Positive Century experience

[velo]

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!

[TigerMom]

Great Job! I just finished a similar Century last month. Thank goodness for the flatter Centuries to give me a chance to complete 100miles. I can't believe that unathletic me completed an entire century too. I'm more athletic now in my late 30's than in my entire life.

[colorisnt]

Congrats! It sounds like it was an awesome experience.

[velo]

Great Job! I just finished a similar Century last month. Thank goodness for the flatter Centuries to give me a chance to complete 100miles.

Oh, I totally agree! Flat centuries are a way to have a wonderful affirmation of "I can do it!" I've never lived in hilly areas, and I have a huge amount of respect for those that do centuries, brevets or ultra distances when in the more mountainous areas of the world.

[AppleTree]

Way to go Velo, a century is something to be really proud of, flat or not! And to finish it still loving cycling and be able to do 30 miles the next day! Wow!

[mariacycle]

Congratulations Velo! Both rides sound incredible, I have total ride envy right now