Fast Talk, ep. 71: How to train for and race gran fondo-style events, with Colby Pearce
The gran fondo-style event has exploded in popularity in the last decade. Somewhere between a race and a group ride, it has an appeal to a broad range of riders. Some show up to race all-out on a challenging 100-plus-mile course. Others come to ride with friends and enjoy the accomplishment of a demanding and scenic route. The nice thing is there is no \u201cright\u201d way to do it. This style of event accommodates both riding styles.\n\nNow we\u2019re seeing multi-day events like Haute Route that combine the challenge of racing (through timed segments) with the pleasure of a bike tour through some of the most scenic spots in the world.\n\nThe question is: Do you train for and approach these events differently from a weekend race or group ride? More than a few of you have asked us that exact question, so in this episode we\u2019ll try to give you an answer.In this episode, we\u2019ll discuss:\n\n- What the experience of a gran fondo or Haute Route is like and why they are becoming so popular\n- The different goals and approaches riders will have at these eventsHow to train and prepare for both the one-day gran fondo and the multi-day Haute Route. Hint: When it comes to the training, it\u2019s not as different as you might think.\n- The importance of pack skills and sticking within your comfort levelNutrition and hydration for the event (and why I love cookies so much)\n- Final preparation in the week leading into the eventStrategies for both racing and riding a fondo, as well as multi-day Haute Route style events\n\nOur primary guest today is master's world hour record holder and Haute Route ambassador Colby Pearce. He\u2019s been on the show enough now that he needs no introduction.\xa0\n\nAlong with Colby, we spoke with Michelton-Scott\u2019s Brent Bookwalter. Brent is an Olympian, a veteran of many grand tours, and the organizer of the popular Bookwalter Binge Gran Fondo. This year it takes place on October 26 in his hometown of Asheville, North Carolina.\n\nWe also touch base with three-time gran fondo world champion Bruce Bird. If that title doesn\u2019t impress you, you should also know that at the age of 50, Bruce finished 14th at Canadian nationals in the pro race. Bruce also organizes a worlds qualifier event called the Blue Mountains Gran Fondo in Ontario where both he and Trevor are from. This year it takes place on June 15 in Collingwood, Ontario.\n\nNow, prepare your cookies, let's make you fast!