Road Cycling - Completed my first century

I did my first one on Staurday. It was a blast. Thanks for the advice that everyone here gave me on getting ready.

I felt pretty good most of the way. I probably started out a little faster than I should have. There is this nasty climb that starts around 76 miles. I was on it for a little while and thought "so what". THEN the last couple miles of it were brutal. At mile 84 it got crazy, but I made it. Then I got a second wind.

One question. When people give there times for a century, do you give the pedaling time, or the full clock time with stops included? Mine were 5:45:50 riding time, and 6:45:54 real time. So, did I do a 6 hr century or a 7 hr century? The 7 seems like the fair one to me.

I always put my riding time. That is a great time for your first century ride.
Glad you had fun. Are you ready for another one?

Hey congratulations! You did it in good time. How was the weather up in Solvang?
Now get ready for the L.A Wheelmen Grand Tour coming up in June. You've gotta do that one. I went for the shortest distance like most did....... 200mi. That was back in 1994...

George

Way to go!
Joe

Great job! That's a remarkable time for a first century. And yeah, I too tend to start out a little faster than I should and end up suffering a bit 3/4 of the way through (usually in the middle of a climb). It also helps if you ride with someone else though because then you can feed off each other for sanity-checking the pace. But it also seems like if you ride with others that you can go about 20% further and it's not just the drafting. I think it's psychological as well.

I count the time on the bike computer which is set to automatic and stops when I stop. 5:45 is excellent for a first or 10th for that matter century. I always have a hard time at about 65 - 80 miles then get a second wind and finish it off.

The weather was really nice. It was a little cool in the morning. There was fog in the air until afternoon. It kept it from getting too hot.

I am looking for my next one already.

Fixer, 200miles!!!!! I haven't gone completely crazy. I really do have to put some thought into my saddle though. After 40 miles, it wasn't being very friendly.

Congrats on the ride! I too was in Solvang this weekend, I finished in 6 hours 11 minutes. I think I started off too fast b/c I was severly hurting & cramping from mile 65-80 where I my avg speed deteriorated significantly. Once I hit the big hills at the end I started feeling great again.

There are two upcoming centuries that I'm doing; Citrus Blossom and Ojai Valley, April 4th and June 12th respectively. I intend to "pace" myself out of the gates.

Brilliant stuff! I can't wait for my first century ... slated for May 2nd. The weather here has been so crappy that all my bike time has been trainer-based so far. I need to get out on the road. Congratulations on your ride!

Congtrats and welcome to the "club".

I am definately going to do Ojai, and possibly the Citrus Blossom as well. They both sound like good rides.

El Doctor, At the Citrus Blossom, if I bring my wife along, is the start/finish at a place where she would have things to do while I am out riding? She dosen't drive.

I am definately going to do Ojai, and possibly the Citrus Blossom as well. They both sound like good rides.

El Doctor, At the Citrus Blossom, if I bring my wife along, is the start/finish at a place where she would have things to do while I am out riding? She dosen't drive.


the citrus blossom takes off from and end at the Channel Islands harbor. There is a great beach right there, plenty of restaraunts and a walking path to a park in front of the Embassy Suites. She'll have plenty to do.

doc

Congrats - Great first time century. Welcome to the club.

Hey 325 great job!!
I noticed your in Pasadena me too...LOL
Was your century a solo ride? Do you ride with any of the local groups,or bike shops?

~Joshiespop~