Training for my first century

[lazlo]

Next year I turn 50, so I want to set a cycling goal, and I've chosen the Portland Century next August. I commute 20 mi rt 3-4 days a week, go for an occasional 30-40 mile ride on the weekends. What do I need to be doing to be ready for this next August? Any advice would be appreciated.

[Six jours]

Next year I turn 50, so I want to set a cycling goal, and I've chosen the Portland Century next August. I commute 20 mi rt 3-4 days a week, go for an occasional 30-40 mile ride on the weekends. What do I need to be doing to be ready for this next August? Any advice would be appreciated.
The simplest possible thing would be to continue with your commute, turn your "occasional" 30-40 mile weekend ride into a "regular" weekend ride, and add 5 or so miles to it every other weekend. This will have you in comfortable century condition within a few months, with very little strain.

[Machka]

Have a look at my article on how to ride a century: http://www.machka.net/century.htm :)

[banerjek]

Next year I turn 50, so I want to set a cycling goal, and I've chosen the Portland Century next August. I commute 20 mi rt 3-4 days a week, go for an occasional 30-40 mile ride on the weekends. What do I need to be doing to be ready for this next August? Any advice would be appreciated.
You probably already are ready. Jumping from 40 to 100 miles sounds like a lot, but it's not nearly as hard as it sounds. It wouldn't hurt to throw in a couple longer weekend rides, but I think what you're already doing will probably be adequate. It is not necessary to slowly work your way up to 100.

[Speedo]

Work up to the point where your weekly rides are in the 60+ range and you'll be good to go.

My own particular advice would be to work on your butt. That is, practice at doing those longer rides with minimal stopping.

A century is a great goal because it is an achievable one. If you concentrate on putting some miles in you could do one comfortably in the spring.

Speedo

[Suburban Rider]

I would agree with banerjek that you probably already are ready for a centrury. I would disagree with Banerjek however on not slowly working your way up to 100 miles. If nothing else your butt could use the break in period. I ride 6+ centuries a year in the short Michigan season. Before I rode my first century I slowly worked my way up to 75 miles then made the jump to 100 miles. I recommend that you follow Six Jours advice about adding 5 miles every other week. I added 5 miles every week but every other would be fine.

Now my word of advice is to be certain that your first century ride is a well SAGed ride with stops approximately every 15 miles. Nothing will foul your ride more than the lack of water or the need for a rest room. I do at least half my century rides every season on my own but my touring bike alows me to carry plenty of liquids and I plan my routes so that I pass a public park with rest rooms at least once every 30 miles.