Originally Posted by
dekindy
It depends on the century. I could not even begin to do a century with 7,000 feet of climbing. Pick a flat century to start out. It also depends upon the sag stop intervals. Try to find one with 4 to 5 sag stops so you can rest, hydrate and refuel frequently.
It is like anything else. You are probably ready way before you think you are and not as soon as other people think you are, or something like that.
What is the worst that can happen? Have a map of the area and take a short cut if it looks like you cannot make it or have someone available to pick you up if you start struggling or have a mechanical.
+10
With the flatish parts of long rides, you can slow down and take it easy and ride a long way.
With serious hills, they are going to take a ton out of you even if you ride slowly.
I think a metric is a nicer choice to start. But either way:
1) You need a 50+ mile to start to understand what you can eat/drink. If you're doing the full century, you need at least a 60 miler.
2) If there are hills, try to go out and ride them ahead of time.