Cavemann

Was looking for some real world advise as to whether or not I should attempt my first century next weekend. I'm signed up for a charity ride that has a 30, 50 and 100 mile option. I've done 2 metric century's, one flat as a part of a group ride, and recently a solo with ~3400 feet of climb. The century option for this ride has 5700' of total elevation gain https://bit.ly/a4XDJP. I've only been riding since August, but have been getting in plenty of time in the saddle, and would love to get in my first century before the winter. I didnt feel too beat after either of my metric's so should i do a regulary century?

HTFU and ride it, or am i nucking futs?

mazdaspeed

You've only been riding for a month?

Cavemann

Started with spin classes towards the end of june, and actually started riding late july/early august....

goodtimes5

No.

AEO

you wouldn't know unless you tried it.

It seems like you already know the answer, but want some confidence to commit to your answer.

knobster

If you've done a couple 62 mile rides, you can probably do a 100 miles. May not be easy, but it'll be a good learning experience. If you can't make it, there is always SAG.

rollin

Go for it. It may not be "comfortable" but you should be able to finish, especially if it's supported. Hell if you don't finish what have you lost? Just keep spinning and smiling!

It's only a number.

Ride safe.

Cavemann

True, and it's always better than the call of shame from the middle of nowhere to your spouse requesting a pickup....

knobster

haha, yeah I've been there before..

Creatre

Do the century. You won't regret it.

sscyco

Absolutely

baribari

Start with a metric century. I'd say your chances of completing it would be at least 40% better.

znomit

Hes done two already.

Do it, but take it easy.

baribari

Then he doesn't need to be asking this question at all.

bikeride

Go for it. You'll make it.

patentcad

Either way you are nucking futs.

banerjek

5700' gain in a century is pretty intense for someone who's been riding for as little time as you. But you sound like a nut, and you'll probably feel like you've shortchanged yourself if you don't try the century.

Go for it. Worst case scenario is that you don't make it, but I think you'll probably do fine.

dnuzzomueller

I say go for it. My Dad has always said that unless your doing it at a race pace it's just a question of if your ass can handle it. So if your comfy enough on the bike to enjoy the ride I don't see why not. (Plus if you have a bunch of guys around its a hell lot more fun, I just recently came into group rides after doing solo rides for a long time, 3-4 hours can just fly if you can chat while you ride)

cappuccino911

I don't even think its about whether your ass can handle it, its more about other parts of body getting sore. I did my 1st century yesterday, prior to that longest ride was 75 and before that I had gone 50 and 55 miles. There is a big difference in going that extra 25miles. Of course there was one massive hill at the end of mine. In the end it was close to 8500 feet of gain. I was getting really sore in my left shoulder blade which was bugging me eager in the week. A few hot sports on my feet as well but overall not too tough.

HigherGround

A century? Come on, it's so simple, even a Cavemann could do it. (Sorry, it just had to be said.)
Cue obligatory "No, it didn't have to be said" response.
If you've already done two metric centuries and felt good afterward, you'd probably feel like you were taking it too easy on the 50 mile route. The 100 mile route will be a challenge, but I think you can do it as long as you eat and drink regularly, and most importantly, pace yourself. There may be a lot of other people to ride with, which will help due to drafting and having other people to talk to. Just don't let it be a double edge sword by going out too hard at the beginning. Also, doing a first century as a supported ride will be much easier than doing it solo.

Good luck, whichever route you choose, and keep us posted with the result!

ak47clown

I think it's more a mind over matter thing. 100 miles is just a big number. I too completed my first one yesterday with relatively little experience. 2 weeks ago i did get out on a pretty intense 85 mile group ride with tons of hills which gave me a confidence boost but even coming into yesterday morning i was a little unsure of myself. Your best bet is to find a group that's going to ride at a pace you're comfortable with and stick with them. I lucked out and met someone as i was parking my car and stuck with him and another guy for the whole ride. It definitely makes a huge difference IMO. especially when you're starting to feel fatigued and you know there's either someone right on your tail or you've got someone to chase.

redirekib

Chamois cream and proper nutrition will be the two most imprtant things you can do and pace yourself, especially on the climbs. My first century was a flatlander and ended up being 116 miles. I bonked 4 miles from home but made it anyway. The things I learned while training for and completing my first century helped innensely for a ride I did the following year - a three day 325 mile ride from my home in western NY to Lake Placid ( got a ride home ).

Good luck

StanSeven

and two metrics! You might do fine. Then you might get injured. You are subjecting joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles to some extreme use and work they aren't familar with. You are going 50+% more than your longest ride with 5700 feet of climbing - that's a lot

cappuccino911

ligaments and tendons are more apt to get damaged under high stress i.e. mashing. You do bring up a good point. The OP should focus on keeping a good cadence, especially on the hills and not try to overpower the course.

10 Wheels

Do it... Have fun.