Just rode the IMWI course - OMG!

Welcome to my neck o' da woods. Glad you experienced the course. I like riding it.

That's about my average since I don't like to push the course but finally started to enjoy working the spin on the uphills.

How'd the nutrition plan go and did you frequent some potty breaks along the way?  This is crucial.

That winding hill was the only one I really felt any strain on last year.  Cranked it up the 25-tooth cog, sat back, and spun up it at whatever speed I could muster.  If you try and attack any of the hills and you'll pay for it later.

On race day, there's a nice party going on that hill, at least.  You'll have people ringing cowbells, cheering, and wearing all kinds of costumes.  Last year, there was a guy in a SuperGirl costume and a group in cheerleader outfits.

Sit back.  Spin what you can.  Most of all, enjoy it.

I tell you...it's a LOT more fun on race day...well, at least during the first loop.  Those hills will be lined with spectators, cheering you all the way up.  It really helps take your mind off the hard work.  The spectators thin out a bit by the time you get to the hills on the second loop, but there will still be folks there giving you some love :-)

You must have gotten lost coming up with 91 miles over two Verona loops?  Each loop is about 41 miles.  Did you add some sightseeing ;-)

You'll be fine.  Just make sure to keep the effort level set to "easy" over the first ~60 miles or so.  Pushing too hard early on the bike has wrecked a lot of folks' IM race days.

Next time you ride it, it won’t be that bad...  I have ridden it four times and each time that I do, my average speed goes up.

This last weekend there was a BMC Sponsored athlete from New Zealand who on the first of the three sisters flew up the hill at over 20MPH he blew by some people like they were standing still. Also count your blessings that you were not out there Saturday morning, we were caught in the rain on the descents between Mt. Horeb and Cross plains it made it VERY interesting.

If you averaged that, you'll be ahead of me!

My plan is to spin up the hills, and push the downhills and do what i can in between. Oh, and have fun!

What is the overall climbing on the course? I've seen the comparison to the other courses, but didn't know what the overall # was...

Fun isnt it?! I rode the whole course on Sat.  Rain mustve came down early before I got there and all the roads were wet the first loop.  I went down that hill w/ the wet roads.  Fun...lets you know your still alive.

Dont worry too much about it.  Keep your cadence above 90 and sit n spin right up those things.

For an quiet ol' man, you sure are funny.

You are already in good shape since you have ridden the corse and you realize those hills can take it out of you.  Listen to what many have said about pacing yourself.  In 06 I went out too fast on the first loop and I paid for it on the second one and the run.  IM is a long race, but you can blow it up in no time at all.  In 06 it was wet (very wet), and it did slow the down hill a little, especially if there were others around me.  We are getting close people!

25 days, 14 hours, 27 minutes (wow we are close)

Pedal the downhills to carry you up a lot of the rollers. It's a fun course, I went right into a yard taking a left turn too fast. I can't remember the road but the volunteer at the corner remembered me on the second loop!

Nutrition plays a huge roll on that second loop. Stay focused and drink before you're thirsty!!  

I have no idea how people can "stay comfortable" on those hills..... seriuosly??

Ill ride it for the 4th time this weekend- hopefully it will be easier.

25 days....   AAAAHHHHHH!!!!

As others have said, spin up the hills and stay in your saddle.  People will take off really fast and don't get caught up in it.  Ride  your race, not someone elses.  Take the first loop easy and THEN see if you want to pick up the pace.  But not until you start the second loop.

I'm a big fan of resting your legs on the downhills.  But start pedaling before you get to the point where you lose your speed.  It's a fine balance.  Even in 06 with the wind and cold, you can still get good speed by being smart. 

See you there! 

Not enough.

I think 20...