Originally Posted by
Papa Tom
'Haven't done a century yet (better do it soon after about 45 years of riding), but when I finally do, it will be alone. I find, on my 50-75 mile rides, that I really love being solo so I can take things in at my own pace. I also HATE trying to talk to other people while the wind is blowing in my face or I'm huffing up a hill, etc.
Yes, solo is the way to century.
Organised rides are a good way to do your first 100 miler- or 100 Km's for that matter. You don't have ride with others and unless you have a group that you normally ride with and you know are the same speed as you it is probably better that you do it on your own. Big advantage of a "Well" organised century is the back up that is arranged. You never know if the bike will break down and that recovery does give some peace of mind. Signposting- refreshments and marshalls are also a boon. There is also the fact that other road users will be aware that cyclists are on the road as there are so many of them.
I have done several Solo rides as well as the organised rides and I still prefer the organised ones. There is always a group of other riders around and it is surprising how much energy can be saved by "Drafting" other riders. The converse is also true in that you can be pulled along at a speed that is too high for comfort and you will get tired quicker than you should but joining a group on a ride is up to you.