how hard IS a century?

[jobob]

wiseowl, you are right in that each century is different and some are easier than others depending on the terrain and weather. 5000 ft. of elevation gain over 100 miles is very doable.

I think that depends in part on how the elevation gain is distributed. I did a near-century this past weekend with about 6300 ft of climbing, but about 4000 ft was in the first 35 miles. I was a bit whupped for the rest of the ride.

But yes, if the climbing is somewhat spred out, I agree with you.