First Century

[SteveV2]

I rode my first centry yesterday. Time was 6:58 seat time; 7:23 total. Average Speed 14.2 MPH.
The route was mostly flat, but included six bridges, two of which are fairly steep (Chas. SC).

I drank about 1.25 gallons of gatorade/water. Ate about 1,500 calories. Despite darkness, fog, a little rain, the heat and a bit of a cold, it went OK. The last 10 miles were very rough as I was trying to stay under 7 hours, (I acutally picked up a 1/10 mph on my average during last 5 miles).

I did this on my single speed cruiser (don't laugh). I have been trying to find a "real" bike all summer, but can't make up my mind. Since I have been riding "the tank" forever, I decided to do it on something I am comfortable riding. Lots of funny looks from other riders, but I just kept on pedaling. I have been training everyday since May and I was able to meet my goal a bit sooner than I thought.

[JohnKScott]

Good job!!

[SteveV2]

Thanks John.

I am very new to long distance cycling. I have rode my bike for years, but never thought of trying to go any great distance. This forum has provided great information, especially on what to wear, eat and drink on long distance rides. Hopefully when I get some gears, I will post a better time.

Steve

[larryfeltonj]

I rode my first centry yesterday. Time was 6:58 seat time; 7:23 total. Average Speed 14.2 MPH.
The route was mostly flat, but included six bridges, two of which are fairly steep (Chas. SC).

I drank about 1.25 gallons of gatorade/water. Ate about 1,500 calories. Despite darkness, fog, a little rain, the heat and a bit of a cold, it went OK. The last 10 miles were very rough as I was trying to stay under 7 hours, (I acutally picked up a 1/10 mph on my average during last 5 miles).

I did this on my single speed cruiser (don't laugh). I have been trying to find a "real" bike all summer, but can't make up my mind. Since I have been riding "the tank" forever, I decided to do it on something I am comfortable riding. Lots of funny looks from other riders, but I just kept on pedaling. I have been training everyday since May and I was able to meet my goal a bit sooner than I thought.

Let me say I'm very impressed that you did this on a single speed cruiser. I'm an old guy (56), who's just recently gotten into centuries (I've done two in the past few weeks), and I haven't made better than 8.5 total on my road bike (probably still over 8 saddle time, since I only stopped long enough to fill my water bottles at the rest stops). On a cruiser my guess is it would've taken me twelve hours.

I'm a Raleigh Twenty enthusiast, and one of my goals before I turn sixty is to do a century on my three speed Twenty. But given my experience so far with centuries I'll have to do them on my road bike for now.

Once again, congratulation, and I'm impressed!

[banerjek]

I rode my first centry yesterday. Time was 6:58 seat time; 7:23 total. Average Speed 14.2 MPH.
The route was mostly flat, but included six bridges, two of which are fairly steep (Chas. SC).

I drank about 1.25 gallons of gatorade/water. Ate about 1,500 calories. Despite darkness, fog, a little rain, the heat and a bit of a cold, it went OK. The last 10 miles were very rough as I was trying to stay under 7 hours, (I acutally picked up a 1/10 mph on my average during last 5 miles).

I did this on my single speed cruiser (don't laugh). I have been trying to find a "real" bike all summer, but can't make up my mind. Since I have been riding "the tank" forever, I decided to do it on something I am comfortable riding. Lots of funny looks from other riders, but I just kept on pedaling. I have been training everyday since May and I was able to meet my goal a bit sooner than I thought.
Well done!

[SteveV2]

Larry:

Thanks for the kind words. The terrain here is very flat which helped me turn in a respecatable time and is a bit more forgiving for a single speed.

This is an old beach cruiser. I think it is a cheap Columbia bike (~35 lbs.), but it is hard to tell as it is painted over in black primer. I have had it for a long time and have fond memories of riding my children around the neighborhood. Over the years I have tired a few old 10 speeds and a mountain bike, but I have low back problems which flare up when I ride long periods in a stretched position. Somehow I always seem to end up back on the cruiser. I rode a Jamis Coda Sport a few months ago and I think with a few adjustments, I can make it work. The LBS is out of them until the 08 models come in.

As for my prep for the century, I did chop off 3-4 inches off the handlebars and taped them and swithced from a 2 inch tire to a 1.5 inch tire, which helped alot. I did train almost every day (12-20 miles), with progressively longer rides each Sunday.

I wish you luck on meeting your goal of riding a "Raleigh century". I don't know what your roads are like, but if you can lay out a flat course, it should be doable. FWIW, I am no youngster either (46).

Steve

[chuggins]

Well done, congratulations you made a goal for yourself and you accomplished it. Great Job

[CliftonGK1]

Congrats!
I've seen one other person do a century on a similar bike. At the Hancock Horizontal Hundred (Findlay, Ohio) I saw somebody on a Schwinn beach cruiser, complete with whitewall tires and a chrome basket on the front.

[Hobartlemagne]

Thats great! I have attempted a century but didnt finish it. Im trying one again this weekend.

[xclam]

Steve,

You are doing GREAT! I rode a century a week ago in 6:38 ride time and I have a CF road bike, plus rode in a 6 person paceline which conserves energy. Keep up the good work and you can easily do sub 6 hours with an upgrade in a road bike sometime in the future.

[SteveV2]

Thanks everyone. I rode a "leisurely" 60 miles last week and will try 80 on Sunday. The last itme I rode 80 I did it in 5:27 @ 14.6 MPH ave., which was my best ride ever.

In my opinion, the most critical issue for success is composure. Make a plan (route, food, water) and stick to it. When you get tired and thigs start to hurt, try to remain calm and focus on the goal. While training and equipment are imporant, there is a very significant part of this sport that is mental.

[HarryMan]

I live in Summerville and it is great to hear of centuries that include the downtown bridges. I have never ridden downtown but I am planning a route for this fall.

[Randallissimo]

Congrats! I am planning my first century this Sept. Thus far I have only gotten to 60 miles in one ride, but mostly because the weather has been so rainy this summer.