First Century & Flying Solo

[arielmoon]

My first century is this Sunday and my training partner has opted to do 55 instead. (He is also now my exBF! :rolleyes:) I know some other people doing the century but they are way out of my league. One guy that I know from group ride is doing it but he rides straight through :eek: (he is also doing the Santa Fe Century the day before- he is INSANE!! and obviously really fit!!)

So I am flying solo.

I am told that everyone stays in a big pack for the first 25, so that part is a breeze. After that, I am prepared to meet new people and hopefully latch on to a group.

I need some advice about hydration and food intake. I realize that everyone is different but what is your strategy? I am a picky eater so I was planning on making & carrying my own PB&J sandwich for lunch. I bought 2 Gu's and some Clif bars. I use Cytomax and plan to bring extra in baggies to make more at the stops (there are 4). Any thoughts on how often to Gu? How much to eat and how often?

I am nervous about doing this by myself but I trained for this and I want to do it. Any advice will be helpful. Thank you!

[indigoiis]

I think you will enjoy it more riding solo. Just break it up into chowable sections; four 25 mile rides with ten minute breaks (no longer than ten minutes) seems to be a good breakdown for a lot of folks - and was recommended to me here prior to my first century.

I did the tour de cure in May alone. I liked it better. I kept choosing little packs of guys to catch up to. That kept my speed up and kept my confidence up - if I could keep up with a pack of guys, even if only for a few miles - I can do anything.

Also, when and if you feel lonely, and I don't think you will, think of all of us TE gals cheering you along! We'll be thinking about you!

Enjoy it!

Indy

[indysteel]

I wouldn't worry about riding all or part of it alone. There will be plenty of other riders to hook up with or, if you're like me, you'll enjoy at least a few miles of solitude.

I tend to need food every 20 miles or so. For longer rides, I use a top tube bag and place some bite size chunks of food, e.g., Payday candybars, Shot Blocs, that I can nibble on between rest stops. At rest stops, I usually eat at least half of a banana and a cookie or two. My stomach isn't particularly fussy, but I don't like the consistency of gels. At lunch, I usually eat a PB&J sandwich and something salty like chips or trail mix.

If I were you, I'd try to eat a bit more "real" food along the way and not rely exclusively on gels. When my stomach is empty of solid food, it starts to bother me and make me feel even hungrier than I really am.

I try to drink a 2 to 1 ratio of water and Cytomax, although I never seem to drink enough. I try to take a sip of something every 5 minutes on long rides, but I get off track and never seem to drink enough. :(

Finally, half the battle regarding nutrition and hydration for a long ride starts before you get on the bike. Make sure you are plenty hydrated in the days leading up to the ride. I like to drink a big thing of water right when I get up the morning of the ride. Yes, it means going to the bathroom more frequently, but I'd rather do that than get dehydrated. I don't do much "carb loading," but I do eat a balanced dinner and breakfast.

Good luck and have fun!

[TrekTheKaty]

You'll be great Arielmoon!
I did a gel an hour for the first 4 hours. Then I was at the lunch stop and had a banana and PB&J. Each hour after that I snacked on cookies and crackers w/ pb. I was surprised that was all I needed to get through (also used the cytomax--24 oz bottle each hour). However, I carried an extra clif bar in my jersey in case I needed it.

[ny biker]

In hot weather (when I do most of my long rides) my stomach usually cannot handle real food. I bring one packet of gu per 10 miles, then throw in 1 or 2 extra packets since you never know when you'll wind up spending a chunk of time on the side of the road dealing with a mechanical problem. (It rarely happens, but I like to be prepared.)

I also start the ride with 2 bottles of gatorade. After finishing the first one I refill it with water at a reststop and drink water for a while, saving the second gatorade bottle for later in the ride. Even though they usually have gatorade at the reststops, I figure they might have a flavor I don't like, so I bring my own.

At each reststop I'll have one or two gu packets and some water. If it's really hot, I might have almost a whole bottle of water at the reststop and then refill it before hitting the road again. I try to drink at least one bottle per hour depending on the weather.

I'm not very good at opening gu packets while I'm in motion, so if I decide I'm hungry while I'm riding and the next reststop is still a ways away, I'll pull over for a minute and have a quick snack.

By the way, make sure you have a drink with every gu packet. The recommended amount should be on the packet.

I do most of my riding by myself. This summer part of my prep for the Livestrong Challenge was to play a cd with a some good uptempo songs in my car stereo over and over during the days leading up to the ride, so I would have the songs stuck in my head while I was riding. That helped alot. I also realized that one of my college's fight songs has the perfect tempo for riding, so I was humming that to myself for a while and it got me up some pretty tough hills.

