Positive Century experience
Yesterday, I did my first century since returning to cycling. It was supported (supported well, I might add) and fairly flat... about 2400 ft. of climbing in this flat midwest. I had a good time... and made pretty good time, although not the best for such a flat ride. I finished literally seconds shy of 6 hours even (something like 5:59:xx). It was really a wonderful ride and I enjoyed it very much. Did half with a friend who makes the miles just whiz by (you know those people with whom it makes it such a joy to just be out on a bicycle) and we were on roads that were pleasant, some of which were virtually traffic-free.
Like I said, it's flat where I live, so if I had to think about 5 mile 10% climbs or such, I'm sure it would be VERY different. I'm sure those of you in hillier areas or in the mountains would have different advice.
I went out today and had a 30 mile ride at a more-than-recovery-but-less-than-"all-out" pace and felt very good. No problems with saddle soreness. (I ride Selle Italia's Ldy Trans Am saddles, which are no longer being manufactured :() Legs pleasantly tired after today's ride, but no problems during the ride. It's nice to have that 100 miles under the belt and move on. I always felt that "century" to be a milestone for each season. It's nice to re-affirm one's love for this sport, which I am lucky to have gotten this week! Can't wait to get back out there and turn the cranks some more!
