200 on 100
Vermont is spelled with a capital “V”, surely no coincidence. With the loads of mountains and climbs available, it had to start with a “V”. I mean, if it was mountainous enough to draw a runaway “loose” nun who left the church for a sailor, it must be good, right? (Great nordic skiing there””Trapp Family Lodge, if you are there in the winter months as well).
Anyways, being a seventh generation “V”ermonter myself, who was raised on a family farm on Rogers’ Hill in West Newbury, VT (which was hand cleared and settled in 1763 by my G-G-G-G-G-Grandfather and still owned by my father) I have a deep love and feel for VT, liberal politics notwithstanding. So when I heard about the 200 on 100 “Dumptruck of Awesome” that was available, I just knew that I had to do it. And not only that, I knew that I had to share this beautiful “Ode to the V in Vermont” with all of my best cyber-cycling-soul mates. Okay, soul mates might be going a bit far there, but you get my meaning.
So, enough with the intro.
Break out the rollers, get on the trainers, find your winter gear; lay off the seconds, nurse that one glass of booze, hold the toasting to one drink, dodge Cupid’s chocolates and shoot the Easter Bunny because training for this bastard started yesterday and you’ll be paying for it on the 28th of June, 2012 in spades!
See you in the pre-dawn hours on the Canadian border with our eyes firmly fixed on the prize of the Massachusetts border. Let’s drive this dump truck like Mel Gibson leaving the compound in a post-apocalyptic world, baby!
Route and location details on the Cogal Event Page.
@Steampunk
Not only fatigue but just plain discomfort (arse, back, shoulders, feet, etc.) from having been on the bike for so long.
@CanuckChuck
Right: legs and lungs are about the only body parts in which I have some confidence at the moment. They’ll be fine. The rest of me: not so much.
Without trying to sound dour about it, if we’re not done in 15 hours I don’t think we’ll finish.
Yikes, that is a long day of cycling!
Best of luck, dudes.
I have to admit: all of this gloom and doom is really psyching me up for this thing. Yeah, I’m weird that way.
@cal
I am feeling the exact same way after reading all the recent posts.
I lost my job this monday and all I can think about is how much saddle time I’ll be able to put in to get get ready for this. Too bad it’s going to rain all week.
@2000dB
That is a fantastic way to view your circumstances. You will be in good company here in the states, and when you get back to Montreal, expect you’ll have a clear head and doors opening for you left and right with offers.
@2000dB
Sorry to hear about the job loss, but be careful to not over do it in the saddle three weeks before the big event.
I’m at a bit of a panic here fellas, and while I could email the list, I’m hoping someone might be able to offer help that isn’t penned for the 2much day.
I was hit today by a vehicle. I was heading straight through an intersection, and a vehicle in the oncoming lane was making a left failed to yield and smashed into me pretty solid.
My #1 is destroyed. Frame, fork, levers, HED wheels, all of it.
I do not carry auto insurance as I do not drive, and the only information I received from the police officer was the driver’s name, license #, and plate.
How do I proceed from here?
I want what was mine, replaced. Not looking for wealth or riches.
If you have any advice please post here or contact me directly.
2muchon100@gmail.com
Thanks
@roger
I’m really sorry. First: are you okay? Bike can be replaced; health and well-being are much harder.
I’ll refrain from offering advice, since different countries might treat this differently (here, I’d be dealing with a single, central auto insurance dealer), but I’d head straight to your LBS and have the bike appraised so you know what kind of value you’re dealing with. Some kind of statement from them””in the absence of original receipts””might help the insurance companies. But expect glacial speed. I had a laptop stolen in Madison during our mini-cogal; that was the end of March, and I’m still waiting on the settlement…
Also puzzled that you don’t have an insurance co. name with whom you could file your claim. I’m not sure how you’re supposed to proceed, short of stalking the driver (which I don’t recommend). Do you have the officer’s name? That could be useful to have.
Also, might be worth checking to see if your ride is covered (even partially, may be better than nothing) under home and contents, which is how I’ve got my rides insured since I also don’t drive. Usually above a set amount you have to declare the value of the bikes, but they might be covered up to X amount of dollars without being declared.
