Coach Patrick here, checking in from the legendary Belgium Spring Classics camp where I just wrapped up a wild ride at the Flanders Sportive—100 miles, 6 hours in the saddle, and over 400 TSS. Let me just say: the cobbles don’t care if you’ve trained or not. They’ll find your weaknesses and shake them loose.
But beyond the physical challenge, this ride served up some powerful reminders about early season endurance. Whether you’re building toward a Half Ironman, a Gran Fondo, or a century ride of your own, these lessons are universal.
1. Consistency Trumps Volume
I haven’t been stacking long rides week after week this winter, but I have been showing up 5-6 days a week for shorter, consistent training. That made all the difference. When the legs start to burn 60 miles in, it’s not the big weekends that carry you—it’s the rhythm of regular work. Don’t overthink your volume. Just keep the chain moving.
2. Nutrition Is Not Optional
I messed this one up. Excitement got the best of me early in the ride and I didn’t hydrate or fuel properly in the first couple of hours. Classic mistake. I had to play catch-up later in the ride, and while I salvaged the day, it reminded me how unforgiving long rides can be without a dialed-in fueling plan. The takeaway? Start hydrating and fueling early—even when you feel good.
3. Go Smart Early So You Can Be Strong Late
Riding with a big group always brings adrenaline, and it’s tempting to hammer the early climbs. But that’s not where the gains are made. The second half of your ride is where strength is revealed. The goal isn’t to go hard—it’s to finish strong. That means negative splitting: either by time or by effort. Keep things controlled early, and invest your energy for when it matters.
This Flanders ride was a bucket list adventure, but it’s also a wake-up call. Early season rides are tough because your body is still remembering how to suffer over distance. But if you can ride smart, fuel right, and show up consistently, you’ll build the foundation that sets you apart when race season hits.
Spring is here. Your next big ride is coming. Show up for it the right way.
