Century nears!!

[latelatebloomer]

I've got 4 weeks until the rubber meets the road at the Seagull Century (Oct 7). This is all your fault. I never heard of a century before this forum, and I caught the 4-step madness. (1- what's a century? 2- you have to be crazy to ride 100 miles 3-it must be kind of cool to be that crazy 4- I want to be that crazy)

Most of you know that I'm a newb & a big woman rider, this is my first year on a road bike, I had to get over a crash in the spring, and heck, a year and a half ago I could barely do 3 miles on my hybrid. Cycling has taught me something I never knew about myself. I apparently don't know the meaning of "quit."

The last 2 weekends, I rode 50 & 60 miles. Flattish roads since this event is flat, trying to get my speed up. It's working, I'm cruising flats at 16, sometimes I feel really strong and hit 18 for a bit. (what a thrill!) Unless my food energy bottoms out, then I can go down to a struggling 9 or 10. I apparently need a lot of fuel (200lbs, working hard.) Right now I have 3 questions. As the time nears, I know I'll be running to you with more.

1)You larger riders who do endurance rides and also need a lot of fuel, what has foods have worked best for you? I'm alarmed that the 2nd stop (the 40 miler) will only have water and toilets. I bet that's when I'll be wanting lunch! DH offered to wear a backpack. I will have gels and bars, but I want the security of some real food, too. I still have a couple weeks to experiment.

2) Is it too much to try to do 70 miles this weekend? At the end of 50 & 60 mile rides, I had some gas left in the tank. My main problem at the end of 60 was some crotch soreness, and after the endorphin rush died down, I felt pretty wiped out and strained for about 24 hours, though no real back or joint pain. I would like to train up to 80 miles before the event.

3)Does it sound to you like I'm ready? I veer between confidence and utter terror. When I set this goal of a century before my 47th birthday (10/10, the timing's perfect) during the winter, I kind of imagined a different person actually doing it, maybe someone sent in from Central Casting.. Now the time approaches, and it's clear that it'll be me, in the fleshy flesh, warts and all. I don't think my psyche has caught up to the changes the rest of me has been making.

Thanks for your help. ;)

[Pedal Wench]

You'll go great!

I usually do a century just on junk food (gels, powerbars, fignewtons, etc.) but my first ones were taking alot longer, so I needed real food. I just took a big bagel/peanut butter with me. That was big enough to stop my tummy from grumbling.

[java]

You'll be fine. The adrenaline rush that comes from doing the ride will give you a boost in a way that's not present in your training rides.

If however, at some point in the ride to find yourself doubting your ability to finish, consider breaking down this seemingly overwhelming idea of a century into increments or chunks of smaller rides:

"Okay Self, over this last chunk of 20 miles I've felt good enough that I know I can do the next chunk of 20, too."

I find that breaking long rides down into groups of 20 miles or so is something I can easily get my head around. I keep breaking it down to something I feel I can manage until I'm at that last chunk and then it's over.

You can physically finish 70 miles now, so you will be able to finish that century. But so much of long rides is the mental part. If you can figure out a way to manage the mental part, you'll be fine.

The most important thing is keep putting in the saddle time before the event so that you know what will work for you.

I mostly rely on bagels, figgies, bars/gels, etc, but I've been known to stop at a mini mart or deli and pick up a sandwich if that's what I felt I wanted to eat. I do also always take along some gorp because I find the crunchiness satisfying--it makes me feel as if I'm eating something substantial yet it doesn't make me feel sluggish on the bike.


Good luck and have fun!

[SandyLS]

Hi Latelate,
I just wanted to wish you luck on your first Century. A century was one of my goals for this year, but I think now it will wait until next year. Lava is right about breaking the miles down into small groups that you already know you can do. I did my first multi-day tour a few weeks ago of distances of up to 80 miles a day. Each morning I would tell myself that I only had to ride my first 20 miles, and I knew I could easily do 20 miles. After that was done, I only had to ride another 20 miles, ect. Before I knew it the day was behind me and all I had done was 20 miles (X four). ;)
I had to be careful not not to eat too much at a time because it would upset my stomach and found snacking worked better for me than meals. I have yet to find an energy bar that I like, but fig nutons, jelly bellies, string cheese and peanutbutter sandwiches worked well for me.
I did have some trouble with my hands the last day of the tour. My fingers on my right hand seemed too weak to shift my bike. I had to reach over with my left hand to shift! Remember to move your hand position frequently and support yourself as much as possible with your core muscles. My massage theripist says that she thinks I should do some crocheting over the winter to strengthen my hands for next spring. Maybe everyone will be getting ponchos or something for Christmas!
Have a great ride. You will be so proud when you reach that finish line and us gals from TE will be so proud of you.
Sandy

[Rakekay]

You'll do great! I did my first century last fall (after only having been riding for about three months). It was going to be the Seagull Century, but the weather prediction was so horrid that I didn't want that to be my first experience, so I switched to one on the Eastern Shore of Virginia the month after the Seagull.

