RedHairedScot

Ok, so I didn't do a century today. I did all of the Hattiesburg Longleaf Trace (rails2trails project). It's 44 miles from the USM Gateway to the gateway in Prentiss, and, by the conservation of ridin' yer butt off, 44 miles the other way.

I underestimated the amount of food I'd need; except for two 32oz Gatorates, all I brought for solid sustenance was a granola bar. So, on the way back from the farthest point, I stopped at Wards (a MS fast-food staple famous for chili on everything) and grabbed the biggest, greasiest chili burger I could get.

Supposing I'd done the extra 12 miles to make this a century, would it have counted? Or is this a "slackers century"? Could I get away with ice cream too?

Patriot

Hey, greasy chili burgers are awesome.

I think the general consensus is that if you manage 100 miles in one day (24hrs), without sleeping in between each leg of the ride, then it is a Century.

So, "IF" you did the extra 12mi, then it would have been.

Raiyn

No U.S. century - You did complete a Metric Century (100kms = 62.13712 miles) and then some, so you did pretty good

Trsnrtr

Sure, if you had done the extra 12 within a short time of doing the 88. Slacker's Century? A 100 miles is a 100 miles, don't let anyone tell you different.

I ride most of my centuries solo and there is a guy in my club who says they don't count because they aren't organized events. Yeah, right...

va_cyclist

So you ride 100 mi. without the benefits of drafting and catered stops and this guy thinks you're the slacker?

oboeguy

Yeah, toss in the extra 12 and you're fine. Definitely bring more food next time, or pick some up on the way like you did. The secret, for me at least, to doing long rides like that is to keep a steady stream of fuel going in.

Trsnrtr

I did a double solo about 10 years or so ago and he told me it didn't count either.

superdex

I'm thinking it's 100 miles in a single "setting." Stopping for lunch, etc is still the same setting because you're not changing clothes, putting the bike up, sleeping, overnight, etc..

Of course, I have total mad props for anyone riding 100mi, no matter how it's done (I haven't done more than 75 myself, yet!).

OC Roadie

Tell the guy in your club to go screw himself. I ride most of my centuries solo as well, I think self-supported is more of an accomplishment, no drafting in pacelines, no rest stops every 25 miles stocked with food and drink or sag vans to drag you back if you bonk or break down. I enjoy organized centuries, but there are only so many a year within driving distance, I like to do a few a month and that would be a lot of weekend trips and money.

roadgator

im in the 100 miles is 100 miles is a century camp, well as long as its either a loop or doesnt end up like 10,000 feet lower in elevation.

i just did my first century earlier this week, and like you stopped for a BLT at the 1/2 way point (and to wait out a thunderstorm). so it had better still count! lol

timmhaan

i would have let you slide if you stopped to save a baby or prevented a crime in some way. NOT for stopping and grabbing a burger!! you owe yourself 12 miles + 5 more for even trying to pull a fast one like this.

fore0121

yup. what they said ^.
f

RedHairedScot

It actually wasn't bad . . . I'll probably do it again with the extra 12 next week. If you're looking for a good century, btw, the longleaf trace is the BEST 88 miles I've ever ridden. No cars, very flat, good scenery (if you're into green). When I run it, the horseflies make it rough in the afternoon, but when you're on two wheels it's all good. You don't need catered rest stops when there's a station every 3 or 4 miles with a toilet, a water fountain, and a vending machine with powerade.

OC Roadie

Sounds like he may be a good candidate for the OCP club

spacefuzz

so by your defenition since I slept for an hour after being on my bike for 16 hrs in a 24 hour race then got up and rode some more it doesnt count? I would beg to differ.

operator

So if I fell asleep at a rest stop for 5 minutes it doesn't count? GG.

NJWheelBuilder

100 miles in 24 hours counts. That's my take. I don't think it matters if its an organized event either. This year, I did 4 centuries (in 4 weeks) while training for my first double. You can't tell me they don't count. And yes, I completed the double as well.