But you sound like you have a case for the driver’s insurance to pay. In any case you’re heading down the black hole of insurance dealings, o good luck. Sorry to hear about your accident, maybe some one a bit more local to you can give a bit more advice.
Planning a feed zone for a double-lake loop (225km) on June 16. All food to be consumed while in the saddle and all bottles handed off.
@roger
Contact Bob Mionske’s office. http://www.bicyclelaw.com I don’t know if he’s able to practice in Massachusetts (I assume that’s where you are), but he can certainly put you in touch with someone who can.
Get a copy of the police report.
Also, try to contact the driver and ask (nicely) for his/her insurance info so you can file a claim. Obviously, this is much easier said than done.
I’m sorry to hear about all this. I hope you are physically okay and can get back to riding soon.
@roger
Sorry I didn’t give you the link. Here you go: http://www.bicyclelaw.com
@Jeff in PetroMetro
Not sure how I screwed that up, but the link takes me back to Velominati.com. Anyway, it’s an easy web address to type.
@roger
This is such a drag but am glad you are alright? This happened to me in Mass 35 years ago and I am now in NY so I am not sure about details. I would stand up for yourself and be strong about the drivers liability do not let them put blame on you as that will mean they start dicking around ascribing %’s of liability to you and then when it comes time to write the check you only get that %.
If you are alright ask for the full value of the bike and any hospital costs ( if you went) and say you will sign waivers on the physical if you get the full value of the bike other wise threaten to sue. I honestly do not know if this is the right course for your situation but it worked for me without a lawyer because I had witnesses and a police report and I just was firm with them?
Jeff’s right about Mionske he is a great place to start but if you have your ducks in a row you may be able to get it done yourself…. Good luck and I hope this works out.
@roger
roger, hope you are OK.
Contact your homeowner’s insurance company or your local broker. If your bike is covered under your policy, and the insurance company can get someone else to pay for it (i.e. the driver), I’m sure they will assist you with the claim process against the driver that hit you. And if they have an auto insurance arm, they may be able to help you with the process.
And as others have said, if you can get the other driver’s insurance company name and policy number, that would greatly speed up the process. Rookie mistake though: the first time I was rear ended, I too only got the driver’s name, license # and plate. Second time, I knew what to ask for.
Given the additional close calls you’ve reported in the recent past, sounds to me like you need to find new roads. Take care of yourself man… we want you to be riding this cogal!
@roger
Echoing others’ comments — hope you are alright. A few other ideas in addition to the ones above — (1) if you have renters/homeowners insurance and make a claim give the driver’s identifying info. Your carrier will have an incentive to figure out who covers the driver, although see @Rob’s comment. (2) Be persistent in dealing with insurers. Tell them you want to hear back by X date. When you don’t hear back, call them the next day to follow up. This is no occassion for the principle of silence; the squeaky wheel gets the grease.
If you have a homeowners policy call your agent they will go after the driver for you if you are covered . The police report should have all the info you need to contact them. Give the info to your insurance agent and ask them the best way to Persue it. You may just need to show teeth through a layers letter to get your needs met. Under no circumstances air to any %of fault if you aren’t at fault. Stay strong be persistent and relentless until you are fully reimbursed. Glad you are o.k. You are gonna rock this ride. And if you need a bike for the 200 and or training our local shop rents amazing bikes.
@roger
Hope everything is going allright post accident. Sorry to hear and hope you can still ride on the big day.
@all
After your encouragement and reminder of SAG support, I’m reconsidering my withdrawal. While my recent rides have been less than stellar, I’m giving myself a little over a week of hard training before I pull the plug on my participation for good. That gives me a few more rides to get some shape, then taper before the big day. I also have to deal with the fact that despite asking for the time off, I was not given both Thursday and Friday off, and I will need both. I have to do some begging and bartering around the office in order to participate even if the form is better.
Sorry about the Test post: I was having issues working with the new comment box on the site–was forcing me to upload a pic (or once yo click on the camera icon, you are committed to uploading something).
Anyway, for what it’s worth, I found that re-reading some of the notes, tips, and ride reports on http://100-200.org/ helps puts the ride back in perspective and helps calm the nerves. It will be a hard ride, no doubt about it, but seems to be within reach of the decent “weekend warrior”.
