Ten Commandments of Ultramarathon Cycling

by Felix Wong | 30 Oct 1998

This is a list of suggestions I have found helpful when riding various centuries, double centuries, and longer ultramarathon bicycle rides. Not that I have followed each one of them every time—except for #10 perhaps!

1. Thou shalt drink and eat regularly (e.g. every 15-30 minutes), and way before thou becomes thirsty or hungry.
2. Thou shalt make sure his equipment is in working order before the long ride.
3. Thou shalt get a good night’s sleep before each event.
4. Thou shalt conserve energy on the hills by staying on the saddle and spinning over 65 rpm at most times.
5. Thou shalt be alert enough to stay on course and not get lost.
6. Thou shalt not suck the wheels of a tandem or draft off a paceline for the entire 100+ miles.
7. Thou shalt respect motorists and other cyclists on the road, which entails obeying all traffic laws.
8. Thou shalt point out potholes and road obstacles to following cyclists.
9. Thou shalt have a positive attitude despite horrendous environmental conditions and hapless mechanical breakdowns.
10. Thou shalt not pee on someone else’s lawn but his own.