How long did it take you to do your first Century?

[Crankin]

I did my first century last year, after riding for 6 years. We chose a relatively flat one (Tri State Seacoast ride in NH, MA, ME). Our riding time was about 6.5 hours, but we were out on the road from about 7:15 AM to 3:30? It might have been flat, but riding by the ocean on the way back, we had horrible headwinds, which were the same as hills! Plus, I had 2 flats, a result of a tear in the tire that we had to boot with a dollar bill. Oh and at about mile 85 the temperature went down about 25 degrees and a torrential rainstorm with thunder started; we had just enough time to get our rain jackets on, but not the pants. The rain only lasted about 10 minutes, but it made the last few miles miserable. We were seriously worried about hypothermia. I would say I felt fine until mile 60-70, but once I got to 80, I knew I would finish, no matter how slow I was.
I really didn't train for this. I ride on hills all of the time, which I think helped with the endurance. I consistently ride a lot of 40-55 mile rides, but last summer I didn't even do too many 50 milers. The years before, I did ride a few 60-70 mile rides. So, this isn't the best advice, but it worked for me.

[PinkBike]

my first century took 7 hours, i'd never gone that far but wanted to test myself. the only problems i had at all were pain in the girly parts from about mile 70 on. couldnt find a place on the seat that didnt hurt, found out from others (men and women) that's a normal thing. i probably wouldnt have made it without DH, when i just felt like quitting i would tuck in behind him and draft til i recovered. it was his first also and he isnt quite as good as i am, but he was there when i needed him!! swore i'd never do a century again, but i was proud that i'd actually done one!

now i'm constantly looking for centuries to do, did the tour de tucson last year in 6:06 which pained me because 6:00 was platinum!!

i generally finish centuries in the 6 to 6-1/2 hour range.

as you ride, find a group and tag along, it's so much easier when youre drafting. if they're too fast wait for another group, if they're too slow ride up to another. even if its just a couple guys riding together, it really helps.