Metric or Full Century May 20th?

[Bklynmom]

Thanks teigyr-
I was reading about your ride too. I will send good vibes your way on the 19th. Mine sounds very manageable. I think I remember reading yours had a lot of serious hills right? I plan on doing 100 if the conditions are favorable - if the weather is rainy or very windy, I might just go metric.

When I started riding seriously, I never though I would become obsessed with typography, and wind speeds.

I think it will be great for my confidence to have already done a century way before the charity ride in August.

Have you decided what you are going to do?

[teigyr]

Thank you! Yeah, it's funny how riding will change your view of the world and especially about wind.

My mind keeps changing!!! On sunday (our only day off together) we're going to ride around 60. We will mix street, bike trail, and hill riding all in there and we'll see how we feel. We will then drive the courses (after feasting at a local pub) and see how the hills compare to the ones we did.

My concerns are poorly maintained streets or bike lanes (DH has never done street riding) and hills beyond our capability. I'm good with long gradual climbs but I'm not in shape or geared for steep.

So, I want to do the 70. I will hope for the best when we drive the course. Regardless of what we do, I want us to do 70. The ride people said that we could mix it up with the various distances so that is always a possibility. Since this is a charity ride, I firmly believe in not taking the easy way out!!!

As a sidenote, I am doing the miles that was recommended in the link and I feel fine. In fact, I'm getting more energetic the more I do! DH, however, is only riding once a week due to time constraints though he's a strong person in general.

I've done many centuries in the past. I am sure you'll feel it and of course the hills are at the end! Seriously though, don't think about the distance too much (though I am known to obsess..."ok. Mile 25! I am 1/4 of the way through!"), make friends, and enjoy the rest stops! You'll reach a different plane of existence by the end but it is a good one. You might reach points where you question your sanity but it'll all be wonderful when you finish. It is a feeling that can't be recreated any other way and it is so great and you will be so proud of yourself!!!

[Bklynmom]

Thanks for all the encouraging words! I am feeling like every ride brings improvement these days - we will see what happen when I try the Piermont NY hill that swamped me Wednesday. I am going back tomorrow.

I am really excited about getting a century under my belt - your description is great, now I can't wait for May 20th .

[teigyr]

Be sure to get a picture (if they do that) or a shirt or something There is something so special about your first time.

I was dorky enough to plan it so the first one I ever did was Mojave by Moonlight. It was this crazy ride through the desert in the middle of the night. By 2am I was at mile 75 out with all the drunk people driving and trust me, I was questioning my sanity then! That and my computer had no backlight so there were times I had no idea how much longer I had to go, etc.

I honestly think you are ready and I can't wait to hear about it!!!

[Bklynmom]

Sunday I made it all the way up my big hill in Piermont, NY! I actually found it easer to go around 5.5 MPH up the Piermont hill than the 3 MPH I tried the first time. The chain did pop off twice because I was in too high a gear. All a good sign for the Montauk Century (well, not the chain popping off, but you get it )

The weather may be windy on Sunday, but I am still on for the full Century unless the winds are over 12-15 MPH.

Taking 2 days off, and then very light training 3 days. Also taking the bike to the mechanic this week.

When is your warm up ride?

[teigyr]

My bike went to the mechanic yesterday due to the front derailleur having some drama - chain was coming off on a semi-regular basis. I thought it was because of my rear derailleur/cassette change (that's when this all started) but it turns out the front one was loose. With any luck, it'll hold on saturday!

Aaargh, no ride on sunday. Well, 1.86 miles worth of ride. DH was not feeling well. I think a lot of it had to do with the stress of a "long" ride but he also has been working long hours then playing baseball (league play) with late night games. I did 44 miles on monday and 16 fast miles yesterday.

The 70 miles is slipping away, I'm afraid. We drove the 44 mile course and it is hilly and there is no shoulder on a lot of the route. I think I could do 70 but I know I'd feel it. He's only been riding a few months and I don't want this to be a bad experience for him....and I think I should ride the route he rides.

On the plus side, I'm climbing better The muscles are starting to kick in and I'm able to choose my gear instead of being in the extreme granny gear.

So, you nervous?!! It sounds like you have a good plan in place and there's really no reason to decide until you see the weather, etc., that day. It sounds like a great ride, if I was out there I'd do that one!!!

[Bklynmom]

My bike is at the mechanic too. He didn't like the way it felt when he pedaled it backwards. He'll take a closer look tonight. May need new parts and everything - uh oh. So hopefully it will be OK for Sunday. Did spinning class today since no bike.

Your route does sound tough, with few options for bailing out. You have a later ride that is your ultimate training goal right? You don't want to have a bad experience now that affects your mind set for the future event. On the other hand, I never advocate for doing less - it's a hard choice!

Sounds like your DH is a busy athlete -- but some really fit people seem to be able to pull themselves together and execute. My friend trained half heartedly for her 3 rd NY Marathon, decided to run at the last minute, and did fine.

Part of the bike does seem to getting the hang of when to gear the bike up and down - not just fitness, but strategy too.