Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - My first century

I rode 102 miles on the first day of Houston's BP MS150 this past weekend and I was amazed. This was by far the longest distance I have ever ridden. The second day was only 69 miles in to Austin. I can't believe I said "only 69." I was sucessfull on my first century ride as a result of many of the things I read on this forum. Thanks to all of those who contribute here!

Congratulations. Keep it up and you may find yourself saying things like, "Only 100 miles to go."

Isn't it an amazing sense of accomplishment?

Aside from the satisfaction I derived from my first century, I was also pleased to bask in the incredulity of everyone I knew. They seemed to think that his kind of activity was beyond the realm of human capability.

Careful...this is addictive. Your next one is just around the corner! :D

Your success is encouraging. I'm attempting my first century ride this weekend. Did you "hit a wall" at any point in the ride and, if so, any suggestions for breaking through?

I just completed my first century as well on the Tour De Cure in Hampton roads. I ride 60 to 100 miles a week for the last couple of months and I was pleasantly surprised the actual century was not as bad as I thought it would have been. I think the onlky thing I could have done better was to take longer rides in preparation for the century.

Around mile 80 or so I had a lightly cramping leg muscles and a right knee pain. I think the knee pain may have been through overuse/extension. I rode 80 miles easy after that hoiping the knee pain would go away, so now I will plan on taking three days off and hopefully that will fix the problem.

But the ride was great, I completed the 101 mile ride in 4 hours and 55 minutes.

It is amazing how such long distances become "only xxx miles" after a relatively short period of time doing longer tours. A year ago my longest one time ride was 35 miles...now I'm saying things like "it's only 60 miles" how cool! Did my first century last fall and cannot wait to do it again this year...as a matter of fact, I've logged over 200 miles in the last few days just "getting out and about". Enjoy the Spring and ride safe.

It is fun isn't it. One of the nice things about cycling is one can ride distances that are amazing to the non cyclist. It is fun to tell friends about riding 100 miles or more and then being modest about it when they express amazement!

Hopefully my first 100 mile ride will be Memorial Day. Up to now my longest has been 78 miles. I can't wait. Hopefully the weather will cooperate.

Isn't it an amazing sense of accomplishment?

Aside from the satisfaction I derived from my first century, I was also pleased to bask in the incredulity of everyone I knew. They seemed to think that his kind of activity was beyond the realm of human capability.

Careful...this is addictive. Your next one is just around the corner! :D

That is my favorite part. People don't understand what it's like to ride fast or do a lot of climbing, but the long distances really impress them.