So you've tinkered with your bike and figured out how to stop your shoulders burning, tried a few different shorts and settled on the pair that stops your bum going numb and made sure your stomach can handle armfuls of jelly babies, malt loaf and gels all at once.

And of course you've been training hard, which means you should be ready for the RideLondon 100-mile challenge this weekend. If, like me, you started thinking about the ride months ago when 100 miles sounded like 80 miles too far, you'll no doubt be in two minds about Sunday. I haven't woken up in a cold sweat just yet, but I have been telling everyone I meet that I'll be 'plodding around' the course and will probably end up being cleared off it to make way for the professionals.

I hope that neither of those things prove true. I've done some long rides, know that I need to eat sooner than I usually do and I'm fine with taking 5 minutes to rest if I need it. So for anyone else doing those final preparations before Sunday, here are my tips and suggestions. Please share yours in the comment thread below, especially those of you who are aiming for specific times - I'd love to know how your routine and kit differs from mine.

Bike

I'm having mine checked over by Swift Cycles – they know my bike and how I ride it, so I know my brakes won't be over-tight for the big day. I considered changing my tyres but last minute alterations can spell disaster – stick with what you know.

Make sure your brakes work well for the descents, chain is cleaned down and lubed up and check for punctures or things stuck in your tyres. Make sure your bottle cages are both attached (you'll need two on the day) and that your bottles are clean and don't leak.

Kit

Check your saddle pack is ready. If you don't have one consider investing last-minute. Mine contains a spare inner tube, multi-tool including Allen keys, a small pump and tyre levers. Don't forget the tyre levers – or check your multi-tool includes them. And make sure you know how to fix a puncture or at the least change your tyre. Handy refresher here.

I also stuff my house keys, debit card and cash into my saddle pack, to avoid accidentally chucking them onto the road when I'm shuffling about for lost jelly babies in my jersey pockets.

I've picked out what I'm wearing after much testing and will be packing a binliner (yes really) for the start line. A friend suggested it as a good way to stay warm while waiting to get going, and it can be folded up or binned.

Food

"The day before is when nutrition really starts," advises Jill Leckey, senior sports nutritionist at Science in Sport (SiS). She recommends increasing your carbohydrate intake throughout the day before in order to have full stores to keep you going for longer. Most people can last up to 90 minutes before depletion, so it's essential to eat throughout the ride.

Food comes down to personal preference, and you should know by now what works for you and what upsets your stomach. I'm taking malt loaf slices wrapped in clingfilm – enough to space out through the ride. I'm also taking a small banana to get me going after we set off, fizzy dummy and fried egg sweets because even though they might be nutritionally questionable, they make the hills more bearable for me.

Others have recommended fig rolls, jam sarnies with the crusts cut off, Snickers bars and flapjack. Whatever you do, make sure you take foods and gels etc that you've tested before. "People find it difficult to digest a lot of carbohydrate during exercise when the blood is being transported mainly to muscles, so SiS products contain large molecule carb which is easier to digest," explains Leckey.

"It's important to get something in in the morning, whether that's porridge or a bagel or toast – but practice in training, it has to be something you're comfortable with. Don't try a new breakfast on the day.

"You need up to around 60g of carbohydrate per hour to sustain you and that isn't dependent on body size or sex. Normally people start off with bars then advance towards gels because the bars require a bit more effort when you're riding," she adds.

The natural v scientific food and drink debate rumbles on, but I'll be relying on hydro isotonic drink to replace minerals lost in sweat in one water bottle and cordial in the other. Whatever you use, drink lots.

I'll also be taking a couple of sachets of energy gel in case things get really tough, as well as a SiS Rego rapid recovery sachet for afterwards because I'm not sure when I'll get to eat (although if I spot a fish and chip shop en route home I'll be hobbling to the front of the queue).

Whatever you do, make sure you get some food and drink within the magical 30 minute window, or you'll pay the next morning. "After exercise the body is like a sponge and it'll take up protein and carbs really quickly, you'll only delay your recovery if you don't eat for a couple of hours afterwards," warns Leckey. She also emphasises the importance of staying hydrated.

So we're all set, fellow riders, see you at the finish line.