nixternal

Today I participated in my first ever century. It was the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure here in Chicago. I had a blast. I just wanted an "under 7 hour finish" and I did just that. Probably would have been under 6 hours, but the crew I rode with enjoyed hitting every rest stop, and after enjoying some of the goodies, I now see why. The wind was nuts, as it seemed to always be a head wind. I think for just a mile or so we had a tail wind at one point.

https://connect.garmin.com/activity/92001107

There is the Garmin data from the ride. There were quite a few rollers that would hurt, and there was one hill leaving out of a rest area. 5 miles up hill, forget that noise. I understand that if you live around mountains, but dang not outside of Chicago. For a minute I thought I was done with and the hill was never going to end. After completing it, it took me all of 2 minutes to recover and I was back on the front pulling the little skinnies around.

All I have to do now is massage my legs and pull my seat out of my ass. I still haven't passed it, hopefully soon. Didn't weight myself before, but after I was at 250 pounds. Finally shedding my winter weight Now it is time to do some racing for the rest of the season and then finish up with another century.

GeoBigJon

Congrats on the accomplishment!

Neil_B

Very nice. Congratulations!

jethro56 

Rock31

awesome job! congratulations!

beatsrunning

Very nice!

CalPastor

Awesome! One of my goals for the coming year.

antimike

Great job man! I hope to do a century at some point, but I think I may need a proper fitting and a new saddle.

CraigB

Congrats! Way to go. I hope next year to either bump my efforts up to a full century or go on the 75K long route outside the track where there's some actual terrain.

Terrific job!

Mithrandir

Congratulations! This year I'm aiming for a half-century... I hope one day I'll be fit enough to do a full century!

1855Cru

Great job! A century is on my target list for this year too.

Neil_B

Why next year, CraigB? You have a strong level of fitness now and the riding season is still young.

nixternal

Thanks everyone! If you are thinking about doing one, I would say go for it! To make it easier, get a group of riders/friends to do it with, and before you know it, you will be crossing the finish line after 100 miles. I was a bit nervous going in to it. After mile 50 I felt great. Mile 75 I felt horrible, Mile 90 I felt great I actually saw someone do the entire century on a Trek Navigator, which is a big heavy bike, and he was a big heavy dude. You put your mind to it, you can do it. Just keep hydrated and eat a little. I think I might have eaten a bit much but not a lot. The burger I think is what hurt me at mile 75

CraigB

My metioning next year was only in reference to the TdC, Neil. I realized afterward that I might have been clearer about that. Now I need to look at regional ride schedules to see what other longish rides are in my neck of the woods for the rest of this season. I might do a century yet this year.

Sorry for the brief hijack, nixternal.

ill.clyde

Congrats Nix!

BTW ... I'm also in the north, northwest burbs ... if you're ever looking for a ride partner, let me know!