How many of you ride centuries and other long rides during the winter in sub-freezing temps? Do you have any tips for those considering doing one?

I just rode my January century (I'm attempting a century a month again this year) yesterday and two main tips I could offer are:

1. Ride manageable loops to and from your home. What's manageable at -30C might be different from what's manageable at 0C, so you'll have to work that out.

2. Drink lots when you've arrived at your rest stop (home). When that bottle is frozen solid, you're not going to get anything out of it!

I don't do a century, but I have a nice 75km or so loop I do on a regular basis. I have a Platypus hydration system (camelbak-esque) which I use - blow the water back into the reservoir after drinking to ensure it doesn't freeze.

I like to mix up 3 bottles of Gatorade, too, for the salt and sugar. Just before heading out, microwave the bottles (with the tops off!) for 2-3 minutes (depending on your microwave power) till they're nice and warm. This will give you some extra time before they freeze; I can usually make it to the end of the ride without running out. Make up 3 bottles and drink them one at a time - it seems like 3 bottles that are 1/3rd full will freeze faster than 1 bottle that is full (more surface area, presumably).

I managed to ride three loopy metric centuries this January. Once properly dressed your body doesn't sweat that much or at least you don't suffer of a discomfort of a wet wear. I did not carry any hydration container with me, but stopped by a local store for a doze of a mineral water a couple of times per ride.

Last year I got the chance to ride 380 miles from Bondville, Vermont to Fryeburg, Maine and back during a Saturday, Sunday, and Monday (February 28, 29 and March 1). Carried a sleeping bag, gore-tex tent and sleeping pad in addition to clothing and all the light systems I owned. Stopped about every 2 hours to eat somewhere and use the facilities. Mountain Dew became the beverage of choice while on the bike - it tasted the best, and I constantly munched on a sweetened cereal. First day 138 miles, second day 103 (spent 4 hours at a Bicycle Parts Distributor's open house - the reason for the ride), the third day 139 miles. I pretty much had the roads to myself after 8pm, the first night I road until 10:30 pm, the second til about 9:00 pm and 'cause I didn't get up early didn't get back home til 2 am on March 2. I took way too much layering clothing, wound up riding in just a thin wool long sleeve top and waterproof breathable Sierra Designs jacket with pit zips, and my usual Lake winter boots with wool socks, and Ibex wool shorts, Craft windblock briefs, Pace knee warmers and Pace tights. My hands are protected by CliMitts so some of the ride I used my summer gloves and some colder times I used Cannondale rain gloves. I'm currently looking for a very warm jacket with hood, and side zip pants, so that when I come to a scenic view or something I could more easily stop and not "chill out". I didn't stop much except at restaurants/stores because with my layering system it would take about 10 minutes to cloth up or down. The temps varied between 15F and 40F, mostly being in the 20Fto 35F range. I averaged 12.4 mph, about what I commute at, and my whole body felt fine, I just kept the cranks spinning comfortably and didn't worry about making any destination at a specific time. Slept out the first night and stayed in a motel the second night (shower, oh so sweet!). I used Vredestein smooth 700x32 tires, because it hadn't snowed in several days, but took my Kenda Kross Supremes just in case it snowed or the roads were really bad, the roads were fine. If I get the time this year and the weather cooperates again I may try it on a lighter (faster) bike not that I know I can handle 130 to 140 miles per day in the winter.
my bike:http://hometown.aol.com/vtwjksr/myhomepage/index.html

Got my second winter century for 2005 in today! The temps were hovering right around freezing but there was absolutely no wind, so it was quite nice out.

I could have used studded tires for a couple very small sections of the route, but the rest was bare and dry ... there was, however, still quite a bit of snow in the ditches and the snowmobilers were roaring up and down.

Go Machka

Jan and Feb should be the worst months, right?

You are not going to do them all on a MT bike are you?

BTW: I find that I don't require as much water in the winter. I prehydrate excessively, and I keep little water bottles in my rear pockets to keep them from freezing, Smartwater brand bottled water makes bottles that fit into a bottle cage yet small enough to fit in a jersey pocket.

