Proper training will make your BTC more enjoyable.
The better shape you are in the more you can enjoy the scenery of the ride. The less tired you are at the end of the day the more social you can be in town.
Proper training will make your BTC safer.
Many accidents on trips and tours are from tired and inexperienced riders.
Acclimation
Although everyone reacts to altitude differently, there are a few guidelines that apply to everyone. Drink plenty of fluids. Get lots of sleep- your body does most of the adjusting while you sleep. Don't overexert yourself. Arrive a few days early to give your body time to adjust if possible.
To help reduce the risk of altitude sickness, participants may want to consider using Acli-Mate® Mountain Sports Drink prior to and during the tour. Acli-Mate® is an all-natural sport drink designed to aid in the prevention of altitude sickness and to help athletes perform better at elevation. Fatigue, nausea, headaches, insomnia, cramping, muscle fatigue, and water retention are common complaints at elevation. For best results consider using Acli-Mate® on training rides prior to the tour. Acli-Mate® is available at www.Acli-Mate.com or by calling 866-641-5361. See specific recommendation for cyclists are available on the website.
Training
Please train to be in shape for day 1 of the tour. Cycling 20-30 miles every other day is a good start in the early spring. By late May put in at least one longer ride each week (50-80 miles). Riders should be comfortable with 100-150 miles a week by mid June. Ride at least one 100-mile ride before mid June. Eat healthy and keep well hydrated, especially if you are visiting from close to sea level. Total elevation gain for the week is over 30,000' so try to ride hills or headwinds whenever possible.
Riding with a group before the tour will give you valuable experience. You will be better able to ride in a large group safely. Riders in Colorado should check out Rocky Mountain Cycle Club. The Rocky Mountain Cycling Club is in their 15th year with over 350 members ranging in age from 20 to 70+. Their full year ride calendar has over 100 rides along the Front Range. With Saturday and Sunday rides year round plus April 'til September Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evening rides.
Brain
Don't forget to wear your helmet while training! You can't enjoy the tour without your brain. Make sure your helmet fits and make sure it is comfortable. A SNELL or ANSI helmet is required on the tour and to terminate the registration of any participant riding without a helmet.
Ego
There are some serious downhills in Colorado! If you work it, speeds can top 50mph on a single bike and 60mph on a tandem. These speeds can be fun but are not to be taken lightly. A curve too fast or a flat tire can be catastrophic (the webmaster has some scars to prove it). If you don't know the road, please err on the side of caution. If you are not comfortable at extreme speed sit up to keep your wind resistance high. Don't ride your brakes the whole time as this will overheat your rims and cause flat tires or blowouts. Slow way down, coast back up to speed, slow way down again. If you need to brake continuously stop often to take pictures and let your rims cool.
Bicycle
Get a bicycle tune-up prior to the tour by contacting any local bike shop for specific adjustments and/or ‘gearing’ inquires. We recommend a triple crank for the mountains. Make any equipment changes well in advance of the tour to give plenty of time for fine tuning.
Wardrobe
To make cycling more comfortable, safer, and to increase riding efficiency, purchase quality cycling shorts, jerseys, pants, gloves, shoes, and rain gear.
Accessories
Make sure you have the right stuff to carry a flat repair kit with a pump or CO2 inflator. Bring at least two water bottles. Have a seat pack, fanny pack, or rack to carry extra clothing and snacks.