[squirrell]

I'm doing my first Century on Oct. 25th by myself, too. But then I always ride solo--my DH doesn't ride and there's no groups around me to train with or ride with. So, I'm on my own, as usual. The mileage isn't that much of a concern as is keeping my glucose levels up throughout (T2 diabetic). Which is way I'm glad though it's a supported Century--plenty of people around if I start to bonk.

[Brandy]

I wouldn't be too concerned about riding alone. You can ride at your own pace and more importantly, not have to wait for anyone at the rest stops.

If I can give you any advice, it's to not take too long at the stops. Pee, refill and out. Your legs will thank you later! :)

Good luck!

[Momonbikemob]

Sorry I don't have much to say about doing a century (my max ever was 65miles), but I wanted to cheer you on and wish you a wonderful ride! You're an inspiration to all of us who would like to dream of doing a century on our own (and have the time to train for it)! Go for it and enjoy the peaceful solitude! ... Although you'll probably end up meeting lots of new friends:)

[arielmoon]

Thank you everyone! I feel really good heading into the ride.

I am going to get more Gu to have on hand and I am going to remember my watch so I can time my stops and hydration.

[OakLeaf]

See if you can find out how far apart the rest stops are, then figure out whether you will need water between stops. That's definitely an issue on some century rides. If you think you'll need more water between stops than you normally carry, then you'll either need to plan to carry more water (hydration pack or bottles mounted on the seatpost or handlebars), or find out whether there's a public park or a convenient store where you can refill.

Good luck and have fun!

[OakLeaf]

I try to take a sip of something every 5 minutes on long rides, but I get off track and never seem to drink enough. :(

One thing that helped me when I was first learning to hydrate properly, was to take a drink every time I thought about water. See a ditch by the side of the road? Drink. Wonder about whether you can swim well enough to do a triathlon? Drink. Hear "Proud Mary" coming out of someone's car radio (rollin' on the river)? Drink.

Kind of a back-door way of learning to listen to my body, but it worked for me, and now I don't even have to think about it.

[arielmoon]

See if you can find out how far apart the rest stops are, then figure out whether you will need water between stops. That's definitely an issue on some century rides. If you think you'll need more water between stops than you normally carry, then you'll either need to plan to carry more water (hydration pack or bottles mounted on the seatpost or handlebars), or find out whether there's a public park or a convenient store where you can refill.

Good luck and have fun!

This ride is on home turf so to speak so I know the area very well. There are 4 stops approx 25 miles apart. I think I will be ok with my two 24oz bottles but I will bring some money just in case!

Thanks!

[RolliePollie]

I'm doing my first Century all by myself this Saturday...so I'll be thinking about you doing your ride on Sunday!

I'm sure you'll be just fine by yourself. Last fall I did my first organized ride (Tour de Tahoe) all by myself...I had no idea what to expect and I was kinda scared...but it turned out great. Then this Spring I did a metric with a friend and I think I actually would've enjoyed it more had I been alone. Then you don't have anyone else's expectations to live up to, you can go at your own pace, stop when you need to, etc.

Good luck (to both of us!). Have a blast :D:D:D

p.s. I'm packing gels, Shot Blocks, a Power Bar, cashews, and extra Gatorade powder just in case I don't like what they have at the rest stops

[arielmoon]

I'm doing my first Century all by myself this Saturday...so I'll be thinking about you doing your ride on Sunday!

I'm sure you'll be just fine by yourself. Last fall I did my first organized ride (Tour de Tahoe) all by myself...I had no idea what to expect and I was kinda scared...but it turned out great. Then this Spring I did a metric with a friend and I think I actually would've enjoyed it more had I been alone. Then you don't have anyone else's expectations to live up to, you can go at your own pace, stop when you need to, etc.

Good luck (to both of us!). Have a blast :D:D:D

p.s. I'm packing gels, Shot Blocks, a Power Bar, cashews, and extra Gatorade powder just in case I don't like what they have at the rest stops

Oh yay!! Best of luck to you too!

[Smilie]

Dried apricots are also good to have in your pocket. You all have a great ride!

[Skierchickie]

You'll do great. Just be on the lookout for someone going the pace you want to go (and be sure you don't go out too hard - know ahead of time what pace you think you can maintain for that far, and don't fall into the trap of pushing harder early on because you feel good). I love riding alone, personally. Then again, riding with new friends is fun, too.

I think nutrition varies from person to person, depends on the weather, etc. I've been doing fine on my long rides with the following: 2-3 Gus, 1-1/2 packs of Shot Blocks (a couple of blocks every hour or so), 2 Power Bars, a bunch of Gummi Bears (gotta have something fun!) and Heed. That is what I've actually been using on rides 90 - 120 miles long - I've been carrying more than that. And most of my long rides have been in the 48 - 65 degree range. The extra Cytomax powder is a good idea. And an emergency $20, just in case. Just don't wait until you feel like you need it to take in fuel.

