cool breeze - august 19th

[bcipam]

Here's my take and Cali can add about doing a century...

There are many ways to train and be prepared. There are those who set themselves up on a regular training routine and each week increase the intensity and length of their training rides culminating in doing something short of or a full century just prior to a century ride.

I have done a ton of centuries but have never ever been on a century training schedule. I do try to get out and ride and build a good base each week. Right now I'm riding 5 - 6 days a week, both mountain and road bikes. Not really long distances but getting in seat time and building strength and endurance.

I do plan on making Sundays my long road bike day. My plan is to do 40 - 60 miles each Sunday through July but if something else comes up I'll do what I can. Personally I know not much else is needed but... and this is a big but, I've been riding a long time and know what I and my body can do. I know when I can push and I know when I have to pace. I think I've gotten tne nutrition thing down.

For new riders and especially first time century riders its the fear of the unknown that's at issue. Just one word of caution - don't overtrain. Make sure you are tapering off the last 2 weeks before the ride. Work on the nutrition thing. For every ride over 30 miles you should be fueling on a regular basis to prevent bonking later on. Water and food - needs to be done. Getting bonky 40 miles into 50 isn't so bad, getting bonky 40 miles into 100+ is bad!!!!
There is this thought of taking it slow in the beginning in order to pace oneself. I do believe in a good warmup - at least 15 - 20 miles at a good, but easy pace. But if one feels good - then ride and ride hard if you feel like it. There will be plenty of chances to stop and rest, refuel and refurbish along the way. Just trust me on this... it's so much easier on the butt, feet, hands, body and psyche if you ride for 7 - 8 hours and not for 9 - 10 even if that means you have to push it at times. That's the real key for uber cyclists like Cali - she can ride past that 9 hour mark but it takes true grit and spirit ( and short term memory loss) to stay in the saddle so long.

RedHot - here's my suggestion. Ride with us all (or whoever depending when everyone statrts) until the second sag stop. At this point the metric riders turn back and the century riders continue on to the lunch stop. Make your choice then. The second half of the ride is so beautiful and keeps you going even if you get tired and... there is always the sag wagon. No shame in sagging, at least you tried.

My first century... started out as a 50 miler. It was the Tour de Tucson. My plan was to start with my friends who were doing the century but cut the ride short. Problem was I enjoyed myself too much, kept going and at the 80 mile mark realized I had only another 28 miles to the finish. Now had I known how difficult those 28 miles would be on my body (especially my feet), I may have packed it in but I kept pushing. Most riders will tell you this, after 80 miles your body will break down no matter how much you train or are prepared. Your feet will hurt. They just will. So stop and massage them. Your back, booty, neck everything will hurt. That's the whole thing about a century its a long ride like doing a running marathon - there is a wall. Prepare yourself to break through the wall. Just know you can do the ride and you will do the ride. Any self doubt, then I would stick to the metric.

PS - I did the Tour de Tucson in total time 8 hours, 15 minutes. I never felt like I was riding hard. I kept riding steady and pushed the downhills and pacelined when I could to save energy. I was really good about fueling at the sag stops and keeping hydrated. My only problem - my feet were killing me!!!! I just had to deal with them.