Took 2 years to get there, but finally completed my first organized century yesterday (6/8). 102 miles, 6.23 hours total riding time, 15.9 mph avg.

The ride starts in Lebanon Oregon, sponsored by Santiam Spokes bikes club. The Strawberry Century. A friend and I rode together the entire route. This was the first century for both of us.

Here's the profile of the route.
https://www.santiamspokes.org/strawbe...100Profile.jpg

The wind really beat us up, steady wind between 8 - 12 mph with some gust over 15 mph. At least the weather started cool in the mid-50's before climbing to 82F.

grats - Im jealous of your speed and distance. Since I started on the recovery road I have yet to complete a century.

Charlie

That is a very good time for a 1st century. Congrats. You'll be lots stronger even now for it. I put my comeback century off until the end of the summer and will use your ET for motivation.

+1

Congrats

Good ride!

Good job. First Century is always a major mile stone.

Nicely done, congratulations on the accomplishment.

Bill

Impressive time. Well done.

Thanks everyone, appreciate the positive comments.

The last 20 miles was pretty brutal, heading mostly into a pretty good headwind. We were both dying trying to finish, where it seemed like the ride would nnnnneverrrrr end.

Honestly though, that was a lot of work. Not sure really if it's worth riding that far in one day. Except for maybe a little bragging, and a sense of accomplishment, what's the point?

Now, I'm curious what motivates people to ride that far in one day. What do YOU get out of it?

Guess I'm searching for more motivation to try another century. Or is one enough? Also, what's the next major milestone in the life of a cyclist?

Thank again for the replies!

Nice accomplishment GFish!

Up to two years ago, I rode a century almost every Saturday. For me, it was just base miles training for the PBP. Those plans were altered by an inattentive driver.

Now that I am getting back into the groove again, I have no desire to do a century as a goal. I just ride until I don't feel like riding. 20k or 160k, makes no difference. Of course, if I decide to do the PBP again, I will ramp up the distances again.

[QUOTE=GFish;15724866] Now, I'm curious what motivates people to ride that far in one day. What do YOU get out of it?
QUOTE]

One becomes very strong on the bike...Nothing on TV. Ride when you can.

that's what you say now. Check back in a couple of days

Good job! Now, get out there for your recovery ride!

good time especially considering the profile and wind

Congrats! hope this is the first of many

I've done 70-80 mile rides that are harder than some of the centuries I've done. Anyway, they might get easier for you (you learn how to pace yourself better). The last century I did was a nice mellow ride with my girlfriend (with beer!).

Anyway, people (generally) like challenges. And centuries (long distance riding) isn't for everybody.

[QUOTE=GFish;15724866]Honestly though, that was a lot of work. Not sure really if it's worth riding that far in one day. Except for maybe a little bragging, and a sense of accomplishment, what's the point?

Now, I'm curious what motivates people to ride that far in one day. What do YOU get out of it?

A 200 k (125 miles) is an easy jump. That is around the shortest of what most people in the "Long Distance" forum concider a long ride.

A 300 k (187.5 miles) is a much bigger jump (it's a lot longer and typically requires some night riding). But only a small percentage of riders are interested in that kind of riding (so, I wouldn't call it a "next milestone").

Sore and tired today ? Lol. Take some time off hard rides for as much as a couple weeks.

You got to be a much stronger rider. The next one will either be easier or you can shoot for under 6 hours and brag to us about that

Centuries can be a goal for training, getting yourself out earlier in the season to get yourself prepared. They can be a way to train for fast rides at a shorter distance.

I didnt even want to look at my Trek for a week after I finished. At one point it was like I was mad at it as if it were a living being.

I read this in some book: not everyone can go fast, but most can go long if they have the patience and determination to do it. That's what the appeal of it is. I might be able to do PBP (1200 km or so) if I had the determination to put in the mileage and training......which I don't.

Congratulations! For your first century you picked one of the best ones. I am little biased as it was our club that put it on.

My wife and I marked part of the route, and helped out at one of the watering holes. If you stopped at the water stop by the Holley School ( the stop after the last big hill coming out of town, mile 68) I probably saw you. If you tried one of our world famous Banana Boats, it was probably handed to you by my wife.

I really hope you enjoyed (I'm not sure enjoyed is quite the right word to use when talking about centuries) the ride and had a good time. Thanks for participating.


Does this look familiar?
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Doug, unfortunately, the Holley sag was the only one we skipped, still had plenty of liquid after leaving Foster.

Helmet off to you and your club, what an excellent and well supported ride! Nice scenic route, good sag food and plenty of it, well supported with all the volunteers from check-in to finish. I can't believe the number of people helping out on the course. Simply an amazing job from everyone!!

This was my third year riding the Strawberry century. The first, only had the bike 2 weeks, made it 45 miles. Last year 85 miles and the full 102 miles this year. Each year has had the same great level of support from your club, I'm truly impressed. Thanks to all your club members and volunteers who make this such an enjoyable event.

+1. Really good time. I must do one of those someday.

Congrats. on a ride well done!!!