How to Maximize Your Time Preparing for ATHSAV

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Training for 2023 ATHSAV

If you don't have a lot of time to put into training, you can utilize timing. Between now and the start of ATHSAV, you want to build your body’s ability to handle accumulated fatigue.

Your time on the saddle is important in your preparation for the Athens to Savannah Ride. The timing of your training rides matters too.

Whether you choose the 3-day road or 4-day gravel option, ATHSAV is a multi-day event. Making back to back riding days part of your training will help your body become accustomed to accumulative fatigue. Between now and the start of the event, aim to have at least two weeks when you ride consecutive training days. For most, two consecutive rides on the weekend is manageable. When you can, tack on a Friday and/or a Monday ride. If you can snug these rides together by riding late afternoon or early evening Friday and again Monday morning, you will add to your training load.

Here is a good, better, best scenario to help you prepare.

  • Good: Ride back to back Saturday and Sunday.
  • Better: Ride three consecutive days. Add an adjacent day before or after the weekend on either Friday evening or Monday morning.    
  • Best: Ride four consecutive days. For best accumulated fatigue, ride Friday afternoon or evening, Saturday & Sunday, and Monday morning.  

Training Ride Recap: Climbs & Sand

Sandy TerrainBeyond conditioning, understanding the terrain will be helpful. If you have missed the training rides, here is a review of what we have experienced.

‘I think I can’ is the best tool for overcoming the challenges we will face as we cycle from Athens to Savannah in October. On our first two training rides, the joy of cycling on quiet scenic country roads in Georgia was coupled with the challenges of tackling the hilliest and sandiest sections of our upcoming 4-day journey together.  

Tennille Training Ride

Here’s a look at getting to the top of the longest climb as we arrived in Tennille. On this climb, there’s a range of small to large gravel as well as sand. For control and momentum while rolling over large and medium stones aim for a higher gear and lower cadence and on sand or mud, ride at a higher cadence and lower gear.

Also see this video for tips on how to climb and descending on gravel.

 
ATHSAV will not have any climbs steep enough to need the recommended 1:1 ratio to keep you balanced and in control on unstable steep terrain.  The best gearing for a multi-day event, will depend on your experience, strength and cycling skill along with the route and surface.  

Twin City Training Ride

We had some rain the day of the second ride, but the sky cleared and the sun came out just minutes before we headed out to ride the route with the loosest surface.
 

Sandy TerrainTire selection is important when riding gravel. The surface will change within a ride and within the route. There is only so much you can do, as you will not be able to swap out wheelsets along the way.  For multi-day events like ATHSAV, you can bring a second set of wheels or change tires day to day.
 
The recommendation for riding on loose sand is to ride the widest tires you can run at the lowest pressure possible.  When you see loose sand ahead, lighten your load on the front wheel by having weight on the saddle not the handlebars and go into it with momentum and do not slow down or stop pedaling.  Let your bike flow on the path of least resistance and don’t fight the handlebars.