General Cycling Discussion - I did my first Century!!!

I did it and you all helped!

One of my other posts asked for advice. The one bit that I followed the most was eating and drinking constantly. I believe that was the thing that kept me with enough energy to stay with it.

I went with a friend who is training for an Ironman triathlon. He has a lot more endurance than I and has already done 2-60 mile rides, 1-80 mile ride and a century, so he really helped as well.

I felt pretty good until the second loop (we did a 50 mile loop twice.) There was a hill that I named "Never-Ending Hill" for the obvious reasons. But once I got to the top of that hill, I knew the rest would not be that bad.

The worst part was my neck and lower back pain. That really got bad in the last 15-20 miles. But I stood and stretched alot.

All in all, we completed the ride in just under 5:45. Not too shabby for a century rookie!

Thanks for all of your help! Now I have to go soak my legs!

Aerow :beer:

Congrats!!!:beer:

I hope to dy my first some time in the early part of next year. So far about 55 miles is my max.

Originally posted by Aerow
The worst part was my neck and lower back pain. That really got bad in the last 15-20 miles. But I stood and stretched alot.


That could be caused by your riding position. Lower back pain can sometimes result from leaning too far forward. BTW congrats on the century. Welcome to the club.

Next stop, Tour de France!!! Wooo hooo!!!!

Lower back pain can be a couple things, one of them being bike fit, another being weak abs, and another being tiredness. Even Lance says his back starts to hurt so bad it feels like someone hit him with a 2x4. I think tiredness would be your case, since it didn't start until almost the end.

Congrats on the century! :beer:
I remember reading somewhere once that when your back hurts, it's because your legs are tired. Can't imagine that after only 80 miles! ;)

Congra`ts Aerow!

What did it feel like when you crossed that 100 barrier?
Pure elation i`ll bet. Nothing quite like that first century.

The odd pain here and there is quite normal at the end , a hundred miles is a long way to cycle without some aches and muscle torment. :beer:

Congrats!!!!

Doing your first century is a major accomplishment!
What were your total miles for the day?
100-101-102-103????

:beer: :beer: :beer: :D

Kudos to You on your First Cent!!!!:beer:

As I stated in your Original Post.

One of the hardest things doing a century is being in that riding position for so many hours. If you are not use to it your body will definetely let you know. So just make sure you take care.

I have the Same problem with my neck and back on Cents. 50 to 60 miles is not a problem but those last couple of hours really add up on those muscles.


Again Congrats and hope you have many more to come. :)

Total Miles: 101.

Back and neck pain are now gone, and I am looking forward to my next long ride. I may note be any faster or stronger, but my confidence is way up!!!!

Thanks for all the posts!

Aerow

All right, Aero! You guys are going to shame me into doing a century just so I won't be the only person on BF who hasn't done one yet!