Getting ready for a Metric Century

[HillSlugger]

I have a metric century coming up in 3 weeks. I've done 800+ miles this year, but much of it was shorter distances as I got ready for a sprint triathlon in April. Since then I've been ramping up my riding, trying to get ready for this event. 2 weeks ago I rode 30 miles and it felt great and easy. Last week I rode 40 miles in some strong winds and I felt grateful to even finish. Yesterday's 42 mile ride was similar. I can't imagine riding an additional 20 miles under similar conditions. I'm starting to have real concerns about being able to finish this ride. I've got 2 more weekends to train for this. I am planning to keep next weekend's ride around 30-40 miles because I have a 4 mile running race on the 26th, but then do about 50 miles on the last day of May.

Any training suggestions or ways to gain more confidence for my metric century ride?

[malkin]

Take more breaks earlier on than you usually do, and take later breaks as you need to.
Eat, drink and be merry, and all will be well!

Finished a century yesterday (on tandem), and prior to that our longest ride had been just under 70.

[alpinerabbit]

It's "only 10 miles more" than that 50. You'll have to do the full monty someday... even if it's the day - grit your teeth?

You can do it. Fuel up towards the end and you'll get there.

Can you make one of those 30-40 milers more hilly? That should do it.

[7rider]

MDHS...
Do you do your training rides alone? How often did you stop, get off the bike, walk around, eat??
Will you be doing the metric alone? Even if you go by yourself...for a group ride you are never really "alone." I think if you can do 42 miles in pretty snotty weather solo....you can handle a group metric with stops and people.
Personally, I get really bored on 40 mile solo rides, which makes those rides painful. I find the social aspect of group rides help make the miles go by much more quickly. You (1) focus on stop to stop, rather than "OMG, I gotta do 62 miles!!" and (2) chat with folks, ride group to group, get on the wheel (with their okay) of a group moving at a nice clip. There are sort of "rides within the ride" that keep you motivated.
I think you'll do fine.

[HillSlugger]

MDHS...
Do you do your training rides alone? How often did you stop, get off the bike, walk around, eat??
Will you be doing the metric alone?

I've been doing all of training rides alone. I know when I ride alone that I don't do well at laying back and taking it easy. I definitely need company for that. I'm not riding with anyone, but hopefully I won't be alone. I have no idea how many will sign up for this length. It replaces their old 75 miler; last year there were less than 20 on that ride. Hopefully this will be a more popular choice. It was my suggestion that they make this change so I'm hoping it will be a success!

I generally try to stop about once every hour. On Saturday I stopped at 13, 26, and 35 miles to eat, drink, walk, pee. The rest stops for the metric are at 14, 22, 28, 42, and 55 so that should work out pretty well for me. I don't understand why there's a 22 and a 28; I'm thinking I'd skip the 22 unless I'm having issues.

[OakLeaf]

You'll be fine. There's so much added motivation from having other people around. Just take it easy (although really, with the miles you have under your belt already, it doesn't sound like you NEED to take it easy, just it might be more fun if you do). It sounds like it's a really well-supported ride with so many food stops!