Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - 1st Centry - Pre-riding strategy?

Hi,

After many years off the bike, I started riding more seriously about 10 months ago. Now seriously is subjective, my mileage in the past 10 months is 1,400 miles. Typically I get out for a 50-60 miler most weekends, with an occasional 15-20 miler once a week. I feel I'm ready for a century, going to do one on Sept 2nd - the Bay Country Century near the Chesapeake Bay. There are rolling hills (I'm told) but I don't think it will be that big of deal. Mostly worried about my butt, but after discovering butt cream (I'm using Udderly Smooth Udder Cream), I'm feeling more confident.

My question has to do with pre-century riding. Unfortunately I am out of town this weekend on business, the next time I have a chance to ride is next Thursday morning, 48 hours before the century. So my question is - if I'm able to ride then, how hard/fast/hilly, etc. should that ride be? Or is it too close to the century? If I can't ride then it will be about 10 days between rides.

Thanks & I can't wait to join the club!

Bob

Since you only ride 2 days a week, that ride 48 hours before the ride won't really make any kind of difference. Rest up, make sure you're hydrated, and hope for the best.....

Wait till Friday afternoon/evening, ride for a half hour to an hour at a very light pace. Keep your cadence high and your legs loose. Check everything on your bike for proper operation. Take the last 2 or 3 minutes and push a little harder, say a few mph faster than your target century pace. Eat a carb-laden meal within 30 minutes of getting off of the bike. Recheck your stuff and go to bed. Be confident that you've done good work up till now and remember to ride your own pace.

EDIT: Start yor prehydrating on Thursday, though.

Doh! I guess I need to my calendar a little more often. For some reason I was thinking that my century was next weekend - it is the one following. So I'll be able to ride this week and next. I assume that a long ride a week before the century is in order plus a few other short rides during the week.

yer first century will be more mental than physical...itll be more about keeping your head in the game. just stay positive, keep your pace even, eat and drink on regular basis, and youll do just fine!!!