SixEye
Since a lot of you have done centuries in the past, and still do. I was wondering if you can give me some advice on which century to start off with? The flatter the better. Cheers.
What would be a good Century to start with?
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lsits
The Riverside-To-Surfside is pretty flat. It goes from Riverside (obviously) to Huntington Beach and back. Unfortunately, it won't happen again until October.
Another comparatively easy century (no century is ever "easy") is the Tour de Palm Springs. It has about 3000 feet of elevation gain. Be advised that there are a lot of people on this ride. I think there were somewhere between 8,000 - 10,000 riders last year. After you get past the second rest stop the herd thins out considerably. One thing about the TDPS, there is a bail-out point around 40 miles into the ride. If you make the turn you only end up going about 60 miles. I'm not really sure since I've never made the turn. :)
Another comparatively easy century (no century is ever "easy") is the Tour de Palm Springs. It has about 3000 feet of elevation gain. Be advised that there are a lot of people on this ride. I think there were somewhere between 8,000 - 10,000 riders last year. After you get past the second rest stop the herd thins out considerably. One thing about the TDPS, there is a bail-out point around 40 miles into the ride. If you make the turn you only end up going about 60 miles. I'm not really sure since I've never made the turn. :)
merider1
Since a lot of you have done centuries in the past, and still do. I was wondering if you can give me some advice on which century to start off with? The flatter the better. Cheers.
I started with Cool Breeze and loved it. It's not flat, but it certainly isn't difficult, is in a great area, is well supported and is popular.
I started with Cool Breeze and loved it. It's not flat, but it certainly isn't difficult, is in a great area, is well supported and is popular.
BCIpam
...depends on your time frame. There is one coming up in February - Palm Springs which is a good first century. Not particular hard although the road can be rough.
The next reasonable century is in August - Cool Breeze. There is alittle clmibing but given the time and proper training it's not all that hard. Scenary is gorgeous and weather usually, duh... cool.
In September is Amtrak from Irvine to San Diego. Not my favorite cause too many "newbies" try it but alot of fun. Not a particularly difficult route. Lots of folks on it. Weather can be blazin' hot to down right cold! Check out the OCW website for more info on Amtrak.
Depending on your fitness and what you are want to do I also like Cruisin the Conejo in May and Lighthouse in September. Alot of people like ( I don't) Solvang in March.
Another fun century especially for a first (it was mine) is Tour de Tucson in November. I think the year i did it there were 8,000 riders. A whole bunch of folks. When get home I'll post the "river" crossing photos from this ride.
The next reasonable century is in August - Cool Breeze. There is alittle clmibing but given the time and proper training it's not all that hard. Scenary is gorgeous and weather usually, duh... cool.
In September is Amtrak from Irvine to San Diego. Not my favorite cause too many "newbies" try it but alot of fun. Not a particularly difficult route. Lots of folks on it. Weather can be blazin' hot to down right cold! Check out the OCW website for more info on Amtrak.
Depending on your fitness and what you are want to do I also like Cruisin the Conejo in May and Lighthouse in September. Alot of people like ( I don't) Solvang in March.
Another fun century especially for a first (it was mine) is Tour de Tucson in November. I think the year i did it there were 8,000 riders. A whole bunch of folks. When get home I'll post the "river" crossing photos from this ride.
ovoleg
Try a 5mile flat loop and do it 20 times imo
Mr. Beanz
Good question! Gina wants to do her first century on her single. She's done 4 but on our tandem. I guess it's about time!:D
I was thinking about Palmsprings, but it's soooo crowded now. I 'm also considering the Borregosprings century. I like this area much more but part of the century is a repeat of previous course. BS has less traffic from my experience, but we'll see. Just might go there cause I have a few people that want to ride with us. Might be safer as a group.
I was thinking about Palmsprings, but it's soooo crowded now. I 'm also considering the Borregosprings century. I like this area much more but part of the century is a repeat of previous course. BS has less traffic from my experience, but we'll see. Just might go there cause I have a few people that want to ride with us. Might be safer as a group.