Good gravy, you guys (and gals) are a tough bunch. I ride in the winter, but find cold riding way too demanding to do a century. Hats off to ya all!

Jan and Feb should be the worst months, right?

You are not going to do them all on a MT bike are you?

BTW: I find that I don't require as much water in the winter. I prehydrate excessively, and I keep little water bottles in my rear pockets to keep them from freezing, Smartwater brand bottled water makes bottles that fit into a bottle cage yet small enough to fit in a jersey pocket.


March, November, and December can be pretty bad too. The second coldest century century I've ever done was in March (2004), and the third coldest was in November (2003). The most snowy century I've ever done was in December (2003) - I had to get off and push through drifts a few times on that one.

I will start doing my centuries on my road bicycle as soon as I can, but I have done quite a few centuries, and one 200K brevet on that mtn bike.

I don't you envy you folks up there: we had a spell down here where the temp did not get above 32 degress for 14 days. With a snow storm that dumped over a foot and a half of snow in there somewhere

Fortunately, I have had decent weather and temps for the rides.

Doubt if I could do 100 if the temp wasn't above 30 a least part of the ride.

Got my March century in, and fortunately the roads were good enough so I could ride my road bicycle. :)

When I started the ride it was -8C ... a little chilly ... my feet were freezing. It warmed up to above 0 by the midde of the ride, so that was good.

Got my March century in, and fortunately the roads were good enough so I could ride my road bicycle. :) When I started the ride it was -8C.

I got my March century in today, also, and like you I'm trying to do a century a month this year (as I did in 2003).

However, if it is below 40F (about 5C) I do a metric century instead. (It's my New Year's resolution, so I can set up whatever rules I want.)

By the way, since you are doing a century a month, are you part of the UMCA program?
http://www.ultracycling.com/standings/year-rounder.html

I got my March century in today, also, and like you I'm trying to do a century a month this year (as I did in 2003).

However, if it is below 40F (about 5C) I do a metric century instead. (It's my New Year's resolution, so I can set up whatever rules I want.)

By the way, since you are doing a century a month, are you part of the UMCA program?
http://www.ultracycling.com/standings/year-rounder.html


No I'm doing the century a month challenge as a part of BigDogs: http://www.big-dogs.org/scripts/bdhome.asp

If you're out there riding anyway ... why not do a full century in the cooler temps, it's not that bad!! [i](My coldest one was about -25F)

If you're out there riding anyway ... why not do a full century in the cooler temps, it's not that bad!! [i](My coldest one was about -25F)

-25F is impressive -- sounds like Alberta temperatures.
I've done full centuries below freezing, but I'm slower at those temps, tend to take longer rests to warm up, there's more riding in the dark (which tends to slow me further), and I'm more likely to use the wider-tired hybrid or even studded tires if the road conditions are chancey. In winter, 100km/62 miles is fun, but I find 100 miles can be a slog. This is supposed to be fun, right?

Still, I won't rule it out in some future year. If I do a century a month this year again under these rules, it might be good to try a full century per month at some future time.

-25F is impressive -- sounds like Alberta temperatures.
I've done full centuries below freezing, but I'm slower at those temps, tend to take longer rests to warm up, there's more riding in the dark (which tends to slow me further), and I'm more likely to use the wider-tired hybrid or even studded tires if the road conditions are chancey. In winter, 100km/62 miles is fun, but I find 100 miles can be a slog. This is supposed to be fun, right?

Still, I won't rule it out in some future year. If I do a century a month this year again under these rules, it might be good to try a full century per month at some future time.


Manitoba temps actually. :)

And yes, that century was VERY slow - it took me 15 hours, including 8 half-hour stops to warm up and change clothes. I rode it on my 40-lb mtn bike with knobbies, and a good portion of it was in the dark. But I wanted to do a century-a-month and that was the last Saturday in February that year, so ....

