Am I nuts?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: California
Posts: 2,991
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Am I nuts?
I am seriously considering signing up to do my first group century ride. I've done 64 several times and 100 once. The upcoming ride is The Auburn Century and takes place September 16th. It's 106 miles with over 11,000 feet of climbing which includes a 1.75 mile climb with an average grade of 13.5%. Maybe I'm nuts, but I think I can do it. Tomorrow I am going to add some hill training to my daily ride.
__________________
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 4,868
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
4 Posts
Sounds like you're in shape for it. Keep including lots of climbing in your training rides, by September you'll be more than ready.
Of course make sure your gearing is low enough for those steep climbs you mentioned.
Of course make sure your gearing is low enough for those steep climbs you mentioned.
#3
In Memory of One Cool Cat
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Charlottesville, VA
Posts: 2,722
Bikes: Lemond Victoire, Cannondale.Mountain Bike, two 1980s lugged steel Treks, ancient 1980-something Giant mountain bike converted into a slick tired commuter with mustache handlebars, 1960-something Raleigh Sports
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by Louis
Sounds like you're in shape for it. Keep including lots of climbing in your training rides, by September you'll be more than ready.
Of course make sure your gearing is low enough for those steep climbs you mentioned.
Of course make sure your gearing is low enough for those steep climbs you mentioned.
__________________
Dead last finish is better than did not finish and infinitely better than did not start.
Dead last finish is better than did not finish and infinitely better than did not start.
#4
Geezer Member
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Posts: 1,384
Bikes: Airborne, LeMond, Bianchi CX, Volae Century, Redline 925 (fixed) and a Burley Tandem.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I don't think you are nuts, it sounds like a great ride. Youve done a century so you kind of know what to expect. The better the preperation the more fun you'll have.
__________________
Carpe who?
Carpe who?
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Posts: 6,489
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
2 Posts
Yeah, to the average person you're nuts. But, to those of us here, you're perfectly normal. Go for it!
__________________
A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
#6
just keep riding
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Milledgeville, Georgia
Posts: 13,560
Bikes: 2018 Black Mountain Cycles MCD,2017 Advocate Cycles Seldom Seen Drop Bar, 2017 Niner Jet 9 Alloy, 2015 Zukas custom road, 2003 KHS Milano Tandem, 1986 Nishiki Cadence rigid MTB, 1980ish Fuji S-12S
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 173 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times
in
22 Posts
Go for it dawg! It will be a great accomplishment, a lot of fun and a proud memory. Yeah, you're nuts, but all the best people are.
"Some may never live, but the crazy never die!" - HST
"Some may never live, but the crazy never die!" - HST
#7
Let's do a Century
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 8,316
Bikes: Cervelo R3 Disc, Pinarello Prince/Campy SR; Cervelo R3/Sram Red; Trek 5900/Duraace, Lynskey GR260 Ultegra
Mentioned: 59 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 651 Post(s)
Liked 879 Times
in
408 Posts
Why not try it??
Some thoughts:
Make sure you have a least a 30 (front chainring) and 27 rear cassette for the climbs. If you run a compact crank (50/34) you need at least a 12/27 on the rear. Hills that you can climb easily are a LOT harder after 70-100 miles. These dang mountain rides I've been doing lately seem to end with the hardest climb the last 2 miles......and finish on top of a mountain.
Get in lots of climbing in the next 6 weeks. It's a real mental game to do 11,000 feet in 100+ miles. You need to know what it feels like to go 5-6 mph with no relief from pedaling for an hour at a time. It's a different set of leg muscles that you need to build up as well. You'll feel muscles just behind the top of the knee and your hamstrings get a good workout. Actually every leg muscle you have will get a workout.
Try and do sections of the route ahead of time just so you'll know what you're in for. The climbs after 50-70 miles will be a good bit harder on used legs, though. Some of that is helped with riding with others. Try and do the hardest climb before the ride, especially.
Eat before you're hungry and drink before you're thirsty.
Ride within your limits but you'll probably want to come up with ways to talk yourself into continuing to ride during the ride..........stay mentally tough. As long as you're going forward you're doing okay.
The finish is an incredible reward and quite an accomplishment.
And yeah......we're all nuts.
Some thoughts:
Make sure you have a least a 30 (front chainring) and 27 rear cassette for the climbs. If you run a compact crank (50/34) you need at least a 12/27 on the rear. Hills that you can climb easily are a LOT harder after 70-100 miles. These dang mountain rides I've been doing lately seem to end with the hardest climb the last 2 miles......and finish on top of a mountain.
