First Century & Flying Solo

[RolliePollie]

I'm doing my first Century all by myself this Saturday...so I'll be thinking about you doing your ride on Sunday!

I'm sure you'll be just fine by yourself. Last fall I did my first organized ride (Tour de Tahoe) all by myself...I had no idea what to expect and I was kinda scared...but it turned out great. Then this Spring I did a metric with a friend and I think I actually would've enjoyed it more had I been alone. Then you don't have anyone else's expectations to live up to, you can go at your own pace, stop when you need to, etc.

Good luck (to both of us!). Have a blast

p.s. I'm packing gels, Shot Blocks, a Power Bar, cashews, and extra Gatorade powder just in case I don't like what they have at the rest stops

[arielmoon]

I'm doing my first Century all by myself this Saturday...so I'll be thinking about you doing your ride on Sunday!

I'm sure you'll be just fine by yourself. Last fall I did my first organized ride (Tour de Tahoe) all by myself...I had no idea what to expect and I was kinda scared...but it turned out great. Then this Spring I did a metric with a friend and I think I actually would've enjoyed it more had I been alone. Then you don't have anyone else's expectations to live up to, you can go at your own pace, stop when you need to, etc.

Good luck (to both of us!). Have a blast

p.s. I'm packing gels, Shot Blocks, a Power Bar, cashews, and extra Gatorade powder just in case I don't like what they have at the rest stops

Oh yay!! Best of luck to you too!

[Smilie]

Dried apricots are also good to have in your pocket. You all have a great ride!

[Skierchickie]

You'll do great. Just be on the lookout for someone going the pace you want to go (and be sure you don't go out too hard - know ahead of time what pace you think you can maintain for that far, and don't fall into the trap of pushing harder early on because you feel good). I love riding alone, personally. Then again, riding with new friends is fun, too.

I think nutrition varies from person to person, depends on the weather, etc. I've been doing fine on my long rides with the following: 2-3 Gus, 1-1/2 packs of Shot Blocks (a couple of blocks every hour or so), 2 Power Bars, a bunch of Gummi Bears (gotta have something fun!) and Heed. That is what I've actually been using on rides 90 - 120 miles long - I've been carrying more than that. And most of my long rides have been in the 48 - 65 degree range. The extra Cytomax powder is a good idea. And an emergency $20, just in case. Just don't wait until you feel like you need it to take in fuel.

I definitely agree on the short breaks. I seem to feel better stopping only when I need to pee or refill my bottles, not eating too much at a time, and not stopping for long enough for my legs to need a warmup all over again. 5 minutes if I can do it, and I definitely try not to stop for any more than 10. Last Friday's long ride I probably didn't stop enough - it was raining for a lot of it, and I wanted to get as far as I could before my ride caught up with me. Pretty much slogged on. Then I flatted anyway, and found out my spare tube had a pretty short stem, my new CO2 cartridge thingy didn't work, and I didn't have my patch kit. I muddled through, but ended up with a 23 minute break at 70 miles. Felt awful for a while after that, until I slammed some Shot Blocks.

I hope you have perfect weather!

[Jallora]

Where's the ride, Ariel? Is it in Ocala? I didn't know there was a Century this weekend. Unfortunately, I've been so busy between work and planning my January event, the 2009 Ride Roll Run Relay, that my training has slacked off too much for me to join you. I know we've got another Century on the Withlachoochi in the first quarter of next year that I'm planning on doing.

[arielmoon]

Where's the ride, Ariel? Is it in Ocala? I didn't know there was a Century this weekend. Unfortunately, I've been so busy between work and planning my January event, the 2009 Ride Roll Run Relay, that my training has slacked off too much for me to join you. I know we've got another Century on the Withlachoochi in the first quarter of next year that I'm planning on doing.

Gainesville Cycling Festival

I am doing the horse farm 100 on Sunday. There is a 55, 45, 30 & 25 also (they are the 'Tours')

[Jallora]

Gainesville Cycling Festival

I am doing the horse farm 100 on Sunday. There is a 55, 45, 30 & 25 also (they are the 'Tours')

Darn! I wish I'd known about that before I made plans for Sunday. How I haven't heard anything, I have no idea.

[RolliePollie]

Arielmoon, I'm sure you're out riding as I type this. I hope it's going well!!! I can't wait for your ride report!

I finished my century yesterday and it was amazing. Of course it was challenging and there was pain involved, but I did it! I actually met up with some folks I know at about mile 40, so I didn't really ride alone. It was fun to be with a small group...and great for drafting!

I hope your ride goes as well as mine did!

[arielmoon]

wooooooooooooo hoooooooooooooooo!!!

We started out in a big group to the first rest stop at 30 miles. Most of the people I knew were doing 55 except for the 19 yr old mechanic from LBS. So after the stop he and I headed out and rode the entire time together. We have ridden in group ride and are well matched.


Lunch stop at 55 miles.


At about 60 miles my right leg/ knee started hurting. It felt like a hamstring spasm.


Rest stop at 75 miles I felt pretty good. Had to inspire the kid so I told him he was getting arse whooped by a 40 year old newbie.


Rest stop at 90 and I am hurting pretty good. Right knee is throbbing and I am mostly pedaling with the left leg. Still smiling though.


The Hawthorne trail is a rails to trail and it is GORGEOUS. Nice and flat for a while to give my knee a rest.


The kid pretty much pulled me the last 5 miles although I managed to lead to the finish. My xBF made some encouraging signs and posted 2 of them on the route. This was in my truck when I got there:

The sign was in the truck not him... LOL

He also took some action shots so I may add more later.

Thank you everyone! The advice here was priceless! The support was awesome and they even had vegan hot dogs at the finish!

I am resting on the couch with ice on my knees but I am very proud!