How to train for a century in 16 days

[ACG]

K, so I moved. I had to stop riding, was only able to squeeze in once a week rides. Now I've got a century in 16 days and don't know if I can do it. Or should I say I can do it, but how long will it take me? I have done several centuries last year and did the aids ride. My mileage a month ago was around 100 miles a week, 3 months ago it was more like 150 a week. On weekends I was riding 50 to 75 miles on Saturdays, so the stamina, was there.

Would you

A. Just train as much as you can and cross your fingers.
B. Resign yourself to only be able to ride a metric century
C. Just ride the century and who cares how long it takes.

Help me

[Fredwina]

ACG,
Are you doing Palm Springs? If I remember right, the metric and the century are pretty much the same route for the first part, so you really don't have to decide until the hafway point.... Plus it is an organized ride, so could always sag in if you poop out.
You can try and see what your endurance is this weekend and then go from there.
my two cents

[mtkitchn]

I think you get some good training runs in over the next couple weeks and go for it. Sounds like you weren't off the bike completely and were still riding good mileage a month ago. I think you'll be all right!

[Veronica]

Which option do you want to do?

I hadn't done anything longer than 40 miles since my last 200 K in Sept. but I was able to do another 200K in December with no problem. And it had a lot more climbing too!

V.

[jobob]

Just make sure to rest up and not do any hard rides a few days before the event. Sounds like you'll do fine, your basic fitness seems good.

[Geonz]

The stuff you had been doing will go a *long* way. I'd "just" be sure to not try to race the thing. My advice (worth every cent you've paid for it): Find some social-pace riders and hang with 'em for the first 50, and then you can do what you want for the last 50.

[bikerchick68]

I'm convinced that 3/4 of riding is mental. Yes, you need to be in shape... but from what you've said, you still are! I'd go for it. It's not a race, so really who cares how long it takes? (at least that's what I say every ride! )

Get in as much distance as you can and enjoy your ride whatever one you do... and if you ride the metric don't be "resigned" about it... heck 62 miles is a loooooong way... still an impressive ride.

[Pedal Wench]

I'm 'training' for a 300-mile ride in 3 weeks. Problem is that I haven't been training at all! Nothing over 80 miles in months. So, same boat. I'm just gonna use all the mental skills I have to convince my legs and butt that it's no big deal

[IFjane]

I'm 'training' for a 300-mile ride in 3 weeks. Problem is that I haven't been training at all! Nothing over 80 miles in months. So, same boat. I'm just gonna use all the mental skills I have to convince my legs and butt that it's no big deal

Wrench - how many days do you have to complete 300 miles?? Jeez that's a long way!

[Pedal Wench]

Wrench - how many days do you have to complete 300 miles?? Jeez that's a long way!

24 hours!


Actually, it's a 24-hour or 12-hour race (Bike Sebring) where youjust go as far as you can in the allotted time. I've decided that i just want to do 300 miles in however long it takes, hopefully within the 24hour segment. We'll see, though. Without training, it might be hopeless!

[IFjane]

Is the course flat (I hope!)? Let's see.....I usually take about 6.75 to 7 hours (maximizing every rest stop) to do a century....and considering I'd slow down with each century.....I figure it would take me about 30 hours .

I'm impressed - let us know how you do!

[Pedal Wench]

It's in Florida - just rolling terrain - no major climbs. It starts with a century through orange groves, then 12-mile loops around the airport and racetrack until dark. Then, it moves on the Sebring Racetrack - 3.7 mile loops for the last 12 hours. I have no idea why I'm doing this...