eja_ bottecchia

I did my very first century (a 100 miles century) while riding a 30 pound steel bike with DT shifters. I finished it in just a hair over 5 hours. Previous to that, my longest ride was a 35 miler.

Of course, this was back in 1988...oh well, so much for glory days.

The point is...stop over thinking this and just go and ride it. If you can't finish it, so be it...but at least you tried.

Good luck man!

the_tool_man

Wow, so much encouragement. Thanks. I changed my registration to the 62 miles. For those that asked, it's the Tour de Paws on September 8th. The plan is to ride 35 tomorrow night with the B- group, and work in a 45 mile ride this weekend or next (or both!).

I hadn't considered renting a bike (didn't know you could). I think I'll stick with the Fuji for now. Switching to something else at the last minute, especially something with race geometry, seems like a bad idea. For me, this won't be a race; just a physical milestone to finish.

Thanks again for all the encouragement,
John.

bonz50

funny how this is often the case with MOST things in life!!!

speedevil 

I finished my first metric century last Saturday, August 11th. It was at the Sweet Corn Century in and around Mendota, IL. Really nice folks and the weather was great. I wondered how I would do, but I had been riding 40 miles on Sundays leading up to the ride, and the last two Sundays before the ride I rode 50 miles each. I figured that the metric century was only 12 miles more than I had been riding.

I decided to ride the 40 mile and the 25 mile loops from the city park. I finished the 40 mile loop in just over 2 1/2 hours. The 25 mile loop took an hour and 45 minutes. All in all I was pleased with the way it went. On Sunday the 12th, my wife and I went out for almost 20 miles, so it was a bicycle kind of weekend.

dalameda

aztim mentioned Tour de Tucson?

rebel1916

Did I say go for it? OMG, what was I thinking? You are going to die!!!

the_tool_man

This ride went very well this time. Paid attention to nutrition the day before, and stayed hydrated for the ride. I finished in the top 3. Definately going on a longer ride this weekend.

the_tool_man

You asked for an update...

I went on a 45 mile ride this morning. Roughly 25 miles of the route of the upcoming metric century were covered by my route. One section I rode twice; once about 6 miles in, and again about 33 miles in. It was interesting to get a comparison of the same hill the two times, and how much my fatigue had slowed me down. Still, the ride was manageable. And as you pointed out, on event day there will be rest stops, which I did not have today.

ultraman6970

You can ride 62 miles even in a BMX bike, just ride your own pace, piano piano... drink zippis of water each 10 mins... eat pieces of energy bars each 30 mins and you will finish that thing w/o any problem.

the_tool_man

Rode the metric century the other day (Tour de Paws, Spartanburg, SC). I finished, barely. I managed to finish ahead of a few other riders, too. Counting the stops at support areas, I took 5 hours and 15 minutes. This also included several unplanned stops: once for a thrown chain, once for an intermittant cyclocomputer, and once for a dropped water bottle. What's weird is, these things almost never happen on training rides where I'm solo. And of course, as my luck would have it, they happened when I was in a paceline or at least keeping up with a group. Then I'd stop to correct the problem and end up alone.

I almost didn't go, because I totaled my car a week before, and hadn't felt well enough to ride a bike since. But I decided to try, since I was already registered, and figured the worst that would happen is I'd not finish. Since I already knew the route, I found myself thinking ahead, worrying about that big hill coming up around the bend. What I learned is that the hill was never quite as bad as I imagined it would be. Definately a lot of phsychology involved, as some have pointed out. I also learned that while doing 40-45 miles once a week prior is a good idea, I would say it is the minimum. That extra 20 miles was way harder than I anticipated (taking a week off didn't help, either). It became a challenge to manage the discomfort level, and divide it among my arms, shoulders, butt and feet in a way that I could tolerate. I wanted to quit, but I didn't, even when I was struggling against a 15mph headwind and the sag van pulled alongside and offered me a ride. My other mistake was wearing a new jersey for the event, which caused issues I won't go into, but was definately uncomfortable (still is).

Still, I had a great time. The sense of accomplishment is like nothing else I've felt. I really look forward to my next event in two weeks. Thanks to all who offered advice and words of encouragement.

rebel1916

Good man! The next one will be easier.

speedevil 

Congratulations. Now that you've done it, you KNOW you can do it again. The mental side of this is a big part - at least more than I initially thought.

I am planning to do a full 100 mile century later this month - not sure exactly where or when. I've not done one before, but I know that I can. It won't be the fastest nor the slowest, but the achievement will be very satisfying.

danmc

Nipple burn?

the_tool_man

Yup. Not pleasant.

pallen

Congrats! Now you can work on taking the "metric" part out

bbeasley

Congratulations!

As mentioned, you know what's next......100 miles.

jon c. 

I haven't gone that far since I started riding again (rode that far many, many times in the 70s), but I'd have no fear of attempting it. At the sort of pace you're riding, the difference between a road bike and a touring bike would be negligible.

Moukie

Congrats Tool Man. I, too, am new to the sport. Just happens that I live right around the corner from the Tour de Paws starting line, and learned about it Friday night. I rode the short route early Saturday morning by my self with no issues, but regret not signing up and doing the long route.
I am curious: Is there something else local in 2 weeks? I am enjoying this sport and may like to sign up.


Thanks

the_tool_man

The event I am referring to in two weeks is the MS Breakaway to the Beach. There are multiple start points and distances available. I signed up for 150 miles: 100 on day one (Kershaw, SC to Florence, SC) and 50 on day two (Green Sea, SC to Sunset Beach, NC). The terrain should be much flatter than upstate, so the extra distance isn't unattainable.

Moukie, it's not too late to sign up, but you have to have a minimum of $300 in fundraising plus entry fee to ride. Then there's the Tour de Peach on the 29th (which I'll miss), and lots more events in October. Go to Spartanburg Freewheelers website for more local event info. Good luck.

ThermionicScott 

Congrats! Sucks about the car...

starjag

Congrats indeed!

JasonCarp

Wtg

rangerdavid

congrats tool_man!!! nice work.

the_tool_man

Done! Went 100 (flat) miles Saturday, and followed up with 50 on Sunday in the MS Breakaway to the Beach ride. Had a blast. No issues with equipment or me. Can't wait for the next one.

Jeepnut22 

I've done two so far. One was solo on some extremely uninteresting terrain. Averaged about 17.8 mph, and the last 10 miles were the most uncomfortable on a bike I have ever felt. Stopped once long enough to eat a Stinger Waffle. Second one was with a group of friends in an organized event. Averaged about 16 mph (I think it was slower due to 4 stops at rest stops - BTW, PB&J is the ultimate nourishment food) as well as rode through 4 torrential downpours. Finished feeling strong.

They get easier, and riding with people always makes the riding better. Congrats and sign up for another one soon!!