Grumpy Pig
Burrito Century, December 10. Irvine to San Diego. Mostly flat, one somewhat steep hill south of Del Mar.
jschen
Try a 5mile flat loop and do it 20 times imo
I disagree. Way too much temptation to quit every time you reach the start/end point.
I don't have much of an opinion as to which is the best to start with, but I would recommend you find some more experienced riders to ride the century with. Having some others cheer you on and encourage you along the way is worth a lot. It doesn't compensate for preparation, and 100 miles is a lot no matter how you look at it, but having some company and emotional support along the way can mean a lot.
I disagree. Way too much temptation to quit every time you reach the start/end point.
I don't have much of an opinion as to which is the best to start with, but I would recommend you find some more experienced riders to ride the century with. Having some others cheer you on and encourage you along the way is worth a lot. It doesn't compensate for preparation, and 100 miles is a lot no matter how you look at it, but having some company and emotional support along the way can mean a lot.
Scootcore
either the lighthouse near SLO or cool breeze
herbm
Palm springs in feb wasn't too hard either...
merider1
I have to weigh in, Palm Springs sucks IMO. I didn't care for the route, thought it was boring, and one of the riders I rode with in 2005 who paid for a jersey didn't get his at registration. The organizers said they'd mail it to him, but he never got it and never got his money back. I would NOT recommend it, let alone as a first century experience. Cool Breeze, Lighthouse, Wildflower, etc. would all be better choices even if there is more climbing. Sometimes, it doesn't matter if the ride is more difficult as long as it's well organized and on good roads (when I rode Palm Springs, my teeth chattered the roads were so bumpy and poorly maintained) with stunning scenery.
herbm
I have to weigh in, Palm Springs sucks IMO. I didn't care for the route, thought it was boring, and one of the riders I rode with in 2005 who paid for a jersey didn't get his at registration. The organizers said they'd mail it to him, but he never got it and never got his money back. I would NOT recommend it, let alone as a first century experience. Cool Breeze, Lighthouse, Wildflower, etc. would all be better choices even if there is more climbing. Sometimes, it doesn't matter if the ride is more difficult as long as it's well organized and on good roads (when I rode Palm Springs, my teeth chattered the roads were so bumpy and poorly maintained) with stunning scenery.
Nothing is as good as coolbreeze....
I never said it was a great century...only that it wasnt to hard...
Nothing is as good as coolbreeze....
I never said it was a great century...only that it wasnt to hard...
merider1
Nothing is as good as coolbreeze....
I never said it was a great century...only that it wasnt to hard...
That wasn't aimed at you (or anyone), Herb. :o I just can't stand PS and it's only my personal opinion. Some people love it and would disagree. You are correct, it isn't difficult (yawn...boring! :p )
I never said it was a great century...only that it wasnt to hard...
That wasn't aimed at you (or anyone), Herb. :o I just can't stand PS and it's only my personal opinion. Some people love it and would disagree. You are correct, it isn't difficult (yawn...boring! :p )
ronjon10
I'm doing Solvang in March for my first.
Extort
when I rode Palm Springs, my teeth chattered the roads were so bumpy and poorly maintained
Those roads are where they get the 3000 feet of elevation gain listed on the Tour de Palm Springs website.... 1/2 inch at a time :eek:
Overall, PS is a good beginner route, but if you have not set up a timeframe then I suggest that you look for one of the BikeForum sponsored rides. We have started to become a regular group and I have seen SAG vehicles on the last three major rides... You will also get all of the encouragement that you can stand, in fact we might cheer you on so much that we make you mad (our hope is that you will chase us until you finish the century)...
