SDRider

I'm trying to psych myself up for it! I have the legs for it I'm sure, I'm just not sure I'm ready for the length of time in the saddle.

Guess I'll just pop a couple tylenol and deal with it.

herbm

Good luck...you can do it...Just remember to pace yourself at the start, don't go out to hard and get out the saddle every so often and you'll do great!
h

Extort

Advil works better for swelling...

Good luck!

mateo44

+1 for not going out too hard.

Take advantage of rest stops. Enjoy them. Eat and drink!

You'll do great!

herbm

When I rode the Stagecoach Century they had bottles of Motrin at the rest stops...saw lots of people taking it?? First time I saw that on a ride....
Is it a good thing to do?

nesdog

I carry a few meds with me on the bike but would only use them if needed. I don't think it's a good idea to pop pills as that could create potential issues. I'd rather feel the pain first and then figure out the best way to manage it than cover it and possibly do more damage.

Sheldon

Extort

nothing big, but stay within the recommended dosage. (popping 12 motrins is bad for you, even if you are in lots of pain)... I definately do not want people popping Vicodin/Soma/Percodan out there...

Also, nesdog makes a good point. figure out why you are in pain and fix the problem, don't just cover up the pain with pills.

nesdog

No hurry, no worry! It's not a race... find some groups riding your speed and enjoy the ride. Follow the stuff you learned in training about eating and drinking as needed. Break down the ride into segments ie; rest stop to rest stop. That's a big help for me as I know I can do 20 mile rides way easier than knowing that I have to cover 85 more miles!

Post a report here for us when you are done!

Good luck!

Sheldon

herbm

I have to agree... I do actually carry a few motrin in my bag....I just cant see taking them during a ride...I guess some people must feel they help keep inflammation down while riding???

voltman

You'll do great! Just take it rest stop to rest stop and enjoy the ride.

jsigone

You can do it!!!!! Just remember to have fun.


Which route you taking?

SDRider

The only reason I'd take something is for soreness in my shoulders and rear end. By 50 miles I am usually a bit hesitant to sit on that saddle for longer periods of time.

I figure I can take one prior to the ride and maybe at the lunch rest stop.

I do plan on hitting all the rest stops and eating/drinking constantly. I'll be carrying 2 water bottles on the bike, 3 Cliff bars and two 4oz gel shots. I figure I'll refill the water bottles at every rest stop.

We're probably going to start out at about 15-16mph and see how we feel once we get to the halfway point. I'm riding with a couple friends and one of them hasn't had near as much time on the bike as I have leading up to this event so I suspect she'll probably be lagging a bit. She's a marathon runner though so she's used to pain.

SDRider

It's the Amtrak Century. Irvine to San Diego down the coast.

caligurl

oh! HAVE FUN!

take your time..... it's not a race!

don't take drugs unless you NEED them (i can't imagine motrin would help with butt pain????) i've never taken any drugs on or after a century.... so unless something bizarre happens... you shouldn't need them!

looks like the weather is gonna be in your favor! we'll be waiting for ride reports!!!!!

roadfix

Enjoy your century ride! Pedal standing frequently.....give relief to that butt of your's....

jsigone

It's a fun route, some good hills in around Pico area then flat after the power plant. Hope the wind is on your side.

I wish I can do it, it's the GF's B-day so she'll change the locks out me if I dare try to ride tomorrow. I'm missing a MTB race up a Big Bear cuz her B-day and our Anny falls on a race day next month too......not sure how I'm gonna pull it off but it's 1 1/2 point race too.....

herbm

Definitely!!!

madmike

Good luck man... You'll be fine. One comment about food and drink... If you use a sports drink put a serving of the powder in a ziploc and take it with you! That way you can have more sports drink later on. On long rides I start with 2 bottles of Accelerade. When I finish one I fill that one with water... then I drink either one depending on what I feel like. When the other Accelerade is empty I mix a new batch. This way I'll have a sports drink for the majority of the day.

If you don't use a sports drink don't start the day of a century!

If you use a recovery drink bring a ziploc of that so that you can drink it right away when you finish.

As for riding with your friend... it is usually better to ride the slower pace than riding fast and waiting for long periods at the rest stops.

Have a great ride and don't go too hard up Bake! It's not that hard of a hill but it is early in the ride!

EDIT: Don't forget sunscreen! (you can put some of that in a ziploc too!)

.......__o
.......\<,
....( )/ ( )...

caligurl

+1,000

1955

Forget the sunscreen and wear that farmers tan with pride!!!

Hey SDRider,

We (about 7 or 8 of us) so far plan of leaving the area at about 6:30, of course some girls are in the group so it could be later like last year. Anyway I'll be wearing last years Amtrak Century jersey with a big hole in the left arm, white Atmos, blue shoes and riding my Specialized Roubaix Pro (red bar tape and red Michelin tires). We'll be grouping at the corner near some big electrical boxes where most people start from.

If you recognize me from that discription, say high.

I've attached a picture of me from the "Cruisin the Canejo" ride just in case.

Sir-Lanceimnot

SD, Good luck. I do not think you will have any problem. Like many have said do not go out too fast and burn up. Also make sure you drink...make sure you drink....make sure you drink! Like every 15 mins drink some. Eat at the rest stops or as needed but not to much.

I recommend not taking too long at the rest stops because then your legs will get cold and stiff. Keep moving at your own pace and do not worry about the other riders. As you do more centuries you will get the the idea how fast to go. For now just enjoy the ride because there is only ONE first century!

Good luck and have fun!

cjbruin

Great advice from Sir Lance...I always try to remember to drink before I'm thirsty and eat before I'm hungry. Proper nutrition is the most important part. If you get that right, your body will do the rest.

mateo44

I like to pace around a bit a rest stops -- gives me time off the bike, yet my legs keep moving, therefore they stay limber and warm. I have to get off the bike, but if I sit down, I'll never get up.

Tiffanie

Good luck and HAVE FUN!!!

Gretzky

Best of luck tomorrow SDRider!