Long Distance Cycling - First century- Foxy Falls

What a blast! My quads are jello but I made it, 6hrs 45 min. I took off in the am and went for about 20 miles with my friends racing group- I have never ridden in a group like that and it was awesome. They were taking it easy (22-25), and when they dropped the hammer they dropped me (around 30 mph). We re-grouped, and then I got dropped in the hills. I have a lot of respect for the level of fitness in these guys. I rode by myself for the most part. I sure did miss the drafting...
I am 41, never seriously ridden until 2 months ago, and the longest jaunt was 26 miles. My commute to work (3-4 times a week) is 17 miles. If you are considering it go for it! I am in decent shape but nothing special at all. The last 10 miles was brutal, but overall I was comfortable (Felt Z35) on my ride.

A great day!

congrats!

Congratulations on your century, keep up the good work.

What a great job. FF was a good ride this year because the winds were very light. it is not much fun when there is a screaming wind, which often happens during that time of the year. Generally comes from the north, so it is a blast riding 30-35 to the first stop. Not so much fun going 12-14 upwind.
Keep going
Cheers

22-25 was their "easy" pace? Yowch.

Your 6h 45m pace is much more along my style. Congrats!

Thanks for the support- I am making good gains in my fitness. Keeping up regular rides to work and 30-50 mile rides on weekends. I went out with most of the same guys on a 50mile ride (Cantelow) a few weeks ago and got dropped twice, but first time I caught up after they waited for the slower folks. Then I manged to keep up until the last 6 miles in the flats. I just couldn't maintain that pace.
I am going to keep after it, and rejoin them at some point and try again. Getting dropped just means I need to keep working, I guess have no pride! Some of my buddies are probably in better shape than me and they are too intimidated to join, which I understand.

I think my first century will be more like a two day affair!

congratulations! second time round will be much easier as you will have the benefit of experiance.