Gran Fondo training

As the summer approaches - all over the country and Europe - you may be training, getting back to training (me), or trying to make that decision about your first big ride - the Century or a Gran Fondo. So this post is really like my PSA before the weekend as the weather gets better and the miles need to start getting longer.

First, set a goal:
Sign up for something, it makes you commit, and "until one is committed there is hesitancy, a chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness" - if the Euro is putting the slam on your dream of an Italian Gran Fondo, then check out the two Echelon Gran Fondos - Napa in May and/or Portland-Columbia Gorge in September. Or get in one last op in October at the King Ridge Gran Fondo (Santa Rosa). For a host of Centuries on a monthly basis take a look at the Events section on my Bicycling Northwest website.

Second, train smart:
I put in a lot of miles, but no way claim to know my Vastus lateralis from my Latissimus dorsi, so here is some help from pros. Two articles that appeared in VelowNews online that will give you some real direction to getting prepped for the saddle time and endurance needed to complete that long ride in style, with power and enjoy the ride.

Training for Gran Fondos, Part 1: Endurance

Training for Gran Fondos, part 2: Speed