[GabeMcG]

So, I turn 24 in 2 days, and I work tomorrow. I decided I wanted to ride my first century before my birthday, so I've been riding a bunch the past few days to prepare. My normal route is a 30 mile paved trail route, and I've ridden it each of the last three days (Sun, Mon, Tues). Because the trail I ride used to be a railroad track, it's pretty flat; on Sunday and Monday, I finished the 30 mi with a steep, tall, hard climb for a little extra workout. I skipped the extra climb last night, and carb loaded/hydrated before bed. I'm on 8 hrs sleep, and am going to eat a bit of breakfast before I start out today.

I'm wondering what tips and tricks all you experienced century riders can offer a newbie?

Thanks in advance!

Gabe

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[GamecockTaco]

only 1 under my belt so far, but have about 5 metrics - my best advice is hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

[Pedal Wench]

Fuel every hour - starting from the beginning so you're never in a defecit situation. And hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

Oh - and stand out of the saddle as often as you can to get some circulation down under - this is really important on a flat course.

[GabeMcG]

thanks for the tips, I'm packing up right now, then headed to breakfast.

I'm considering taking a swim @ lake Michigan after the first 30 miles, good Idea or bad?

[Spreggy]

It's all about fuel my friend, this I have learned as a fellow newbie. Grab some Heed or similar supplement from your local bike shop to add to your water bottles, a couple or three bananas, a handful of gel shots (for the second half when it's harder to stomach real food), and maybe some fig newtons, pb&j sandwiches, energy bars, or whatever. Eat every half hour or so after the first hour. Bring too much food, it's light. Load up on sunblock, esp tops of your legs. Empty a water bottle every hour minimum. Stretch on the bike frequently.

Good luck!

[jm01]

I started doing a 170km birthday ride a while ago just to see how long I can keep it going...just turned 57 a few weeks ago

Best advice from what I've learned...don't have bacon for breakfast...stay off the roads if the temp exceedes 40c (last year)

Ride safe

[Daveyboy]

+1 about the eating and the drinking. Also, if it's hot out, consider taking a few electrolyte replacement tabs or sports drink early on. It's amazing to me the difference that it makes if you've been sweating alot. I've been on 65 mile rides where I forget to keep eating and drinking and I'm toast by the end. Also, don't overdo it starting out, nice easy pace.