So this AES race has sparked some interst but I have never riden that far before. The farthest I have riden was on the BCT from Antelope Canyon to Rock Springs. I didnt feel too bad at the end of that but I was completely out of water at the parking lot and doubt I could have made another ten miles.
So I have a few questions.
1) Beside the obvious of riding more how do you train for this? Should I be adding a bunch of road miles or just stick to the dirt? Is one long ride a week (starting at 20 miles and building up to 40 miles) sufficent in preperation?
2) I read on the AES page that in the spirit of AES to not stash water and to keep it self reliant. Is stashing water that bad of a thing? Honestly running out of water is my biggest concern. I can carry a 100 oz bladder + 1 bottle but Im not sure that will be enough for me on a 50 mile ride. I ran out after only 28 miles on BCT. I dont have any filtration equipment either. Is this something that will hash itself out during the longer training rides?
So I have a few questions.
1) Beside the obvious of riding more how do you train for this? Should I be adding a bunch of road miles or just stick to the dirt? Is one long ride a week (starting at 20 miles and building up to 40 miles) sufficent in preperation?
2) I read on the AES page that in the spirit of AES to not stash water and to keep it self reliant. Is stashing water that bad of a thing? Honestly running out of water is my biggest concern. I can carry a 100 oz bladder + 1 bottle but Im not sure that will be enough for me on a 50 mile ride. I ran out after only 28 miles on BCT. I dont have any filtration equipment either. Is this something that will hash itself out during the longer training rides?