One other benefit to riding with the BF group, we all recognize that beer is a recovery beverage and always have something prepared. :D
Those roads are where they get the 3000 feet of elevation gain listed on the Tour de Palm Springs website.... 1/2 inch at a time :eek:
Overall, PS is a good beginner route, but if you have not set up a timeframe then I suggest that you look for one of the BikeForum sponsored rides. We have started to become a regular group and I have seen SAG vehicles on the last three major rides... You will also get all of the encouragement that you can stand, in fact we might cheer you on so much that we make you mad (our hope is that you will chase us until you finish the century)...
One other benefit to riding with the BF group, we all recognize that beer is a recovery beverage and always have something prepared. :D
merider1
I'm doing Solvang in March for my first.
Not a bad one (except for last year's freak Armageddon experience). Of course, about 38 miles of it is in a more industrial area and that isn't to my preference. The fall prelude is sweeter in terms of bang for the buck.
Not a bad one (except for last year's freak Armageddon experience). Of course, about 38 miles of it is in a more industrial area and that isn't to my preference. The fall prelude is sweeter in terms of bang for the buck.
merider1
but if you have not set up a timeframe then I suggest that you look for one of the BikeForum sponsored rides.
+1 - why don't you join us this Sunday on the Burrito Century? There are several levels represented and we're all going to be hungover from the night before....oops. :eek: Did I say that? :D
Seriously, if you get the whim, come out and play this Sunday. I think the route isn't that difficult.
+1 - why don't you join us this Sunday on the Burrito Century? There are several levels represented and we're all going to be hungover from the night before....oops. :eek: Did I say that? :D
Seriously, if you get the whim, come out and play this Sunday. I think the route isn't that difficult.
herbm
That wasn't aimed at you (or anyone), Herb. :o I just can't stand PS and it's only my personal opinion. Some people love it and would disagree. You are correct, it isn't difficult (yawn...boring! :p )
I knew that...just funnin ya....
Yes it was a bit boring....
I knew that...just funnin ya....
Yes it was a bit boring....
ronjon10
Not a bad one (except for last year's freak Armageddon experience). Of course, about 38 miles of it is in a more industrial area and that isn't to my preference. The fall prelude is sweeter in terms of bang for the buck.
Hopefully that'll be a late 38 miles when I'll already be so tired, I won't be able to see straight.... :)
Hopefully that'll be a late 38 miles when I'll already be so tired, I won't be able to see straight.... :)
merider1
Hopefully that'll be a late 38 miles when I'll already be so tired, I won't be able to see straight.... :)
No, sorry...it's more toward the beginning/middle. You end in the beauty of Solvang! :D
No, sorry...it's more toward the beginning/middle. You end in the beauty of Solvang! :D
Tiffanie
I don't have much of an opinion as to which is the best to start with, but I would recommend you find some more experienced riders to ride the century with. Having some others cheer you on and encourage you along the way is worth a lot. It doesn't compensate for preparation, and 100 miles is a lot no matter how you look at it, but having some company and emotional support along the way can mean a lot.
+1!!!!!
I made an almost last minute decision to ride the Tour de Poway this year. There's no way I would've finished without the encouragement and the great company I received from everyone here. :)
+1!!!!!
I made an almost last minute decision to ride the Tour de Poway this year. There's no way I would've finished without the encouragement and the great company I received from everyone here. :)
jpconrad
Which one is Cool Breeze? I searched the forums and found hundreds of threads, but couldn't find a link to a site for it.
Tiffanie
Which one is Cool Breeze? I searched the forums and found hundreds of threads, but couldn't find a link to a site for it.
http://www.cibike.org/page5.html
http://www.cibike.org/page5.html
jpconrad
http://www.cibike.org/page5.html
Thanks!