I did fine with just bars and whatever they provided at the various stops. I did make sure to eat every time food was offered, regardless of whether or not I was hungry, because I was sure I'd need the fuel.

I don't think you should do a long ride this weekend. You'll be fine having done only 60 miles. ("Only"! Did you ever think you'd consider 60 miles to be "only"?)

The best advice I can offer you is to not linger too long at any of the rest stops (including lunch). You don't want to stiffen up.

And, like others have said, break it down mentally into smaller chunks, especially near the end. I found that helpful once I passed the 60-mile mark and still had 40 miles to go and was out by myself in the middle of no where, without another soul in sight. I'd just tell myself "Only 17 miles to the rest stop. You can do that. You do that all the time."

Let us know how you do!

[latelatebloomer]

Thanks, everyone! Actually, I didn't do much riding this past week, just some low recovery miles because my crotch was sore and I didn't want to risk another skin breakdown. But I went out today just for a 20 miler (yeah, my "casual cruise around the neighborhood" has turned into a 20 miler) , and I took Mon & Tues off and I can get in some some longer riding on those days, and we'll do a BIG ride on the weekend. And I'm very happy that today I took a sharp hill that has always beaten me. I ate her like a cookie! I may still be an apple, but it's apple full of dynamite! hoho!

[Selkie]

LateLate - The longest ride I put in before my first metric century was 51 miles (about 13 miles shy of the metric distance). The course was extremely hilly, but I really had no problems save a bit of fatigue after a series of "one hill after another" about 2 hours into the ride. Before the ride, I had been logging 200+ mile weeks, though, and I really worked raising my lactic acid threshold. Sounds like you've been training smart. You'll be fine---just take your time, pace yourself, listen to your body, etc.
The good news for you is that the Seagull is a flat course. The winds could be an issue, or so I've heard, so be ready for that.
Maybe I'll see you there. I'm riding the metric -- hope to bring my pink Luna Eclipse but if there's rain predicted, I'll be riding one of the "rain" bikes (Specialized Dolce - probably the blue one w/the pink tires). ;-) Looking forward to that pie & ice cream rest stop refuel!!!

[jobob]

Great advice here. The only thing I'd like to add is to try not to start out quickly. It'll be tempting, with the adrenaline rush and all, to go out at a brisk pace. But you don't want to burn yourself out. Like mickchick said, take your time & pace yourself - and don't think about all the people passing you at first. Some of them might be cooked by mile 60. ;)

You'll do great ! :)

[7rider]

Hey there!
DH and I are going to attempt the Seagull again this year. We tried last year - in the pouring rain and blowing wind - but had to quit with 50 miles in b/c DH's knee was in too much pain (he just had surgery in June to fix it).
I successfully completed the Seagull in 2000 - it was awesome. Two things about it:
1. It's pancake flat, so there are no hills to worry about (but it can be windy). No hills is good and bad. It means you have to pedal all the time. No coasting. But it also means no hills to burn out your legs.
2. Don't think of it as a 100 mile ride. Think of it as 4 25-mile rides...just all in one day! Okay, maybe I'm deluding myself. But my longest ride to date has been a metric (62 miles) in June and DH's has been 45. I only hope we're ready. I hope at some point to get out for at least 50+ with him very soon.
There are so many interesting people on this ride that you can ride and people watch at the same time, and the miles will fly by before you know it.
I think I read on this site last fall that the best training for a century is "T.I.T.S." - Time In The Saddle. I pointed that out to a friend who also did the Seagull last year (her first) - it became our battle cry for every ride we did, no matter how short. She did fine, and I'm sure you will too. Snag a few granola bars or Fig Newtons at an early rest stop and stash them in your jersey pocket if you're concerned.
Good luck, and have fun!

[latelatebloomer]

Maybe I should write "latelatebloomer" under my number so someone might see me. Or we could have a TE rondevous (sp?) sometime during the weekend!