I definitely agree on the short breaks. I seem to feel better stopping only when I need to pee or refill my bottles, not eating too much at a time, and not stopping for long enough for my legs to need a warmup all over again. 5 minutes if I can do it, and I definitely try not to stop for any more than 10. Last Friday's long ride I probably didn't stop enough - it was raining for a lot of it, and I wanted to get as far as I could before my ride caught up with me. Pretty much slogged on. Then I flatted anyway, and found out my spare tube had a pretty short stem, my new CO2 cartridge thingy didn't work, and I didn't have my patch kit. I muddled through, but ended up with a 23 minute break at 70 miles. Felt awful for a while after that, until I slammed some Shot Blocks.

I hope you have perfect weather! :D

[Jallora]

Where's the ride, Ariel? Is it in Ocala? I didn't know there was a Century this weekend. Unfortunately, I've been so busy between work and planning my January event, the 2009 Ride Roll Run Relay, that my training has slacked off too much for me to join you. I know we've got another Century on the Withlachoochi in the first quarter of next year that I'm planning on doing.

[arielmoon]

Where's the ride, Ariel? Is it in Ocala? I didn't know there was a Century this weekend. Unfortunately, I've been so busy between work and planning my January event, the 2009 Ride Roll Run Relay, that my training has slacked off too much for me to join you. I know we've got another Century on the Withlachoochi in the first quarter of next year that I'm planning on doing.

Gainesville Cycling Festival (http://gainesvillecyclingclub.org/gcf/)

I am doing the horse farm 100 on Sunday. There is a 55, 45, 30 & 25 also (they are the 'Tours')

[Jallora]

Gainesville Cycling Festival (http://gainesvillecyclingclub.org/gcf/)

I am doing the horse farm 100 on Sunday. There is a 55, 45, 30 & 25 also (they are the 'Tours')

Darn! I wish I'd known about that before I made plans for Sunday. How I haven't heard anything, I have no idea.

[RolliePollie]

Arielmoon, I'm sure you're out riding as I type this. I hope it's going well!!! I can't wait for your ride report!

I finished my century yesterday and it was amazing. Of course it was challenging and there was pain involved, but I did it! I actually met up with some folks I know at about mile 40, so I didn't really ride alone. It was fun to be with a small group...and great for drafting!

I hope your ride goes as well as mine did! :D

[arielmoon]

wooooooooooooo hoooooooooooooooo!!!

We started out in a big group to the first rest stop at 30 miles. Most of the people I knew were doing 55 except for the 19 yr old mechanic from LBS. So after the stop he and I headed out and rode the entire time together. We have ridden in group ride and are well matched.
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc94/arielmoondance/Jennifer/HFH2.jpg

Lunch stop at 55 miles.
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc94/arielmoondance/Jennifer/HFHjenn.jpg

At about 60 miles my right leg/ knee started hurting. It felt like a hamstring spasm.
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc94/arielmoondance/Jennifer/HFH7.jpg

Rest stop at 75 miles I felt pretty good. Had to inspire the kid so I told him he was getting arse whooped by a 40 year old newbie.
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc94/arielmoondance/Jennifer/HFH4.jpg

Rest stop at 90 and I am hurting pretty good. Right knee is throbbing and I am mostly pedaling with the left leg. Still smiling though.
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc94/arielmoondance/Jennifer/HFHgoteam.jpg

The Hawthorne trail is a rails to trail and it is GORGEOUS. Nice and flat for a while to give my knee a rest.
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc94/arielmoondance/Jennifer/HFH8.jpg

The kid pretty much pulled me the last 5 miles although I managed to lead to the finish. My xBF made some encouraging signs and posted 2 of them on the route. This was in my truck when I got there:
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc94/arielmoondance/Jennifer/HFHbaby.jpg
The sign was in the truck not him... LOL

He also took some action shots so I may add more later.

Thank you everyone! The advice here was priceless! The support was awesome and they even had vegan hot dogs at the finish!

I am resting on the couch with ice on my knees but I am very proud!

[arielmoon]

action shots

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc94/arielmoondance/Jennifer/HorseFarm10008016.jpg

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc94/arielmoondance/Jennifer/HorseFarm10008017.jpg

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc94/arielmoondance/Jennifer/HorseFarm10008018.jpg

Here is the turn coming into the finish.
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc94/arielmoondance/Jennifer/HorseFarm10008021.jpg

[tulip]

FANTASTIC! Great Job, Arielmoon! Your awesome smile says it all!

[chicagogal]

CONGRATS!!!
I was waiting for your ride report and so glad that it came with pictures!!
I knew that you'd do great. And it looks like you had fun - sore knees and all.

[RolliePollie]

Yahoo!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! :D :D :D

Great pics too, by the way :p

[arielmoon]

Oh and my partner has ridden the ride a few years in a row and this is the best he has ever done. 5 hours 17 mins.