Thanks!
caligurl
granted.... cool breeze is an awesome century... but don't wait til then to do your first... go ahead and sign up for palm springs... it really is an excellent first century!
all the other great ones mentioned in the is post.... you can sign up for an do, too.... and do later in the year.... then you can have multiple centuries....
borrego with it's "redo a loop" might not be a good first century.... too much "pull" to go ahead and stop before you head out to finish it... since you go back to the beginning/end then go back out... i really dislike centuries like that... better to be out on a loop or out and back where you are "forced" to finish it!
if you are ready and want to pay the high later registration fees... do stagecoach in january.... otherwise wait til feb and do PS... yes... there are a lot of people... but that can be motivating and you can find others to ride with, if you want!
all the other great ones mentioned in the is post.... you can sign up for an do, too.... and do later in the year.... then you can have multiple centuries....
borrego with it's "redo a loop" might not be a good first century.... too much "pull" to go ahead and stop before you head out to finish it... since you go back to the beginning/end then go back out... i really dislike centuries like that... better to be out on a loop or out and back where you are "forced" to finish it!
if you are ready and want to pay the high later registration fees... do stagecoach in january.... otherwise wait til feb and do PS... yes... there are a lot of people... but that can be motivating and you can find others to ride with, if you want!
roadfix
I would say our Burrito Ride this Sunday is ideal for a first time century. Care to join us? :)
Brandy
Pick a century with crappy food and crappy support. My first was Cool Breeze and it set the bar too high...I can only imagine every other century will be a disappointment in those aspects. ;) :p
Rick@OCRR
Sorry Cali,
But I don't like Palm Springs either, and I wouldn't recommend it for a first century. Any of the others noted above would be great. If you're going to ride Palm Springs fit some larger cross-section tires; 700-25 or 700-28 at least (unless you already have the larger sizes on your wheels of course!) to keep your body from being beaten to death by the pavement, and also to help prevent pinch-flats (which were very common on the Palm Springs Century).
Best Regs,
Rick / OCRR
But I don't like Palm Springs either, and I wouldn't recommend it for a first century. Any of the others noted above would be great. If you're going to ride Palm Springs fit some larger cross-section tires; 700-25 or 700-28 at least (unless you already have the larger sizes on your wheels of course!) to keep your body from being beaten to death by the pavement, and also to help prevent pinch-flats (which were very common on the Palm Springs Century).
Best Regs,
Rick / OCRR
caligurl
the flats were from goat heads.... pinch-flats can happen anywhere if people don't put enough air in their tires... it has nothing to so with the terrain or the location of the century....
no the roads aren't the best..... but why make the guy wait to do a century?
i ride in the desert on 23cc tires all the time... i rode over 8000 miles last year... most of them in the desert.... i've never had a pinch flat... goat head punctures... yep....
but anyways.... i was just telling him not to wait for 8 months to do a "good" century... go ahead and get out there in february....
(palm springs was my first century and i loved it... i could have ridden another 100 that day i was so "high")
no the roads aren't the best..... but why make the guy wait to do a century?
i ride in the desert on 23cc tires all the time... i rode over 8000 miles last year... most of them in the desert.... i've never had a pinch flat... goat head punctures... yep....
but anyways.... i was just telling him not to wait for 8 months to do a "good" century... go ahead and get out there in february....
(palm springs was my first century and i loved it... i could have ridden another 100 that day i was so "high")
big john
Does it have to be an organized event? Try a BF century or a local club century. Our club does centuries nearly every week, usually small groups of 5-10 riders. About 12 of us are doing a Planet Ultra century this Saturday starting in Calabasas. Join us!
HRC-Rascal
I've done the riverside to surfside and the Amtrak century. Most people do the Amtrak as their first and it is one of the easiest from what I've heard.
If you are wondering whether or not you can do it, I recommend you do two 50 milers, one on Saturday and one on Sunday.
This is what I did prior to my century. My Saturday ride was rather hilly and my Sunday ride was flatter. This way my legs were already tired on Sunday, just like it would be on the last portion of a century.
I say just get out there and do it. Take along a friend to chat with and the miles will go by quicker then you think.
If you are wondering whether or not you can do it, I recommend you do two 50 milers, one on Saturday and one on Sunday.
This is what I did prior to my century. My Saturday ride was rather hilly and my Sunday ride was flatter. This way my legs were already tired on Sunday, just like it would be on the last portion of a century.
