Seacoast Century?

[huffandpuff]

Has anyone done the Seacoast Century in NH or planning to do it this year? I'm signed up and kinda worried about the whole thing. Still struggling to get the fueling thing right - bonked again last week-end on ride in hot weather even though I was fueling every 10 miles with a couple of bites of a Clif bar and some powerade. Sat at bottom of one hill and cried - how pitiful is that! Longest ride so far this year was 50 miles. Pace was slow cause I was with a slower rider and I felt awesome at the end but I can't do a century averaging 11mph! Really want to do this and maybe that will carry me through. Appreciate any advice on that particular century or in riding your first century in general. I did read OakLeaf's do it 10 miles at a time - love that approach!

[Crankin]

I've done it (2006). The good thing about this ride is that you can pretty much turn around and retrace your route at any time to go back, or decide to do one of the shorter routes.
Tailwinds on the way out and pretty stiff headwinds on the way back. It's flat (except for the very short small hill up to Nubble Light), but the winds, depending on the weather, can be tough. Beautiful scenery, support is OK, I didn't find the food that great, since I'm allergic to peanuts and all they had was pbj and bananas. I brought my own stuff.
We hit a torrential rainstorm at mile 85. Temperature went down 20 degrees and there was vicious lightning. Just when I was about to ring someone's doorbell to seek shelter, it stopped. I did get my raincoat and helmet cover on, but still, it made the end a little tougher than it should have been.
I think my time was 6:35 (riding time). I know that on the way out I was riding between 15 and 18 and on the way back, I could barely maintain 12-13 because of the wind. My DH told me he was going to kill me if I didn't get in front and pull!
Thinking about it for this year. I didn't train for it then and haven't now. I did no rides over 65 miles last time, as well as this year. I was fine; the hill riding I do was perfect training.

[huffandpuff]

thanks Crankin - that's what I'm hoping, that the hill riding will have me in decent shape for longer distance on flat. Sounds like you had quite a time of it! Always wondered what would happen if I got caught in lightening with the bike - big metal thing, lightening, .... seems like a real bad combo. Headwinds will be hard - my speed drops like a rock when I hit a headwind. Riding with my daughter. Not as confident in her training level :-) Let me know if you'll be there. Would love to meet you!

[TrekTheKaty]

Relax. Have fun. Go at your own pace. You will be proud of yourself after you finish! I was worried about my snail pace in my first century, but there were more cars in the parking lot when I finished than when I started

(Check the SAG cutoff--our end of the year century has a 12 hour cutoff for support--otherwise, have a backup plan--a friend that can rescue you, if you need it)

I also recommend Cytomax instead of Powerade on longer rides. I'm susceptible to bonking, if I don't get in enough calories. I also snack on jelly beans, cookies, etc while riding--on top of the bars on my stops.

[ridebikeme]

The Seacoast is a great ride and a very beautiful area! AS Crankin mentioned, it can be windy but the scenery is absolutely gorgeous!

I always mention to people that once you get there, you will see so many other people, different bikes, that the distraction is very common. The distraction will make the ride go very fast. So go, have a great time and bring your own snacks as well...t hat way you'll have everything under control.