Training for first Century
03-11-19, 01:50 PM
#76
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 755
Bikes: 2019 CAAD12, 2015 Specialized Sirrus Comp
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 562 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 64 Times
in
46 Posts
I will check out your club. Thanks for the invite -- I'd to ride with a group.
I will share that post #5 above, about working on my "core," made all the difference in preparing for the Century. Right behind my house, I have steep, 10-12% grades of half a mile or longer. Doing these fairly regularly really helped boost leg strength and CV endurance when I needed it.
I will share that post #5 above, about working on my "core," made all the difference in preparing for the Century. Right behind my house, I have steep, 10-12% grades of half a mile or longer. Doing these fairly regularly really helped boost leg strength and CV endurance when I needed it.
I find the farther you go, the more all the 'little things' matter... Like how much caffeine you've had, how much/little you've eaten, what you had for dinner the night before, etc. I suspect you're right about your sugar/caffeine crash as mile 90.. But hey, you're supposed to be tired after 90 miles on bone-jarring roads, aren't you?
Congrats on your first century. You're now expected to chime in on future threads like this as if you're an expert.
By the way, when you get sick of riding GMR and to Griffith Park, come out and ride with my club some time! Conejo Valley Cyclists - Home we start from the same place every Saturday/Sunday morning in Westlake and do different routes for A/B/C levels every week. Often big loops out to PCH and back over the Santa Monicas, but we do our share of Simi Valley, Calabasas, Camarillo, etc.
Congrats on your first century. You're now expected to chime in on future threads like this as if you're an expert.
By the way, when you get sick of riding GMR and to Griffith Park, come out and ride with my club some time! Conejo Valley Cyclists - Home we start from the same place every Saturday/Sunday morning in Westlake and do different routes for A/B/C levels every week. Often big loops out to PCH and back over the Santa Monicas, but we do our share of Simi Valley, Calabasas, Camarillo, etc.
03-11-19, 02:21 PM
#78
Senior Member
It was funny how chatty and social SAG stops 1-3 were, but by SAG 4 (mile 66), guys were looking pretty serious about the challenges that lay head. I did pretty well on those climbs, and had the energy to make it through The Wall (thanks to all the Fig Newtons and oranges at the stops and these sickly, caffeinated gels I was consuming). But for some reason, I collapsed at mile 90 and struggled to make it through the final 10. Don't know if it was psychological or just a massive caffeine/sugar crash..
03-11-19, 05:49 PM
#80
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 536
Bikes: Vilano Urbana, DownTube FS9, Montaque paratrooper, Nano mini-velo, Motobecane CX, Raleigh 20, MIFA folder, ROG Pony, Iverson Grand Touring folder, Exclusiv German folder
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 168 Post(s)
Liked 191 Times
in
119 Posts
I've never ridden a century, but as a ham I've done lots of SAG. Picked up/assisted quite a few riders. To repeat/affirm what others have said: stay hydrated, drink, drink and drink enough so you have to pee. Take advantage of the rest stops. Go at your own pace. Good luck..
03-13-19, 12:24 PM
#83
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: VA
Posts: 1,437
Bikes: SuperSix Evo | Revolt
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 733 Post(s)
Liked 815 Times
in
414 Posts
I kept looking for you at the stops. Found a few guys with blue jerseys, but no one with a matching bike.
It was funny how chatty and social SAG stops 1-3 were, but by SAG 4 (mile 66), guys were looking pretty serious about the challenges that lay head. I did pretty well on those climbs, and had the energy to make it through The Wall (thanks to all the Fig Newtons and oranges at the stops and these sickly, caffeinated gels I was consuming). But for some reason, I collapsed at mile 90 and struggled to make it through the final 10. Don't know if it was psychological or just a massive caffeine/sugar crash.
Saw loads of guys replacing tires by the side of the road and at rest stops. I was lucky not to have any failures, but my bike really took a beating.
It was funny how chatty and social SAG stops 1-3 were, but by SAG 4 (mile 66), guys were looking pretty serious about the challenges that lay head. I did pretty well on those climbs, and had the energy to make it through The Wall (thanks to all the Fig Newtons and oranges at the stops and these sickly, caffeinated gels I was consuming). But for some reason, I collapsed at mile 90 and struggled to make it through the final 10. Don't know if it was psychological or just a massive caffeine/sugar crash.
Saw loads of guys replacing tires by the side of the road and at rest stops. I was lucky not to have any failures, but my bike really took a beating.
03-15-19, 02:44 PM
#84
Senior Member
I also did Solvang for the first time. I felt it's almost more difficult than Mammoth century (I spent an overall 7:17 for 102 mi in Solvang and 7:47 for 102 mi in Mammoth with more climbs and a 17 mph head wind), due to the cold weather, crappy road conditions, and rolling hills (I like big climbing, but not a big fan of continuous 3-5% ups and downs). It amazing how we actually collected ~5400 ft total climbs with the highest altitude of merely 1500 ft (only a few of Strava Cat 4 Climbs). When I looked at the elevation profile before the event, I was telling myself there's no way the route would include >5k ft climb, but my garmin showed exactly ~5410 ft when it's ended. The route was indeed confusing for first timers. Not giving a number plate with difference colors were a big mistake for the organizers, since you don't know whom to follow. They also don't have a legit finish line this year.
