Once You Ride A Century It All Changes!

[Jaclyn]

I rode about a dozen or so centuries every year for a couple of years until a few years ago. It also felt like a challenge and I was usually concerned about an upcoming century.

Then I entered my first 24 hour ride five years ago. The goal was just to do longer than I'd ever done (108 miles). Managed 252!

Since then I've become a randonneur and did the super randonneur series in 2010 & 2011 (200km, 300km, 400km, 600km). And the first 1000 kms of PBP (sadly dnf'd at second to last control). "Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go."

For me, breaking thru the barrier of a century was the hardest part. Most "long" rides that we see and hear about are a maximum of 100 miles. I thought that was the limit. Once I learned that I could ride beyond 100, the long rides have been much easier. Now riding a 100 miles is just a ride like any other. (I rarely even think "I'm riding xx miles." I think "I'm riding 42 miles to the next control.")

[nscrbug]

Wow Jaclyn...your cycling distances are admirable! For that last 4 years that I've been seriously cycling, my riding buddy and I have aimed to ride a 100-miler each month from May to Sept/Oct. I have tried to treat each century, as just another ride...but I still struggle with that. Centuries don't come easy for me, so I will always consider them to be a challenge...no matter how many I've done.

Linda

[azfiddle]

I did my first century in November 2011- also El Tour de Tucson. In January I rode a 200k brevet, and in February I rode another century (under very windy conditions!). Having done one, the next one definitely seemed less intimidating.

Actually, I think the thought riding to the top of Mt. Lemmon (over 60 miles and 8000 feet of climbing, in one day was more intimidating, but now that I have done it once, I don't have any doubts I can do it again.

[Owlie]

I can see this! I think that, for me, the key of riding longer than a metric is to ride with friends...but my speed really does impact finding someone willing to ride that long at my average pace of 13 to 13.5. I am getting faster on my Gunnar but my very upright riding position limits me in that department, especially in the wind. Riding by myself a metric is plenty long enough for a solo ride and I want to do at least a couple this year.

Come ride with me! I'm a slowpoke!

[Roadtrip]

Come ride with me! I'm a slowpoke!

There she goes again trying to make us think she matches the critter in her profile pic!! Yeaaaaaaaaa

[goldfinch]

My first year cycling was 2010, and I had a goal of doing a 200k brevet at the end of October - in "training" for that I wound up with several over-use injuries that took me off the bike entirely for about 5 months - and the closest I ever got that year was 75 miles.

Last year I refused to "train". The furthest I rode on the road last year was 45 miles at one time and I didn't regret that, but I was also spending a lot of time learning how to mountain bike. This year I would like to do a couple of metrics along with my trail riding, but I've no goals for a longer ride than that - if it happens then it happens

I would LIKE to do a full century - but I've got to learn how to "train" for it without allowing my OCD tendencies to take over. I would like to think I wouldn't do that and would pay attention to my body but I know me. Perhaps if I had someone to do it with I could overcome that, but I don't see that happening unless I get faster - and with my riding position I just don't see that

Wish I could ride with you and Owlie!

[Catrin]

Come ride with me! I'm a slowpoke!

I've heard about your being a slowpoke (not) Seriously though, you are too far away...and with gas prices as they are it makes it difficult to go on road trips as often as I once did

[Owlie]

I've heard about your being a slowpoke (not) Seriously though, you are too far away...and with gas prices as they are it makes it difficult to go on road trips as often as I once did

Yeah, I know. However, if you ever feel the overwhelming need to come to Yellow Springs, well...

[Catrin]

Wish I could ride with you and Owlie!

Goldfinch, where are you located?

Yeah, I know. However, if you ever feel the overwhelming need to come to Yellow Springs, well...

I do really enjoy Yellow Springs and Young's Dairy. I think it would be great to have a little group trail ride with you, Roadtrip, and any other interested Ohio or Indiana TE member to take advantage of both. Someday...

[Slowspoke]

My longest so far has be 68 very hilly (for Michigan) miles. It was the 3rd day of a 365 mile tour. I got 2 miles from the end and had to get off my bike, shed a couple tears, get back on and go! LOL How's that for big girl panties? I haven't been riding too much in the last couple years but am feeling the pull again! Now I want to do a century. I have a vague idea that I will do one in September. It does seem so very long and I am pretty slow!

[Cynedra]

DH and I plan to do one in early October. I imagine most of the others will take 4 to 6 hours to do it. DH and I will probably take all day. We are planning to start about two hours before everyone else.

[DolceVida]

Wow, you ladies are so inspiring! I started riding last August and my boyfriend and I are getting ready for the San Diego Century on May 19th. We're going to ride the 66 mile course. So excited and really nervous!

They send you suggested training mileage each week, so I have been trying to follow that so I'm hopefully in some sort of shape to do this thing. Today was 55 miles and we even included a surprise intense hill workout around mile 38. I made it up every hill tho!

Anyway, hearing all of your successes helps - makes me think I can do this! Thanks!!