Training & Nutrition - how to train for a century

Im about 6'2" and weigh 330 lbs. I do need to lose some weight but I normally ride anywheres from 15 to 20 miles per day at this weight on a MTB. Weekends I usually ride 30 to 40 miles in a few hours. I have been throwing around the idea of doing a century. How would I train? Do you do these in group rides, and how long do you have to complete it? Thanks. My bike is a trek 6500 with semi slicks on it.

Well I am about to do my first century tomarrow and have been working up to it for some time.

You should start building up longer and longer rides. For me 50 - 60 miles are no problem on a weekend ride. My longest ride is 78 miles. I started 6 months ago at 42 miles being long.

Getting out and riding is the best way to train. Pushing the miles 10% more per week will get you there the fastest. BTW most places 10 - 12 hours is the max time for a century. If you can ride a century at 12 MPH 8 hours will be enough. I am going to try and average at least 15 MPH on my ride tomarrow.

search the forum... lots of good training advice here.

I'm posting to remind you to always have fun!

how do I get involved with a century. A local bike club?

Find the sponsor, pay the fee, and ride. This month's Bicycling has
a couple training schedules intended to prepare you for a Century.
Have you decided which one you want to ride in?

how do I get involved with a century. A local bike club?
lots of resources out there. I don't know any for Ohio other than www.active.com

On my website, I've got a link called, "Riding a Century (100 miles)". If you click that link it will take you to an article I wrote about preparing for a century.

My website is in my signature line, but here's the link to that article:
http://www.machka.net/century.htm


Just as some background, I've done 76 centuries or longer rides (like brevets). Some were organized, many were solo. Some were difficult, others were easy.

If you've got any specific questions, feel free to ask. :)

how do I get involved with a century. A local bike club?


Local bicycle associations usually have at least one century ride a year, but you can do century rides solo too.

You might check the events calendar here:
http://www.ultracycling.com/

Incidentally, that site also has some great advice on nutrition, training, and equipment for long distance rides.

how do I get involved with a century. A local bike club?
Based on your previous post, you're on the right track. Ride consistantly this time of year, get some more time on week-ends. As the weather improves you can jack up the mileage some.

And yeah, check with a local bike shop to see if there are club or community rides in your area. Describe your situation, bike, etc., so you can get matched with an appropriate group. More than anything, a group is great motivation and can help pass the time on long week-end rides. And offer lots of good advice about all kinds of stuff. They're probably only doing week-end rides this time of year.

thank you all, very helpful.

how do I get involved with a century. A local bike club?

Depending on if you want to travel or not. I am interested in doing a Century out west soon. Check this link... Century Rides (http://www.bikethewest.com/)

On my website, I've got a link called, "Riding a Century (100 miles)". If you click that link it will take you to an article I wrote about preparing for a century.

My website is in my signature line, but here's the link to that article:
http://www.machka.net/century.htm


Just as some background, I've done 76 centuries or longer rides (like brevets). Some were organized, many were solo. Some were difficult, others were easy.

If you've got any specific questions, feel free to ask. :)

Thanks for the link, good article.

That's a good article on Machka's site.

I'm working up to a century or two for this season, and I read "Guide To Long Distance Cycling" (Burke and Pavleka) which has a lot of good common-sense advice.

From what I've learned from there, corroborated by Machka's article, I think some things to stress are:

1. Confidence

If you work up your distance by training an additional 10%/week, you won't worry about being able to finish -- you'll *know* that you can finish.

2. Eating/drinking

If you don't eat/drink, you *will* "bonk" after an hour and a half.

3. good fit on bike

You can never be too comfortable! Invest the time and effort to get this right. Think of how many revolutions of the pedals you'll do in 100 miles. If something is off, you'll definitely notice it.

Nobody's mentioned this, so I will. A century is easier on a road bike. If you can buy or borrow a road bike, that will make a huge difference. If you can't, get the skinniest and smoothest tires that will fit on your rims. Pump them up to the maximum pressure.

Some good info at the Bay Area Velo Girls site (http://velogirls.com/century.html). You don't have to be a girl :)

Amen! I did my 1st metric century on a MTB with 26x1.5" 65psi slicks. I was not totally dead from dragging 10-15 extra pounds around a somewhat hilly route (although I was VERY thankful for the granny gear), I WAS tired of being the 2nd slowest rider on the course (I passed one other guy on an MTB). This past summer, I did my 1st century (same event as the metric, took the longer route) on a road bike. The combination of lighter bike, more efficient riding position, reduced drag (rolling resistance and drop bars vs straight) all paid off in a 100 mile ride that was probably easier and absolutely more fun for me than the 64 miles the year before. (1,500 miles of training vs 300-400 probably helped, too!). Doesn't have to be a brand new racing machine with Ultegra 10 or campy group, either. I built up my road bike with help of a knowledgable friend from ebay auctions and new parts where it made sense.