Got my March century in yesterday, it was too cold; I had to wait until late morning for temps to get into the 20s and don't think it ever got over 32. It was clear and sunny. There was this wind again, nothing dramatic but just enough to chill me and slow down when facing into it.

I took my road bike this time and stayed on main roads to try to do better speed. In Jan and Feb, to avoid wind, I went on rolling backroads with poor surfaces.

Struggled a bit after mile 60 as I was exposed to the wind after that and on the last 25 miles was going right into it on the way home. Might have been dehydrated a little as water bottles were icy cold and nutritionally I just ate whatever he convenience stores had. I am new to Gels and the one I had just sat in my stomach.

How many of you ride centuries and other long rides during the winter in sub-freezing temps? Do you have any tips for those considering doing one?

I just rode my January century (I'm attempting a century a month again this year) yesterday and two main tips I could offer are:

1. Ride manageable loops to and from your home. What's manageable at -30C might be different from what's manageable at 0C, so you'll have to work that out.

2. Drink lots when you've arrived at your rest stop (home). When that bottle is frozen solid, you're not going to get anything out of it!

When it is below freezing I use stainless vacuum insulated bottles. There are a few different types on the market. I have at least four different kinds. You do loose capacity and they are heavier, but I like the trade off. I can fit them in a standard bottle cage.

I have also found that a bottle in a pannier surrounded by loose clothing changes temperature very slowly. Works in the heat also. Not as well if the clothing is packed in tight.

Got my March century in yesterday, it was too cold; I had to wait until late morning for temps to get into the 20s and don't think it ever got over 32. It was clear and sunny. There was this wind again, nothing dramatic but just enough to chill me and slow down when facing into it.

I took my road bike this time and stayed on main roads to try to do better speed. In Jan and Feb, to avoid wind, I went on rolling backroads with poor surfaces.

Struggled a bit after mile 60 as I was exposed to the wind after that and on the last 25 miles was going right into it on the way home. Might have been dehydrated a little as water bottles were icy cold and nutritionally I just ate whatever he convenience stores had. I am new to Gels and the one I had just sat in my stomach.

The Target store in Seekonk had some nice stainless vacuum insulated bottles a couple of years ago. I found a few different types on line too. I have one that is made for back packs and will not spill upside down.

Where did you go?

Where did you go?



I headed north a bit from Ashaway and then back down Rte 2, then a couple of loops on Rte 1 and around coastal Charlestown/SK to avoid the wind, then down Rte 108 to Point Judith, up Rte 1A to Saunderstown and then back home via Wakefield and Shannock.

Except in the morning, the bottles weren't really frozen enough to prevent drinking, just too cold to drink a lot or without freezing my throat. I stopped a few times at stop and gos for warm Gatorade. On the last miles I got an ice cream headache thing from drinking too cold water.

I neglected to use my new system, which is to use smaller bottles (smart water makes nice bottles that are small enough but fit in cages) stuff them into my jersey pockets and keep them warm that way.

It is snowing again, did you see the Projo article about RI yearly snowfall, this is the 5th highest snowfall since record keeping began in 1905?

I have often craved warm tea or hot chocolate on rides and have thought of a thermos, perhaps velrco'd on to my rear rack?

All you guys who do centuries in the winter rock. One big reason I'm looking forward to spring is that I'll be able to go for more than a three hour ride, which is the longest I've had in the last few months.

Below freezing I'm limited to about 2 hours.

I headed north a bit from Ashaway and then back down Rte 2, then a couple of loops on Rte 1 and around coastal Charlestown/SK to avoid the wind, then down Rte 108 to Point Judith, up Rte 1A to Saunderstown and then back home via Wakefield and Shannock.

Except in the morning, the bottles weren't really frozen enough to prevent drinking, just too cold to drink a lot or without freezing my throat. I stopped a few times at stop and gos for warm Gatorade. On the last miles I got an ice cream headache thing from drinking too cold water.

