how hard IS a century?

[wiseowl]

I know, I know- it depends. Terrain, weather, etc. But I am thinking of doing a century ride and am having a hard time grasping what the effort really is. I come from a running background, so maybe other runners who have done a century can help- is it like a marathon? I see training plans out there that look like you can be riding a century in 9 weeks (to finish, not for speed) if you are at least reasonably fit to begin with, which sounds more like a 5K- but somehow I don't think a century is like a 5K! Anyone want to ballpark it for me? Also, the century I am considering is 5000 feet elevational change over 100 miles- but that is all they say. Would that send you screaming from the room, or does that sound pretty reasonable? Knowing what I do of the area, it probably means lots of rolling with a few biggies.

[Pedal Wench]

The hardest part for most people just starting doing them is saddle time. At a moderate pace, you'll be sitting on the bike for at least 6 hours. Mentally and physically, that's a lot of time to be doing one thing.

I love them, but need to build up each season to doing them.

[stacie]

Like a marathon, the better prepared for it, the better you will feel during and after. The ride you describe would not compare to running a marathon in my opinion. My favorite century has over 10,000 feet of climbing and I describe it as harder than a marathon. My husband disagrees. It's all a matter of opinion. Do you have time for the training? As with a marathon, the hard part is the training week after week. The event is the reward. Stacie

[IFjane]

wiseowl, you are right in that each century is different and some are easier than others depending on the terrain and weather. 5000 ft. of elevation gain over 100 miles is very doable. As you are training for it, find some routes that have that much climbing in a shorter amount of miles.

From my experience, the biggest challenge is just the saddle time. No matter how comfortable your bike (including the saddle) is, after about 80 miles things begin to get uncomfortable. What I do to get ready for that much time in the saddle is to go on long rides on weekends - anywhere from 75 - 90 miles. After 90 miles, what's 10 more on the "big day"?

[indigoiis]

I recently signed up for my first, coming up Sept. 22nd. I am doing that 9 week thing although I upped my mileage by a few miles each day because I "feel" like I can do more. I've also been told that time in the saddle is the big thing. So far I am having a blast gearing up for it, and my toosh isn't too terribly miserable, although I've not been on for a hundred miles, yet.

I am going to think of this century as 4 consecutive 25 mile rides.

I am also going to have a spare pair of shorts to swap out half way.

And I am not going to try to race it. I want to enjoy it. This particular century is meant to be very scenic and enjoyable.

Anyhow, I am right there with ya - I think you should do it! And 5000 feet elevation over 100 miles... if you can get the route map, you can put it into a program that will tell you exactly where the elevation parts are, and how steep. I think mapmyride has that function.

[Geonz]

I remember trying to figure out how much harder 100 miles were going to be than the 60 and 80 I had already accomplished. Was it going to be "well, you just keep going a little further" or "After you've pushed as long as you ever did before, you have to get out and do another 30 miles" ?
By watching the pace it was much more like the former, with saddle time being an issue but a little less so for me 'cause my hybrid's pretty comfy.

[GLC1968]

My girlfriend trained for her first marathon while I was training for my first century (they were 2 weeks apart). Our training investment was very, very similiar. Our end result was very, very similiar. We both finished in respectable times and we were both able to walk the next day. Neither of us was shooting for speed or performance...our goals were to finish in relative comfort.

The century I trained for was similar to yours at about 5000 ft over 102 miles...which I would consider an 'average' century. A flat century would be less elevation, and a mountain century would be at least double that. Of course, weather is a huge factor, too....as you mentioned.

Anyway, my girlfriend is a runner and greatly dislikes biking. To her, a century is much, much harder than a marathon. I am a cyclist and I dislike running...to me, a marathon sounds WAY harder than a century. It's all about perspective.

I will say that when I tell people I do centuries, they are usually way more impressed than they should be. ;) It's a challenge, no doubt about it, but completing one is not the end-all be-all that some people make it out to be. And, it's different for everyone. I know a guy who finished a century last fall after only riding for a few weeks. His longest ride ever was 44 miles and he did 100 hilly miles at a good pace. Granted, he was barely able to pedal across the finish line, but he completed it. I know others who trained diligently for weeks and who had to bail on that same century...so it really varies.