I say just get out there and do it. Take along a friend to chat with and the miles will go by quicker then you think.
merider1
.... then you can have multiple centuries....
Please tell me how, Cali, because I would love to have multiple centuries. :p
do stagecoach in january....
No disrespect, Cali, but I would never recommend Stagecoach as a first century for a whole host of reasons. I stick by my guns. Cool Breeze/Solvang/Wildflowers or a BF organized ride (Burrito!). But I will add that since a group of us are doing Stagecoach, you wouldn't be alone on your first! :)
Please tell me how, Cali, because I would love to have multiple centuries. :p
do stagecoach in january....
No disrespect, Cali, but I would never recommend Stagecoach as a first century for a whole host of reasons. I stick by my guns. Cool Breeze/Solvang/Wildflowers or a BF organized ride (Burrito!). But I will add that since a group of us are doing Stagecoach, you wouldn't be alone on your first! :)
merider1
Does it have to be an organized event? Try a BF century or a local club century. Our club does centuries nearly every week, usually small groups of 5-10 riders. About 12 of us are doing a Planet Ultra century this Saturday starting in Calabasas. Join us!
+1 and if you can, ride with Big John and his gals - great people, great moral support and they won't leave you stranded. Big John especially is the nicest guy in the world. :)
+1 and if you can, ride with Big John and his gals - great people, great moral support and they won't leave you stranded. Big John especially is the nicest guy in the world. :)
BCIpam
As promised here are my photos from te Tour de Tucson - from awhile ago before I got a digital camera.
t's a very interesting century with all the dry river crossings. If I ever do it again I will wear mountain bike shoes and use MTB pedals. At the time I wore Speedplay and after the first crossing (at abot 15 miles in) I was never able to again engage the pedal. Talk about sore feet after!
As to Centuries, except for th crappy roads, PS is a good first century. It is fairly flat. Not certain if I wold recommend either Solvang ot Wildflower (although The Wildflower is oneof my favorites for a gadzillin reasons) due to difficulties but if you are prepared for hills, then you'll be OK. I would shoot for Cool Breeze. Just nothing wrong with that ride.
The early morning MASS start. That was exciting. It took me 15 minutes to get to the start line and then it was crazy for about 20 miles until the group thinned out.
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/bcipam/Morningstart.jpg
The first "water" crossing. What a surprise!
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/bcipam/firstriverwalk.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/bcipam/firstriverwalk2.jpg
The second criossing about half way through. As I recalled it was long (over a mile) or I was already tired...
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/bcipam/secondriverwalk.jpg
* * *
I hadn't planned on this being a century. I started with friends and was going to sag in after 50 - 75 miles but found out - no sag wagons (so beware!) Oh well, I actually felt good and kept going. Around 80 miles my feet started cramping so I had to stop and massage them time and again. At 100 miles I stopped the bike, let out a cheer and praised God and started looking for a sag, still none so I reuctantly rode the last 8 miles back to the finish. Glad I did. The finish was like a marathon finish - banners, music, announcers etc. Also all along the route, folks were sitting and cheering on riders. It really was cool. I loved waving at everyone! The night before there is a bg expo - lots of vendors and "stars" of cycling.
t's a very interesting century with all the dry river crossings. If I ever do it again I will wear mountain bike shoes and use MTB pedals. At the time I wore Speedplay and after the first crossing (at abot 15 miles in) I was never able to again engage the pedal. Talk about sore feet after!
As to Centuries, except for th crappy roads, PS is a good first century. It is fairly flat. Not certain if I wold recommend either Solvang ot Wildflower (although The Wildflower is oneof my favorites for a gadzillin reasons) due to difficulties but if you are prepared for hills, then you'll be OK. I would shoot for Cool Breeze. Just nothing wrong with that ride.
The early morning MASS start. That was exciting. It took me 15 minutes to get to the start line and then it was crazy for about 20 miles until the group thinned out.