I neglected to use my new system, which is to use smaller bottles (smart water makes nice bottles that are small enough but fit in cages) stuff them into my jersey pockets and keep them warm that way.

It is snowing again, did you see the Projo article about RI yearly snowfall, this is the 5th highest snowfall since record keeping began in 1905?

I have often craved warm tea or hot chocolate on rides and have thought of a thermos, perhaps velrco'd on to my rear rack?

What a nice ride!

I heard about the snow thing, but now (Sunday), it has even snowed more! Maybe were up to 4th.

A hot drink on a long cold ride is very luxurious! It's a real treat. If you ever decide to get a Thermos that fits in a standard bottle cage or a small one for the rack, I have researched this more than anyone ever should. I have many different types. If you are going a long way and want to keep the weight down, bring the thermos empty and fill it with a hot drink from a store part way into your ride. This will give you hot drinks at any number of hours away from the start.

42 today, a heat wave, I actually felt warm today and even took off the gloves at a rest stop.

Was looking at a thermos thing at dunkin doughnuts, $$$, but would fit nicely on rear rack.

But pretty soon, I'll be attaching a frozen solid ice water bottle on that rack and complaining about the hot and humid conditions?

[QUOTE=2manybikes]When it is below freezing I use stainless vacuum insulated bottles. QUOTE]

The Polar insulated water bottles are mainly designed to keep liquids cool in the summer, but will work in the winter, also. If filled with hot tap water, you can get about 5 hours at 15-20 F before full freezing.

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=&subcategory=&brand=0313&sku=2507&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=

[QUOTE=2manybikes]When it is below freezing I use stainless vacuum insulated bottles. QUOTE]

The Polar insulated water bottles are mainly designed to keep liquids cool in the summer, but will work in the winter, also. If filled with hot tap water, you can get about 5 hours at 15-20 F before full freezing.

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=&subcategory=&brand=0313&sku=2507&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=

Yes that's true, but the vacuum insulated ones work so much better, I don't bother with any air insulated bottles any more when it's below freezing and I am going to be out all day. Also occasionally, a polar bottle will get liquid in between the two layers and get moldy too. The price is not much different either, maybe 6 or 8 bucks more for the stainless.
The stainless bottles will still be all liquid after five hours. And you don't need to start with hot water.

If you ever decide to get a Thermos that fits in a standard bottle cage or a small one for the rack, I have researched this more than anyone ever should.

OK, you convinced me you know more than I do about this topic (see exchange about Polar insulated bottle).

How about a couple of hot recommendations for a standard bottle cage?

This southern boy doesn't go for long rides when the temps are below 40F! :)

Last month, I did 95 miles which is the farthest I think I've ever ridden that early in the year. I should have done another five.

It wasn't cold that day(maybe 55F), but the wind was brutal. Steadily blowing at 10 - 15mph with gusts over 35mph. And the tailwind was on the way out, not on the way back in.

OK, you convinced me you know more than I do about this topic (see exchange about Polar insulated bottle).

How about a couple of hot recommendations for a standard bottle cage?

I will find the links and post them later tonight or tomorrow. :) Be back later.

OK, you convinced me you know more than I do about this topic (see exchange about Polar insulated bottle).

How about a couple of hot recommendations for a standard bottle cage?

I narrowed this down to the four best ones. They are all stainless, vacuum insulated. There are many more, but no need to consider them.

All of these are a little narrower than a standard bike water bottle. You can just bend the bottle cage in and start using them right away. I have done this and done some medium rough off road riding without them coming out. Even if you don't bend the cage in they will not fall out on the road, but they will rattle and bounce.
If you do bend in the cage a little, in the warm weather the cage may be a little too tight on some regular bike bottles (Not all). You may want to bend it out again. I thought if I kept doing that eventually the cage may break.
What I finally ended up doing is leaving all my cages at the correct size for a standard bike bottle, and put a little foam insulator around the narrow bottles for a tight solid non rattle fit.
I found the foam bottle covers at Wal Mart, on cheap bottles. You can even make this yourself.
The bike picture shows two bottles with the foam covers in the cages.