In my mind, I was a bit underwhelmed. There were a lot more cycling events that charged the same or less, with far better supports.
03-15-19, 02:59 PM
#85
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 755
Bikes: 2019 CAAD12, 2015 Specialized Sirrus Comp
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 562 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 64 Times
in
46 Posts
I loved the adventure of the ride. I has fully prepared for the climbs from mile 65 to 85 and found them less difficult than the profile led me to believe. But I failed to anticipate how much the hills in the first 50 would take out of me, particularly the two climbs between Vandenberg and Orcutt, and the remaining climbs after The Wall. I also thought the trek around Santa Maria was a waste.
Unlike you, I found the roads were pretty well marked (we just had to follow the orange arrows), though my Wahoo Bolt helped a great deal. I loved the fact that CHP and sheriffs were there to monitor or close intersections as necessary, but was a little disappointed that they did not assist at Hwy 154 (at least when I got there). I also heard that the organizers shortened the ride by two miles by eliminating the trip west of town (I missed the memo).
I think next year, I'd do the Metric and focus more on climbing hill faster.
What times did you start and finish>
Unlike you, I found the roads were pretty well marked (we just had to follow the orange arrows), though my Wahoo Bolt helped a great deal. I loved the fact that CHP and sheriffs were there to monitor or close intersections as necessary, but was a little disappointed that they did not assist at Hwy 154 (at least when I got there). I also heard that the organizers shortened the ride by two miles by eliminating the trip west of town (I missed the memo).
I think next year, I'd do the Metric and focus more on climbing hill faster.
What times did you start and finish>
Congrats on your first century!
I also did Solvang for the first time. I felt it's almost more difficult than Mammoth century (I spent an overall 7:17 for 102 mi in Solvang and 7:47 for 102 mi in Mammoth with more climbs and a 17 mph head wind), due to the cold weather, crappy road conditions, and rolling hills (I like big climbing, but not a big fan of continuous 3-5% ups and downs). It amazing how we actually collected ~5400 ft total climbs with the highest altitude of merely 1500 ft (only a few of Strava Cat 4 Climbs). When I looked at the elevation profile before the event, I was telling myself there's no way the route would include >5k ft climb, but my garmin showed exactly ~5410 ft when it's ended. The route was indeed confusing for first timers. Not giving a number plate with difference colors were a big mistake for the organizers, since you don't know whom to follow. They also don't have a legit finish line this year.
In my mind, I was a bit underwhelmed. There were a lot more cycling events that charged the same or less, with far better supports.
I also did Solvang for the first time. I felt it's almost more difficult than Mammoth century (I spent an overall 7:17 for 102 mi in Solvang and 7:47 for 102 mi in Mammoth with more climbs and a 17 mph head wind), due to the cold weather, crappy road conditions, and rolling hills (I like big climbing, but not a big fan of continuous 3-5% ups and downs). It amazing how we actually collected ~5400 ft total climbs with the highest altitude of merely 1500 ft (only a few of Strava Cat 4 Climbs). When I looked at the elevation profile before the event, I was telling myself there's no way the route would include >5k ft climb, but my garmin showed exactly ~5410 ft when it's ended. The route was indeed confusing for first timers. Not giving a number plate with difference colors were a big mistake for the organizers, since you don't know whom to follow. They also don't have a legit finish line this year.
In my mind, I was a bit underwhelmed. There were a lot more cycling events that charged the same or less, with far better supports.
Last edited by Robert A; 03-15-19 at 03:26 PM.
03-15-19, 04:14 PM
#86
Senior Member
I loved the adventure of the ride. I has fully prepared for the climbs from mile 65 to 85 and found them less difficult than the profile led me to believe. But I failed to anticipate how much the hills in the first 50 would take out of me, particularly the two climbs between Vandenberg and Orcutt, and the remaining climbs after The Wall. I also thought the trek around Santa Maria was a waste.
Unlike you, I found the roads were pretty well marked (we just had to follow the orange arrows), though my Wahoo Bolt helped a great deal. I loved the fact that CHP and sheriffs were there to monitor or close intersections as necessary, but was a little disappointed that they did not assist at Hwy 154 (at least when I got there). I also heard that the organizers shortened the ride by two miles by eliminating the trip west of town (I missed the memo).
I think next year, I'd do the Metric and focus more on climbing hill faster.
What times did you start and finish>
Unlike you, I found the roads were pretty well marked (we just had to follow the orange arrows), though my Wahoo Bolt helped a great deal. I loved the fact that CHP and sheriffs were there to monitor or close intersections as necessary, but was a little disappointed that they did not assist at Hwy 154 (at least when I got there). I also heard that the organizers shortened the ride by two miles by eliminating the trip west of town (I missed the memo).