I am very glad to have had someone to ride with. There were very long stretches where we were by our selves.

[SouthernBelle]

Congrats and great pics.

I think on most rides of that length, unless you are really determined to ride with someone and are well-matched, you end up going at your own speed and get separated.

[lph]

fantastic ride report and grin, ariel, well done!

[obie]

Congratulations!!! Sounds fun - nice ride!!

[redrhodie]

Yay! I was looking forward to your ride report! Great job!

[TrekTheKaty]

:D:D Yeah! :D:D Good job! :D:D Now you know you can do anything you set your mind to (If you didn't know that already!) ;)

[arielmoon]

Thanks everyone. (((GROUP HUG)))

Again, the advice here was priceless. We never stopped for more than 10 mins and I had plenty of engery gels and shot blocks. I think I want a bento box for the next one cause I did not like the extra weight of my full pockets of my jersey.

I was plenty fit and recovered 100% by the next day except for the knee. It is going to need more ice therapy in preparation (it was bothering me a little on thurs before the ride and I should have started icing it then- next time I will!).

I am also extremely grateful for finding a riding partner that did not hold me back or drop me. He and I made a great team and I hope to co-ordinate with him in the future.

[TrekTheKaty]

Ibuprofen (anti-inflammatory) :) I used to avoid all over-the-counter medications, but when I hurt my back, I realized being proactive is better than being laid up. (Just make sure you have food in your stomache). I took some before my century and didn't need it during, but had it with me.

[arielmoon]

Ibuprofen (anti-inflammatory) :) I used to avoid all over-the-counter medications, but when I hurt my back, I realized being proactive is better than being laid up. (Just make sure you have food in your stomache). I took some before my century and didn't need if during, but had it with me.

YES!!

Funny thing is that I never take ANYTHING (except when I have cramps but that only happens every few months if at all) but I had brought some ibuprofen with me and had it in my truck because I was worried about my back. I didnt anticipate the knee. I figured out pretty quickly to take it with food. :p Next time I will carry some with me on the ride!

[kermit]

Awesome ride, good job! I have one this weekend and am stoked. The weather is supposed to cool down. I wanted to suggest using Alcis for your knee. Its a topical pain med, over the counter and works great. My husband and I use it after heay training days and it really helps.

[arielmoon]

Awesome ride, good job! I have one this weekend and am stoked. The weather is supposed to cool down. I wanted to suggest using Alcis for your knee. Its a topical pain med, over the counter and works great. My husband and I use it after heay training days and it really helps.

Thank you! Unfortunately Alcis and other products like Surpass (a horse product people I know use) contain several parabens and I really try to avoid them when possible. I use Traumeel but cant say that I feel a difference.

Good luck this weekend!

[Smilie]

Great job!

[arielmoon]

This from the official ride photographer. I think we are approaching the lunch stop at around 55 miles.

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc94/arielmoondance/Jennifer/HFHproshot.jpg

I took the bike in today and we lower the seat and moved the saddle a hair forward. Hard to tell just yet if it will make the difference as my knee is still sore but I am optimistic!

[kermit]

Okay, I am going to let you in on a little secret. Ice baths. My husband trains for tri's, and swears by them. He is 6'6", 250 lbs., needless to say very hard on himself, used to play football. When he runs he gets sore knees. The ice baths really help and take away the soreness. Just thought I'd pass it along. The photo is great, my mom is in Ocala. I used to ride horses there. Great town.
My century got rained out.
Hope your knees get better. Just a question? What kind of cleats and pedal system do you have? Maybe if you have look, a little more float(red cleat) might help.

[arielmoon]

Okay, I am going to let you in on a little secret. Ice baths. My husband trains for tri's, and swears by them. He is 6'6", 250 lbs., needless to say very hard on himself, used to play football. When he runs he gets sore knees. The ice baths really help and take away the soreness. Just thought I'd pass it along. The photo is great, my mom is in Ocala. I used to ride horses there. Great town.
My century got rained out.
Hope your knees get better. Just a question? What kind of cleats and pedal system do you have? Maybe if you have look, a little more float(red cleat) might help.

Thanks, I had a marathon runner tell me about ice baths but I wimped out of trying it this time.

I have speedplay 5x pedals, so lots of float!

[tulip]

I've found Arnica gel to really help with aches and pains.

[TrekTheKaty]

I like your new avatar, Arielmoon!

[Momonbikemob]

Wow! That is so great! I am very impressed and inspired! :D
The pics are wonderful... How did you get those pics of your riding partners' back? Impressive.

[arielmoon]

Thank you!

It was quite interesting actually. I had my tiny little digital camera in my jersey pocket but I had no idea if they were going to turn out! I didnt slow down and I couldnt see other than to get Connor in the right side of the frame. I dont think he even knew I was taking them either!