What is the average duration of...

[Veronica]

People do centuries on all kinds of bikes. Our first we did on mountain bikes on a self supported tour.

Our first organized one, we also did on mountain bikes.

There are all sorts of training sites out there. Do a Google search on training for a century and see what comes up. Right now I'm training to do a few doubles. I gave myself 5 months to get ready for the hardest one.

You can do it!

V.

[Dok-torr]

Just putting my two-penn'orth....
Its a great thing to set yourself a goal like a century. You do get a real sense of acheivement when you finally cross that line. Its very weather and terraine dependent on how much you enjoy it as well as fast you do it!
Having moved to New Zealand for a year or so we wanted to do as many events as we could while we were here, the UK is not as blessed with big events.
We did the Taupo Challenge in coldish weather- max 12 degrees, wet and windy and very hilly, in 6 hours. Then we did the Taranaki Challenge - flatter, still day but very hot 31 degrees in 5 hours 17 mins. We loved the Taranaki and were just glad the Taupo event was over!
If you are trained and have done some big distances, rested in the week prior and take plently of nutrition and hydration on the way round you won't need to stop for a rest. In fact those that did had a hard time getting going again. (On Taupo some riders even got hypothermia when they stopped and got to finish in the Ambulance!)

Good luck with the training.

[Nanci]

Don't forget that most Centuries have rides of much shorter distances included- like 37 miles, or 60 miles, or even shorter at the ones up here in Gainesville, so you can participate and get motivated and find out what it's like without having to go 100 miles. Centuries are really fun even if you just do the shorter rides!!

You're lucky, you live in a place where you can pick from several Centuries each month, so you don't have to pick a specific goal Century if you don't want to- just increase your mileage, and then a month or two out, when you are riding 60-70 miles, you can narrow it down to an event you'd really like to do.

Nanci

[Adventure Girl]

There's some good information about training for your first century here: http://www.teamestrogen.com/articles/asa_century.asp

[bcipam]

Just some thoughts about a century:

It is a long ride. Anything over a metric (62 miles) is a long ride. The body starts to break down after certain distances. I can easily do 80 miles but after that, I struggle (no matter how fit) with booty problems, sore feet and a stiff neck and arms.

I don't feel you have to do a century to do a century. In other words, if you sign up for an organized century ride, it's not necessary to do 100 miles before that. BUT you must have a good base. You should be riding or spinning a certain number of miles each week. I would say doing at least 20 - 40 3 - 4 times a week. You should be able to do a long ride on the weekend (at least 60 miles). There are alot of good articles on training for a century.

Study up on nutrition. I feel a century is 20% physical preparation, 60% mental and 20% nutrition. Poor nutrition, poor ride. Leads to bonking.

Can you ride through pain? If not, learn how.

Fine a large century to try. The more people on the ride, and more physical contact with other riders, the more motivation to continue. I wouldn't pick the hilliest century around. Keep elevation gain to around 3500' or less.

Never worry, there is always a sag. And another time. Do you best and enjoy.

PS: I think something other than a road bike makes the ride more difficult. A hybrid bike is heavy and not particularly comfortable for long distances but you will know what's best. Plus I'm a large woman (5'8", 200 #s) and have no problem on a regular road bike. I also do centuries. Don't have to be a little, skinny person to be fit and do well. Climbing is tougher - no way around that, but it's doable.