Now, if you asked me this question 2 years ago right after I first started biking, I'd have told you that a century was a crazy goal and only the most psycho of cyclists even attempted it...so again...it's all relative! :p

[indysteel]

I would add that one of the harder things about long rides, including centuries, is knowing what and when to eat and drink. and being discliplined about it. Especially in the heat, you have to be pretty discliplined in staying up on your hydration and nutritional needs. Beyond that, it's a bit of a mind game. Your energy may wain here and there and you have to be prepared to work through it.

From my own (limited) experience, a decent mileage base that includes a few rides in the 70-80 mile range, along with hill work if the century is a hilly one, will put you in a good position to do the century comfortably. I did my first century this May at the Horsey Hundred in Kentuckywith a good base and some climbing miles and did just fine IMO. I rode with someone who had a good aerobic base and some climbing in her legs, but less of a mileage base. She did fine too, but the last 20 miles hurt a lot.

By the way, I think it also helps to do long rides with a friend or group. It certainly makes it more fun.

[jobob]

wiseowl, you are right in that each century is different and some are easier than others depending on the terrain and weather. 5000 ft. of elevation gain over 100 miles is very doable.

I think that depends in part on how the elevation gain is distributed. I did a near-century this past weekend with about 6300 ft of climbing, but about 4000 ft was in the first 35 miles. I was a bit whupped for the rest of the ride. :p

But yes, if the climbing is somewhat spred out, I agree with you.

[Starfish]

I think that depends in part on how the elevation gain is distributed. I did a near-century this past weekend with about 6300 ft of climbing, but about 4000 ft was in the first 35 miles. I was a bit whupped for the rest of the ride. :p

But yes, if the climbing is somewhat spred out, I agree with you.

Yep, distribution really matters to me, too. I can climb a 5% grade all day long, if it is a sustained climb.

But, up down, up down, up down tires me out WAY faster, especially if the hills get up into the teen%s.

And, for me, doing my ab & lower back work VERY routinely has made a huge differenc in my long distance comfort on the bike.

[indigoiis]

And, for me, doing my ab & lower back work VERY routinely has made a huge differenc in my long distance comfort on the bike.

I think core work is very important. Weights, too - especially free weights with the arms / upper arms - less fatigue to the neck and shoulders.

[alpinerabbit]

Running, OTOH is much more injury prone...

Saddle time and ability to climb another incline, then another, and being able to refuel / base endurance are key to covering 100 miles in my limited (1x) experience.

[li10up]

I agree with what the others have said based on my long rides. Wiseowl, what has been your longest ride so far this year? I too am going to attempt my first imperial century this year (next month). So far I have 10, or so, 40-50 mile rides, a 70 mile ride and am planning an 80 mile ride later this month. If you can ride 80 miles now in relative comfort I think you should be able to do the full 100. I'd recommend standing every now and then just to keep the blood flowing to the butt area and prevent getting too sore. I've found it helps to count down the miles once you've reached the half-way point. Once you reach 20 miles to go (or whatever your typical ride length is) you know that you only have a normal base ride left. If you can stay comfortable on the bike and stay hydrated and fueled you can do it...at least that is going to be my approach...hope it works.

[sundial]

I'm wondering, has anyone done a century with a CamelBak? Also, should you take in carbs every 30 or 45 minutes--stuff like Carb-boom, Cliff shots, or more substantial chewy fun food?

I might do a hilly 100 in October provided my knee can handle it. I can comfortably ride 45 miles now and I've been at it for about a month I guess. I'm still trying to figure out my on the bike eating schedule though. Any suggestion?

[KSH]

I'm wondering, has anyone done a century with a CamelBak? Also, should you take in carbs every 30 or 45 minutes--stuff like Carb-boom, Cliff shots, or more substantial chewy fun food?

I might do a hilly 100 in October provided my knee can handle it. I can comfortably ride 45 miles now and I've been at it for about a month I guess. I'm still trying to figure out my on the bike eating schedule though. Any suggestion?

