Hi Mel,

I did my first century ride, El Tour de Tucson (111 miles) in November. My longest ride prior to that was about 75 miles, however there was only about half as much climbing as your ride will have. It took me a little over 8 hours, including all the rest stops.

I was riding about 300-400 miles / month during July-September, did more than 500 in October, and cut back during the last 3 weeks before the El tour.


If you are able to keep up your training this month and you can complete a ride of 75-85 miles, with at least 2/3 of the climbing, you can probably do it. If you are able to ride with others, and get the advantage of drafting for part of the way you will also spend less energy than when you are riding alone.


OH! the Ring of Kerry- I would LOVE to ride there! I think you should train for this as though you are sure you will do it, and just assess it one more time before the deadline.

On my one trip to Ireland (mainly for music), I was in Dingle for a day, rented a bike and rode around Slea Head. It was amazing. And then I borrowed a folding bike from my friends when I was in Clare and rode from their house in Kilshanny to Doolin and another day up past Kilfenora.

The grades look they are mainly 2-4%, which is a steady climb but not that is not super steep. You can take a rest, ride, and take a rest again if you need to.

Keep us posted!