These are the notes from the March 3rd, 1997 meeting of the NCBC.
The meeting was convened at REI at Crossroads Shopping Center in Cary, now the regular meeting place of the NCBC (first Monday of each month).
(Much thanks to Katherine O'Malley for taking notes! -DLC)
Jim Fredley gave an informational presentation on training/preparing for ultra-long rides such as the Boston-Montreal-Boston ride.
As these rides are usually self supporting, preparation is critical to success. To quote Jim, "As long as both you and your bike are prepared, life is good.". Jim advises folks to not follow his example when he did his first ride. He put his bike together the night before and then had to lug pounds of tools with him to repair it during the ride.
Suggestions of things to take on these rides: comfy saddle, front & rear lights, extra bulbs and batteries, patch kit, levers, 2 spare tubes, extra tire, map bag for map & cue sheet, headbands for ear, mirror, and whistle to scare off dogs.
Most rides will take a 'ditty' bag to the end point for you. Recommendations for the ditty bag are x-tra jerseys, shorts, socks, and swimming suit to reduce chafing.
Worst enemies on long rides: fatigue and dehydration. Having a bike that is set up for multiple hand positions (such as aero-bars) helps prevent fatigue from constantly being in one position. To prevent dehydration, drink before you get thirsty. Camel-backs & water bottles full of Optimizer help hydrate you.
While the thought of under-taking such a ride can be overwhelming, the end result is incredible. The feeling of success, accomplishment, and adrenaline can not be desribed. It must instead be felt first-hand.