Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - My First Century Completed!

Today I participated in my first ever century. It was the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure here in Chicago. I had a blast. I just wanted an "under 7 hour finish" and I did just that. Probably would have been under 6 hours, but the crew I rode with enjoyed hitting every rest stop, and after enjoying some of the goodies, I now see why. The wind was nuts, as it seemed to always be a head wind. I think for just a mile or so we had a tail wind at one point.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/92001107

There is the Garmin data from the ride. There were quite a few rollers that would hurt, and there was one hill leaving out of a rest area. 5 miles up hill, forget that noise. I understand that if you live around mountains, but dang not outside of Chicago. For a minute I thought I was done with and the hill was never going to end. After completing it, it took me all of 2 minutes to recover and I was back on the front pulling the little skinnies around.

All I have to do now is massage my legs and pull my seat out of my ass. I still haven't passed it, hopefully soon. Didn't weight myself before, but after I was at 250 pounds. Finally shedding my winter weight :) Now it is time to do some racing for the rest of the season and then finish up with another century.

Congrats on the accomplishment!

Very nice. Congratulations!

:thumb:

awesome job! congratulations!

Very nice!

Awesome! One of my goals for the coming year.

Great job man! I hope to do a century at some point, but I think I may need a proper fitting and a new saddle.

Congrats! Way to go. I hope next year to either bump my efforts up to a full century or go on the 75K long route outside the track where there's some actual terrain.

Terrific job!

Congratulations! This year I'm aiming for a half-century... I hope one day I'll be fit enough to do a full century!

Great job! A century is on my target list for this year too.

Congrats! Way to go. I hope next year to either bump my efforts up to a full century or go on the 75K long route outside the track where there's some actual terrain.

Terrific job!

Why next year, CraigB? You have a strong level of fitness now and the riding season is still young.

Thanks everyone! If you are thinking about doing one, I would say go for it! To make it easier, get a group of riders/friends to do it with, and before you know it, you will be crossing the finish line after 100 miles. I was a bit nervous going in to it. After mile 50 I felt great. Mile 75 I felt horrible, Mile 90 I felt great :) I actually saw someone do the entire century on a Trek Navigator, which is a big heavy bike, and he was a big heavy dude. You put your mind to it, you can do it. Just keep hydrated and eat a little. I think I might have eaten a bit much but not a lot. The burger I think is what hurt me at mile 75 :)

My metioning next year was only in reference to the TdC, Neil. I realized afterward that I might have been clearer about that. Now I need to look at regional ride schedules to see what other longish rides are in my neck of the woods for the rest of this season. I might do a century yet this year.

Sorry for the brief hijack, nixternal. ;)

Congrats Nix!

BTW ... I'm also in the north, northwest burbs ... if you're ever looking for a ride partner, let me know!