I do not use a pump. I had one a few years ago and was basically tramatized by it. I have thought about going back on it but just can't really get over the horrible experience that I had before!

Hmmm....where to begin:)
I primarily use Hammer products, but in a pinch I will use Powergels. I can find them at the grocery store which is convenient. Depending on the length of the ride I will bring either a Clifbar, pb & j sandwich, fig newtons...along with gels. Fig newtons are great!

As for supplements...yes I do take! Magnesium, B complex, multi, alpha lipoic acid and calcium. When I'm in harder training, and when $ will allow, I add COQ10. Whey protein shakes...home made:) Sometimes that's all I have time for at lunch, so I freeze them and take them to work with me. Works like a dream:) My husband does most of our cooking, so I am a lucky lady!!

I wish I had a Garmin! I have a Polar...a very, very old one at that. Maybe Santa will be good to me this year and send me a new one. The VO2 max test will fluctuate throughout training. At the peak you will have the best number...or at least try to. So don't be frustrated if you don't like your results. Just use it as a base for training. The cool thing is that is will give you your exact training zones...which is valuable.

Hope you are recovering well! Ease yourself back into it:)

Re your question about altitude - about the only way to deal with it is to spend time at altitude. Your body builds more red blood cells, and carries more oxygen at altitude. So I live at 4500 feet - that helps. And I have lungs like two trash bags!

I have not done the Iron Horse - I intend to next year. My Dr. does it, and I want to put on a good showing.

Hi John! Thank you for sharing!!! I did ride but only finished 40 miles of my 62 after some mechanical issues due to the wet and mud. I'm looking forward to this coming weekend!

Keep up the great work!!!

Back cycling?