Hi Latelate,
I just wanted to wish you luck on your first Century. A century was one of my goals for this year, but I think now it will wait until next year. Lava is right about breaking the miles down into small groups that you already know you can do. I did my first multi-day tour a few weeks ago of distances of up to 80 miles a day. Each morning I would tell myself that I only had to ride my first 20 miles, and I knew I could easily do 20 miles. After that was done, I only had to ride another 20 miles, ect. Before I knew it the day was behind me and all I had done was 20 miles (X four).
I had to be careful not not to eat too much at a time because it would upset my stomach and found snacking worked better for me than meals. I have yet to find an energy bar that I like, but fig nutons, jelly bellies, string cheese and peanutbutter sandwiches worked well for me.
I did have some trouble with my hands the last day of the tour. My fingers on my right hand seemed too weak to shift my bike. I had to reach over with my left hand to shift! Remember to move your hand position frequently and support yourself as much as possible with your core muscles. My massage theripist says that she thinks I should do some crocheting over the winter to strengthen my hands for next spring. Maybe everyone will be getting ponchos or something for Christmas!
Have a great ride. You will be so proud when you reach that finish line and us gals from TE will be so proud of you.
Sandy