an 18 mph pace.

Poor kid. I hope he's improved since then. :lol:

[Megs]

Hi All, Loved reading your posts.

I too, have done the MS Tour for several years now. Remember....It Is NOT a Race! Bike4ale gave good advice. Follow it. Ummmm. I just don't do the beer thing. My friends usually would bonk easier because they didn't hydrate properly after drinking.

Yes, eat carbs the night before. Your body utilized them within 12 hours of eating them. Make sure you drink plenty. My advice also on that is to also drink something other than water to equalize your electrolytes during such long rides. Cytomax is great, but just a little warning. It can cause gastrointestinal upset for some people. I have always done the tours in Maine. We did 75 miles the first day and 75 the next. We too, have lovely hills. I remember climbing one of the hills on the course that was soooo steep, I was pulling so hard on my clipless pedals I actually came unclipped! Fortunately I fell back into my saddle, but it hurt!
Stop whenever you feel the need. Don't eat too much at the stops. Just enough to refuel yourself. I remember having to stop for my girlfriend who was trying to make herself throw up because she ate too much. If your eat breakfast you shouldn't have to stop at every rest stop to eat. You're better off sometimes fueling up on liquids, and bringing your own Cliff gel or Gu pack that's more easily absorbed.

Hook up with a group that goes at your pace. It's always a pleasure to ride with your spouse, but this can be a fun time to meet people as well. Also, PACE YOURSELF! It is not a competition. There will be hundreds of people there of all fitness levels. Don't let some intimidate you. If you're not use to riding with people close to you start way up front or way in the back. Let people pace you. it's OK!

Whatever you do...HOLD YOUR LINE. Learn the rules of the road for riders and motovehicles and abide by them.

Find out what the expected forecast is and bring clothes accordingly. We too stayed at a college campus. It's easy to get wrapped up after the ride and to stay up late, but it's important while having fun to get adequate sleep.

Remember, you are there for the cause. Think about what people with MS go through. Riding 150 miles in two days will then, somehow, seem a whole lot better. You are there for them. They deserve it. Find out about the disease if you haven't already. This is the only tour I usually make myself do because my heart goes out to anybody who has MS. Find out if there is a particular person you can ride for. It makes the pain all worth it for you are only suffering for two days. They have to suffer their whole life.

I have cookies in the oven so if I can think of other things I'll let ya know. Have Fun!
Megs

[Megs]

Hi again - OK. Try to get to registration early. It saves from waiting in line forever and then you'll have time to put your nice new T-shirt and package back in your room. I recommend saddle sore cream. I scoop some and put it in a baggie. When I'm ready to use it I use the baggie as a glove and fold it inside out when I'm done.

When is the tour? If you want advice on training, please e-mail me at:
bjandmeg@att.net
Megs

[like2bike]

Remember, you are there for the cause. Think about what people with MS go through. Riding 150 miles in two days will then, somehow, seem a whole lot better. You are there for them. They deserve it. Find out about the disease if you haven't already. This is the only tour I usually make myself do because my heart goes out to anybody who has MS. Find out if there is a particular person you can ride for. It makes the pain all worth it for you are only suffering for two days. They have to suffer their whole life.


Megs,
that is such great advice. I will do exactly that. We are so lucky to be healthy, and so many of us take it for granted.

Thank you for all of your other advice as well. It has come in handy. We did a 50 miler yesterday, will do some weight training tonight, spinning class Tuesday, and then our spin instructor is going to train with us on Friday in a private session. Then we'll do another 50 on Saturday, rest Sunday and do another 50 on Monday. Spin again Tuesday, private traning session Friday, etc., you get the picture! Anything else you can recommend to help us train, please do!

And we will definitely plan to get to registration early, so thank you for that advice. Also, we have loaded up on the ASSOS chamois cream--don't leave home without it!!!

We are riding June 12 and 13th. Very much looking forward to it and thank you for all of the terrific advice.

PS we had planned on Advil every 4 hours--thoughts?

PPS what about dinner on Saturday night? What to eat? Rice, cooked veggies, easy to digest high carb foods, right?

