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Solvang Spring Double Century
Related: double century, exercise, gear, hard core, Lightweight, ultra endurance exercise, Veloflex
As rigorous pre-flighting of the 2014 Everest Challenge my first double century in 2014 is the Solvang Spring Double Century this Saturday March 22.
The weather is looking very promising but I don’t rule out getting some unpleasant temperature and wind and a little precipitation, so I’ll be sure to take the Endura Helium jacket or if warmer the Capo Cycling LE Wind Vest, a wool cycling cap under my helmet to keep sweat out of my eyes and/or to add warmth, and perhaps mid-weight tights (or lighter version), depending on how the temperature looks in the morning. Always good to be prepared.
Lights
While I expect to start at daylight and finish before dark, I’ll at least mount the Lupine Piko and DiNotte 300R tail-light just in case a flat delays me. Reflective ankle bands are probably along for the ride too, but they can do double duty as straps for stuff perhaps.
Carrying stuff
For a double century a short-sleeve summer jersey under a long-sleeve jersey yields extra pockets to stash food, phone, tools, spare tire, sunglasses, etc. If the temperatures are not too warm, this works quite well and is nicer than carrying anything on back or hips (on a race bike a large saddlebag has few places to go, so I prefer pockets).
Bike and wheels
I’ll be riding my Moots Vamoots RSL road racing bike. The wheel plan barring high winds is the new Lightweight Autobahn VR because I expect it to save me 5 watts or so over the entire distance. But if windy conditions seem likely, the Lightweight VR8 might be pressed into service instead, for its reduced cross-section.
I considered mounting new Veloflex Roubaix tubular tires, but the there is good wear left on the Veloflex Sprinter tubulars on the planned wheels, so the Roubaix tires will have to get their testing in April.
Double training
As for the effort level, I am thinking of aiming for about 220 watts steady for the ride, roughly the same average as for the Death Valley Double.