Well, I haven't done 100 miles proper... but I've done 70-80-85 miles... and I did it with a Camelbak and 2 water bottles. Of course, I filled up along the way.

When I ride, after the first hour (since I have breakfast in my tummy) my goal is to try to consume 200 calories an hour... that can be in the form of food/gels/sports drink.

The key is to stay properly hydrated, eat before you get hungry and rest when you need to.

[mimitabby]

Well, I haven't done 100 miles proper... but I've done 70-80-85 miles... and I did it with a Camelbak and 2 water bottles. Of course, I filled up along the way.

When I ride, after the first hour (since I have breakfast in my tummy) my goal is to try to consume 200 calories an hour... that can be in the form of food/gels/sports drink.

The key is to stay properly hydrated, eat before you get hungry and rest when you need to.

KSH gives darn good advice. Camelbaks really make it easier to hydrate. But you're going to have to refill it from time to time!
it's really hard for me to eat enough to keep going all day; and oh yeah, a 6 hour century is REALLY FAST.. Typically, unless you are a reallly fast rider, figure about 12 mph ~ 8 hours. slower for lots of climbing, faster for tailwinds.
and headwinds can ruin everything.

[Pedal Wench]

Also, should you take in carbs every 30 or 45 minutes--stuff like Carb-boom, Cliff shots, or more substantial chewy fun food?



Whatever you can stomach! Really, you'll want to alternate so you don't get bored, and really whatever makes you happy. I use centuries as an excuse to try out all the new bad candybars, although I pay for that with the sugar-crash that usually follows. Oh well.

[sundial]

Ok, so at a supported century I should be able to fill up the CamelBak, right? Or is it better to carry bottles? And I have one of those funny Gel Bots. Should I take in the gel a little at a time or just gulp it down? Oh, why can't there be an ice cream truck that travels with the riders. :cool:

[sundial]

I use centuries as an excuse to try out all the new bad candybars, although I pay for that with the sugar-crash that usually follows. Oh well.

Have you tried the new PayDay sport candy bars? Snickers Marathon. Oooh, you are a bad influence. :p

[jobob]

Oh, why can't there be an ice cream truck that travels with the riders. :cool: oooh, I like that concept.

But there's no rule that says you can't pop into a convenience store along the route to buy a Hagen-Dasz bar. Done that!

(hee hee I can hear maillotpois "ewwwing" in the background)

[Starfish]

I'm still trying to figure out my on the bike eating schedule though. Any suggestion?

My biggest suggestion would be to keep (sanely) increasing your long rides on the weekends per one of the gazillion century training plans out there...and REALLY use those long rides to learn what your body needs/likes. I cannot stress that enough. MUCH better to have the runs on local training rides where you know where the bushes are! MUCH better to find out locally if the same gel that works for you on packet #1 in hour 2 still works great by packet #5 in hour 7. All that kind of thing.

For the century I did last weekend, I chose not to eat ANY of the wonderfully tempting food they had at the stops, with the exception of 1/2 banana (which I had used in training successfully). I can get digestive upset, so I simply decided to carry ALL my own food & electrolytes...needing only water at the stops. It was very hard for me to pass up all the beautiful fresh fruit and yummy cookies they had, as well as the sandwich makings...but, I just didn't want to tempt an upset stomach.

I planned on needing 200 calories/hour, but it turns out I had way too much food left over when I got done. I expected to be out for 12-13 hours (lot of climbing, slow rider). I did the 200 calories x 12 hours = 2400 calories to carry. Then, because I felt nervous, I threw in 2 extra bars for 2900 to carry. It was way too much.

Next time, I will carry about 150 calories per expected hour on the bike. When I got done with the ride, I wasn't even hungry. I had just fueled ALL day. And, I don't like to eat too many calories at once, so rather than eat 1 bar every 45 minutes to an hour, I will eat a bite or two every 15 minutes. It gets a little tedious, but my tummy can get upset.

I used a combination of: yogurt & almonds (1st 10 mile stop, early a.m.), payday bars, power bars, CarbBoom gel, banana, almonds, Clif Shot Bloks, water, and nuun electrolyte tablets (in one of the water bottles only, but all day long, alternating bottles).