You are all helping me so much! Every positive word helps fill my tank. I will probably even print these out to read before I start out.;)

[Cyclesome]

Great thread! Good luck! I too am getting ready to ride my first century, the Seagull Century, and will turn 48 on 10/13. I will be riding a hybrid since I am still researching road bikes (down to three options Specialized Roubaix, Specialized Ruby or Trek Pilot 5.2 any advice about these bike is appreciated)
I work out at the gym 3 - 4 times per week (1 hour on the bike 1/2 lifting)and take a bike ride on the weekend. My longest ride has been 80 miles. I too am wondering, with the Seagull Century just a week away, how do I ensure my legs are fresh? Should I stop lifting? Should I take only short easy bike rides or stop going to the gym and riding this week altogether?

[latelatebloomer]

Cyclesome, I'm still quite a newbie, but my trainer says we're already in our rest period for the Seagull Century! so light maintenance riding, no more push for distance, lots of sleep, lots of hydration. I am doing milder upper body weights this week, none next week & also trying to keep up on daily stretching and some core work - will lay off the core work a couple days before. (I haven't been doing leg weights this summer.) My biggest ride will have been the metric century I did on Saturday. I was hoping for a 70 & even an 80, but DH and I have both had an increasing workload, so we just did the best we could. But since I felt strong all the way and had lots of bounce after, and no soreness or fatigue the day after, everyone's telling me I should be fine. (oh, I hope so!)

I am doing a spin class or two, but at a very low, fat-burn, endurance level, and I'm using the time there to close my eyes and visualize myself riding strong and having fun. This is the first big athletic event of my life - I want it so be a good "first time.";)

[Geonz]

Sounds like the anticipation is even more fun :-) we'll have to tell all the storms to stay away so you can HAVE A BLAST!!!

[7rider]

LLB, sounds like you got your preparation well in hand.
Now.....
If we can only keep that tropical storm Issac that is developing out in the Atlantic FAR AWAY from the Eastern Shore of Maryland for next week, we'll be all set!
I did a 10-day forecast on weather.com, and at least for the D.C. area, looks like it'll be nice (fingers, toes, legs, and even eyes crossed!)!!

[latelatebloomer]

I AM getting psyched! So many nice things are happening. A very nice benefit of my summer training - my trainer's face as he saw me in person for the first time since the end of March! (he's away all racing season, but kindly kept helping via email and phone.) When I show up at the gym, the cyclists run over and say "rest phase! rest phase!" I feel the love!

Regina, thanks for checking in on the weather. I'm afraid to look. Shall we TE'ers attempt some sort of meeting? Are we all going to the breakfast in the morning?

I'm bringing my helmet to work so my dudes with brain-injury, who inspired me to start using this healthy body I'm so lucky to have - and who have cheered me on from my first struggling miles - can sign it. I told them it's so they can "tap" me on the head if I think of quitting. I call one of the guys my assistant trainer. He was a high school athlete, about to go into the Marines, when he was in a terrible car wreck. Twelve years later, he still battles to learn to walk. He has terrible memory and self-control problems, but remembers how to train and has given me absolutely priceless support and inspiration. And I swear that when I have felt overwhelmed, he's shown up in spirit.

I ordered 2 rain jackets (but it won't rain, right?) so I can pick the best. I'm going to the fabric store to get material to make some armwarmers (don't know how, but there's a sewing maching around here somewhere!)

I'm babbbling! I MUST be excited!! Gotta go!!

[7rider]

DH and I are staying at a bed-and-breakfast about 20 miles south of the University. So, our b'fast is covered.
I still haven't gotten DH to commit to a departure time. I want early. He votes for later. I'd like to ride with some friends of mine who are doing the ride - and try to spot some TE folks if I can find them - but DH wants to hook up with folks from our LBS, who will likely be wearing the shop jerseys (The Bicycle Place - look for them, in orange or pink or blue).
Last year we decided we'd ride independently "next time" - him with the hammerheads and me with a more reasonable crew. But now he doesn't want to ride without me.
Sigh.
Who knows???
All, I know is - ready or not, we're heading to the Eastern Shore this Friday!

[Bad JuJu]

Just been checking out this thread--my own century is in three more weeks. I'm doing the metric, but still got the same excited/elated/scaredy butterflies. Good luck and have fun to both of you!

[RoadRaven]

LLB, Regina, JuJu, Cyclesome, MickChick... and anyone else getting ready to do centuries

Have fun, enjoy... still one of my goals before the year is out... you gals inspire me, and I'm well impressed... looking forward to hearing about them

[megandmac]

I am doing the Seagull for the first time this year am excited and nervous all at the same time. (Last year was supposed to be my first time, but I, too, decided not to make the drive from NoVa to face the bad weather. At least I've just had another year to train.)

