What do ya think the closest type of riding in PlanBuilder is? I have it set as a 7-day stage Rolling Road Race. I’m thinking Gran Fondo is more logical at least until I see one of the above descriptions like…
“…two 40 mile rides and a pair of 10er townie rides mixed in.”
I’m a PB fan since it takes all planning out for me and lets me tweak it when things change but seems to keep me on-target.
Thanks!
it doesn’t matter. do what sounds good, RAGBRAI isn’t that grueling that you need to be that specific
Cool. Thanks! I’m due for a change in plan after a couple of cycles of the same PlanBuilder cycles for gravel riding in NH.
Ragbrai is more about long endurance pacing. I probably ride at 1/2 to 2/3 of my FTP. Typically it is 15-20 miles between towns so it is like 5 separate one hour rides in a day. There typically is an optional century route on one day, for those that want to challenge themselves, and the crowd gets thinner. This year is 500 miles for 7 days and the 6th highest of total elevation gain. Most riders are going 12-15 mph so TR users will no doubt want to go faster. But if you desire to burn it up, don’t. I love jumping into pace lines at 20-22 but these are prohibited, even though they still happen. There are 15,000 riders and it gets crowded at times. Defensive riding will keep you safe. Be especially careful decending. 30-40 mph are common on steep descents but with the crowds of inexperienced riders some will jerk right out in front of you. Hang to the far right, but it will still happen and then someone will come right up your ass and not be able to get by. As you ride you will see a downed rider with serious problems 2-3 times a day. It’s all fun and there are a lot of new friends made, but you always have to keep your guard up. The better shape you can get into the more fun you will have as you ride, eat, drink, and repeat.
Nobody else has said it yet, but a lot of Iowa’s paved roads are segmented cement which means there is a significant bump every 100 feet out so. I’d probably run larger tires (at least 32s) because you will want the extra cushion on the less than optimal roads.
The bigger concern is the seam that runs parallel between lanes. Be super caution crossing this, especially if running tires on the narrower side.
My bike (besides my fat bike) is a Specialized Diverge. I typically 40s. I am hoping to do any gravel segments as well. I’ll probably run 38s or 40s and choose something that is relatively smooth in the center with some tread on the sides.
Yeah, I sort of think that if were going to do it again, I might run a fully rigid MTB or a pretty relaxed gravel bike. You’re usually going slow and in a massive peleton. It’s really about having as much fun as possible and feeling good enough to hit the party in the overnight town.
That’s exactly what I am hoping to do the whole way. Have enough fitness to be able to have a good time for 7-days riding a reasonable place. My bike is definitely fit more for comfort as I favor a more upright position as gravel bikes go.
Anything larger than 23cc, and a general awareness not to ride down the center line and you will be ok. just like not riding on the white line when it is wet. I just never ride in the middle and cross it with purpose.
yup, awareness is key.
