I'm thinking the same thing about the SF Century. I've been talking some with Dnvrfox (he's here) about doing this in some company as my first century. I"m new to this bicycling thing having started road riding last spring, but I"m enjoying it.

Dnvrfox has a group started discussing keeping in shape over winter using trainers, etc. I'm going to try and ride through the winter, but so far am having problems getting my new clothes which would give me a shot at it.

I used to run marathons and my first ones I used a technique which I will transfer to my first century to prevent problems. I'm going to start easy and then, as the race progresses, taper off. I'm also planning on starting at the very back of the pack. THat way if I fall or just go slow, I won't impede the better riders. This also gives me a shot at passing riders toward the middle and end of the race which may give me a boost.

I also have a Century Training Plan which I got in a book about distance biking. This will give, if you like this approach, a very rational method leading up to the race. The idea is one of confidence. If you can do the training runs, then you should have no serious problems with the century. LIke in running, we'd train with our long run of maybe 20 miles for a marathon and expect the race would pull us the last 6 miles or so. It does work.

Dnvrfox has not committed to doing this century (but he's on his trainer a LOT). I'm committed to doing it unless something major occurs preventing me from the ride or the training.

I have some ideas on your issues. For example, I would guess we can use cell phones to call our support folks to offload heavy clothes if we need to. The SF Century is in May so I don't expect major weather issues. I've ridden the route many times on my motorcycles.

I'm in....