We have the hotel breakfast thing and are hoping to get to the start early. We're staying, also, about 30 minutes from the ride starts so while good in theory it may not work out in actuality. On Friday, we're hoping to get to MD early enough to get to the welcome reception, as well.

I'll probably be wearing my Curious George bike shirt, so if you see me...say hi! (Or, call the SAG wagon to come get me, if I'm napping/passed out on the side of the road at mile 79!)

[latelatebloomer]

We're staying at the deluxe Best Value Inn, 5 miles from the University, and we're driving down from PA, hoping to leave mid-afternoon. We'll be doing that gear-up breakfast and the dinner buffet after. I'll write "latelatebloomer" under my number. My "other" name is Lynda Gene, BTW.

Megandmac, let's make a deal. I'll get you back on your bike if you're napping (makes me think of the poppies scene in the Wizard of Oz:p) and you'll get me back on mine if I'm whining, ok? As a last resort, make me mad. I recently discovered that I can ride very fast and strong when I'm angry!

I'll be in either red or shocking pink depending on the weather, a silver helmet with signatures on it, a big 40something cherokee looking rider with the dark braids. Riding relentlessly, relentlessly, relentlessly. I hope.

[SadieKate]

Riding, riding, in search of El Dorado.

Go for it! You put together a good structured training plan, you committed, you persevered, you're ready. Be sure to eat a good breakfast but limit the fats. Breakfasts at hotels prior to a century always take a bit of care.

May you blossom. :)

[presfoxm]

If you can ride 70 miles you can ride 100! If you have figured out eating for 70 miles, you can figure it out for 100!

A couple of suggestions: 1) Ask the organizers if there are convienence (sp?) stores along the route. That way you can stop and get any snacks and beverages you want. If so, don't bring any more food than will get you through 40 miles. It is cumbersome to carry food for a 100 miles trip. 2) Bring some gatarade or pick some up along the route. It is a horrible drink, but it can help. 3) Don't stop for more than 5-10 minutes at any one time, you will cramp up some and the rest of the ride will be unpleasant. 4) Maintain a steady pace thoroughout, pick an effort level-a 7 on a scale of 1-10-and maintain that. That way at the end when you need to ramp up when you are tired you will have extra energy. Don't focus on time only effort.

My training schedule called for me to ride between 80-85 miles the weekend before the century. Remember that the last week to take it really easy. Ride only the 20 mile loop at pace once, every other day ride easy. Make sure to ride at least 10 miles really, really easy the day before the event.

Some good advice is here: http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6610,s1-4-41-13182-1,00.html

Good luck! It will be great! Have an excellent time!

[latelatebloomer]

Thanks for the great tips and support, SadieKate & presfoxm! :D & Road Raven and EVERYONE!!! I love you!

[7rider]

I'll keep my eyes peeled for you LLB, and everyone.
DH wants to meet up with the folks from the shop at the pedestrian bridge at 7:45 a.m., so it looks like that's where we'll be at the start.
I said "Look for the Bicycle Place" jerseys...but it's looking like we may all be covered in rain slickers! :(
So...saying "look for me in a day-glow yellow jacket probably won't help, as there will be a million of them there! I may even have my black helmet cover on, so other than that I'll be riding a ti and black Seven, I'll be pretty indistinguishable from the rest of the horde.
I'm regretting selling my fanny pack at the last bike swap. I'm thinking that this is going to be a ride where you'll have to carry lots of stuff "just in case" - as in, rain jacket just in case it rains, arm and leg warmers just in case it's cool, and some place to stash it all just in case it clears up and gets nice. My jersey pockets only hold so much! :eek:
Good luck, everyone doing the ride!!

[latelatebloomer]

Call me crazy, but I don't want to let a storm keep me from achieving my goal. I don't have much experience riding in bad weather, and I have all the road handling skills of the total newbie that I am, but I have a brand new rain jacket and I DON"T LIKE TO QUIT! Maybe I can still make it!

But maybe we need to get helmet covers.... I think if I tell my husband we need to buy one more thing for this event, he's gonna cry.:(

[SadieKate]

Hotel shower caps.

[latelatebloomer]

Sk, you're a lifesaver.