The first one is probably the best for all situations.
Filling it with a cold drink you can use the top that is
just like a bike bottle. Or with water in freezing temps. Like I do.
(Do not use this cover with hot coffee! It will leak, and the plastic is not made for heat, it will smell and make the drink taste terrible) trust me on this !!
You can switch to the typical thermos top and put in boiling hot coffee and have hot coffee at least 1.5 hours later in below freezing temps. The one drawback to this is you have to stop the bike to drink hot drinks as you must use the small cup.

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=9820652&memberId=12500226

The next one is just a typical thermos, it has just a little better insulation for hot drinks

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=13745&memberId=12500226


This one is the best for hot drinks on the go, you can open it with one hand while on the bike and take a sip. Be SURE It has cooled enough! It’s Ok for cold drinks in the winter, but a little harder to drink on the go. This is my favorite for coffee as it will not spill upside down in a pack or a pannier, it’s light, and small. And fits in the bottle cage. I paid $18 for mine at Campmor on line, but they don’t have them on the web site right now. They are made by Nissan and are on that web sight too.
If you look hard enough you should get them for about $20-$25. My local Camping goods store had them too. ( Eastern Mountain Sports)

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp;jsessionid=C6gmRGNuOViVLA162JDCchynilDdEapTppJWRB1yxS6Or78LRf6M!-2102182949!170918944!2003!7002?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=719945&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=472347&bmUID=1111105574529


This one is the bigger size of the last one 500ml vs. 350ml.

http://store.yahoo.com/zaccardis/thermos-nissan-jmw500-thermal-insulated-backpack-bottle.html

I don't think the pictures I'm posting are going to show in the correct order.!?

March, November, and December can be pretty bad too. The second coldest century century I've ever done was in March (2004), and the third coldest was in November (2003). The most snowy century I've ever done was in December (2003) - I had to get off and push through drifts a few times on that one.

I will start doing my centuries on my road bicycle as soon as I can, but I have done quite a few centuries, and one 200K brevet on that mtn bike.

You may already know I do at least a century a week above freezing. I just saw your Yellow Mongoose
and I'm guessing that is the mtn bike you rode a few centuries on. Any mtn bike is a lot of work for that matter. But, a full suspension mountain bike.......!

I AM IMPRESSED !!

:beer:

Got another one in!! It was -12C with a wind when I started and got to about +5C by the end of the day. The wind and overcast conditions kept it fairly cool though.

However ... I must say ... I'm getting a little sick of balaclavas and booties!!

You may already know I do at least a century a week above freezing. I just saw your Yellow Mongoose
and I'm guessing that is the mtn bike you rode a few centuries on. Any mtn bike is a lot of work for that matter. But, a full suspension mountain bike.......!

I AM IMPRESSED !!

:beer:

Well, thanks!! :)

Yes, that yellow Mongoose is the bicycle I've done most of my winter centuries on over the past few years. I did my first 200K brevet with that bicycle too. It's a 40 lb Walmart bike but has served me well for almost 6 years now with next to no repairs.

And once the warmer weather starts, I'll be upping my century quantity too. I usually end up with 25-30 a year.

If you do a century a week, have you ever considered getting into Randonneuring?

Got another one in!! It was -12C with a wind when I started and got to about +5C by the end of the day. The wind and overcast conditions kept it fairly cool though.

However ... I must say ... I'm getting a little sick of balaclavas and booties!!

Are you keeping track of long distance cold weather tips for your site too?

I have considered Randonneuring, at the moment it's not for me. That may change in the future. I do read about it, it's interesting. Most of my rides have to start at my home, for the time being.

Are you keeping track of long distance cold weather tips for your site too?

I have considered Randonneuring, at the moment it's not for me. That may change in the future. I do read about it, it's interesting. Most of my rides have to start at my home, for the time being.

