Road Cycling - Centuries -- typically done solo or in a pack?

So far most of my riding has been training solo, trying to push myself fairly hard. Last weekend had the pleasure of going on my first group ride, and I was amazed how easy it was to go more than twice as far when riding in a pack. Easy enough that I am starting to look forward to the possibility of a century in the not too distant future...depending...

Are long rides like centuries, MS150s, etc. typically done in groups or solo? A group century just seems far more do-able than a solo century, but I want my first one to be done the "right" way.

My first century started as a group, then I got dropped (about 5 mile in) and then it was a solo effort. The event was supported with SAG wagons and rest stops.

Not sure if that answers your question or not. ???

My first century was a group ride sandwiched by solo efforts. I rode 24 miles to the group ride, then did the 60 mile group ride, then 24 home. I didn't count the 7 miles I did later that day to go pig out at Subway. :D

it would be nice to find a group to ride with, however, i don't think not having one should stop you from riding. these types of events are usually filled with friendly people that you can hook up with. when i did my last century i hoped from one group to the next depending on how fast or slow i was going. i probably rode 75% of it by myself and 25% riding with groups of 2 to 10 people.

My first century started as a group, then I got dropped (about 5 mile in) and then it was a solo effort. The event was supported with SAG wagons and rest stops.

Not sure if that answers your question or not. ???


I am riding my first century in Nov and I am lucky to have my brother and a good friend riding it with me. The 3 of us ride together every Saturday and sometimes on SUnday. We are planning on riding the whole thing together. we are getting pretty good at riding a 3 man pace line :D

I've never done a century in a group. I'd like to though. My Sunday group rides are a blast and usually a lot faster than when I just go solo.

My first century, which I did this year, was a solo ride. It was a nice day, I had some decent base miles built up, and just said "why not". Stopped at a few convenience stores along the way for water and gatorade. Don't know why, but it felt good to do my first hundo solo. Have done 2 more with a friend - the company is sort of nice since 6 hours +/- gets a little boring on a bike.

it would be nice to find a group to ride with, however, i don't think not having one should stop you from riding. these types of events are usually filled with friendly people that you can hook up with. when i did my last century i hoped from one group to the next depending on how fast or slow i was going. i probably rode 75% of it by myself and 25% riding with groups of 2 to 10 people.

So perhaps the thing to do is look for organized centuries and go to one of those, even if w/o a predetermined group?

So perhaps the thing to do is look for organized centuries and go to one of those, even if w/o a predetermined group?
This is how I like to approach these rides. For me, it's not about completing the ride as much as it is about completing within a set of predetermined goals. So I go in without committing to riding with anybody and I hop from group to group depending on the pace and how I feel. I make friends along the way but I'm not at the mercy of someone elses flat or need for a bathroom break.

55/Rad

This is how I like to approach these rides. For me, it's not about completing the ride as much as it is about completing within a set of predetermined goals. So I go in without committing to riding with anybody and I hop from group to group depending on the pace and how I feel. I make friends along the way but I'm not at the mercy of someone elses flat or need for a bathroom break.

55/Rad

yep - that's exactly what i do. i don't have any friends that cycle or would be interested in doing events like this with me, so i pretty much always show up by myself. there's a lot of little things you'll end up doing to pass the time. chasing people down, hooking with a paceline, riding and chatting with someone else for a few miles, stopping at the rest areas and talking to people, etc. you can do a lot of different types of riding in a century. sometimes i would hammer for a few miles, and other times i would just chill out and check out the scenary.

I have ridden many centuries. They are easier and quicker on an organized ride. When I see someone close to my ability pass, it encourages me to pick up speed. If another cyclist is a "racer type" and way beyond my level, I don't get discouraged, they are not in my league. You will probably pass people yourself which in turn makes you feel good about your ability and makes you continue or keep at the current speed. In addition to seeing other riders cyling through the hard spots (70-80 mile marker), you get the benefit of organized stops with food and drink. One day centuries are not that hard, it is mostly in your head. Multiple day rides take training. Good luck.

I do mine solo. I would like to one day do a century with others, but for now, I'm happy doing it on my own. I like dictating my own rest stops and the length of time I take for them. Sometimes, people will accompany me for parts of my ride, but I've never had anyone take me up for a whole century ride.... not yet, at least!

Koffee

You will find in organized centuries that there are groups that are going different speeds. There are people just cruising, moderate, fast, and some going like bigfoot is chasing them. There are also people going solo.

If you want to ride in groups, start in the middle of the starting time window. That way you will have people in front and in back of you. You will catch some and some will catch you. You can usually find one that matches your ability.

I tend to start with a group and if I work my way to the front, I will break out and go to the next group. If you get with one that is too fast, you can always drop back. There are pleanty of friendly people that will welcome you in.

The last century I did I got off the front with another guy at about the halfway point. We were working really hard most of the day. It was a lot of fun though. And we got the food first. :D

definintely easier in a group.

you can take turns pulling and drafting, there's good conversation to help the miles pass, and the presence of others generally inspires you to push yourself a little and put forth some more effort (or maybe you just don't want to look like a pansy in front of you friends).

i've done some torturous solo centuries and long rides.

I have done both. The odd thing is that all of my really "tough" centuries have been group rides. By "group" I mean an "organized century" where you plunk down you $25 and they have SAG stops and Tee Shirts and a bunch of people. You can almost always find a group riding your speed. The downside is that in a big event, it is easy to get excited and ride too fast and really beat yourself up.

On solo centuries, I just go out and ride making sure that I have places to refill water and get snacks along the way. It is much easier to stick to a reasonable pace when you are by yourself.

Ever heard the phrase," ...we all die alone"? Riding a century is much the same.

I have done both. The odd thing is that all of my really "tough" centuries have been group rides. By "group" I mean an "organized century" where you plunk down you $25 and they have SAG stops and Tee Shirts and a bunch of people. You can almost always find a group riding your speed. The downside is that in a big event, it is easy to get excited and ride too fast and really beat yourself up.


I agree with this in the fact it is easy to spend your money early in an organized ride. Hook up with a group over your head and you're in for a long day.

I have a tendency to do this. So now I try to find a group that has a nice easy early pace and after I warm up catch up with a group that is going faster. Solo or group, organized or a Sunday ramble. Either way you'll be proud of yourself upon completion.

Depends on what you like and your fitness. If you want the fun of riding fast with comparatively less effort then suck wheel and ride behind the lead group. It's amazing how fast you can do a century this way. For me, stopping at sags and losing the pack is hell. You may never latch on to another pack and the rest of your ride can turn into a death march, especially if there is a headwind.