I think next year, I'd do the Metric and focus more on climbing hill faster.
What times did you start and finish>
I missed the finish left turn the first time, since I was under the impression it's supposed to be more than 100 mi. In addition there were tens of riders that also went straight, while nobody was making a left. I noticed very soon they were NOT century riders because they simply didn't not look like it. That's why I said it's a mistake not giving the colored race plate. I followed the orange arrow (where we started) all over again for another 2-3 miles before I made a U-turn. All the other events I participated gave different color plates for different groups. I have never had problems following groups with the same color. I never felt I had to use the turn by turn feature of my Garmin, until after Solvang century.
03-15-19, 04:19 PM
#87
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 755
Bikes: 2019 CAAD12, 2015 Specialized Sirrus Comp
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 562 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 64 Times
in
46 Posts
Sorry, I'm not following you on the left turn. I thought it was a right turn off the 246 onto McMurry. I continued straight across the 101 for about a mile, then turned back through a neighborhood to complete 100.23 miles.
Btw, you must have had very short rest stops -- 5 minutes max at each SAG and no pauses in between. I cannot maintain that pace. I did 7:08 moving and about 9 hours total. I admit I spent too much time at the SAg stops.
Btw, you must have had very short rest stops -- 5 minutes max at each SAG and no pauses in between. I cannot maintain that pace. I did 7:08 moving and about 9 hours total. I admit I spent too much time at the SAg stops.
I started at 6:30 AM sharp and finished at 1:37 PM (6:50 moving time + 27 min rest) with 102.8 miles.
I missed the finish left turn the first time, since I was under the impression it's supposed to be more than 100 mi. In addition there were tens of riders that also went straight, while nobody was making a left. I noticed very soon they were NOT century riders because they simply didn't not look like it. That's why I said it's a mistake not giving the colored race plate. I followed the orange arrow (where we started) all over again for another 2-3 miles before I made a U-turn. All the other events I participated gave different color plates for different groups. I have never had problems following groups with the same color. I never felt I had to use the turn by turn feature of my Garmin, until after Solvang century.
I missed the finish left turn the first time, since I was under the impression it's supposed to be more than 100 mi. In addition there were tens of riders that also went straight, while nobody was making a left. I noticed very soon they were NOT century riders because they simply didn't not look like it. That's why I said it's a mistake not giving the colored race plate. I followed the orange arrow (where we started) all over again for another 2-3 miles before I made a U-turn. All the other events I participated gave different color plates for different groups. I have never had problems following groups with the same color. I never felt I had to use the turn by turn feature of my Garmin, until after Solvang century.
03-15-19, 04:40 PM
#88
Senior Member
Sorry, I'm not following you on the left turn. I thought it was a right turn off the 246 onto McMurry. I continued straight across the 101 for about a mile, then turned back through a neighborhood to complete 100.23 miles.
Btw, you must have had very short rest stops -- 5 minutes max at each SAG and no pauses in between. I cannot maintain that pace. I did 7:08 moving and about 9 hours total. I admit I spent too much time at the SAg stops.
Btw, you must have had very short rest stops -- 5 minutes max at each SAG and no pauses in between. I cannot maintain that pace. I did 7:08 moving and about 9 hours total. I admit I spent too much time at the SAg stops.
I've done quite a few centuries. I found it's lot easier for me to ride at a pace that doesn't require long beaks to recover. BTW, IMO Strava's moving average speed can be very misleading. How could it "NOT COUNT" when one's resting/not moving
?
03-15-19, 04:46 PM
#89
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 755
Bikes: 2019 CAAD12, 2015 Specialized Sirrus Comp
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 562 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 64 Times
in
46 Posts
I use the Wahoo Bolt and found it to be quite accurate at tracking both moving and "cafe" time. I use a speed sensor, which I think improves accuracy a bit. Mine is set to compute average speed based on moving time, not total time.
Am I correct that your concern was not knowing where to turn left back into the hotel parking lot?
Am I correct that your concern was not knowing where to turn left back into the hotel parking lot?
I followed all the orange signs correctly, except making a left back to Marriott on McMurray parking lot at mile 98-99.
I've done quite a few centuries. I found it's lot easier for me to ride at a pace that doesn't require long beaks to recover. BTW, IMO Strava's moving average speed can be very misleading. How could it "NOT COUNT" when one's resting/not moving ?
I've done quite a few centuries. I found it's lot easier for me to ride at a pace that doesn't require long beaks to recover. BTW, IMO Strava's moving average speed can be very misleading. How could it "NOT COUNT" when one's resting/not moving
?
03-15-19, 05:01 PM
#90
Senior Member
They could probably do with one less rest stop overall on the century route. I spent longer than I wanted in the rest stops, (6:16 moving time, 8:02 elapsed, but this included probably 10-15 minutes waiting at the start). But this is somewhat inevitable when riding with a group in an organized ride like this. I intentionally passed the Marriott on McMurray and went to the dead end and back to get 100 miles.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
deeg_quest
Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling
6
05-05-10 11:40 AM
