Introductions - Hello from Southern Illinois

Hi, I'm Paul and I have been riding for the last couple of years. I have a Huffy 700C hybrid bike from the local department store. My goal is to ride my first century this fall. So far the longest I have ridden is 100K. I'm getting pretty interested in upgrading my bike and trying to learn what would be the best for comfortable but reasonably quick long distance riding.

Hi Paul, a metric century is nothing to be sneezed at, especially riding a hybrid. Are you planning on riding in an organised century ride?

Welcome to BF, and feel free to PM me with any questions :) !

East Hill
Forum Moderator

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t162/dminorwa/pinkstar.jpg

Thanks for the response. I haven't really decided about an organized century yet. So far all of my riding has been solo. I am a bit intimidated at the thought of doing an organized ride for several reasons. Obviously the distance is daunting but also that fact that I am such a newbie and joining in with real bike riders makes me a bit nervous.

Thanks for the response. I haven't really decided about an organized century yet. So far all of my riding has been solo. I am a bit intimidated at the thought of doing an organized ride for several reasons. Obviously the distance is daunting but also that fact that I am such a newbie and joining in with real bike riders makes me a bit nervous.

Ha! There's a few threads (mostly in road cycling) which cover the basics of interacting with large crowds of fellow cyclists. It's only scary when you are talking about really BIG rides, but not too bad for the smaller organised rides.

East Hill

If you arent wanting to be part of a structured event, you could look at doing the katy trail across missouri. Take your time, do what you want, and you can ride the amtrak back if you just want to go one way.

Thanks for the suggestions. I still haven't committed to a particular century ride but I committed myself to doing one this fall. September or maybe early October. I went to my LBS this weekend and picked up a used Trek 520 touring bike. I figured I am in this for the long term and it would be nice to have higher quality bike than what I have been riding. I have read here on the forums and was told that the Trek 520 would be quite appropriate for the type of riding I'm interested in. Not as fast and light as a true road bike but more comfortable and durable for the long haul. I am picking it up today so I'm quite excited! Looking forward to putting on some miles and getting to know her better :)

Hehehehe, yes, the Trek 520 deserves its excellent reputation for being a good touring bike! You should enjoy it very much.

East Hill

Woohoo! The weather was unseasonable cool here the last few days, highs only in mid-80's. So I took off early Saturday and completed my first century. I spent 9 hours total about 7:15 actual riding. Gorgeous day and no troubles encountered, I couldn't have asked for anything better. Well maybe a better saddle :) But I am happy to have that first milestone under my belt and I'm very pleased with the Trek 520.

Hurrah! Very cool that you were able to do that :D .

As for a better saddle--you could try a Brooks...

East Hill