BTW, now that I'm in my third day of recovery after a 42 mile ride Sunday, I may need to be more realistic about my goal of doing a solo century this year. I may need another bike to make this feasible.

I've ridden several 40 milers since this spring, but can't quite break that distance without suffering some serious back and neck spasms that keep me off the bike for the next 2-3 days.

I may have reached the limit of my 35 lb hybrid. Much as I've enjoyed it the past year I think I'll need a lighter road bike, anything under 30 lbs with more hand positions, to make longer rides possible without too much discomfort.

Either that or I'll need to stretch out my time goal beyond 12 hours. I may shoot for a century ride within 24 hours, and include some hour-long lie-down rest periods in between, along with more breaks to stretch and relax.