Lori Nickel

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

100 miles. Through the hills of central Wisconsin in Jefferson, Columbia and Dodge counties. In the wind. That’s a lot to ride — for anyone.

So Brett Favre is training hard for the Trek 100.

The retired NFL Hall of Fame quarterback and Packers legend plans to do the 100-mile bike ride June 3 in Waterloo and is riding 50-100 miles a week in Mississippi to get ready.

If he and his friends maintain their goal of an 18-mph pace, the Trek 100 ride will take Favre about 5 1/2 hours — not including breaks at stops along the way for food.

It’s a big challenge but Favre decided to go for the 100-mile distance after participating in the Trek 100 at a shorter distance last year.

The Trek 100 has several distances to give cyclists of all abilities options: 19 miles, 36 miles, 62 miles (referred to as the 100K) and 100 miles. A year ago, Favre started out with the 100- and 62-mile riders and rode to the first rest stop at 11 miles. Then he rode the 36-mile portion for a grand total of 47.

Favre enjoyed it so much he’s on board for a second year, especially since the Trek 100 is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the MACC Fund (Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer). It’s a cause that is meaningful to Favre, he said, since he befriended Obi Christenson and his family. Obi died from neuroblastoma cancer in 2014 at the age of 8.

“Trek not only has the very best bikes, but supporting the MACC Fund the way they do is special,” Favre said in an email last week.

Favre answered a few of my questions this way through his contact at the company, Adam Kostichka, an advocacy manager at Trek. Kostichka rode with Favre last year at the Trek 100 and was with Favre in Mississippi two weeks ago for a 27-mile ride along the Longleaf Trace. They’ve talked a lot about training for this ride.

Favre said that his 50-100 miles each week on the bike are part of his usual health and fitness routine, although the terrain nearby doesn't have the same elevation changes we have up here.

“Hattiesburg has a beautiful bike/run trail that runs 50 miles,” Favre said in the email. “Last year was fun (at Trek 100), but it was tough because Mississippi is much flatter.”

His wife, Deanna, did all 100 miles of the Trek 100 last year.

“Deanna is a stud and tougher than nails ... would never challenge her on the bike,” said Favre. “My goal is to make all 100 so we will see.”

About 2,200 cyclists are expected for the 28th annual Trek 100. It’s the largest fundraiser for the MAAC Fund, with 100% of the proceeds going to the organization that continues to research cures and best treatments for childhood cancer.

Since 1990, riders participating in the Trek 100 have contributed $13.8 million to the MAAC Fund. The setup is straightforward. Cyclists choose their distance and then raise a minimum of $2 per mile. For example, the 36-mile rider would be expected to raise at least $72, in addition to the $45 registration fee.

Kostichka’s job is to manage Trek’s corporate giving of $1 million annually, and the MACC Fund is a high priority.

He’s done several rides of 100 miles or more and said Favre is strong on the bike.

“He puts the time in,” said Kostichka. “He’s on Strava. They’re competitive about it, him and his group of friends — trying to beat each other. We did a sprint when I was out there and he’s good. For sure, he can ride a bike.”

If you’re thinking about the Trek 100 and the longer distances of 62 and 100 miles, know that there is a cutoff time of four hours at the halfway point. There are also hills. The very last of the riders are expected in by 5 p.m. or so. Kostichka had this advice for any of us thinking about doing the 100-mile ride:

» Get fitted for your bike. The bike can fit so many different ways from the handlebars to the seat, so it’s important to be comfortable.

» Ride a lot. “It’s about saddle or seat time in the bike. Leading up to this ride, you’re trying to get as many hours in the saddle as you can. It’s not necessarily about speed — it’s just about being on the bike.”

» Prep with hydration the day before. “You’ve got to get ahead of that stuff.” If you wait until you’re thirsty, it’s too late. If we're not hydrated, cramping will catch up with us.

» Start by training an hour on the bike a few days a week. Once a week, do a longer ride of about 2 1/2 hours. Build up to a couple of 50-mile practice rides before June 3.

» Work together at the ride, especially the long one. Stay with a group. Drafting helps.

Lori Nickel writes about health and fitness for the average person in her weekly Chin Up column. Email her atlnickel@journalsentinel.comand follow her onTwitter at @LoriNickel and on Facebook at facebook.com/ChinUpLoriNickel.