Solo Century Riders - I want to hear from you
09-29-15, 09:00 AM
#76
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I've yet to do a century. One weekend I decided to try one, but I left too late and took too long and was running out of daylight so I cut it short at 94.8 miles. I may or may not do it again. That was last year and I was more about the longer rides then, but this year I've been focusing more on riding more often and staying in the 20-40 mile range with a couple of rides in the 60 mile range every now and then.
After a couple hours in the saddle it's just not as fun anymore...
After a couple hours in the saddle it's just not as fun anymore...
09-29-15, 11:14 AM
#77
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You are pretty much there. 2nd everyone that said bring what you would for that 85 mile ride and just have fun, just make sure you know where your water stops are.
My .02 would be to make sure to bring cash along with a card. Two of my favorite long ride routes pass through small towns that have cash only places, I'm not about to miss out on ice cream b/c I didn't bring a fiver. Also I cut up my clif bars (or whatever) into bite size pieces and put them in a zip lock so I don't have to shove the whole thing in my mouth at once. I use a small top tube bag to hold my food so I don't need to have bulging jersey pockets.
My standard long ride load out:
2 Tubes (1 center pocket, 1 saddle bag)
mini pump (center pocket)
multi-tool (seat bag)
tire levers (seat bag)
Mini patch kit (seat bag)
Cash/Card/ID (zip-lock Right pocket)
Car or house key (zip-lock Right pocket)
2 water bottles (cages)
2 cliff bars cut up (top tube bag)
GUMMY BEARS!!! (top tube bag)
2 or 3 gels (top tube bag)
electrolyte tabs and ibuprofen (handful of each in a old patch kit box, left pocket)
Phone (left pocket)
My .02 would be to make sure to bring cash along with a card. Two of my favorite long ride routes pass through small towns that have cash only places, I'm not about to miss out on ice cream b/c I didn't bring a fiver. Also I cut up my clif bars (or whatever) into bite size pieces and put them in a zip lock so I don't have to shove the whole thing in my mouth at once. I use a small top tube bag to hold my food so I don't need to have bulging jersey pockets.
My standard long ride load out:
2 Tubes (1 center pocket, 1 saddle bag)
mini pump (center pocket)
multi-tool (seat bag)
tire levers (seat bag)
Mini patch kit (seat bag)
Cash/Card/ID (zip-lock Right pocket)
Car or house key (zip-lock Right pocket)
2 water bottles (cages)
2 cliff bars cut up (top tube bag)
GUMMY BEARS!!! (top tube bag)
2 or 3 gels (top tube bag)
electrolyte tabs and ibuprofen (handful of each in a old patch kit box, left pocket)
Phone (left pocket)
09-29-15, 02:40 PM
#78
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10-01-15, 12:49 PM
#79
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In May of this year, I rode over 170 miles from LaPorte, IN, to New Castle, IN. Just wanted to see if I could do it. Had a big box of raisins, some Fig Newtons, some aspirin, and a couple of quarts of Gatorade, in my back pack. Took me 14 hours of riding. No special training. Just looked up my route and off I went.
10-01-15, 12:59 PM
#80
Portland Fred
Though he might want to work his way up to a full century. Since he's already done the 85, he could progressively just lengthen each ride by one mile until he gets to 100.
10-01-15, 04:56 PM
#81
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I'd like to hear from anyone who has done at least one century as a solo rider. Tell me of your experiences, planning, execution, what you learned and what you'll do differently next time.
I've actually never done a century either solo or with a group. I'm not concerned about the mileage. I've managed rides of 85 miles and more with no major issues. I'm probably as fit (or will be by the time I attempt my century) as I've ever been. I seem to be able to maintain my power, whatever that is, over very long distances.
I'm just looking for advice as far as preparation, in ride fueling and hydration, and what extra gear or replacement parts, if any, you bring along. Thanks for any ideas or advice.
OTP
I've actually never done a century either solo or with a group. I'm not concerned about the mileage. I've managed rides of 85 miles and more with no major issues. I'm probably as fit (or will be by the time I attempt my century) as I've ever been. I seem to be able to maintain my power, whatever that is, over very long distances.
I'm just looking for advice as far as preparation, in ride fueling and hydration, and what extra gear or replacement parts, if any, you bring along. Thanks for any ideas or advice.
OTP
A century is only 15 miles longer than what you've already done so no biggie; just sounds tough.
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