Going stupidly into a century on crap mileage - doable?

[zoom-zoom]

Live well, every day zoom zoom. Go forth on the bike.

That is really excellent, right there.

I wish I liked riding solo more. I LOVE running solo...in some ways I like being solo for a run more than running with people. Then it's at my own pace and I can listen to music or audiobooks or podcasts. On the bike the sound of the wind in my ears starts to make me nuts and I get sorta nervous the further I get from home...paranoid about mechanical issues or a flat. Right now I need to have one of the bottom bracket bearings replaced on my road bike and it's becoming increasingly bothersome. It's an hour drive each way to the shop, so I've been putting it off. But it's negatively affecting my ride quality. I cut a ride short on Thurs. because I thought it was my chain squeaking, but DH said he just cleaned and oiled it recently, so the bearing must be getting worse. It has been just clicking up until now.

The Tuesday night women's rides not far from me have finally started back up. I just need to find a Tues. night that isn't already occupied. Hopefully in a couple of weeks that night will be free.

[Crankin]

About the century... I did one with no special training at all. Just my usual riding of anywhere between 12 and 65 mile rides, with short, steep climbs. I think the longest ride I did that year was 68 miles. Sure, the century I did was flattish, but with vicious headwinds. I mean vicious. I finished in 6 hrs 27 minutes riding time, which was fine with me. The last 15 miles were hard, but I was fine the next day.

[zoom-zoom]

I just wonder if I can even get up to 60-70 miles before then. Right now I'm mentally done by 30. So different from a year or two ago.

[Anelia]

Maybe you shoud do loops near your area if you are afraid of technicals.
This year I had to prepare for a very long mnt bike marathon and since there were rarely people who were eager to ride 8 or 9 hours per day, I rode alone most of the time. I wanted to do the marathon more than I hated to ride alone. So, I took trails that are near my home and did loops so in case of a technical or some accident, I was able to go home quickly.
Changing a flat tire is easy so you can learn how to do it.
I also think you'll be able to do the century but it's always better to be self confident and prepared.
Good luck!