THANKS AGAIN!
Lori

[Tinker]

Hi Lori - Megs here. I'm finally registered under Tinker.

Advil IS Ibuprofen and should be taken every 6-8 hours. Now, here's the kicker. You're better off taking 800 mg which is about 4 of them rather then 1 or 2 of them more often. First, it's completely safe. It's actually safe to take up to 1200 at once. Second, it will last LONGER and be more effective than taking less more often. Take about 800 one hour before you ride and then another 800 half way through your ride. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory, which will help with muscle and back aches. Stick a couple if you want in a baggie for you and hubby and keep it in your back jersey pocket.

Sounds like you guy's are all set with training. Does your Spinning instructor ride outside? If not, seek advice from people who do long rides. If you've done 50 already, you will certainly be ready. My only other advice for you being a women, is stop the weight training a 1 or 2 days before the event. You won't loose mucles, but you won't be sore. You can do very light training if you want.

Bike4ale is right. The MS people usually have really good spreads of food for you to eat. Eat the carbs the night before. Doesn't matter what kind. Of course potatoe chips and french fries only probably isn't a good idea, but you get the picture. Simple carbs like your fruits are good too. Stay away from things that might make you crampy or bloated feeling. You'll feel heavy the next day. I remember eating this chocolate cake and cookies along with the carbs and stuff. Yuk! I felt so fat ont he bike the next day. Plus, you will be less tempted to eat breakfast that morning, which you want to do.

Have a little story about the butt cream.
One year my girlfriend was sooo sore she was soooo desparate for anything to put...ya know...down there, that she borrowed someones lip balm. She kept dipping into it and putting it on her little saddle sores. She put it back in her bike bag and went on her way. The next year one of our fellow team members needed some lip balm for his lips and asked if anyone happen to have some. She said, (not remembering why she had it) "I think I might have some in my bag." She gave to him and we all witnessed him putting on his lips! EEEEWWWWwww! Then, and, only then, did she remember why she had it. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Good luck! Remember...don't share the lip balm unless it's hubby!
Megs

[like2bike]

Megs-
Too funny about the lip balm--LMFAO!

Thanks again for the excellent advice. Glad to see the board being used for what it was meant for--sharing cycling advice and stories.

Peace,

Lori

[Tinker]

:lol: Your WELCOME! :lol:

Megs

[Nipsi98]

Maybe if those of you riding this year would post your MS online information, those of us here who want to can sponsor you. I did that last year on Spinning.com and got quite a few online pledges. Every bit helps, and unfortunately this year I am unable to ride, so I'd like to give how I can.

Maybe next year those of us in the northeast can form a team and do the MS Bike the Berkshires ride?

[JFK]

I think that's the one that inclues Mt. Greylock, right? I've never done it, but it's supposed to be great. Do you know when it takes place? IIRC, it's August, but there's also another Mt. Greylock ride, so it's possible that's what I'm thinking of.

[Nipsi98]

That's the one Jennifer... you interested for next year? This year it's September 18th. Here's the info:
The Mt. Greylock Challenge , designed by world-class cyclist Tyler Hamilton, is a 100-mile route that goes up and over Mt. Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts at 3,491 feet. The Mt. Greylock road is 8.6 miles long and features rigorous climbing, a few switchbacks, and rapid descents. You, too, will feel like you won the Tour de France!

The Mt. Greylock Challenge is for adventurous cyclists on road bikes.
All Mt. Greylock Challenge cyclists should complete at least one century ride prior to the Tour to be ready for this unique challenge.

If anybody needs more information on this ride, you can go to www.msnewengland.org or for rides out of New England www.nationalmssociety.org

[JFK]

It'll have to be next year, since I'll be at the Boston Evolution conference on the 18th. I think that will be a terrific ride and if the weather's good, it's a gorgeous area to ride in (well, it's gorgeous anyway, but a lot less fun in the rain). Another good ride is the Great River Ride out of Westfield, MA in October. Fantastic scenery, lots of climbing and well supported. They have hot potatoes as a snack at the 75 mile rest stop. When it's chilly, those spuds are a blessing!