Oh, and one last thing...I don't know if this is pertinent to your ride or not, but I tried to eat more of the solids at the top of my climbs before descending, so I could digest more of the solid foods on the downhill, with a lower heart rate and lower exertion.

[indysteel]

Others may have different approaches, but on the longer rides I've done, I've tried to keep my stops short. On hilly rides especially, my legs tend to get really tight and heavy if I stop for more than a few minutes. At the Horsey Hundred, I made the mistake of stopping at every rest stop and hanging out for a bit. Not only did it make the day really long, but it made the next few miles after the stop pure torture. Since then, I get in and get out in as little time as possible. A lot of organized rides have very frequent SAGs. It's nice to know that they're there, but you don't necessarily have to stop at each of them IMO.

[luvs2ride]

Hello Wiseowl,
I am new to cycling after running 4 marathons. My husband and I just completed our first century in Lake Tahoe, CA in June 07. I have to say that both marathons and centuries are challenging in different ways. I found biking to be harder because of all of the mechanical things I needed to know: such as changing tires, shifting properly, throwing my chain, etc. You don't have those kinds of problems with running. For me, I've struggled with more aches and pains with my running and find it to be much harder on my body than riding. I took me 5-6 hours to do my marathons and 9 1/2 hours to complete our century (about 7 hours of ride time-7,000 feet of climbing). It took WAY longer to completed an endurance event on the bike!! The "plus" was that I was able to walk normally after 100 miles-not so after running 26.2miles. The "down side" was that sitting after a century was very painful for me!!! Like I said, they are challenging in different ways. To be honest, I'm kinda "hooked" on the bike, which I've found to be much more "forgiving" on my aging body. While my running days are not over, I'm spending more time on the bike (can also do it with my husband-couldn't get him to run if his life depended on it !!!). Anyway, good luck!! I've found that a running background can really enhance your cycling. And yes, you can "hit a wall" in both running and cycling!!!

Blessings!
Susan

[Wahine]

Others may have different approaches, but on the longer rides I've done, I've tried to keep my stops short. On hilly rides especially, my legs tend to get really tight and heavy if I stop for more than a few minutes. At the Horsey Hundred, I made the mistake of stopping at every rest stop and hanging out for a bit. Not only did it make the day really long, but it made the next few miles after the stop pure torture. Since then, I get in and get out in as little time as possible. A lot of organized rides have very frequent SAGs. It's nice to know that they're there, but you don't necessarily have to stop at each of them IMO.

I agree with Indy, but I'm a horse of a slightly different colour. I'm training for IM right now and as part of my training I've done more than 6 rides in the last 2 months that were at least 6 hours in length. That has translated to as little as 75 miles (hilly and windy 6 hours) to as much as 107 miles (hilly but not wind and 7 hours of riding time, 7.5 hours total). My biggest problem is getting grumpy after a certain number of hours in the saddle. So I like to keep my day as short as possible by limiting my rest breaks. Having said that, I can ride a fair pitch for a long time and still be riding at a conversational pace. When you're riding at this intensity you don't need to break as often. If you're on a hilly ride and not used to it, you'll need your rest more often.

As for food and hydration, I have nothing to add there. I think everyone has covered the essentials. Set a eating schedule and stick to it. I eat 100 cal every half hour and drink nothing but electrolyte replacement. I take in at least one bottle of fluids per hour.

[wiseowl]

Thanks SO much to all of you. Super helpful. After reading these, I think I will scale back to train for 75 miles, but know that if the terrain is hillier than anticipated, I can bail to the 50 mile length. This particular ride has 25-50-75-100 mile loops. 6+ hours in the seat sounds like too much for me for this year, given the lateness with which I am starting real training, and this is a really scenic ride where I will probably be tempted to stroll along more than is good for a reasonable finish time. There is always next year...based on your replies I think I am certainly capable of a century in the future, just not this season.

[DDH]

I learned a lot from this thread too. Thanks for posting it.

You girls who can ride all these miles just ROCK!! You know that right. :D

I so want to get to the point to be able to do this someday. I just think a lot of weight has to come off first.