[bikerchick227]

I'm dying to know...how did it go yesterday? That was a TOUGH ride with all that wind and rain. Any mileage seems like amazing mileage to me. I thought of you all during the ride and wished you well.

We left pretty late (10:05) so we were being from the get-go. Strange conditions out at Assateague. When we were there it was so windy! I was very concerned that we were going to blow off the bridge.

Anyway, I hope you will let us know how things went!! :D

[megandmac]

I survived! The lack of hills was made up by the powerful wind that felt like I was pushing into a brick wall. (Towards the middle of the ride, it was so bad I could only muster about 9 miles/hour for about a 1/2 hour...didn't think I was ever going to break out of that pace. Everyone was passing me...) Nearly got knocked into the rails of the bridge (as well as the people that stopped at the top in a very dangerous place.) After (a very windy) lunch, I felt re-energized as I remembered to "break-up" the ride in my head. ("Less than a quick "weekend ride" to the pie rest stop then a "weekday night ride" to the end....")

I've been doing mostly hilly rides this season so this ride felt completely different with all.that.pedalling.constantly with no coasting or break at all. Wow.

We experienced one front flat (mine around mile 50) and one broken spoke (his at mile 89. It wiggled but made the wheel made it all the way to the end.)

I would certainly do it again and I feel like I earned bonus points for braving the rain and wind. (However, next year, *please* let the sun be shining!)

Congrats to everyone that finished the ride and, even, congrats to those that went out there and braved the weather (even if you didn't finish the full amount you wanted to) those were some pretty bad conditions out there early in the ride.

[latelatebloomer]

I tried, I really tried. But I didn't make my century...YET. The wind made my toughest, longest ride so far. The woman who drove the SAG wagon (loaded to the gills!) said the storm was declared the first nor'easter of the season and the winds were 40 mph & over by the time we hit the causeway bridge. Even walking it was a struggle, and the wind tore off C's helmet visor and threw it in the drink. On the island road, the wind was blowing so hard our bikes were really slanting in to the wind, and with the sand under my tires & the traffic whizzing by, I knew I had come to the end of my energy, courage and skill.

I did feel better when I learned that half the registered riders never showed. I was hoping for more camaraderie, but the pacelines blew by (lord, I really did feel like I was standing still) and the few other slower riders were all grimly pressing on, same as me.

I haven't checked the math, but I think making to the island might at least give me a metric century. And I'll train all winter to be a little more like those smiling chipper women who zipped on by. (and hey, not all of them were young, or thin!)

still relentless, LLB

ps - a big thankyou hug to ALL of you who have advised and encouraged me. And a special thank you to Trekhawk, who offered to be my century training partner. She has been a great cheerleader and cyber-shoulder, and perhaps most importantly, sent me a decent seat. Thanks, Leslie!

[bikerchick227]

Yes, getting out to Assateague was definitely metric century. I think it was mile 65 or so for us, though we had to go back at the second pit to fix a flat. Since that pit was so far down the lane, that added a little bit to our mileage.

A metric under those conditions deserves a medal, in my opinion. Assateague was dangerous, and I really think they should have shut the bridge. From what I understand from colleagues (I am Team Booz Allen Hamilton, and we ride every year...not me, but someone from the firm), the pit used to be before the bridge, near the sand you talked about. I think it should stay there if the weather's like that.

So anyway, CHEERS to you. If you keep your fitness level where it is, you will have absolutely no trouble doing it next year or next time you try. If it hadn't been for you guys (I just saw your posts the night before the century) I don't know if we'd have made it. You all are inspirational!

BTW, one tip. If you do it next year, come down and do the Shorbird Metric (or the shorter 32) Memorial Day weekend. Other good training rides are the Knights for Sight ride (July or August, also from Salisbury but poorly supported) and there's another one from Pemberton Park. I know the terrain is weird...flat but windy. I moved 2 years ago from Northern Virginia where there are tons of hills, to Lewes, DE where there aren't any. I did the Reston Metric this year and it was TOUGH. The Seagull this year was harder.

Congratulations to all!!!

