Chuckanut century ride

[Wasp]

Has anyone ridden the Chuckanut Century? I am planning to do the half century loop of the ride this September. The ride starts and finishes in Bellingham WA. This will be my first "ride". Im thinking 50 miles will definatley be pushing things, as I usually average 20 miles when I ride with the occasional longer ride 1x a week. I plan on upping my mileage leading up to the ride. Should I try a 50 mile ride prior to the Chuckanut?

[velo]

When you say you ride once a week on a longer ride, how long is that? I think most people can push themselves to do a single event that is typically outside their range, especially if they slow down some. For me, in my early 40's, my concern for myself would be that pushing it even that one time would cause some sort of injury that would keep me off of my bike for a period of time. I think it depends a lot on age, how long you've been riding, if you are used to the terrain that you'll be riding, and yes, I think between now and then that you should try to ride some very similar, if not exactly the same routes and distances. Also, what is your base fitness... are you in good shape, in general?

I'm kind of in the same boat as you. I am wanting to do a metric century in October, but not sure if I'll be ready. What I mention above are the very same things I'm considering for myself as the ride approaches in less than 3 months.

I'm sorry that I don't have any specific advice on the ride itself. Don't live in that part of the country. Good luck, though!!

[smittykitty]

I just looked at the map (very quickly). If my memory serves me right (its been 30+ years since we lived up there), I think the North route should be fairly flat, farm country. But, believe me, I could be wrong!!!! Maybe someone up there could chime in.

The South route, on the other hand, is probably hillier (can you tell, I'm all about avoiding hills??). Didn't study maps on either route though.

I say, you may have chosen a great ride. You've got time to get some good training rides in this summer to get ready. I think you should be able to handle the mileage. Good luck!

[MM_QFC!]

Yes, this is a great ride and well-supported. I rode the 50 during the 1st year that I was riding and they didn't have the northern loop yet. There were rolling hills (Chuckanut Drive) and alongside the lake, but nothing too hard. The Bow-Edison section is flat and you could experience the head and crosswinds out on the Skagit flats but it's a beautiful route whichever direction you choose.

I've done plenty of rides and loops in the area over the years since and think that I'd agree with smittykitty in that the northern loop may be the less hilly option. Also, there are shorter loops in case you get there and want to ride, then opt for less than 50 miles.

No, you don't have to ride a full 50 before that day; if you consider it your goal ride then increase your mileage a bit each week to where you're closing in on 50 and so that it won't be much of a stretch on that day, if you haven't actually done a 50 mile ride yet.

If you live up in Whatcom county or are somewhere near Bellingham, maybe consider going on a few of the Mt Baker cycling club's group rides beforehand? That way you'd get some group riding in and maybe even an advance experience riding on some of the same roads that'll be used in September.
bonus: Boundary Bay Brewery is at the finish! :D IMHO!

[smittykitty]

I like Boundray Bay! We may have to seriously check in to this! Always nice to visit B'ham.

[Wasp]

I printed out the north loop route map for the Chuckanut Century, I think for the most part it's flat riding. The ride starts in Bellingham, down to Ferndale, around Birch Bay and then returning to Bellingham. I'm doing this ride with my oldest son who is 33. I'm 53, and my physical conditioning needs improvement. I can pedal up a fairly steep hill without stopping and continue with my ride without having to rest, however I'm not breaking any speed barriers pedaling uphill. My bike is a 2012 specialized dolce elite compact, and it's a joy to ride. My usual rides are 20 miles, and about once a week I'll ride 30 miles. I seem to be able to pedal flat terrain without issues, but once I started adding hills it seems like my legs need acouple days to recover, so I've been alternating riding flat/hills. I live in the Fraser Valley just outside of Vancouver BC, and I have looked around for a age appropriate club in the area with not much luck. So if anyone lives around me and wants to get out and ride for fun let me know.