[Geonz]

One thing from the position of somebody who's been at those sag stops: if there's running water there, fill up the ol' camelBak... if not, try to do that somewhere where there's running water. A few of the big drains and suddenly you're running a rest stop with no water, calling the sag wagon and hoping they get there soon...

[lynnepin]

The goal is to consume about 40 – 60 grams of carbs/hour when riding.

Normally, this is about 1 or 2 helpings of goo/hour.

A cliff bar has about 48 grams of carbs.

A Gatorade has about 40 grams of carbs.

In addition, consume 1- 2 bottles of water/hour. More if it is very hot.

[Starfish]

On nutrition, I would also add that a little fat can help for the LONG haul of the day. The trick is to take it in VERY small bits so it doesn't slow you down. I like a couple bites of a payday bar, which has higher fat than energy bars. I also like to have a few almonds here and there.

[jobob]

I learned a lot from this thread too. Thanks for posting it.

You girls who can ride all these miles just ROCK!! You know that right. :D

I so want to get to the point to be able to do this someday. I just think a lot of weight has to come off first.

Hey Donna, we all have to start somewhere!
Here's a post of mine from Jan 1, 2004, with my goals for that year:


- Ride a metric century, either the Cinderella Classic at the end of March, or perhaps sooner than that, do the full length & back of the American River bike trail near Sacramento.

- Get to the point where a 50-60 mi ride isn’t a big deal for me. I'm about at that point with a 30 mile ride, so there's hope.

- Go by the 15 mph speed limit signs on the paths I ride without wistfully thinking “yeah I wish!”. At the very least, I'd like to be able to keep up with my husband (or maybe even start pushing *him*, heh).

- Meet the Bay Area members on this list (and, if I'm really lucky, learn from Kim how to tape handlebars)

- Maybe, maybe, maybe do a 100 mile century ride this year. A girl can dream.

Happy new year,
- Jo.

Some of these things took me more than a year to accomplish (like, getting faster than my husband), but I did, eventually. :cool:

[li10up]

One more opinion on hydration packs-
If you are going on a well supported ride it's my opinion that you don't need the Camelbak. Why carry all that extra weight when you don't have to. If the rest stops are spaced 10 miles apart then 2 bottles should be plenty to get you from one stop to the next. Now, if you don't want to stop that's a different story. But taking 3 minutes off the bike every 10 miles after the first 30 miles is a good idea IMO.

[KSH]

One more opinion on hydration packs-
If you are going on a well supported ride it's my opinion that you don't need the Camelbak. Why carry all that extra weight when you don't have to. If the rest stops are spaced 10 miles apart then 2 bottles should be plenty to get you from one stop to the next. Now, if you don't want to stop that's a different story. But taking 3 minutes off the bike every 10 miles after the first 30 miles is a good idea IMO.

I do that if I don't care about having cold water.

I have been on some supported rides where they have ice at the rest stops, and I pack my Camelbak (CB) with ice and water. I have cold water until the next rest stop. Cold water on a 100 degree day is a life saver!

Although, all of my long rides this year have been non-supported, so I needed it to carry the extra water.

[li10up]

KSH, have you tried the insulated bottles by Polar? If you fill them full of ice and then your water/sports drink it will stay cold for a long time (over an hour)...even in 90+ degree heat. If you freeze them they will stay cold even longer. I HIGHLY recommend them. I too am not a fan of warm drinks...won't drink them unless absolutely necessary...yuk! Long unsupported rides do call for a Camelbak unless there are convenience stores along the way.

I like hydration packs for mtn biking but prefer bottles on the road. For me, having a pack strapped to my back while riding on hot pavement makes me feel even hotter. I need the air circulating around me. Whatever works for you is what you should use though.

[Crankin]

I used a Camelbak on my (flat and very windy) century last year. I had Accelerade in my bottles. There were only 2 real supported rest stops, although there were stores along the way. I found that I wasn't insterested in or couldn't eat what they had there for food(I am allergic to peanuts, so no pbjs for me). I ate maybe 2 or 3 Clif bars and shot Blocks and a couple of bananas. It probably wasn't quite enough, but i can barely eat anything during long rides. The temp. went down about 20 degrees in a horrible rain storm at the end and I was glad I had the Shot Blocks then. The ride took us 6 hours and 35 minutes, despite the last 15 miles being torture because of the weather.