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/bcipam/Morningstart.jpg
The first "water" crossing. What a surprise!
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/bcipam/firstriverwalk.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/bcipam/firstriverwalk2.jpg
The second criossing about half way through. As I recalled it was long (over a mile) or I was already tired...
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o288/bcipam/secondriverwalk.jpg
* * *
I hadn't planned on this being a century. I started with friends and was going to sag in after 50 - 75 miles but found out - no sag wagons (so beware!) Oh well, I actually felt good and kept going. Around 80 miles my feet started cramping so I had to stop and massage them time and again. At 100 miles I stopped the bike, let out a cheer and praised God and started looking for a sag, still none so I reuctantly rode the last 8 miles back to the finish. Glad I did. The finish was like a marathon finish - banners, music, announcers etc. Also all along the route, folks were sitting and cheering on riders. It really was cool. I loved waving at everyone! The night before there is a bg expo - lots of vendors and "stars" of cycling.
Mo'Phat
Here's a counterpoint: Why are you looking to do the easiest century? I opted to do the hardest that I knew about...the Bike Forums Pie Ride (over 9,000' of climbing). I worked really hard to be able to do it, and when I did it, I knew that any other century I decided to try would be doable. I didn't start with an easy one, and now I don't question whether I'd be able to do a hard one.
Just a thought.
Just a thought.
SixEye
Thanks for the input, I really aprreciate it. I really wanted to do Solvang first (because of the scenery) but I do not think I will be ready for it in time (March). I think that Cool Breeze would be a much more realistic goal for me (August—plus, its closer to me) because of the time frame. I do plan to ride with saturday club rides and do organized rides (26-milers, then 40-milers, etc.) until I work myself up to doing 100 miles. The goal is doing multiple centuries a year, for sure. I wanted to find easier and flatter centuries, thinking it would be good for me to work myself up rather than crashing and burning on the first time.
Please feel free to chime in on your experiences riding Cool Breeze.
Please feel free to chime in on your experiences riding Cool Breeze.
SixEye
In September is Amtrak from Irvine to San Diego. Not my favorite cause too many "newbies" try it but alot of fun. Not a particularly difficult route. Lots of folks on it. Weather can be blazin' hot to down right cold! Check out the OCW website for more info on Amtrak.
I'll make sure I steer clear if I ever do this ride, since I am a "newbie". :D
I'll make sure I steer clear if I ever do this ride, since I am a "newbie". :D
caligurl
how long have you been riding? did you JUST start? or have you been riding a few months already?
Cassave
Coolbreeze, if only for the run south from Santa Barbara and the popsicles.
My first century (about that long ago) was solo.
I started from home and rode out 25 miles,
turned around, went home
had a quick lunch
rode out 25 miles in the opposite direction
turned around went home.
Instant century, never more than 25 miles from home.
My first century (about that long ago) was solo.
I started from home and rode out 25 miles,
turned around, went home
had a quick lunch
rode out 25 miles in the opposite direction
turned around went home.
Instant century, never more than 25 miles from home.
SixEye
how long have you been riding? did you JUST start? or have you been riding a few months already?
This past summer, I thought my oldest son how to ride a bike, by the end of the summer I was chasing him around like crazy so I wanted to get a bike. I bought a mountain bike and got hooked. I got hooked so much and got a road bike this past month. So, yeah, after a 20+ year hiatus...I just started. :)
This past summer, I thought my oldest son how to ride a bike, by the end of the summer I was chasing him around like crazy so I wanted to get a bike. I bought a mountain bike and got hooked. I got hooked so much and got a road bike this past month. So, yeah, after a 20+ year hiatus...I just started. :)
Brandy
Thanks for the input, I really aprreciate it. I really wanted to do Solvang first (because of the scenery) but I do not think I will be ready for it in time (March). I think that Cool Breeze would be a much more realistic goal for me (August—plus, its closer to me) because of the time frame. I do plan to ride with saturday club rides and do organized rides (26-milers, then 40-milers, etc.) until I work myself up to doing 100 miles. The goal is doing multiple centuries a year, for sure. I wanted to find easier and flatter centuries, thinking it would be good for me to work myself up rather than crashing and burning on the first time.
