The Snowy Classic is without a doubt going to be a weekend to remember. However, you will remember it a lot more if you’re ready, you’re prepared and you get to that finish line knowing you still have the energy for a few Kosciuszko beers and a great steak at the end of it.
Ambassador, Erin Ferg knows that preparing for this event is imperative to your success! Erin caught up with us last week to share her thoughts and advice for all riders.
What have you been doing to prepare for the ride?
I’ve spent the summer break in Bright so I have been getting the legs used to long alpine climbs again – as well as the heat which might also come into play on the day.
I’ve backed off a lot of the intensity and instead I’m focusing a lot of my training on longer efforts – a lot more tempo and threshold and a lot less anaerobic (which suits me just fine). As I’m often time-poor, I’ve been doing a lot of my preparation on Zwift.
I’ve signed up for the Gravel Grinder plan to make sure I get workouts delivered to me. Although the Snowy Classic isn’t a gravel event, this plan seems to fit right in with what’s in store on the day, and it complements my gravel riding as well!
How would you recommend preparing for the elevation of the ride?
I’ll keep riding alpine climbs in the lead-up as often as I can – there really isn’t any substitute for the real thing! As I get closer I’ll do some longer climbs on the trainer instead of workouts, too. In February I’ll try and get some longer rides in, or some repeats of climbs – I’m all about efficiency!
What are your top 5 training tips for the Snowy Classic?
1. Train with the nutrition you’re going to use on the day of the event. You don’t want any surprises!
2. Make sure you get plenty of sleep in the days, weeks, and months beforehand.
3. Get some exercise off the bike too – even just going for walks can be a really good way to loosen up sore muscles.
4. Pace yourself. The long rides aren’t a race (the event isn’t a race!), you’re better off doing them slowly and getting them done than burning bright and then burning out. Don’t punish yourself if a training ride doesn’t go to plan – it happens.
5. Don’t sacrifice all your free time to train. We have gone a long time without a lot of things over the last couple of years, and it’s more important for your well-being that you find a healthy balance between training and the rest of your life. It might mean you don’t get the absolute best time possible, but you can still have a great day at the Snowy Classic AND spend time catching up with loved ones between now and the event. This is especially important if you’re doing the fondo (like me!)!
What about nutrition?
Practice your nutrition in the lead-up. Try and find both sweet and savory snacks that you enjoy – I often find in the latter parts of long rides I really don’t want anything sweet anymore, so it’s good to have some backup salty snacks (peanut butter or vegemite sandwiches can work wonders for this!)
Final comment from Erin… “You have to consider your setup, it’s a long ride and a long day. Ensure you have your bike has been serviced and is ready for a long ride like the Snowy Classic!” You can keep up to date with Erin here!