Good idea about the cold weather tips. I should add a section for those to my site. :)

About Randonneuring ... where I lived before, most of the rides started fairly close to where I lived. In fact, I could easily ride to the start of the 600K. But now the rides start about 150 kms away, so I'll have to drive. :(

A CENTURY!!! 26 degrees is perfect for me. If it's above 32 degrees I can wear fingerless gloves. Below 32degrees my water bottle freezes in less than an hour. I biked fifteen miles in minus 13 degees and about four in minus 21 degrees. your toes and fingers go first, and you can sweat on your back if you have a backpack. I made homemade studded tires out of sheetmetal screws. Below zero your brains judgement can become obscured, especially if you factor in the windchill (which i've felt at minus 30 in Minnesota where I live). In extreme cold you have to keep your mouth covered and hope your breathing doesn't become too rapid. I've purposely ridden every single day, also in a couple blizzards. The idea of a century really intrigues me, since that feat was only accomplished at 70+ degree temperatures. You can't keep a uniform body temperature below 10 degrees. Sometimes I wonder if riding in extreme coldness does harm to your lungs?

88 here today:

Does not compute.... Does not compute.... Does not compute

You can't keep a uniform body temperature below 10 degrees.

Sometimes I wonder if riding in extreme coldness does harm to your lungs?


Actually you'd be surprised how comfortable you can be in temps below 10F/-12C. It's all in what you wear.

My coldest century was -32C/-25F and my body was fine. I just made a point of doing a complete clothing change every 30km/20 miles or so. The danger is sweating too much and thus becoming hypothermic ... and my clothes were soaked with sweat each time I changed them! I wore Sorel boots on my feet with heatpacks and that was all right. Just a note to use the hand heatpacks, not the feet heatpacks. The hand ones are warmer and last longer. I kept changing my gloves/mitts as well because my hands would sweat. The first 10 or 15 minutes back out on the bicycle again was usually quite painful to my hands, but then my blood would start circulating again, and they would be OK.

Of course I had my head covered, but I couldn't wear anything up over my nose or my glasses would completely fog up, so to prevent freezing my nose and cheeks I spread Johnson's and Johnson's Diaper Rash Cream all over. I use it to prevent saddle sores on long rides, but it also works great as a protective layer to prevent freezing! :D



As for what extreme coldness does to the lungs ... well, it took me 15 hours to do that century (you just can't get up much speed in those temps!) and by the time I was done ... I had bronchitis. Extreme coldness is very hard on the lungs.

Winter riding can be the most beautiful thing. It's exhillerating. Not to many people ride below zero. It's hard on your body. If you can't stabilize your body temperature, your muscles won't function properly. But in extreme cold on a bicycle, when you venture in an area where motorized vehicles can't go, it's a power greater than any other on this planet. You can risk your life if your in a remote area. Riding in extreme cold (below10 degrees) should only be done in a city where there's always an open door within a mile. It's really pushing the limits of "mans" (or womans) endurance. But it definately is an experience to behold. This is not something accomplished by other than a very experienced rider. The people who do this have my respect. By the story told, they have felt the desolation of putting themself at natures mercy. Riding in extreme coldness will damage your body.

Winter riding can be the most beautiful thing. It's exhillerating. Not to many people ride below zero. It's hard on your body. If you can't stabilize your body temperature, your muscles won't function properly. But in extreme cold on a bicycle, when you venture in an area where motorized vehicles can't go, it's a power greater than any other on this planet. You can risk your life if your in a remote area. Riding in extreme cold (below10 degrees) should only be done in a city where there's always an open door within a mile. It's really pushing the limits of "mans" (or womans) endurance. But it definately is an experience to behold. This is not something accomplished by other than a very experienced rider. The people who do this have my respect. By the story told, they have felt the desolation of putting themself at natures mercy. Riding in extreme coldness will damage your body.

I agree that riding in extreme cold should be done in a fairly populated area. My "policy" is to ask myself how far I could safely WALK in the temperatures I am planning to cycle in.

