My First Century

[ridenread]

Well it ended up being a metric plus 10.
I had a flat two miles into the ride. replaced the tube but had a small hole in the tire. Managed to get it OK to ride and figured I could get to the first rest stop at mile 30. Only had a hand pump so wasn't able to fully inflate the tire.

So I rode the first 30 miles with a soft underinflated tire with no sign of a SAG wagon anywhere.

Fortunately there was menchanical assistance offered at the rest stop and I was able to get a brand new tire.( at no cost, I was pleasantly surprised)

The new tire felt great, didn't realize how much harder I had been working until I got to ride on the new tire and seemed so much easier.

I made it to the second rest stop with no problem. Felt great, a little tired and knew I really needed to eat. Unfortunately I had a really hard time getting any solid food down. I managed some orange wedges and a Clif Bar. Filled my water bottles and headed out for the next stage of the ride.

Between miles 50 and 60 things started to go downhill for me. I started to feel very nauseous and shaky. Tried to keep drinking fluids. Did some GU gel and later some GU chews. I had to stop a few times between 60 and 70 miles because I felt like I was going to vomit. Not a good feeling.

I got to the third rest stop at mile 72 and knew there was no way I could continue. Which was unfortunate because the last 30 miles is my favorite route to ride. The ride ended a few miles from my house and the route it took is my favorite ride. I tried to convinve myself that becuase I know the ride I should be able to do it. But when I stood up to get back on my bike I started to shake allover and felt pretty bad I called my husband to come and get me.

So while I am happy that I made it 72 miles which is the furthest I have ever ridden I am also disappointed that I couldn't finish.

But there is always next year to try this one again.

[Sadie]

Congratulations! Those are challenges rides and you did great!

[Tri Girl]

Congrats!!! I think having a flat that early does a job on your mental state and that can sure take it out of you physically for sure (riding on a soft tire sure doesn't help matters any).
You did GREAT! Congrats!

[Rosie road]

Just completed my very first century, 102 miles in just over 6 hours. I feel really excited, and actually ended feeling pretty good. It was great seeing all the participants and the span of ages, athletic experience, the range of bikes etc. There were 1900 riders, and 3 different distances, but a large number did the full 1 0 0!

Very exciting. Hooray! Had to brag somewhere!!!

[tulip]

Congratulations to you both!

Ridenred, you probably figured this out already, but it seems like you did not eat enough early on, and perhaps did not drink enough either (although that's hard to tell from your ride report). A rule that works for me is to drink every 5-10 minutes, and eat something--a bite of powerbar is what I usually do--every 15 minutes. I always eat at all rest stops, too. Did you eat at the first one?

Keep extra hydrated for the next few days--you'll be recovering for a while.

[ClockworkOrange]

ridenread
Hey I am in awe of you, your account of the ride tired me out but you did so well, 72 miles is great, hope the knees are OK now.

Rosie road
Too right you are excited and every reason to brag, well done.

tulip
You are always there with encouragement and useful advice, what most of us need at times.

Clock