is a metric century realistic?

[Duck on Wheels]

If you're doing 40 miles on your own, then you should be good for at least a metric century on a supported ride. I do 20 on my own, but have done 40 on a supported ride and barely noticed it the next day. It really does feel easier once there are others riding alongside and a rest stop to look forward to just when you're beginning to feel you need it. Just remember the antibonk rule: Drink before you're thirsty; eat before you're hungry! So carry plenty of water and some sports drink, drink a couple of good mouthsfull every 10 minutes (or sip pretty much constantly if you're wearing a camelbak). [I had water in my camelbak and energy drink in my caged bottle; sipped water constantly, and took a slug from the bottle every half hour or so.] Also carry a couple of your favorite energy bars, and be sure to eat at least some of the fruit and cookies on offer plus refill your drink bottles at every rest stop. Oh ... and HAVE FUN

[cyclingmama]

You can definitely do it!!!!! I had been biking a few years, then ended up taking a 5-yr hiatus when I had my kids. This is my first season back on the bike after those 5 years, I've been averaging a couple 20-mile rides weekdays and a 35-45 mile ride weekends. Sunday I did an organized ride, 75 miles with significant climbing. It took me a little longer than I had hoped, but I finished it and felt surprisingly good yesterday. The stocked rest stops and the commardarie (sp?) of being with other riders make the miles fly by. +1 on what the others have said about eating and drinking, and you will be absolutely fine. Good Luck and have fun!!!!

[batsheva]

Thanks for all your encouragement and advice especially re: nutrition and hydration and pacing myself-- and it paid off!

Managed the 62 miles /Metric Century on Sunday without bonking out! I worked really hard on taking in the energy and fluids and keeping myself cool with icy water over my head and ice cubes down my bra as it was HOT HOT HOT - and it worked out! I reckon I could even have done another 15 miles reasonably comfortably-- even though I had barely been on my bike during the 3 preceding weeks - maybe that helped!

Thanks again for your support all of you to give me the little push I needed to go for and succeed at the 100km

batsheva

[jobob]

Excellent!

[andtckrtoo]

WAY TO GO!!!! Congrats on going out there and challenging yourself and for completing the ride in such great shape!!!

[Blueberry]

Yay!!! Congratulations!!!!

CA

[SadieKate]

A big yippee for you!!!!

[GLC1968]

Excellent! Congratulations!

[bikerchic]

Congrats on a job well done!

[LBTC]

Congratulations, Batsheva! You rock!!! Well done! Don't you love that feeling of doing something you've never done before?

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~