For temps down around -32C/-25F, like my coldest century, I know that I can safely walk for about an hour, dressed as I was. I know that because I have walked that sort of time length, in that sort of temperature, wearing those sorts of clothes before.

In an hour, in cold and icy conditions, I can cover about 5 kms (3 miles). Therefore I did not want to be much further out from civilization than about 5 kms. The route I chose for the long legs of that century is out in the country, but at the one end of the out-and-back I did was the edge of town where I lived, and 10 kms down the road, at the other end was another town where I could seek shelter if I had to. Later when night fell, I changed my route so that I was doing 3 km loops through my neighborhood. Every 3 kms I went by my house. I figured that way, at the worst, I would be 1.5 kms from home, and I know I could walk that in a fairly short time.

There is A LOT of planning and preparation that goes into a century like this. It is very different than one in July on a nice, sunny weekend where you can just hop on your bicycle with a couple waterbottles, some snacks, a few tools, and a light jacket ... and ride wherever you like.

There is A LOT of planning and preparation that goes into a century like this. It is very different than one in July on a nice, sunny weekend where you can just hop on your bicycle with a couple waterbottles, some snacks, a few tools, and a light jacket ... and ride wherever you like.

Like today, for instance, I did 87 miles. :D ;)

... Record high temperature set at Providence...

A new record high temperature for Saturday August 13 was established
at 129 PM when the Mercury soared to 100 degrees at T.F. Green
Airport. The old record of 98 was set in 1944. This is the first
time the temperature reached 100 degrees in Providence since August
9 of 2001.

close to 100% humidity. (Fog and haze)

I'm revving my engines in anticipation of my December century. Sadly, it has been great out there the last little while ... but I've been in the depths of studying for final exams!! However, I'm done everything Saturday .... here's hoping for some decent weather on SUNDAY!! :D


Anyone else doing a December century?

Anyone else planning to ride a century-a-month in 2006 ... even if your area gets a bit chilly and snowy??? :D

I'm riding out on a three day tour tomorrow, Machka, up into the Cascade mountains, definetly will see some snow, and should be putting in about 85 miles in the two shoulder days, a bit less on my destination 'mucking about' day. I'll post some pics in the touring section on my return. not quite a century, but some winter bike touring..

I'm revving my engines in anticipation of my December century. Sadly, it has been great out there the last little while ... but I've been in the depths of studying for final exams!! However, I'm done everything Saturday .... here's hoping for some decent weather on SUNDAY!! :D

Anyone else doing a December century?

Anyone else planning to ride a century-a-month in 2006 ... even if your area gets a bit chilly and snowy??? :D

I finished my "century a month in 2005" TODAY! Thanks for asking.

It's my resolution, so I can make up my own rules. If it's below/near freezing, a metric century (62 miles) suffices. Today I did a metric (high 27F, low 17F, snowed a bit and uncomfortably windy). Coincidentally, I went over 5000 miles for the year. Life is good!

I don't know about 2006, though. I'd like to vary it and have another goal, but haven't figured out what. Ideas?

Machka

I have commited to a Century a month in 2006 come what may.. :)

I finished my "century a month in 2005" TODAY! Thanks for asking.

It's my resolution, so I can make up my own rules. If it's below/near freezing, a metric century (62 miles) suffices. Today I did a metric (high 27F, low 17F, snowed a bit and uncomfortably windy). Coincidentally, I went over 5000 miles for the year. Life is good!

I don't know about 2006, though. I'd like to vary it and have another goal, but haven't figured out what. Ideas?


Well over in the Long Distance forum on the Bicycling Magazine site, we're doing the century a month thing (imperial centuries, not metric), and also something else for people who are not necessarily able to get a century every month, but who like to ride a lot of centuries. This year the challenge was called 25 centuries in 2005 ... next year it will be 26 centuries in 2006. My father is the one organizing it, and you get different designations as you move through the centuries ... when you complete 7 you get a certain title, when you complete 14 you get the next title, and so on. No prizes, just for fun ... and open to anyone ... even if they just complete one century. :)

150 miles in 33 hours, out to the mountains, camping out, and back...I did a little writeup in the 'touring' forum if anyone's interested.

