Getting ready for a Metric Century

[alpinerabbit]

What she said.

I usually ramp up from sub-50 K to 100-and-a-bit in the week in Mallorca mid-March, with only a few rides before. This year I actually had like 400K (trainer&outdoor) or so in my legs before Mallorca, last year, waaay less.

Usually, that is in the past 2 years. Like I'm this seasoned cyclist.

[HillSlugger]

By the way, the day before this last 42 miler I did a bike commute (Bike to Work Day) 20 miles round trip. How might that factor in to predicting my readiness for the metric?

[LBTC]

Since I'm just 6 months into being well again after 2 lost seasons to illness, I haven't commited to doing the 100K at next Sunday's metric century, or the 56k. I'm leaving that decision for that morning, depending on a lot of factors.

But I'm glad I read your thread! I had been thinking I would not be stopping on the group ride! I hadn't even thought about it.... Throw a few stops in, and I feel even more confident about the 100K!! And yesterday was my longest ride yet this year - the 56 k route for next week's ride. It was no problem at all, even with the wrist splint!

Oh, and the 22 and 28 mile stops may be so close together because of terrain - perhaps there is a hill or two in there?

I'll let you know how mine goes.

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[HillSlugger]

I got out today and did another 40 miler. Again, it was windy but at least today it wasn't all headwind. It was still difficult, and I'm having a shorts or saddle issue that kicks in after 30 miles. I've got one more long ride (50 miles) next Saturday to try to get it sorted out. I'm riding on a Terry Liberator Race Gel. My race bike has the same saddle, but without the gel. My commuter has a Terry Liberator Gel. I'm thinking of trying the commuter's saddle but bring the race saddle along on the ride to switch off to if I have to.

Any suggestions or wisdom?

[kelownagirl]

I use cream on rides that are longer than 40-50 miles.

I have only done one 60km ride this season so far and I have my 100k tomorrow. Yikes.

[HillSlugger]

I got out for a 50 mile ride today. This will be my last training ride for my metric century next Sunday. I got rained on for 20 of the 50 miles but it was actually a good ride. One objective today was to resolve my saddle/shorts issue. I used the saddle from my race bike, stood on the pedals frequently, stopped every 10-12 miles, and slathered on chamois Buttr at the pee breaks and it worked out pretty well.

Between the strong winds I fought the last several weeks and the rain today I feel like there's little else the ride next week can throw at me.

[Mr. SR500]

You'll be fine! if you already are getting 40+, you can make it to a metric with ease.