First Century

[tulip]

I'll be riding with a seasoned century-rider, who is also a very good friend. I'm not intimidated by it, since I'm quite comfortable on my bike and I've done long rides before, including tours of several weeks.

Thanks for all the advice. I do need to get on my bike more than I have been. One drawback of working from home is that I no longer have my hour commute twice a day (of course, I COULD just go out for a bike ride, but something about a commute made it easier to get out).

[anneimall]

It's the Solvang century ... could be anywhere from 40-80 degrees in the beginning of March. 5,000 total elevation gain. My longest ride to date is about 50 miles, but just about every ride I've done (I started road riding in July) has been 40-50 miles. I haven't been able to ride outside all winter, but have a trainer, although it's not getting the use I was hoping (although I do ski a lot). I live at 8,000 feet, so I'm hoping the high altitude training will help get me through. I'm planning on getting outside for a 75 mile or so ride in a week. And, I just got the spinervals tough love dvd in the mail yesterday, although when I'm home alone my son likes to play with my bike when I'm riding it so its been tough making the time.

Tom, thanks for the words of encouragement ... I'm hoping that I can just gut through this and see how far I get. I'll be riding alone, but I will try to take your advice and make some friends.

[Starfish]

And, know yourself. I did my first century alone, and did not join groups. Same with my first real climbing century last summer. And, this summer for my hardest ride yet, I will also go alone. I like to do hard efforts alone so that I can really tune into how I feel and not get swept along with anyone else's pace or psychology, and not feel that I need to take care of anyone else, either. Listen to your own intuition about yourself and how you operate best.

[anneimall]

Thanks Starfish. That is good advice and I will follow it.

[maillotpois]

That is a great first century - relatively flat and well supported. You will have a great time!