Touring - First Century Ride

I have decided to try a 100 mile ride with some guys at work. We commute approx 15-25 miles round trip to work 3-4 days a week. I would like opinions on how we should build up to a 100 mile ride. Or should we just go for it? How much food, water, ... should we take?

Thanks
Brian:crash:

Hi Brian,

Just go for it! I did my first 200km ride the other weekend after a few training sessions and a lazy winter. I'd be surprised if you couldn't do it considering how much and often you ride. Just make sure you eat and drink enough to prevent yourself from bonking (like I did!). Have fun and good luck!

I'm sure you could do it, but it would be more pleasent if you worked up to it. Like a 40 mile one weekend then a ~60 or metric century. Then you know you wouldn't get sore. I was definitely tired at the end of both my centuries, but dod a metric cntury the day after the second century.

Good luck
Joe
:beer:

Google "how to train for a bike century" and you'll get lots of good info.

Map out a route on gmaps.pedometer or on routeslip.com. Make sure there are some convenience stores or grocery stores in the towns along the way.

Having some options to stop and refill on liquids and food helps to break up the ride and you don't have to carry so much while on the bike.

If you can comfortably ride 60 miles now, then you can do a century. If not, then you should work up to that first by doing increasingly long rides on weekends.

Then, on your century, take it a little easier than the way you ride the 60 milers and all will be fine. When designing your route, try to arrange a restaurant stop for lunch about halfway. It'll give you a definitive goal and a good excuse to take an extended break and refuel for the trip home.

This (http://www.diablocyclists.com/RiderTips/StrenghtCenturyTrainingProgram.htm) is about the best training schedule I've ever run across. There is another version on the site that requires less mileage also.

I find it's the *bum* that needs the training, not the legs! :)

I find it's the *back* that needs the training, not the legs! :)

My take on your thoughts. :)

Thanks for the suggestions.

I have to agree its the bum that needs the training.

Brian