Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - First Century - What should I do ?

I am in the eighth week of an 8-week training program for a solo century. However, this past weekend, I had a problem with my 65 mile ride.

I had planned a 32.5 mile out, 32.5 mile back road trip. 23 miles from home, a bolt unexpectedly sheered off my steering rod and I was unable to steer my bike. Since I wasn't carrying extra bolts, I had to call for a pickup. And so my long ride was only 23 miles instead of 65.

Since my long ride this week was less than half what it should have been, should I still shoot for my 100 mile ride next Saturday? Or should I postpone it for another week and repeat this past week's training again? This is the first time I have attemped a century. So I'm not sure what to do. Since it is a solo century, the schedule is completely up to me.

This past week's schedule was:

Su - 18 mi
M - 15 mi
Tu - 17 mi
W - 25 mi
Th - 0
F - 17 mi
Sa - 65 mi

The final week's schedule is:

Su - 18 mi
M - 15 mi
Tu - 17 mi
W - 25 mi
Th - 0
F - 10 mi
Sa - 100 mi

I usually skip Sunday's ride and run 6-10 miles instead. What do you recommend I do? I am in relatively poor shape, as on my cumulative miles ridden my speed is only averaging about 12 miles per hour.

Stay cool and ride your century as planned. :thumb: It will certainly hurt a bit - but you will feel great the days afterwards. Just avoid complete exhaustion until the very last part of the century - go slowly.
:thumb:

you should be fine. just remember to eat approx 250 calories every hour and drink even if you're not thirsty. Take it easy and enjoy the ride. I can't stress the nutrition and hydration enough though. You'll feel fine for 50 or 60 miles and then you'll bonk.

Have fun! Let us know how it went.

Yup remember to have FUN! you could probably make the jump up to your next larger training ride with out to many problems. Maybe just allow for extra recovery after.

What's your longest ride so far, and your longest total in a week so far?

I say go for it with the realization that you may be only able to do 60-80 miles. You can make your first century attempt a long training ride.

Hey...you are ready. Just relax and enjoy the ride.

I did my first century 3 weeks ago. I trained well but was all freaked out as to whether or not I could do it or not anyway.

Well...it was 58 degrees and raining for the first 4 hours of my ride!!!! I pushed on..the sun came out...and I made it. I was by myself the whole time....although I did have rest stations and sag wagons.

Just hydrate and eat enough like everyone says. A century is not as tough as you might think. Good Luck!!!!

(I am 41 years old, female, and new to biking!)

I found that running as well as swimming helped me prepare for the Seattle to Portland bike ride. I did 126 miles the first day and then the remaining 80 the next day. I also did scads of abdominal exercises. I am a 62 year old male.

So LWB- did you make your century?