Do a Metric Century on my Own???

[Aggie_Ama]

I have really been planning to ride a full century 5/13 with DH. He has to work and I don't want to skip the ride. They offer a Metric Century option and I am kicking around the idea of doing it without my DH. It is a ride that expects 1500 participants, so I wouldn't exactly be alone. I have never rode more than 19 miles without him.

I know it ends up being my choice, but how much fun is it to ride one of these by yourself? Thoughts?

PS- I have never succeeded in changing my own flat (hasn't been a problem since buying some gator skins). I don't have any friends that are cyclists to invite along.

[Nanci]

I do all my rides without BF. (Or on the rare occasion we're at the same event, he's always lots faster, anyway...) Sometimes there are lots of friendly people going my speed, sometimes I am mostly alone- but I enjoy myself almost always. I think you should do it!!

Nanci

[Trekhawk]

Go you will have a wonderful time. I always ride on my own but at organized rides I always seem to meet some nice soul along the way to ride with.

Enjoy your ride and let us know how you get on.

[CorsairMac]

Aggie: I do all my distance rides all alone and completely sef-supported ie: I carry all my food and all my water. and I have loved every single one of those rides. NM does pretty much all their organized events on Sun and I can't attend due to other obligations. Since this is an organized event you won't really be alone. You might log some miles between people but you'll either catch up with a group at a food stop, or have a group catch up with you that you'll ride with for awhile, or you may just find someone early on that rides your pace and do the whole route together.

My vote: do the century! You'll love it (not to mention something you can brag about to the DH )

[Nanci]

You have time to go to the bike shop and have them give you a class on how to change your tire! Then you don't have to be afraid _ever_!

Nanci

[Lise]

Oh, definitely do it! You'll have a great time and make some new friends. Looking forward to the report. L.

[maillotpois]

Or - on the flat tire thing - have DH or someone else show you how to do it and practice a few times at home. Knowing how to do this will give you independence!

[Triskeliongirl]

If yoy have trained for it, DO THE 100-miler! The only time I ride with my husband is if we are touring, and he is carrying more weight to equalize our speeds. I prefer to 'ride within myself' going at the pace I feel like going (which isn't necesarially slow, just slower than my husband's natural pace). In a large group ride there will always be folks going your pace, and only you can decide if it is more fun to join a group, or do it on your own. Also, groups reshuffle at rest stops, so nothing is permanent, and if you really feel hampered by a group you can rde with them for a while, and then just pass them. If its windy, you may be more inclined to join a paceline than if its not. I enjoy the solitude of riding with my own thoughts, as well as the interesting conversations that can come from the right people, or sometimes the wind protection of a fast paceline. Just watch for the bike handling skills of those you paceline with. As for changing the tire, just practice first, it is trivial (I should know, I changed 4 flats and mounted 3 new tires this week on 2 bikes ), and a must skill for any cyclist. C02 is easier than a pump for high pressure tires. So, practice and carry a flat kit, but the worst case scenario is that someone in a sag vehicle can help you out if you are really stuck. HAVE A GREAT TIME AND WRITE US A REPORT !

[caligurl]

DO IT! DO IT! DO IT! the 100 that is!!!!!!!!!! YOU CAN DO IT!

i ride almost all my organized centuries "by myself"! hubby is way faster than i am.... so usually just goes off ahead (or starts after me and passes me!)

it's not like you'll be on the rode "alone" with 1500 people!

practice changing a flat (i always dreade having a flat on an organized ride.. cuz i'm so slow at changing them... had one a couple weekends ago on a TIMED ride and still managed to make the cut off!)

so YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!

[bouncybouncy]

my hubby would always "stay with me" on centuries...on this last one we did i told him to "ride his ride...and i will not be too far behind!!!" and he did it was fun for both of us and i was only 20 minutes behind!

if it is just the two of us he will stay with me but in groups we have made a deal that we will go our own pace so the other does not feel any guilt or pressure. i have actually improved so much i am gaining on him we have met some great people that we can now call and hook up with if the other is busy or on an off day...i have been trying to commit to commuting to work by bike which racks up my miles but leaves him home and mopping (he works from home) so now he has some new riding buddies to eliminate the lack of miles!

just have him (or someone) show you the joys of tire changing and practice a few...but i find more often than not...if you need help in an organized ride it is there before you have a chance to loose your composure

go for it and bring home some good stories...if he is anything like my man he will love the fact that you did not let his unfortunate work schedule spoil your day!!!

[SadieKate]

When is there a better time to do this? What is there to loose or gain? Independance and confidence? Gitt'er dun!

[barrb46]

Go for it! You'll hook up with someone to ride with. I did do a fairly new (second year for it) century ride last year -- less than 1000 people participated and I did ride alone a lot. The larger rides are better I think if you are going to do it without a partner. Make sure you have a map and don't lose it! My bike shop was happy to have me watch them change flats -- and gave me tips. I would practice at home - maybe while watching tv.

Keep us posted.

[betagirl]

I agree with the others, you can DO it (in best Rob Schneider "waterboy" voice)

[Aggie_Ama]

I went and signed up today!!! I picked up my goody bag (how unfair it has MENS deodorant and that is it) and ride map this afternoon. I cannot wait for next weekend.

[Starfish]

I went and signed up today!!! I picked up my goody bag (how unfair it has MENS deodorant and that is it) and ride map this afternoon. I cannot wait for next weekend.

Good for you!

My first 100 mile ride ever was a charity event I did solo, 200 miles actually, 100 each day. I had made plans to ride with a girlfriend, but she had to bag out, so I decided to do it anyhow. It was SO empowering. Not only will you find you can do the distance, but that: you can handle what comes up, people out there in cycling are really ready to help, and maybe most important of all, that when you need that encouragement at 80 miles, YOU can give yourself the encouragement you need. :-) After that, I could go out for a solo 60 mile training ride with so much more confidence. It was a barrier breaker for me.

I'm with the others: not only get lessons in changing that flat (and then practice more than you want to, because it is different doing it tired in the rain than in your living room), but get a lesson on fixing your chain. You'd get mechanical support for this on an organized ride, but I found this very reassuring for my long solo training rides.

[An aside about the deodorant: I just received a promotional men's deodorant in a recent bike catalog order. I had an item to return for a different size, anyhow, so I threw the men's deodorant back in too, with a note. I let them know I hoped they would start prioritizing women as more than a niche market. I suggested that since I spend money and support their business and cycling, that they could note my feminine name and toss in a woman's item, or at the very least use promo items that truly are unisex, like Butt'r or something. I'm starting to speak up to companies, LBSs and organizers more and more, because I want to be treated as more than a niche market. Just my .02.]

Have a great time, and tell us all about it! :-)