I have noted around the forums that many people try to get a century (160km) done in 5 hours or less.

I have only done 2 centuries, both so far over the 5 hours I am too embarressed to say how long.

But one of my goals this year is to do a Century every single month of the year - the first one being in 2 weeks time.

One of my long term goals is to also do the Century in 5 hours or less. When I first saw this achievment on the net, I barely believed it, and even now I cannot work out it can be done. From my maths, you would have to average 32kph or slightly more. To do this, you would need to have a ride speed of around 40kph.

My first question - do these speeds seem about right?

Secondly - is the 5 hours the actual ride time (as reported by the bike computer), or the overall time for the ride, including stops, etc?

For those hardy souls who have actually done this super human feat - can you give me some pointers? What speed do you aim to sit on? Do you stop much? What do you eat, when?

I have done countless 100km rides, and 2 Centuries, so I am not a complete novice at this. But I have never done a ride of this sort when time is an issue. The only goal was to finish.

I am not a racer or anything - I am just a weekend warrior who does this for fitness. And I am 52 and way overweight - which is why I am riding the bike in the first place. I can currently average around 30kph for rides up to around 50km. I have not done any longer rides at these sorts of speeds as the club I ride with does not do this sort of ride.

I know the century at this sort of average is way past me at the moment - but perhaps at the end of this year?? I am hoping...