@CanuckChuck
Does the cancel button not work?
Well, seemed to work this time. Maybe it was user error earlier this morning (pre espresso consumption). I was exploring the new interface, and clicked on the camera, then canceled and continued with my post. But when I went to post, it was telling me something like “path is required” and would not let me post.
@CanuckChuck
I was having the same issue yesterday, only I don’t think I ever clicked on the camera icon. When I tried to post, the message “This field required” would appear right under the camera icon. The issue seems to have cleared up now.
@Duende
Yes, that bug existed yesterday. One of those strange things that never turned up in test, but did in production. At that time, if you just hit the submit post button a second time it would work. Anyhow, I did push out a fix yesterday afternoon and it seems to be cleared up. @CanuckChuck, you might have just still had yesterday’s version cached.
Anyhow, do let me know if things don’t work correctly.
@frank
Hey! That looks like my desktop! P-R: check. Boonen: check.
@all
Thanks for all the replies and emails. I will not let this accident affect the 2much cogal. It is doubtful the claim will be reimbursed by that time, so ill be on #2, my rain bike. Merckx bless her, ive treated her so poorly, yet shes always been good to me. Time to bust out the rags
@roger
You could also show her some love by transferring the gruppo from bike #1 (may she rest in peace) to bike #2.
If there was a Gruppo left, I certainly would. “She’s toast”. Direct quote from the lbs GM when I brought her in for the appraisal and official letterhead. That door was only open for a few months, and it was a fantastic affair. Now, do I go back and build up a duplicate of her, or test new waters. Uncertain times, these.
@roger
What is the former bike and what are you thinking for replacement?
Holy <insert preferred complimentary word here>, that is serious carnage! Glad that roger didn’t toast himself in the process as well.
roger – Sorry to read that you were hit! You seem to be handling it well though. Best of luck on the ride! I’m sure you’ll have a bit of time during the 200 to consider the rebuild/remake/repurchase plan of attack, plus gather some feedback!
As an added note of encouragement: I had to ride my cross bike (with road wheels) for my first official imperial century. All the road bikes were under the weather, for some odd reasons. Nothing wrong with pulling it off on your #2.
Good luck, bud! And best of luck to everyone!
Glad to hear you’re alright, roger. Best of luck with the replacement process.
@Nate
No real thoughts yet of a replacement. And for that matter I suppose no real timeline either.
This is the old missus.
[dmalbum: path=”/velominati.com/wp-content/uploads/readers/roger/2012.06.13.01.31.04/”/]
@roger
Roger, man, I was joking, after your previous near-miss, about coming up and confiscating your bikes so we wouldn’t lose you as cappo of 2much, and then this. Now after seeing a photo of the dearly departed, looking so winsome….I’ve let you down.
@roger
So purty. :-(
@roger
Brutal. RIP, R3.
@roger
Tragic loss. I’ve oft comtemplated what I would do if I lost my R3, especially since they changed the geo on the bigger frames. I think you’ll be hard-pressed to find a replacement, though I’ve heard good things about Veloforma and Ritte.
I want to experiments with different foods before this ride and would like to hear suggestions what products and what quantities you guys use. Gels, bars, ???, drinks, …
Currently I only eat a lot before riding and then maybe eat a bar at some point but they’re kind of annoying to eat while riding. It does work for < 150km but I definitely need to optimise to go harder and longer.
For distance, peanut butter and honey sandwiches. Can include banana in the sandwich as well.
A water bottle with lemon juice and a small pinch of salt in it works wonders for me keeping my stomach settled after drinking energy drinks and power bars as well. You’re not racing, you’re putting in a sustained effort so I’d be inclined to stick to low GI foods to keep your stomach settled for the bulk of the ride.
And a big eff off jar of jelly beans.
I’ll be packing a couple of bagels slathered in peanut butter and nutella, along with a couple of locally made, gluten-free bars. And I’ll have a bunch of dried figs with me (because Tim Krabbé ate them in The Rider). Probably a Clif bar or two in reserve, although I am hoping we stop for something approximating a quick but proper lunch. It’s something I’m mildly concerned about, because I don’t typically eat enough on rides. During the 185k of the Ontario Cogal, I only got through one energy bar and had to force myself to eat a bagel (this with a panini at lunch). I felt fine, but am conscious that I should probably be eating more, especially on a ride this long. Energy drinks and water on the bike, too. I’m not a fan of gels, but that’s me.
