Originally Posted by
Bassmanbob
I've been bitten by the Century Bug, and now have three under my belt. The last one was Florida's Horrible Hundred, with about 4,600 feet of elevation two weeks ago. I'm looking at organized century events for 2018, and I have my eye on the New York Grand Fondo. I'd want to do the century, but it has just over 7,600 feet of elevation. That's significantly more than the Horrible Hundred. The event is the third week in May, so I should have an adequate amount of time to train. I live in Florida, so I can ride year round. Unfortunately, the only real hills by me are short.
I'm assuming that going from 4,600 feet of elevation to 7,600 feet is significant. How would you train for this, considering I only have access to limited hills?
Congratulations
and hope you didn't get too wet in the Howey-in-the-Hills section.
First suggestion is to join a group.....
Florida Cycling Clubs for group bike rides and racing
TCCA would be a suggestion. Outstanding group. I tagged along with them at this year's Cross Florida ride,
https://spacecoastfreewheelers.com/charities/xfl. A
great ride you should consider for April next year.
156 miles yesterday with only 371' of gain that included 2 bridges so pretty flat over here west of you in the Cape Haze Peninsula area. Can ride 100 miles in Rotunda West with less than 100' of gain.
I cut Horrible Hundred short this year and did Sugarloaf 4 times up the front with once up the rear. Had 200' more gain in 81 miles than the full 100 mile ride. Rode Six Gap in September, 11,000' in 103 miles and would recommend it for you....
CycleNorthGeorgia.com Home of the Six Gap Century
I prepare by riding in 53/12 or 50/11 into the wind for hard short distances or 2 to 3 mile sections at 15mph to 17mph. Yesterday's ride I did a few of the long steady standing sections. When riding group rides the guys I ride with keep me constantly pedaling for our 40 mile rides, no resting like going down after a climb, that helps condition for climbing. My 67yo legs are a bit tired this morning but still planning on 100+ faster pace miler tomorrow. Last Saturday's ride was 127 miles but only 8 miles with the faster riders since I joined them after already riding 68 miles and their 24 to 28mph speeds are no good for my old body.
Ride smart and climbs will be a breeze. Lots easier than riding into invisible 20mph+ winds for endless miles.
FORGOT to mention 2018 Bike Sebring 12/24 Hour in February,
http://www.bikesebring.org/ No major climbing but a
great endurance challenge. I'm registered for the 24 Hour Non-Drafting 400 mile RAAM Qualifier