ramfarmer

Planning a century in 2 weeks. Have about 1400 base miles in since May. Did a metric at the beginning of June and completed it.

Went on a 56 mile ride this weekend with 2500'+ climibing, 8-20 mph headwind and 90+ temps.

I had 2 bottles half G2 / half water, 2 cliff bars and 1 pckg shot bloks.

I cramped severly halfway up a 13% grade (1/4 mile) about 1/2 mile from the end and had to walk.

Am I lacking in fitness or did I not eat / drink enough?

10 Wheels

I believe you might be lacking in fitness.
Ride a bit slower.
You should be OK on the century.
Set a slow pace and hold to it.

himespau 

has your other training been at such hot temps? If the temps are new, maybe that could explain it.

ramfarmer

Temps are not new. I've been riding 20-35 in the evenings 4 nights/ week in the 100+ weather we have been having for about 5 weeks!

chasm54

How big were the bottles? In those temperatures I'd be looking to drink 750ml to a litre per hour. Stick an extra bottle in your jersey pocket if the feed stations on your century are more than a couple of hours apart. 1400 base miles in four months isn't a lot, though, so while I'd have no doubts about your ability to finish, make sure you don't hurry. Starting slow and finishing fast is always a much more pleasant experience than doing it the other way around.

Chris R.

Sounds like you were dehydrated...
Start off at a "slower than you usually ride" pace and if you feel good at the end, ramp it up. Going hard from the gate is a bad idea.

ramfarmer

Thanks for replies. I forgot to add an additional 2 bottles of straight water that I drank as well putting the total liquid intake at 96 ounces over ~3.5 hrs.

I will start at a slow pace and go from there. I can always SAG in but that sucks!

Pat

You should be OK to do a century if it is fairly flat. But if it has twice as much climbing as your 56 mile ride, maybe not.

With your base mileage, you should be OK. The main thing about riding centuries is your pace. I knew a rider that often pulled at 25 mph but when they had gone 50 miles, they were cooked.

BasicJim

How flat is the century? If it's hilly, make sure you start hydrating DAYS before the ride, get potassium, lots of rest, etc. If it's flat, HTFU! You got it!

Brontide

You should try. Short of something catastrophic you will probably set a new personal record.

ramfarmer

I'm trying it for sure. I just may have to bale out at the metric option. ~6500' of climbing is what has me worried

ramfarmer

I did it! 6:45 moving time, 7:20 total. I am pretty happy with that as my goal was 15 mph average moving speed and I hit 15.4 mph. Turned out to be 4350' climbing instead of 6500' but still significant. I did fight cramps somewhat the last 40 miles, but no show stoppers. I still think I need to drink more. An I.V. would help.

Thanks for the advice. Doing another in 2 weeks with less climbing so maybe I'll try for a new P.R.

jasonball

congrats

himespau 

Congrats on the finish. Make sure you get lots of liquid and prep carefully for your next one (don't overdo it).

DataJunkie

Good job!
Except that you are going the wrong direction. Add more climbing and toss out the PBR.

Pat

Congratulations. Fighting 40 miles of incipient cramps must have taken some doing. It is easy to mess up and cramp up. It is also easy to bail out at a SAG stop now that you have an excellent excuse. You did the hard thing, you just kept your head and persevered. Good job.

ramfarmer

Thanks Pat. There was a gal at the rest stop on mile 78. She was SAGging out and bragging about how good that first beer was going to taste!