[7rider]

Congrats to LLB, Megandmac and everyone else who venured out this past Saturday for the Seagull Century!!! Metric, Full.... just being out there in that snotty weather merits a major "atta girl!"
Boy, what a day, huh???
DH and I arrived very late - too late to even attempt to hook up with the LBS folks. We did hook up with my friend Karen and her DH. We left through the bridge at around 8:40.
It rained for about the first 20 miles, and I was sooo glad when it stopped.
I was definitely the weakest link in our 4-person chain, and forever dropped off the back (got "gapped" as they call it). If a train of fast moving cyclists happened by, I'd hop on the last wheel and be a wheel sucker back up to my group. Desperate times call for desperate measures. It was like the most intense hill workout ever. I'd be hammering for all I was worth, only to look down and see the speed at a disheartening 10 mph and the HR at 180!
The bridge onto Assateague was a freak event. I can't believe they kept it open. I rode it - death grip on the handlebars and my tendonitis in my elbow screaming in protest (too much time with the mouse and TE Forums!) - but my friend Karen walked it. It was strange seeing cyclists riding at an angle into the wind. My own DH loved it...he said he laughed the whole way over the bridge. He's such a freak! :rolleyes:
Karen's sister, Becca, called it a day at the island and took the SAG back to SU. I'm sure lots did, and I don't blame them. Only the thought of a tail wind for the ride back kept me on the road. But, alas Murphy's Law of Cycling kicked in (You will always have a headwind) and we really only had a tailwind for about a 1/3 of it. Hmmm...Nor'easter. How come heading west-ish, I'm not getting a tailwind??? Stupid storm.
Anyway...we finished. 101 miles all told in a bit over 6.5 hours. Went back to the B&B, got a bottle of wine and sat in the hot tub filled with Epsom salts until we nearly passed out (well, not really). So, DH and I have FINALLY completed a century together - after 2 previous failed attempts.
Next year will be better. Sunshine, calm winds. Perfect.
Right?? Right??
:D

[latelatebloomer]

ok, I feel better now. I have my cyber-medal pinned to my jammies, and you made me feel brave for trying AND smart for stopping. :p

[Trekhawk]

ps - a big thankyou hug to ALL of you who have advised and encouraged me. And a special thank you to Trekhawk, who offered to be my century training partner. She has been a great cheerleader and cyber-shoulder, and perhaps most importantly, sent me a decent seat. Thanks, Leslie!

My Dear LLB - what can I say - but right back at you. I love having my very own cyber training partner and friend to share the ups, downs and laughs with.

Like I said in my PM now you have a war story to tell when you get together with all the fine weather cyclists. CONGRATULATIONS:D :D

[Selkie]

You gals are something! The weather kept me and my husband from making the trip out there. Instead I rode at home where the winds were really bad (figured that they must have been much worse out there) and of course, there was some drizzle. I hope you all treated yourself to a nice recovery meal!

[Jen]

My hat is off to you!!! I am a newbie to. To date I have only riden 30miles, I about 5 times on the bike) My goal is the seagull next year. I hear that it has been bad weather for most years. I heard from experienced riders that this was a bad one with the wind. The one in Virginia, coming up, sounds good. I have been following you thread. Thanks for sharing your feelings. I really, really want to do this. I am planning on a century next year and the MS ride next June. Those are my goals. Think i'll make it? I am strong and fit BUT overweight and older.... Hey, I don't care. The weight can come off and the age doesn't matter.:) Hope I see some of you out there. I see a rail trail in wester maryland that looks good 42 miles. Anyone done it? By the way, I heard on the radio that there was a 10 mile back up to the Bay Bridge that weekend. Must have been for the seagull. That was some horrible weather!

[SadieKate]

LLB, I've been trying to catch up on all the posts from the last several days. Congratulations. Don't be disappointed at all. As you noted, a lot of people didn't even start in that weather. You not only started, you persevered for a metric and did it in your stylish shower cap. Way to go. You should wear that cyber-medal with pride.

[latelatebloomer]

Jen, sure you can do it! May 2005, I couldn't do 3 miles on my hybrid without a lot of struggle, and my biggest ride by the end of 2005 was 20. Of course, technically, I haven't made my century yet, so I'm no expert. I think you have the right attitude about your body. Middle-age athletes have power AND wisdom! :D

Do you have an indoor training program for the winter?

[bikerchick21]

latelate,,yes congrats for us all who even attempted the Seagull. Im so tickled that I found this site,,after that ride (which was my last before foot surgery) I just felt so,,,beaten. Yes we did finish it,,but still,,I just had never had a century feel so...umm,, ala "survival ~ mode"ish (jersey word!!)...there were truly times during my ride I couldnt believe I was actually going so slow!!! Now, after reading so many great posts,,and reasons "why,,or why not" or how each of us handled the ride,,Im FINALLY going to wear the famous tee...proudly!! hmmm,,now that my surgery went well,,wonder if I could muster up another ride before we all start w/spinning inside!!! great site!