First metric century, but training slacking

[garnet31]

I'm new to cycling and I've been planning on a metric century in early October, but due to work requirements, I've been only able to train a few hours a week. A friend of mine says that this kind of ride is more about being able to stay on the saddle rather than being really muscled up---is he right? He's a 100-mile-a-weekend biker, so I figure he knows what he's talking about. He's still encouraging me to do the ride (on a very flat course) so I'm still aiming for it. Is it possible that in 2-3 weeks I'll be able to tackle at least most of this ride?
Thanks!

[jusdooit]

Time in the saddle. To answer your question, it depends on what you mean by "muscled up". It is more important to know you can complete the distance. I would not attempt a metric unless I had already done 50 miles without any problems at least twice (recently) prior to the metric. But that's just me. I don't attempt a distance I'm not confident I can complete.

[OakLeaf]

"Very flat" makes it easier to complete a distance you're not used to... IF it isn't also "very windy." The #1 thing that distinguishes cycling from running is that on a flat course, you can slow down and cruise.

What's your longest ride to date? What's the longest you've been doing regularly? I think barring adverse weather, if you've been riding 30 regularly, you should be fine at 62 if you just take it easy and don't try to stay with faster riders early on.

[alpinerabbit]

what is the longest ride you have done? If you've done 45-50 miles, surely it can be done.

for me, the step up to 100 was a matter of base. I once was very very done at 80K in my first season, so you'll have to make sure you eat plenty.

But this year I've gained a whole new perspective on what is doable.
This season (#5) base seems no longer that much an issue.
I just completed a 135 mile (flattish) ride that was twice as long as my last long ride (a month previous) and 1/3rd over the longest in the year (over 2 months previous) - I've really been slacking and was a bit concerned but I made it with comparable ease.

[Hub]

My biggest rife ever is coming up Saturday- the Big Dam Bridge- I plan to ride 50 miles.
In the past I have found that if I am psyched up, I can ride in a single day- the same # of miles that I average in a week.

[buffybike]

I'm also considering a metric century scheduled for 10/17. I've only been riding for 2 months and my longest ride has been 32 on a flat terrain. My average ride is around 20 miles. I'm going to wait until the last minute to decide if I want to do the century...if I'm feeling up to it a few days prior to the ride, I'll sign up...if not, I won't. It also depends on whether I can talk someone else at my same "skill level" into doing it with me. I'm more likely to attempt it with a partner.

Garnet31, are you by any chance in the Tallahassee area??