HELP!!! Any One Ride Bicycle Marathons???

I am going to ride 230 miles in 3 days in September 2009... I know OUCH! I don't ride much but I started "training" today. My concern is how do we keep up the energy needed to ride long distances... I mean 70+ miles a day.

My company is hosting its annual "Tour" and I want to ride in it. We are flying out to Michigan and the plan is to bike over 70 miles each day for three days.
I am novice rider... seriously around the block and when we go camping is all I have ever done. I know that if I train over the summer I can make it... I will hurt but I will finish even if I have to walk it. I decided to ride my bike to my office today; no big deal 4.5 miles right... OMG the hills made my lungs hurt and I had to eventually walk up them. Then my poor husband had to come pick me up cause there was no way in hell I could make it back up those Hills. Thank God the area we are riding in Michigan is flat.

I am/was super competitive and I WANT to be able to finish the whole thing so I am good to seek out all the help to train that I can.

But... my big question is how do we fuel our bodies when we can't have all those "sugary" glucose gels that riders use? And all those CARBS that riders eat? What am I supposed to do? How much should I expect from my "baby" RNY stomach? Is this even possible?

All advise is much appreciated.

~M

Look into "Cliff" products... Their gels, shot blocks, and drinks are sweetened with evaporated cane juice not refined sugar so you should be ok.... You need about 300-400 Calories an hour, along with electrolyte replenishment. Your intake will be determined by how heavy and salty a sweater you are. to go from 4.5 mile ride and "Bonking", to completing a 230 mile ride over three days with 3-4  months training would be quite an accomplishment. You will do great... Train smart, train hard, and keep a good positive attitude. What type of bike are you planning on riding for the race? I hope the answer is NOT a 30 pound Walmart mountain or Hybrid bike.Best of luck and keep us posted on your training. To answer your question... Yes, anything is possible if you put your mind to it!

Hey, you made it over here! I already gave you my answer on the main board so I won't repeat it.

But I expect all the regulars to chime in now. You hear that regulars? Speak up!

First-I use a product called infinit. It's a custom formula. look at www.infinit.com . I've never dumped from it or had a drop in blood sugar.

A few years out I did BRAG-bike ride across GA where I rode over 500 miles in a week. Every 10-15 miles we had SAG stops-which are supported rest stops. I carried some of my own fuel, but I ate their bananas, fruit and cookies.

Don't eat too much fiber out there. You'll have poopy monster.

You'll might want to invest in a heart rate monitor. If you're hammering and your HR is too high you will NOT be able to properly digest your food.