Please feel free to chime in on your experiences riding Cool Breeze.
First...I think you have plenty of time to be ready for Solvang. I started riding in May...got really busy with a friend visiting from out of state...we camped for a couple of weeks in June and I had no time on the bike for 3 weeks, and was able to ride Cool Breeze in August with no more than three months of riding under my belt. My longest rides prior to Cool Breeze were a few metric centuries (63-66 miles) and that's it! Oh...and I had a master plan for training that flew out the window when I got sick a couple of weeks prior to CB as well...lol! You can totally do it, just be smart about increasing your mileage. :)
As far as CB, I will do this ride every year. The support was amazing, the popsicles truly gave me the edge to finish and the scenery was great! I think I'll do the double metric next year though!
Please feel free to chime in on your experiences riding Cool Breeze.
First...I think you have plenty of time to be ready for Solvang. I started riding in May...got really busy with a friend visiting from out of state...we camped for a couple of weeks in June and I had no time on the bike for 3 weeks, and was able to ride Cool Breeze in August with no more than three months of riding under my belt. My longest rides prior to Cool Breeze were a few metric centuries (63-66 miles) and that's it! Oh...and I had a master plan for training that flew out the window when I got sick a couple of weeks prior to CB as well...lol! You can totally do it, just be smart about increasing your mileage. :)
As far as CB, I will do this ride every year. The support was amazing, the popsicles truly gave me the edge to finish and the scenery was great! I think I'll do the double metric next year though!
SixEye
It's probably gonna take me that long since I need to put in the miles and plus there are a lot of things I need to learn first like, riding ettiquette, pace lines, lingo, <whisper> changing a flat <whisper>, you know that kind of stuff. I just need experience but I am pumped!
Brandy
You sound like me and my original goals. I think you will surprise yourself with how quickly you progress! I just blogged about this exact thing, how my goals when I started in May were to be able to do a 50 mile ride in Sept, a metric in March 2007 and a full century in Sept. 2007. Then I met "the instigator" aka Trac'! Within a week of getting my bike in May, she had me convinced that I could do Cool Breeze in August! :eek: She was right though and if I hadn't aimed higher, I would probably still be lagging along, not challenging myself. :p
Why don't you sign up for a metric century early in the year and see how you handle that and then decide on Solvang?
Why don't you sign up for a metric century early in the year and see how you handle that and then decide on Solvang?
Brandy
Oh...and as far as group ride etiquette...you'll pick that up quickly. Just come on a BF ride and we'll be happy to show you the ropes!
tprevost
First...I think you have plenty of time to be ready for Solvang. I started riding in May...got really busy with a friend visiting from out of state...we camped for a couple of weeks in June and I had no time on the bike for 3 weeks, and was able to ride Cool Breeze in August with no more than three months of riding under my belt. My longest rides prior to Cool Breeze were a few metric centuries (63-66 miles) and that's it! Oh...and I had a master plan for training that flew out the window when I got sick a couple of weeks prior to CB as well...lol! You can totally do it, just be smart about increasing your mileage. :)
As far as CB, I will do this ride every year. The support was amazing, the popsicles truly gave me the edge to finish and the scenery was great! I think I'll do the double metric next year though!
I loved Cool Breeze... although I agree with Brandy that you have plenty of time to get ready for Solvang. I will probably also do the double metric next year, assuming I actually ride a little more prior to the event :p
As far as CB, I will do this ride every year. The support was amazing, the popsicles truly gave me the edge to finish and the scenery was great! I think I'll do the double metric next year though!