[Blueberry]

I learned a lot from this thread too. Thanks for posting it.

You girls who can ride all these miles just ROCK!! You know that right. :D

I so want to get to the point to be able to do this someday. I just think a lot of weight has to come off first.

I agree - this is a great thread!

I just wanted to give you some encouragement on the weight issue - I won't admit how much I weigh, but I need to lose a LOT. I waited trying to lose weight and holding off riding. I'm doing MUCH longer distances now. I've not really lost weight (a lot of it has to do with my job), but I *am* meeting my distance goals. Our very own runningmommy is the one who got me to stop waiting and just get out there, and it was GREAT advice. I don't weigh what I want to, but I'm living my life!

[sundial]

If you are going on a well supported ride it's my opinion that you don't need the Camelbak. Why carry all that extra weight when you don't have to. If the rest stops are spaced 10 miles apart then 2 bottles should be plenty to get you from one stop to the next.

I really don't mind cycling with my CamelBak because I would rather drink my cold water than whatever is available at the rest stops. Also, I would rather carry my own fuel than gamble on what's available--or not. I like to be organized and prepared for stuff. ;)

[sundial]

I so want to get to the point to be able to do this someday. I just think a lot of weight has to come off first.

Don't let your weight stop you from training for a century. You would be amazed how many miles you'll log in a matter of weeks. Riding is such a release for me, a real stress buster. I really enjoy starting the day with a good ride. It keeps me balanced and prepared for the demands of the day.

[maillotpois]

Wow - Jo, reading your 2004 goals is fantastic (since I didn't know you then, and only know you now as the long distance queen you've become!)

I've gone both ways on the Camelback. There's a 110 or so mile race we do where I use it so I don't have to stop and re-fill bottles. Aside from that, I find bottles generally sufficient and a Camelback can get cumbersome. When I was first learning to ride a road bike, I did like being able to drink from a camelback without messing around reaching for bottles. Now it's just second nature.

ETA: And yes, I did notice the comment about the haagen dasz bar and yes: EEEWW!! I love ice cream but not DURING a ride!!!

[dex]

Don't let your weight stop you from training for a century.

I second this. I took all 225 lbs of me (on my 5'4"ish body) on a 2-day, 200 mile ride last month after about three and a half months of riding. If *I* managed it, I'm pretty sure anybody can. :p

And I'm now completely addicted to long distances. One day, I hope to get addicted to hill climbing...erm, that day may be a long ways off. :rolleyes:

[wiseowl]

I have to say that "training" for something is getting my butt out there more religiously than before, and those stubborn 20 lbs I need to lose are finally starting to budge. I have seen threads from a lot of larger riders that have completed very impressive distances- maybe not at top speed, but with relative comfort.

I am glad for all the hydration pack info- I need to get one for mtn bike riding, and hadn't even considered taking one on the road. The ride I am considering has stops at 10, 25, and every 25 after- which seems fairly spaced out.

[indigoiis]

I used a Camelbak on my (flat and very windy) century last year. I had Accelerade in my bottles. There were only 2 real supported rest stops, although there were stores along the way. I found that I wasn't insterested in or couldn't eat what they had there for food(I am allergic to peanuts, so no pbjs for me). I ate maybe 2 or 3 Clif bars and shot Blocks and a couple of bananas. It probably wasn't quite enough, but i can barely eat anything during long rides. The temp. went down about 20 degrees in a horrible rain storm at the end and I was glad I had the Shot Blocks then. The ride took us 6 hours and 35 minutes, despite the last 15 miles being torture because of the weather.

This is the one I am doing this year.
So I am glad for this information!

[Starfish]

Long unsupported rides do call for a Camelbak unless there are convenience stores along the way.

One other option, if your bike as the mounts for it, is to carry a 3rd bottle. I do that on longer unsupported rides (on the bottom of the down tube). There are also those bottle mounts that go on the back of the seat...I've never had one of those.

I have a camelbak, and used it when I first started riding, but I find I dislike having my back surface all covered up.