Century speed
07-15-25 | 04:54 PM
#26
Passista
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I've done quite a few solo centuries, always on flat terrain, my fastest one in 5hrs at 65 yrs old. But that was one-way with a super strong tailwind all the way - I was going 22-23mph on a 15-16mph perceived effort.
Now at 74, one of these days I'm going to do a century, and I'll be content if I do it in 7hrs.
Now at 74, one of these days I'm going to do a century, and I'll be content if I do it in 7hrs.
Last edited by Reynolds; 07-15-25 at 04:57 PM.
07-15-25 | 08:49 PM
#27
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07-15-25 | 09:55 PM
#28
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07-16-25 | 05:17 PM
#29
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07-16-25 | 09:58 PM
#30
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12K feet is way up there. my long ride earlier this month took me up to the Mt Rose pass, just under 9000 feet. my home is at 4444 feet (my wife is chinese, i haven't told her that yet). so the 9000 actually didn't feel anything different to me. pretty sure i'd notice 12000 feet though.
07-17-25 | 07:30 AM
#31
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Last organized century I did was two years ago and I did it in 7:28. I know the time isn't impressive but it was It was 6Gap and has close to 12,000 feet of climbing in 103 miles. It was my first time doing it and I went into it telling myself that I didn't need to be a hero and there was no use in trying to keep up with a group. Slow and steady. I'm planning on doing it again this fall and think I'll do significantly better.
07-17-25 | 11:34 AM
#32
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What is this "flat" century you speak of? There's no such animal anywhere around here. I don't think I've ever ridden a century that didn't have at least 6,000 feet of climbing, and usually much more. I doubt that anyone except for the most fit individuals can ride a 5-hour century with that kind of climbing.
07-18-25 | 08:22 AM
#33
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What is this "flat" century you speak of? There's no such animal anywhere around here. I don't think I've ever ridden a century that didn't have at least 6,000 feet of climbing, and usually much more. I doubt that anyone except for the most fit individuals can ride a 5-hour century with that kind of climbing.
07-18-25 | 08:56 AM
#34
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12K feet is way up there. my long ride earlier this month took me up to the Mt Rose pass, just under 9000 feet. my home is at 4444 feet (my wife is chinese, i haven't told her that yet). so the 9000 actually didn't feel anything different to me. pretty sure i'd notice 12000 feet though.
07-22-25 | 06:52 AM
#35
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What is this "flat" century you speak of? There's no such animal anywhere around here. I don't think I've ever ridden a century that didn't have at least 6,000 feet of climbing, and usually much more. I doubt that anyone except for the most fit individuals can ride a 5-hour century with that kind of climbing.
My last century was 1400'+/- total - South Jersey.
07-22-25 | 11:16 AM
#36
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Did a century yesterday, really taking it easy with an average speed of 16 MPH and 3,000’ @ 6 hours and 26 mins saddle time. I am 70. Taking it easy allowed me to pace myself and avoid my nemesis, leg cramps (during and after).
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07-23-25 | 10:55 AM
#37
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What is this "flat" century you speak of? There's no such animal anywhere around here. I don't think I've ever ridden a century that didn't have at least 6,000 feet of climbing, and usually much more. I doubt that anyone except for the most fit individuals can ride a 5-hour century with that kind of climbing.
07-23-25 | 11:57 AM
#38
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BTW, when it comes to hilly centuries, or hilly rides in general, making good time not only requires the strength to climb well, but also the skillz to descend well. I am not so great at the latter, and that will add time to my efforts on hilly rides.
Last edited by MinnMan; 07-23-25 at 01:04 PM.
07-23-25 | 01:54 PM
#39
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08-03-25 | 09:20 AM
#40
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65 and still kicking
I am 63 years old and ride a lot. Probably too much and a bit tire more than I should. That said I could not imagine today riding a 5 hour century. I have only ever done them solo. Back 10 years ago I did manage one in 19 mph did it in 5:20 minutes no real stops. It was basically pretty flat course here in Illinois. Now I was thinking that wow in 10 years and no I could not imagine going 5 hours for a Century. I am in reasonable shape old marathon runner, I lack real bike handling skills but otherwise pretty steady.
So, my question for this group is if anyone here can ride a 5 hour century. at least near my age. My guess is that there actually will quite a few. My only thing was all mine solo and I am not group rider. If I road with a group but not a paceline, but just others around could I expect more than I think. Right now maybe on a good day with lots of rest before the ride I could go 17.5.
So, my question for this group is if anyone here can ride a 5 hour century. at least near my age. My guess is that there actually will quite a few. My only thing was all mine solo and I am not group rider. If I road with a group but not a paceline, but just others around could I expect more than I think. Right now maybe on a good day with lots of rest before the ride I could go 17.5.
I m 65 and have no special abilities. I can come in around 5 hours. I'm sure I am not the only one in this group that can say my time appears to be more limited by bathroom breaks than anything else. Pace lining with a group is helpful but I have also shown up solo and just meeting people at the start line and asking if I can tag along also works. It's a great way to meet people.
08-03-25 | 01:52 PM
#41
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Yesterday - organized event "Tour de Tonka", mostly with a group, but with about 15 miles in the middle done solo.
08-03-25 | 06:47 PM
#42
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08-03-25 | 06:50 PM
#43
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08-03-25 | 07:00 PM
#44
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08-03-25 | 07:06 PM
#45
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08-05-25 | 11:25 AM
#46
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08-07-25 | 10:35 AM
#47
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Interesting that the ride specifics do not cite elevation gain, that is, unless there is not much. 22 MPH average says to me that it was pretty flat, but still the riders doing the pace lines were extremely fit. Well done sir.
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08-07-25 | 10:51 AM
#48
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Elevation gain is listed - 2600'. Yeah, that's fairly flat.
08-07-25 | 11:25 AM
#49
Randomhead
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I rode a 5 hour solo century as part of a 1200km ride in 2011. It was all slightly downhill though. Ended up at the ocean 
Given that I had already ridden 350 miles in less than 2 days that might make up for how flat it was. I may have done it again more recently as part of a longer ride, but I doubt it.
Given that I had already ridden 350 miles in less than 2 days that might make up for how flat it was. I may have done it again more recently as part of a longer ride, but I doubt it.