Get in lots of climbing in the next 6 weeks. It's a real mental game to do 11,000 feet in 100+ miles. You need to know what it feels like to go 5-6 mph with no relief from pedaling for an hour at a time. It's a different set of leg muscles that you need to build up as well. You'll feel muscles just behind the top of the knee and your hamstrings get a good workout. Actually every leg muscle you have will get a workout.
Try and do sections of the route ahead of time just so you'll know what you're in for. The climbs after 50-70 miles will be a good bit harder on used legs, though. Some of that is helped with riding with others. Try and do the hardest climb before the ride, especially.
Eat before you're hungry and drink before you're thirsty.
Ride within your limits but you'll probably want to come up with ways to talk yourself into continuing to ride during the ride..........stay mentally tough. As long as you're going forward you're doing okay.
The finish is an incredible reward and quite an accomplishment.
And yeah......we're all nuts.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Rural Wyoming
Posts: 295
Bikes: '73 Schwinn Varsity, 1964 Schwinn Racer, 1954 Schwinn Jaguar, 1950's Puch Bergmeister, 1980 Schwinn High Plains, 1973 Flandria, 1980's Diamondback Sorrento, 2001 Jamis Aurora
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Well, crazy is a relative term I think. Crazy would be doing the Triple Bypass on a unicycle. Fully supported centuries add some and take some away from solo efforts. You'll have people to draft with to help some, but group riding also increases the chance of touching wheels. Stay alert when you're in a group.
A triple chain-ring is darn nice if the hills are tough. Train hills at tempo or steady state intensity. Over/Unders help so you can stay with a group when you need to. It's not a race, but it's hard not to get caught up in the 'race' mentality. Get some long rides in on the weekends, up to 85 miles followed by 50 the following day.
Make sure you fit your bike like a glove and that the saddle will give you no fits 1/2 way thru the ride. There's three levels to centuries I think. 1) Survive it. 2) Pull thru it nicely. and 3) Rock it like you belong in todays 5th Stage climbing with Schroder. Your training will determine which level you fall in. Try to train where you can roll along at your aerobic workout level for 5 hours plus. Then increase it so you can go slow race pace for hours on end.
Try to roll past the first couple rest stops and keep your momentum. Prepare for the mental anguish...there will be ebbs and flows during the day. Keep spinning thru them and the bad parts get better with time. Watch your HRM more than your mileage...and enjoy the view now and then!
A triple chain-ring is darn nice if the hills are tough. Train hills at tempo or steady state intensity. Over/Unders help so you can stay with a group when you need to. It's not a race, but it's hard not to get caught up in the 'race' mentality. Get some long rides in on the weekends, up to 85 miles followed by 50 the following day.
Make sure you fit your bike like a glove and that the saddle will give you no fits 1/2 way thru the ride. There's three levels to centuries I think. 1) Survive it. 2) Pull thru it nicely. and 3) Rock it like you belong in todays 5th Stage climbing with Schroder. Your training will determine which level you fall in. Try to train where you can roll along at your aerobic workout level for 5 hours plus. Then increase it so you can go slow race pace for hours on end.
Try to roll past the first couple rest stops and keep your momentum. Prepare for the mental anguish...there will be ebbs and flows during the day. Keep spinning thru them and the bad parts get better with time. Watch your HRM more than your mileage...and enjoy the view now and then!
#9
Lincoln, CA
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Lincoln, CA
Posts: 2,229
Bikes: 94 Giant ATX 760, 2001 Biachi Eros, 2005 Giant OCR2 Composite +
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
That climb is less than 2% of the entire ride. Big deal. You'll make it fine. There will be a little extra adrenalin pumping that will make it easier, too. It's just a series of short rides between rest stops.
#10
Get A Life - Get A Bike
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Minnesota, You Betcha!
Posts: 1,042
Bikes: Specialized Roubaix, Bianchi San Jose, '87 Schwinn Super Sport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#11
Infamous Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 24,360
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
Piece o' cake...have a blast.
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
#12
Senior Member
Now you have a reason to train hard. You have plenty of time. Give it a go.
#13
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: California
Posts: 2,991
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
So, I just got back from driving the course of the Auburn Century. I decided to see it for myself. I think I need to start hill training tonight! I took a few photographs of the course that I will post later this evening . Also if you visit the following link, you can read what a participant said about the course.
https://www.loshombres.org/californic...n-century.html
https://www.loshombres.org/californic...n-century.html
__________________
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Glendora, CA USA
Posts: 364
Bikes: Easy Racers EZ-1 and Lightning Thunderbolt Recumbent Bikes
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I lived under the Foresthill
bridge for several months
in the middle 70s. I know
the entire area well and can
tell you it will be a great adventure.
And the weather in
September will be ideal.
