Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - St. Michaels MD Century
Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.
salazarology
08-29-07, 10:33 AM
I'm going to participate in the St. Michaels Historical Century, it will be my first century, and I have only been riding for about 4 months or so. I ride about 60 to 80 miles a week to train. Has any of you done this ride? any suggestions or tips? I'm wondering if I will be able to pull it off. The most I have ever ridden is 55 miles, and I averaged about 15mph.
G-Whacker
08-29-07, 10:52 AM
Of course you can!
I'm in that area, can you feed me a link to that ride? (I've somehow missed it)
salazarology
08-29-07, 10:56 AM
Sure thing, it's on the 15th of Sept. here's the link: http://www.bikedoctor.com/st_michaels/
see you there
G-Whacker
08-29-07, 11:25 AM
Thanks, I'll try to make that one, it looks like a nice ride. (mass start)
If you can get in a metric in (relatively) hilly Arlington in the next couple of weekends, you'll certainly finish a
supported century. It might be windy, but gravity will be a non-factor.
Home turf. I was going to participate in this ride and was looking forward to it. Unfortunately, something else has cropped up (sailing and biking conflict w/one another far too much). As far as the ride goes, it can't help but be flat. It is the Eastern Shore, after all. Damn, I'm disappointed about this. Have fun and if you would, post your experience after the ride. I'd like to hear about it.
It's a nice ride. Pretty small too. This is only it's third year. The first year there were like 400 riders. Good rest stops and scenery.
-D
I just went for a ride in that area and it's pretty darn flat. Here's my data (http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/3847899) recorded off the Garmin from places where the route will likely cover. The only thing that could possibly slow you down is a headwind, but if you're lucky, it's be a tailwind for half the ride. :) Ignore my pace data, I was just loafing around after the first 30 miles or so -- the roads around there are built for speed; wide shoulders, relatively few hazards (rocks near driveways are about it) and wide, gentle turns.
As for your ability to complete the event, I bet you'd have no problem. We've been riding about the same amount of time and cover similar distance each week. If I can do it, you can too.
G-Whacker
09-16-07, 07:17 PM
How'd it go? pics?
salazarology
09-17-07, 10:12 AM
Hey guys I survived!!!
Finished all 100miles, I can tell you I definitely didn't brake any records, but I finished.
The first 60 were relatively easy, I kept a good pace, around 20-22 mph. But around 70miles or so, I started to feel it. There were rest stops at about every 25 to 30 miles, they had gels, powerbars, water, etc. Very well organized.
No photos unfortunately, I was too busy trying to get to the finish. The last 10 miles were pretty tough.
Don't let anyone tell you 100 miles is a breeze.
cheers,