IMHO the greatest bike workout song of all time was a music video, embedded within a Sufferfest video (I believe it was either 'The Wretched' or 'Revolver') - I tried for a while to find a link to share it here, but it appears Wahoo 're-mastered' the video and removed it, since acquiring Sufferfest. I think it was some unknown British punk/garage band. The video consisted of this poor slob riding his Turbo trainer in the basement and sweating buckets and he's so light headed from his efforts that he starts to become convinced there's a rider behind him trying to bridge up and perhaps one in front too, like a mirage, that he can almost, but not quite make out, all while the band's singer screams in the chorus; "Is that another rider in the distance !?! It could be ..... another rider!!" This video was seared into my mind, over the course of many hard workouts, through an odd combination of laughing/crying/overdosing on lactate/being hypoxic and feeling terribly sorry for this guy in the video, yet realizing I was that guy ... Does anybody remember this or know the name of the band/song?

Like to hear your thoughts on strategy for a 100 mile (or similarly long) event; - I’ve read conflicting recommendations on warming up for an event of this duration. Some say anything other than extremely mild warmup is not necessary/don’t waste the energy. - I’m assuming for an event like this – given an anticipated 6-7 hour total time, we would pretty much expect this to be an entirely zone 2 ride? Or should we expect a decent amount of Z3? - How would you think about pacing? + How do you come up with a target pace for something like this? + Assuming a person has a target time, for simplicity let’s use an overly optimistic 25 mph average and assume 4 hours. Any suggestions for calculating pace per hour, over the full event with the expectation that you’ll start out with faster pace and then gradually slow down as you tire? + At a certain point, when nearing the finish, when would you feel comfortable letting it all hang out/burning all remaining matches/energy? + What are the best signs to watch for that would indicate that you're going too slow/fast? + Assuming you had ONE chance to access to the course in advance and wanted to use it for maximum strategic advantage, how would you do this one advance ride of the course? presumed race pace or something different? + Any other changes for if course is at significant elevation and you live at sea level? - For tubeless setups, would you run more or less sealant than normal? Given a hilly course, I am thinking a bit less to reduce weight and the idea that my sealant need only last that day - Any suggestions on cadence? I am thinking something a bit more reduced than normal or even than used for my typical 4 hour training rides – given that I expect this may be a 6-7 hour affair. - Fueling; + Any rough recommendations on carb intake percentages via liquid vs. solid? + How frequently would you recommend? And in what combination? Solid/liquid interchanged or at same time? + When I am riding hard and need to fuel, I often feel like I am worsening my ability to digest if I attempt eating/drinking very much in say high Zone3 or 4/5, so will actually slow down to lower Z3 to hopefully make fueling go smoother? Is this a good idea or any thoughts here?

I'm not sure I agree with the puncture protecion being improved, given you have a larger contact patch and are typically running lower pressures, (both of which should increase risk of puncture), but if you're running tubeless this is less of a concern, and I am otherwise completely in agreement with all points made above. I have previous back injuries which really appreciate the added shock absorption and smoother ride of the wider tires. Also a huge Continental fan and running 32m Grand Prix 5000 TR. Only downside is they are around $80 USD each (about what I paid for my first bike 🤣) , but I do get a lot of life out of them.

@Mary H I really like brown county IN, which has some pretty good gravel with decent elevation as well as great MTB and fat bike trails. Also a few good routes West of Springfield in IL (https://www.gravelbikeadventures.com/route-index).

@Mary H Been trying to get the mug/belt buckle for finishing the 100 miler in < 6.5 hours for like 7 years now, hopefully Anthony can change that! Will look for you at the post-race party.

@Zachary Hoover Great to hear!! Will be awesome to have another Roadman in attendance. Honestly, I was a bit sad about losing some pavement (easy riding) but it is my first BWR, so I am open. I am doing full waffle, shoot me your contact details and I will ping you to meet up while out there.