First century in an hour or so... Advice?
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First century in an hour or so... Advice?
So, I turn 24 in 2 days, and I work tomorrow. I decided I wanted to ride my first century before my birthday, so I've been riding a bunch the past few days to prepare. My normal route is a 30 mile paved trail route, and I've ridden it each of the last three days (Sun, Mon, Tues). Because the trail I ride used to be a railroad track, it's pretty flat; on Sunday and Monday, I finished the 30 mi with a steep, tall, hard climb for a little extra workout. I skipped the extra climb last night, and carb loaded/hydrated before bed. I'm on 8 hrs sleep, and am going to eat a bit of breakfast before I start out today.
I'm wondering what tips and tricks all you experienced century riders can offer a newbie?
Thanks in advance!
Gabe
I'm wondering what tips and tricks all you experienced century riders can offer a newbie?
Thanks in advance!
Gabe
#2
You rode how far???
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only 1 under my belt so far, but have about 5 metrics - my best advice is hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
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Fuel every hour - starting from the beginning so you're never in a defecit situation. And hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Oh - and stand out of the saddle as often as you can to get some circulation down under - this is really important on a flat course.
Oh - and stand out of the saddle as often as you can to get some circulation down under - this is really important on a flat course.
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thanks for the tips, I'm packing up right now, then headed to breakfast.
I'm considering taking a swim @ lake Michigan after the first 30 miles, good Idea or bad?
I'm considering taking a swim @ lake Michigan after the first 30 miles, good Idea or bad?
#5
King of the Plukers
It's all about fuel my friend, this I have learned as a fellow newbie. Grab some Heed or similar supplement from your local bike shop to add to your water bottles, a couple or three bananas, a handful of gel shots (for the second half when it's harder to stomach real food), and maybe some fig newtons, pb&j sandwiches, energy bars, or whatever. Eat every half hour or so after the first hour. Bring too much food, it's light. Load up on sunblock, esp tops of your legs. Empty a water bottle every hour minimum. Stretch on the bike frequently.
Good luck!
Good luck!
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I started doing a 170km birthday ride a while ago just to see how long I can keep it going...just turned 57 a few weeks ago
Best advice from what I've learned...don't have bacon for breakfast...stay off the roads if the temp exceedes 40c (last year)
Ride safe
Best advice from what I've learned...don't have bacon for breakfast...stay off the roads if the temp exceedes 40c (last year)
Ride safe
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+1 about the eating and the drinking. Also, if it's hot out, consider taking a few electrolyte replacement tabs or sports drink early on. It's amazing to me the difference that it makes if you've been sweating alot. I've been on 65 mile rides where I forget to keep eating and drinking and I'm toast by the end. Also, don't overdo it starting out, nice easy pace.