Have a great time, and
live to tell the tale...
bridge for several months
in the middle 70s. I know
the entire area well and can
tell you it will be a great adventure.
And the weather in
September will be ideal.
Have a great time, and
live to tell the tale...
#15
Time for a change.
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: 6 miles inland from the coast of Sussex, in the South East of England
Posts: 19,913
Bikes: Dale MT2000. Bianchi FS920 Kona Explosif. Giant TCR C. Boreas Ignis. Pinarello Fp Uno.
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
4 Posts
You'll be doing a group ride and this is a bonus for the hills and distance. Hopefully you have the right gearing- If not- what you have got will do. Do a bit of training for the hills and a good training is to find your steepest hill in your area- and do it at a steady pace. Couple of nights later do it twice- then a few nights later do it 3 times. Remember this is a 100miler and keep the pace sensible. Nuts?- Probably but providing you eat enough and drink enough on the ride- You'll be OK. Incidentally- Weigh yourself before the ride- and after. If you are the same weight before and after- You have eaten enough and drunk enough. If weight is lower- You will know you have done a ride.
__________________
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
#16
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: California
Posts: 2,991
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I've found a couple of good hills near my home that about a mile in length. I think I will start with those for training purposes and then move on to the longer distances and higher grades.
__________________
#17
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: California
Posts: 2,991
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Tonight was a good first hill training session. There were two hills that were about half a mile and 12% grade. The total ride was mostly hills and went for 15.15 miles. I'm thinking this will be a great place to start!
__________________
Last edited by dauphin; 07-07-06 at 01:25 AM.
#18
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: California
Posts: 2,991
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Ok, well it's down to daily training now looking toward September 16th which will happen two days prior to my 52nd birthday. As promised, I managed to take a few photos of the course today. I figure I won't be doing too much photography in September, but you never know. In any case, here are some of the sights I saw as I drove the course today.
https://www.pacfit.com/auburncentury.htm
https://www.pacfit.com/auburncentury.htm
__________________
#19
Banned.
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 20,917
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 12 Times
in
10 Posts
Originally Posted by dauphin
Ok, well it's down to daily training now looking toward September 16th which will happen two days prior to my 52nd birthday. As promised, I managed to take a few photos of the course today. I figure I won't be doing too much photography in September, but you never know. In any case, here are some of the sights I saw as I drove the course today.
https://www.pacfit.com/auburncentury.htm
https://www.pacfit.com/auburncentury.htm
Hey, you could ride TWICE your age on your birthday!
#20
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: California
Posts: 2,991
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by DnvrFox
Pretty country.
Hey, you could ride TWICE your age on your birthday!
Hey, you could ride TWICE your age on your birthday!
__________________
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,023
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by dauphin
Ok, well it's down to daily training now looking toward September 16th which will happen two days prior to my 52nd birthday. As promised, I managed to take a few photos of the course today. I figure I won't be doing too much photography in September, but you never know. In any case, here are some of the sights I saw as I drove the course today.
https://www.pacfit.com/auburncentury.htm
https://www.pacfit.com/auburncentury.htm
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Northern Nevada
Posts: 3,811
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
That thing climbs out of the American River Canyon, doesn't it? I've done that part of the route, though not the official event. I'm a terrible climber (more of a retired-offensive-lineman type than a King of the Mountains type), but I think even a good one would gear down for that grade. I rode it on my Atlantis with a 46-36-26 triple and 28t large cog, and if I had to do it again tomorrow, I'd root around in the garage for the 24t ring off my old mountain bike (as I said, though, I'm a genuinely bad climber...).
#23
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: California
Posts: 2,991
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I've got a 48-38-28 and I did a couple of steep ones last night. I think I will be ok after some intense training.
__________________
#24
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: California
Posts: 2,991
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
So...we decided to try the monster hill (Iowa Hill) which is 1.75 miles with an average grade of 13.5%. Let me tell you, it felt more like 20%. I had to stop at least five times on the way up. Thank god I installed bar ends today. That really made a difference. That hill made me wonder why I ever worried about any other hill before. What it did was give me confidence and better knowledge for attacking such a hill in the future. It really is all about using the right gears and understanding how to pace yourself. Next time I think I will do much better. At least it is no longer an unknown! Here is a photo of what part of the hill looks like. This is from someone elses photo album..those motorcycles were not there today!
__________________
#25
I need more cowbell.
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Reno, Nevada
Posts: 8,182
Bikes: 2015 Specialized Sirrus Elite
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 23 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Whoa! Given that picture and your description, you have my complete and total respect, Sir!
__________________
2015 Sirrus Elite
Proud member of the original Club Tombay
2015 Sirrus Elite
Proud member of the original Club Tombay