Road Cycling - Training for a century.

Currently I ride to work, 14.4 miles one way, with a ferry ride and 1 mile after that. So three times a week, roughly 90 miles a week. On the weekend I ride may be 20 miles or so. If I add some mileage on the weekend (up to 30 then 40) could I possibly be ready by the End of November or early december for a Century? It's not a group ride, just one I want to do my self.

The old "rule of thumb" is that you can ride about three times as long as your average training ride. I've found that a little simplistic. My average ride is only about ten miles, but I do it at an 17-22 mph pace five days a week, then add a longer ride on one of the weekend days. I've popped off long rides many times without more training than that.
There are centuries with three rest stops, and there are centuries where you don't get off the bike. Your distance capacity depends on that sort of thing as well as your training regimen.

Sir,

Without getting too tecnical. You will need more. That is, if you want to do 100 miles and not drag yourself in the end. I would like to see abou ta 75 mile ride 2 weeks before the event. Slowly work up to that. Make the weekend rides longer. Look for a local group and the miles will fly by fast. In the weekend get out about 3x a week so you can make the weekend rides no problem. Just amke sure you bring enought food and drink. Look for a carbo drink and take a few energy gels with you. They digest fast and are refreshing. Try not ot stop too long. In the end it would be better.

http://bewell.com/healthy/athlete/1999/century/index.asp This url takes you to a pretty good training and preparation summary.

I am shooting for 21 October-ish..
And I'd like to do it non stop, except may bee for the ocasional nature stop. I'm not expecting any great times, just to do it. As for a group ride, I've never done a group ride before, so I want to try something easier, and slower before I take on a longer ride.
I swim 3 times a week also, as well as run twice - 3 times, I know the lungs will hold out, but the legs aren't so sure.

As for these energy gells, does anyone make one with out High Fructose Corn Syrup?

...a 75 mile ride two weeks prior to the event. Before that I did 35 one day out of the weekend, next weekend a 45, next a 57 and then a 64 a week before the 75 miler. I then did a 44 on the sat. and a 30 on sun. a week before the 100. I also maintained my normal 20-30 mile rides 2x during the week except for the week before the event (just did a casual spin one day). I had only been back on the road bike for about 4-5 months after a several year hiatus. I worked with a group during the ride from Irvine, CA to San Diego and did it in 5 hours 10 minutes. You can do less training and just go slower, no biggie. Good luck.

Bottom line in this subjets is this:

You actually have to ride. Many are quick to find these so called experts and programs having you do less distance. Nonsense. Many of these people have no real back ground on cycling.

Any strong minded person can do a 100 mile ride. It may take some time if riding alone, but you will finish. In this case best option is to find a group to make the miles go by faster with drafting and talking.

Where it gets really tricky is, if you have a specific time you want to do one in.

I have left competetive cycling back in late 1997 and last Saturday did a 100 mile. Last time I rode a road bike was ... you can say weeks ago. Did it in around 5 hours no problem. Under that I will need some faster guys to share the work with.

Funny, not much has changed in 7 years. ;)

Funny, not much has changed in 7 years. ;)
except bewell.com