goldstock

I'm training for my first century and decided to start a blog...First time doing anything like this, so would appreciate any feedback...Enjoy.

My First Century

kenmcchord

Read your blog, and yes that will be a good before shot! Now to be serious, congrats on beginning this endeavour. Your workout schedule looks very good, albeit quite full. Have you started mapping out routes to ride? That can make or break these longer training rides, at least a well planned out route with stops for fluids/breaks will make a big difference.

Try to mix in hilly routes along with flat routes. I live in Southern NJ where it's all flat, so whenever I can I head to west Philly to climb the hills. The hills are essential for my development and improvement, without them I can train to a point where I see no further improvement.

Be careful. I just came off a nasty little shoulder surgery that all but killed my riding from last fall up until a month or so ago. Accidents can and will happen, so be vigilant and prepare for them. Enjoy the century, and once you're done hopefully you'll find that's just the beginning.

FrenchFit 

+1, safety. One of the problems I had with regular long distances was getting careless, dull mentally. I had a few close calls with parked cars. To compensate, I made it a habit to sugar up after mile 60, making sure the brain stayed awake. Be alert for changes in your attitude, perception..stay frosty.

goldstock

Thanks for the words of encouragement. For my longer rides I typically try to find a destination and go from there, typically picking up a gas station or grocery store about the halfway point. Where I live, I spend more time looking for flat because I can't go a mile in any direction without a decent climb in front of me. My last ride I did 50 miles and had just over 2500 in elevation gain.

skiffrun

Parked cars!?

You be riding the wrong roads!
I seldom see a parked car (https://irregularveloadventures.blogs...t-on-flat.html).

FrenchFit 

LOL, pretty rare around here. On balance, I'll take urban.

goldstock

My First Century

My latest entry

dual650c

Just a comment about your blog and journey.
Great read. Good job on documenting your motivation, your journey and your sense of humor.

As my ex-wife used to say, "Don't let the bastards get you down" (however you define them). Wx, bad thoughts and mechanicals - all can raise their ugly heads at one time or another. Keep your eyes and mind on your goal. One pedal stroke at a time and you'll continue to make progress, which is really the point.

goldstock

I finally rode my first century. Here is my last installment documenting my adventure.

My First Century

bruised

Nice job with the blog and the ride report. It's great to read about others' accomplishments.

dual650c

First, congratulations on the accomplishment. It's something that you won't soon forget - either the fact that you did it or how it felt.

Second, great writeup. You definitely captured the emotional ups and downs of the ride.

Rick@OCRR

Excellent century and very entertaining Blog entry! I ride a lot of centuries but I've never started a Blog about them . . . maybe I should!

And, I had a very parallel experiece regarding your friend Joe. For me it was Peg, a wonderful woman I met and began riding with at about mile 125 on the Devil Mountain Double century. This double was so tough I didn't know if I could finish (206 miles and over 20,000 ft. of climbing) but riding with Peg made a HUGE difference.

No, we weren't fast, but we did finish (total time, I think, was 22 hours and 45 minutes) and no, were weren't (quite) the last finishers. Having a wonderful new-found companion to ride and talk with took what could have been a horrible ordeal and turned it into another fun bike ride.

Rick / OCRR

az_cyclist

I agree, Rick. Great ride report, goldstock.