First Century?

[rubywagon]

There is a century coming up this Saturday and I really want to give it a shot. The most I have ridden in one day is 60 miles, half climbing and half flat. Am I overshooting here? Any advice? I realize it is a big jump in mileage.

ETA: I usually ride around 80 miles on the weekend, with shorter rides throughout the week.

[rubywagon]

Nevermind. I registered for the metric. The century can be my goal for next year.

[ny biker]

Have fun!

[Jiffer]

You probably could have done the century, but you'll have a LOT more fun doing the metric at this point. I had "planned" on doing my first non-tandem century a year ago. I built up my mileage and then did a 65 mile ride a couple of weeks before and I was so miserable. I couldn't imagine going another 35, plus there was a lot of climbing. If your 60 miles wasn't miserable, you might do a century more easily than I would have at that time. But while I was on that miserable 65 mile ride, I made the decision to do the metric century instead, as you did. It was a great ride. Good decision for me.

There was another century coming up a few weeks after with less climbing. The Amtrak Century. I had done it on the tandem the previous year and had already planned to do it in addition to the other one (Cool Breeze). But I ended up making Amtrak my first century on my single and it was a great decision for me. My husband pulled me the whole way and it was still pretty darn miserable from about the halfway point and on. But I did it.

I have ridden so much since then. I did 4 centuries this year, including conquering Cool Breeze and, more amazing to me, Heartbreak Hundred with 8500 feet of climbing. I am finding now, just recently, that I am much less miserable on the second half of really long rides than I used to be. My body is more in shape, used to being in that position on the bike, I'm faster, so I'm on the bike for shorter time. Plus I have a much better saddle, which makes a huge difference.

After the Amtrak Century this year, I met a girl on the train home who had never ridden more than 20 miles before doing this century. I was shocked. Never would that have been me! And there was one pretty major climb for a person who hadn't ridden much to conquer as well. I asked, "Are you ever going to ride a bike again?!" She said, "No. Not this year anyway!"

So , it's very doable. Just depends on how much discomfort you're willing to put up with. This poor girl was hobbling so badly. But she did it.

Have fun on your metric!

[rubywagon]

Thank you! I was feeling a bit disappointed by my decision, but you just made me feel a whole lot better, Jiffer.

Thanks for the support ladies. I would rather just have fun this time, than start off with a struggle on my first big ride. 5 more days!

[rubywagon]

I changed my mind at the last minute and did the century today. I finished! My knees are killing me.