Final Push: How to Prepare for the Hancock Flat 50 with Less Than a Month to Go
With just under a month until the Hancock Flat 50 on August 23, excitement is building—and so is the need for preparation! Whether you’re tackling the full 50-mile route or cruising the 25-mile option, the final weeks before ride day are key to making sure you feel strong, safe, and ready to roll.
Here’s how you can make the most of the home stretch:
1. Stick to a Consistent Ride Schedule
If you’ve already been training, keep up the momentum. Aim for at least 2–3 rides per week, gradually increasing your distance and saddle time. Try to complete at least one long ride (20–30 miles or more) each weekend to build endurance.
If you’re just starting now, don’t panic! Focus on frequency over distance and ride as often as you can while listening to your body.
2. Know the Course—and Your Limits
The Hancock Flat 50 lives up to its name—it’s a scenic, smooth, and flat route through Hancock County. Even so, 25 or 50 miles can be a challenge without proper pacing. Familiarize yourself with the route map, understand where the rest stops are located, and plan when you’ll fuel up.
Pro tip: Ride at a pace where you can hold a conversation. This isn’t a sprint—it’s a steady, feel-good finish you’re after.
3. Dial In Your Nutrition and Hydration
What you eat and drink before and during the ride can make or break your experience.
Stay hydrated throughout the week—not just the night before.
Eat a solid breakfast the morning of the ride (think complex carbs and protein). The Kenneth Butler Memorial Soup Kitchen is providing riders with a breakfast sandwich and fruit the morning of the Flat 50 for a $5 donation.
During the ride, bring snacks like energy chews, granola bars, or trail mix, and take advantage of SAH stops along the route.
Your body needs fuel to perform—and recover.
4. Check Your Gear
Make sure your bike is in working order now, not the night before.
Inspect tires for wear or cracks
Check your brakes and chain
Adjust your seat for comfort
Carry a repair kit or spare tube on ride day
Don’t forget the essentials: helmet, water bottles, bike lights (if needed), sunscreen, and comfortable clothing.
5. Plan for Ride Day Logistics
Know where to park, what time to check in, and how long it takes to get to the start line. If you're coming from out of town, explore lodging options in Greenfield, Indiana, and consider bringing friends or family to cheer you on.
6. Get Excited!
The Hancock Flat 50 is more than just a bike ride—it’s a celebration of community, wellness, and outdoor adventure. Enjoy the music, food, and camaraderie at the finish line. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a first-timer, this is your moment to ride with purpose and have a great time doing it.
Still need to register? Click here and let’s ride!
