https://www.wataugaredcross.com/bsg/main/start.htm



"The BSG is a challenging to strenuous full English century - 100 mile loop ride starting and ending at the Valle Crucis Elementary School, approximately 5 miles south of Boone, North Carolina. The route roughly circles Boone through the outskirts of Watauga County, the heart of North Carolina's High Country. The terrain is constantly changing with hills of all lengths and curves too numerous to count. The cumulative climbing elevation is 13,000+ feet, with the climb up to the gap at Snake Mountain, mile point 63, reaching an 18-20% grade near the top.

"It's a great area for riding, very hilly, but I'd say it's the best area for training in the whole of the United States." –– Lance Armstrong on Boone, NC Cycle Sport (June 1998)

BSG offers a demanding route, which showcases the mountain communities of Watauga County, North Carolina; highlights of the route include a 21 mile section of the Blue Ridge Parkway, a strenuous climb over the 4,500 foot gap at Snake Mountain, and a 10 mile "flat" on old US 421."



So, now my question is, when I was training to run a marathon I got a 3 month training schedule which I followed in order to prepare. Is there, or are there any training schedules around to prepare for centuries? In particular, very hilly centuries?

If no published routines, are there any some of you have used that worked to help improve your performance? I know I can finish. I would like not to finish last.... just saying...............

thanks



RD

Joe Jriel is the established "guru" when it comes to training. See if you can get a copy of his Triathlete's Training Bible, and use the biking portion. Also he has a book called Going Long. Either one would be a great place to start. He goes into nutrition, hydration as well as what to do on the bike. Good luck, I am sure you will do fine. By the way I got mine on Amazon. com

Friel actually has a Cyclist's Training Bible, no need to buy the Triathlete one and throw 2/3rds away..

I don't know where you are in your fitness, if you've completed a century, etc...but it's fairly simple to just do a progressive mileage scheme like the one you used for your marathon prep. In the case of a very hilly century like BS&G, make sure you add in some climbing days. Do some sustained 30+ minute climbs and you'll have an idea of what your pacing and gearing should be like. Those are the most important things for a successful climbing century, IMO. Lots of "real men" DNFing with their 39x23s while you ride by them with your triple/compact/girlieman gearing.

I thought BS&G was already full this year?

Bicycling mag does century plans often. A quick search found this one:

https://bicycling.com/article/0,6610,...9050-1,00.html

That said, I would just ride more, and try to lose weight for a hilly century like that.

If you check the website for the Seattle to Portland (STP), they have a training program by day and week up there which you can download.