Do a Metric Century on my Own???

[Pedal Wench]

I agree with everyone - do it! I've done almost all my organized and self-supported centuries alone. You'll end up meeting great people, or seeing folks you've seen around and finally have a chance to chat. I wouldn't even think twice about it.

[Geonz]

I like doing rides "alone" - I just make sure to start early so I can wander at my pace. Sometimes I find a group and connect for a little or a long while, sometimes not. (Sometimes our thighs are pounding together... oopse, already told that story! :-))

As far as the flat goes... a: you probably won't have one. Inflate well. b: there are directoins on the boxes of the spare tubes. Don't forget to check the tire for glass or whatever. c: people *do* stop and help, especially if you've got the *stuff* and the pump and are just wrestling with getting it done.
Let's see, embarrassing things to forget: that you have Presta valves so you have to unscrew the thingywhopper or it won't work, or that you have to undo the brakes to get the wheel off... oh, and you have to put the brakes back *on.*
But... you prob'lyl won't have one anyway. might be worth practicing just to make sure you got the right pieces parts.

[bikerchick68]

I agree that you should do the ride... and also that you should have the LBS show ya how to change a flat... that being said, should you have probs... it's an organized ride right? That means SAG support... and assuming the bike community does what it should, and you flat, most everyone who passes will ask if you're OK and if not, they'll stop and help! I have changed flats for people on 4 different rides... and twice it was for MEN Ah... it does a soul good...

have a great time

[SadieKate]

Aggie_ama, you do carry all the flat fixin's, right? Tube (correct size tube and correct valve stem), pump, patches and levers?

I agree you should know how to fix your own flat but someone will always stop on an organized ride to help. Just be sure you have the proper supplies.

[Aggie_Ama]

Thanks for all the encouragement. I talked with DH and he was extremely excited that I want to do this.

I am thinking the Metric, because every long ride I do I need a little encouragement at about mile 70. I won't have my normal cheerleader! If this goes well I may be enjoying lots of rides without him.

DH is going to spend the next week giving me a flat changing classes.

SadieKate- I have all the things to change a flat but the skills! I seem to have difficulty getting the tire back on the rim.

[Nanci]

http://www.bikepro.com/products/tubes/tubes-levers.html

Look at the thing on the top- the Quik-Stik. It makes changing tires _so_ easy. LBS probably carries them.

Nanci

[Geonz]

I couldn't get there (seems to happen a lot to me!) - so I googled quik-stik and the first hit was from a medical company. Seems these are great for fixing wheelchair tires :-)

[CorsairMac]

Thanks for all the encouragement. I talked with DH and he was extremely excited that I want to do this.

I am thinking the Metric, because every long ride I do I need a little encouragement at about mile 70. I won't have my normal cheerleader! If this goes well I may be enjoying lots of rides without him.

DH is going to spend the next week giving me a flat changing classes.

SadieKate- I have all the things to change a flat but the skills! I seem to have difficulty getting the tire back on the rim.

I think you should do the century! I have the same problem - somewhere around mile 65 to about mile 85 I wonder why I"m out here?...and can start to feel very demotivated so.......................I drink something with caffeine in it, get off the bike for a few minutes and eat something, and sing songs - really loud and really bad!!! Once I start giggling I"m ok and can keep on keepin on!!

[Bad JuJu]

Do it!!! I've never done a century, but done several metric centuries, none of them with my guy--he's more the motorcycling type than the bicycling type. So I suspect that, judging by my own experience, one of two things will happen: 1. you'll just get into the groove of riding by yourself and you'll love it, or 2. you'll meet one or two others who are riding about the same pace as you and you'll all settle in together and urge each other on whenever necessary. In any case, you'll be SO PLEASED with yourself when you're done.

Have fun!!!