Well over in the Long Distance forum on the Bicycling Magazine site, we're doing the century a month thing (imperial centuries, not metric), and also something else for people who are not necessarily able to get a century every month, but who like to ride a lot of centuries. This year the challenge was called 25 centuries in 2005 ... next year it will be 26 centuries in 2006. My father is the one organizing it, and you get different designations as you move through the centuries ... when you complete 7 you get a certain title, when you complete 14 you get the next title, and so on. No prizes, just for fun ... and open to anyone ... even if they just complete one century. :)

What title do you have for doing so many? Something like "The Incredible Machka" ? :)

What title do I get for doing one every week from March to November and three a week in March and April a couple of times? Miles not metric. Clinically Insane?

What title do you have for doing so many? Something like "The Incredible Machka" ? :)

What title do I get for doing one every week from March to November and three a week in March and April a couple of times? Miles not metric. Clinically Insane?



Here's the chart my father has created, complete with everyone who has participated in the event:
http://www.machka.net/25c.htm

And here's the thread where everyone records their centuries.
http://forums.bicycling.com/thread.jspa?threadID=135314&tstart=0


I'm a "Master Mogul Century Rider" ... although I kind of like the ring of "Incredible Machka" myself!! :lol:

Here's the chart my father has created, complete with everyone who has participated in the event:
http://www.machka.net/25c.htm

And here's the thread where everyone records their centuries.
http://forums.bicycling.com/thread.jspa?threadID=135314&tstart=0


I'm a "Master Mogul Century Rider" ... although I kind of like the ring of "Incredible Machka" myself!! :lol:

. Thanks Machka, I'm now waiting for my confirmation email from bicycling forums. How does one get on your fathers list? How many centuries are you aiming for in 2006? I think I did about 32 centuries in 2005 from March to The beginning of November. But that's an estimate I just did now, I did not count them so that's not accurate. I'm thinking 26 in 06 is not a problem.

edit post: I'm in the other forum now. What would you suggest about just having an estimate for last year? Would you post it?

. Thanks Machka, I'm now waiting for my confirmation email from bicycling forums. How does one get on your fathers list? How many centuries are you aiming for in 2006? I think I did about 32 centuries in 2005 from March to The beginning of November. But that's an estimate I just did now, I did not count them so that's not accurate. I'm thinking 26 in 06 is not a problem.

To get on my father's list, just post a "report" in that thread, which is located in the Long Distance forum, and he'll enter you on the list. It probably won't happen immediately. I think he checks that thread about once a week or so. Most people post them as they get them, and usually in the format you'll see if you glance through that thread with date, ride name (either the name of a real organized ride, or a name we've created for a solo century), distance, time, etc..

Since the challenge will be 26 centuries in 2006, I'll be aiming for a minimum of 26! :D Most years I've done more than that. The nice thing about his challenge is that if you do a double century it counts for 2 centuries. If you do a 1200K randonnee (750 miles) it counts for 7 centuries!!


Oh, as for entering them ... if you've got an approximate date for your centuries, I'd enter a date and the distance ... or something like that ... for each. If you know you did them each weekend from May to November, then that should be fairly easy. :)

To get on my father's list, just post a "report" in that thread, which is located in the Long Distance forum, and he'll enter you on the list. It probably won't happen immediately. I think he checks that thread about once a week or so. Most people post them as they get them, and usually in the format you'll see if you glance through that thread with date, ride name (either the name of a real organized ride, or a name we've created for a solo century), distance, time, etc..

Since the challenge will be 26 centuries in 2006, I'll be aiming for a minimum of 26! :D Most years I've done more than that. The nice thing about his challenge is that if you do a double century it counts for 2 centuries. If you do a 1200K randonnee (750 miles) it counts for 7 centuries!!

Thanks again. If I do a 1200k randonee you can just take my bike from under the dead body, I won't need it anymore.... :D