Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Rode an unsupported century today!

Yup, completely unsupported. I had some cash for lunch (subway), coffee and choc chip cookie (starbucks), and water refills. This was my first one and I think my longest ride ever. Felt great to see the computer click over to 100.

So I met Shiz (that guy from Vegas) this morning around 8:45 and we set off. We rode up and around El Dorado Hills, down to Latrobe, over to Folsom, and up to Loomis. Pictures to come tomorrow. We took a couple of breaks for food, coffee, etc.

Total distance: 108.46
Avg: 14.603
Time: 7:25:38
Climbing: 5163

It was really nice riding with Shiz. We had a good ride and were plenty wiped by the time we got done around 6pm.

Craig at our first snack break outside the Carl's Jr.
http://www.jspublications.net/images/bikes/RidePhotos/10-18-08/IMG_0831.jpg

From near the top of the Serrano grade, looking back down. It was a steady 9% for something like 2 miles
http://www.jspublications.net/images/bikes/RidePhotos/10-18-08/IMG_0832.jpg

Me, looking a little vacant at lunch
http://www.jspublications.net/images/bikes/RidePhotos/10-18-08/IMG_0833.jpg

They let us bring our bikes into the Subway
http://www.jspublications.net/images/bikes/RidePhotos/10-18-08/IMG_0835.jpg

Craig (shiz) at the Subway lunch break
http://www.jspublications.net/images/bikes/RidePhotos/10-18-08/IMG_0836.jpg

The sign over the bridge on the ARBT at the top of Lake Natoma
http://www.jspublications.net/images/bikes/RidePhotos/10-18-08/IMG_0837.jpg

Scenic bridge shot up the American River in Folsom
http://www.jspublications.net/images/bikes/RidePhotos/10-18-08/IMG_0839.jpg

Once you start riding them, they are as much fun as the organized rides. I had done so many organized rides in the last 13 years,I sarted to add up the dough I was spending. Did a couple of unorganized with buds then realized, why pay?

In 05, I did 23 centuries. Got to the point I'd just take off and whip out a hundy! Several were solo unsupported, 'just get out there and ride' rides. I'd take $10, G-Ade Powder and a couple of CliffBars.

Nice ride! 5k climbing is great!:thumb:

Awesome job Joel!

Good job!!!

I am planning on one a month in November, December, January, February. Not sure what the movies will be, but I will do the Bourne Century again. Then probably a Star Wars Century and maybe a Die Hard century.

Yes, I will be moving inside soon, and will be using my rollers a LOT!!!

Wow, thats a great pace with that much climbing.

I've completed 5 centuries, all solo and unsupported. I wish I had someone to ride with but I wouldn't want a lot of people like a supported ride. I have a lot of people that I do group rides with, but the centuries seem to be a last minute, wake up one morning and start to ride type of deals.

Great job!!

Thanks folks. I just added the pictures.

Feels good, doesn't it? Have you gotten the "You Must Me Insane" from your friends and co-workers yet?

My centuries take 3 or 4 days. ;) Really though I think this is the year I'm going to attempt one. I'm just scared of my butt turning to mush at about 50 miles. Guess I'll never know unless I get out there and try one.

Very nice, Joel! Congratulations!

You do look a little tired in the photo. Your companion must have more experience riding such distances, because he appears more relaxed. Must be the leg-shaving. :)

Well, he is 20 pounds lighter than I am. That must make a difference. I've also been feeling weak with all the weight loss. Somehow I managed to drop 4 pounds last week. I'm 10 off from my personal goal now.

I don't have a paying job (stay at home dad), so nothing from the co-workers as my wife is a cyclist too and my son (7yo) has been on rides to 33 miles with me.

Congratulations. That is quite a ride, especially with all that climbing. I live in a flat area so I get no practive on hills, therefore I am always very impressed with folks that can ride a century ride that includes lots of hills.

Happy riding,
André

Good job JoelS. What was that called the "Restaurant Century" every other photo is a restaurant. I am trying to get up the nerve do a solo unsupported century. I'm trying to find the time and the weather. I tuned up the bike today, so that excuse is gone.

Congrats, that is awesome!