Methinks, though, that it’s likely a bit late to be experimenting with foods. I’d stick with what you know you can get down comfortably while in the saddle…
I’m with the freres Minion and Steampunk: peanut butter and honey or Nutella or whatever sugary spread you fancy. I’ve liked the Honey Stingers as they are low volume, 190 cal, and are easy to eat. But the packaging does say “Inspired by Lance” which causes stomach upset in some (many). These kind of “complex” foods seem easier on the GI tract to me.
For rapid boost: gels with 50 mg caffeine.
And, if you can stop, the ne plus ultra of pure diabetes-be-damned sugar madness: Snickers bar and a Coke.
Oh, and as much fucking gluten as I can cram into my mouth.
seeing the discussion of nutrition here has prompted me to share my enthusiasm for home-made bars, the ‘recipe’ for which I found online somewhere from an endurance runner. You basically take about a tablespoon of peanut butter and a teaspoon each of honey and rice syrup, put in a bowl and heat in the microwave for about 30 seconds, then stir in muesli/granola, and I like some cinnamon. Put in the fridge overnight in a baggie and you’re good to go. I’ve regularly been riding imperial centuries and over on just one of these babies, so can’t recommend it highly enough. Much cheaper than buying stuff, plus you get to be in complete control of the ingredients. Try it some day!
A friend gave me a recipe for something similar, which is ultimately 500g of sugar syrup (corn syrup, golden syrup, honey whatever) and a small container of crunchy peaunt butter, heated up into a paste that you use to bind together dry fruit, shredded coconut, rolled oats and wheat germ. Chill over night and cut into half inch squares, they’re awesome. don’t melt, don’t upset the stomach too much, and you can eat a very small amount for a lot of energy.
And I do recommend the lemon and salt combo, at least try it on a ride you’d normally take 2 bottles on (one energy drink, one lemon and salt water) I find myself reaching for the lemon drink more and riding home with energy drink to spare.
I’ve been using this bar recipe. They’re delicious and give lots of energy!
4 oz cashews, unsalted, raw
4 oz dates, pitted
1/2 cup dried coconut, unsweetened
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Spread the cashews on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10 minutes. Add the coconut to the sheet pan, and toast cashews and coconut for another 5-8 minutes, until both coconut and cashews are a toasty golden color. Take them out of the oven, and then set them aside on a rack to cool
When the cashews and coconut have cooled, add all ingredients to your food processor. Process until the mixture is ground fairly fine, and begins to ball up into a thick paste. Line a small baking sheet with parchment. Turn the paste onto the parchment paper, and press the bars together into about 1/3″ thick sheet. Fold the parchment over the bars, and press very firmly to evenly distribute the mixture to form nice, uniform bars.
Put the pan in the fridge to cool for 30 minutes, then remove and cut into 2″ blocks. Wrap in waxed paper and store in the fridge.
Ale in one bottle, Whiskey’n water in the other.
I tend to rely on muesli bars. The key is to study the contents, and really just to try them to see how well your body will tolerate them. I find that I tolerate oats very well and so tend to try to find muesli bars that are whole oat based. It’s closer to “real” food than Power Bars and the like, and so you might find it easier on the stomach. Check out the sugar content and the carb content on each bar. On average you will be getting about 23grams of carbs per bar. At race pace, this would last you about 30-40 mins depending on your weight, etc. At 200 on 100 pace, you may find that one every 1.5 hours may do in addition to other foods. I also think that it is important to stop for lunch. Eat some real food. When I’m racing enduro events, I eat pasta around meal time (not too much sauce) as it fills me up and gives me a ready source of energy for at least a couple of hours. The most important thing that I find though with regard to my ability to tolerate foods whilst riding is the fat content. If there are lots of oils present in whatever I’m eating, that’s what’s most likely to upset me.
@minion
when you say lemon juice, I’m assuming this is diluted in some way, not just pure lemon juice, right? Otherwise I’d suggest substituting with lime, adding in some tequila and cointreau and you’d have yourself something to rival @mtnbikerfred’s tip!