I loved Cool Breeze... although I agree with Brandy that you have plenty of time to get ready for Solvang. I will probably also do the double metric next year, assuming I actually ride a little more prior to the event :p
mateo44
+1 for cool breeze, and of course, the burrito century this sunday (12/10).
caligurl
i've done a gizzilion organized centuries (ok... not a gizzlion.... but a LOT of the socal ones!) there are a lot of good, well-organized centuries out there.... some aren't so great (3 harbors... ICK!).... i like organized centuries cuz not only do they feed me and give me water.... usually they give me some good junk food after the ride too! but most importantly... they give me a route slip so i can ride in areas i'm not familiar with! and you can ride in remote areas you can't do on your own or even as an unorganized ride cuz there's not place to get water unless you carry it along in a camelback.... i prefer the easy way... let them feed and water me! lol!
all i'm saying is there is no need to wait until august to do a century.... there area LOT of them coming up.... just pic one and go for it!
here' (http://bbcnet.com/RideCalendar/RideListDate.asp)s a listing of most of socal's
organized rides....
watch this forum and the "upcoming rides" thread for rides organized by other BF members.... join in... RIDE! lol!
if you wait until august to even attempt one... you'll have missed all the other good centuries that are happening this spring....
all i'm saying is there is no need to wait until august to do a century.... there area LOT of them coming up.... just pic one and go for it!
here' (http://bbcnet.com/RideCalendar/RideListDate.asp)s a listing of most of socal's
organized rides....
watch this forum and the "upcoming rides" thread for rides organized by other BF members.... join in... RIDE! lol!
if you wait until august to even attempt one... you'll have missed all the other good centuries that are happening this spring....
SixEye
Hah, all y'all make it sound soooo easy. Anyways, I WILL move up the time table a lil' bit and shoot for something sooner. See how encouraging all y'all are and we're not even on a ride. Thanks. :D Of course, either that or I am just gullible!!
jschen
Here's a counterpoint: Why are you looking to do the easiest century? I opted to do the hardest that I knew about...the Bike Forums Pie Ride (over 9,000' of climbing). I worked really hard to be able to do it, and when I did it, I knew that any other century I decided to try would be doable. I didn't start with an easy one, and now I don't question whether I'd be able to do a hard one.
Just a thought.
I did the same back in January and I had a great time, but I question the sanity of my choice. My view of the century riding experience would have been very different (for better or worse I don't know) if I had started elsewhere. For one thing, it would have seemed like a more attainable task, and I probably would have done more century riding afterward. On the other hand, such a crazy goal on my schedule did encourage me to train extra hard and make a huge leap in my riding abilities in the two months leading up to the Pie ride.
Just a thought.
I did the same back in January and I had a great time, but I question the sanity of my choice. My view of the century riding experience would have been very different (for better or worse I don't know) if I had started elsewhere. For one thing, it would have seemed like a more attainable task, and I probably would have done more century riding afterward. On the other hand, such a crazy goal on my schedule did encourage me to train extra hard and make a huge leap in my riding abilities in the two months leading up to the Pie ride.
ronjon10
As promised here are my photos from te Tour de Tucson - from awhile ago before I got a digital camera.
....
The first "water" crossing. What a surprise!
The second criossing about half way through. As I recalled it was long (over a mile) or I was already tired...
OMG, remind me to never do the Tuscon century. If it weren't for all the people, I could ride through the dirt on my size 28 tires (they've been through far worse). But with all the people, that obviously wouldn't work. You can count me in as someone who most definitely would NOT be carrying my bike for a mile. The tires can get dirty, I'm fine with that.
Congrats on making the century!
....
The first "water" crossing. What a surprise!
The second criossing about half way through. As I recalled it was long (over a mile) or I was already tired...
OMG, remind me to never do the Tuscon century. If it weren't for all the people, I could ride through the dirt on my size 28 tires (they've been through far worse). But with all the people, that obviously wouldn't work. You can count me in as someone who most definitely would NOT be carrying my bike for a mile. The tires can get dirty, I'm fine with that.
Congrats on making the century!
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cycling jerseys, shorts, socks, shoes and bike equiptment selection.