102 miles....I did it!!

[Lise]

Great job! Thanks for writing such a detailed report. I'm going to do a century in September. I've been worried because I was wiped out at the end of a metric century last year. This year I have a better, lighter bike, and am in better shape, but still...so if/when I hit that wall around 60-80 miles, I'll keep your experience in mind and just keep going. I love how much we learn from and help each other here!

[divingbiker]

I did my longest ride in 20 years yesterday-70 miles.

Congratulations on the long rides, everyone!

Tulip, where in the DC area did you do a 70 mile ride? I'm on the lookout for a longish ride to get ready for a century in October.

[tulip]

Congratulations on the long rides, everyone!

Tulip, where in the DC area did you do a 70 mile ride? I'm on the lookout for a longish ride to get ready for a century in October.

For my longer rides, I drive places. Not ideal, but I figure I don't drive during the week (I bike commute) so it's okay to drive on the weekends. This time was out in Charles County/St. Mary's County Maryland, in and around Amish country. It was with the Oxon Hill bike club. Nice folks, nice bikes, no hammerheads.

I've also ridden with Potomac Pedalers a few times. They have nice rides, too. Let me know if you go on a ride, and maybe we can find each other.

[divingbiker]

It was with the Oxon Hill bike club. Nice folks, nice bikes, no hammerheads.

I've also ridden with Potomac Pedalers a few times. They have nice rides, too. Let me know if you go on a ride, and maybe we can find each other.

Hmmm, I'll have to look into the Oxon Hill Bike Club. I did one ride with the Potomac Pedalers, supposedly a b/c ride, but they were flying and left me and my friend in the dust. Our average was what a b/c ride was supposed to be, so obviously they were going much faster. I was glad I did it, though, because we learned a nice route out River Road to Poolesville.

Usually we do loops from Greenbelt to the Patuxent Wildlife Refuge and Bowie. No traffic, and it's almost like being in the country with the crops and livestock at the USDA reseach center.

Both of those rides are much shorter than 70 miles, though--maybe 30-40.

[bcipam]

Super Job! You did great! Now you'll be surprised how easy all other centuries are... it's that first one... not knowing... that's tough!

[EvilTwin]

Congrats!!!!! What an awesome job. Hope you come up with another goal ride soon.... enjoy

[esther231]

Incredible. And wonderful.

Congrats!!! You deserve to celebrate.

[tulip]

Hmmm, I'll have to look into the Oxon Hill Bike Club. I did one ride with the Potomac Pedalers, supposedly a b/c ride, but they were flying and left me and my friend in the dust. Our average was what a b/c ride was supposed to be, so obviously they were going much faster. I was glad I did it, though, because we learned a nice route out River Road to Poolesville.

Usually we do loops from Greenbelt to the Patuxent Wildlife Refuge and Bowie. No traffic, and it's almost like being in the country with the crops and livestock at the USDA reseach center.

Both of those rides are much shorter than 70 miles, though--maybe 30-40.

30-40 miles is great. It's not like I do 70 on a regular basis or anything. I'm in PG (Hyattsville area), so if you and your friend want ridng company sometime, let me know. I like your loop, but I don't know it enough to do it alone. I've only done it in groups (twice).

Nearly all my mileage is from commuting. I did well on the 70 mile ride, so my commuting has really paid off.

[wavedancer]

Congrats on your century! I really enjoyed your description of your ride. Good on you for persevering through those miles that were hard. You ended up with great stats! I'm getting myself ready to tackle my first century in September, so it was inspiring to read your report.

Linda

[divingbiker]

I'm in PG (Hyattsville area), so if you and your friend want ridng company sometime, let me know. I like your loop, but I don't know it enough to do it alone.

It would be great if you could join us. I'm in Takoma Park, just a few miles from you. I often go by the Hyattsville Metro station on a nice flat ride along the creeks over to Lake Artemesia or up to the Home Depot on Route 1. You can get to the wildlife refuge loop from Lake Artemesia pretty easily, for a longer ride.

I'll PM you so we don't keep hijacking this thread.

[DDH]

Way to go!!! You should be very proud.

[Toni]

Congratulations!! That was a wonderful account of your day! I haven't ridden a bike in over 15 years (or so) and I rode for the first time today. I look forward to my first "big" ride. It sounds like you had a blast!!

[Nanci]

I bet you could do Six Gap or Three Gap over in Dahlonega in September. I did Three Gap last year and, up till 3-State 3-Mountain in Chatanooga last spring it was the most fun bike ride I've ever had. (But it closes out, and hotels fill up fast!)

Congratulations! I'll be interested to hear about your husband's experience with randonneuring out there.

Nanci

[Tri Girl]

Super Job! You did great! Now you'll be surprised how easy all other centuries are... it's that first one... not knowing... that's tough!

Does that mean they get easier? I did my first century this weekend, and although I felt great the whole way, it was a looooonnnnggg way to go on my bike. I don't like driving 100 miles, so sitting on my bike for 7 hours was definitely a new experience (but one I really liked). It was a ton of fun, tho!

Congrats on your 102 mile ride!!! You must feel so incredibly proud of yourself, and you should! Way to go!

[Jo-n-NY]

Congratulations on completing your first century. I also completed mine in May and I know the excitment you are feeling. I cannot believe the temps in NC this past weekend. I had no idea. Summer for us east coast people is way to short as it is, none of us need that early boost for cold temps. Hopefully your next one will be warmer.

~ JoAnn