Signed up for my first Century!

[Jiffer]

DH and I just signed up for the Amtrak Century in September (100 miles). We decided to ride it on the tandem with our tandem friends. I was totally hyped up to train for it myself on my single, but decided riding tandem with our buddies would be a good way for me to do my first century. I can focus on shorter distances on my single and get in a good base without putting too much pressure on myself. Now I'm off to seek out all the "half-ish" length centuries. I SO wish I could do CoolBreeze in Ventura in August, but I have a conflict that weekend.

[Fredwina]

yeah! Unfortunately, several days attacked me at once once I got to work this am, or I would have registered , too

[SheFly]

DH and I are doing 175 in two days on the tandem next weekend (this is our annual MS 150 ride, with a century option the first day - see sig). Having done SEVERAL long rides on the tandem, here is some advice for you:

1. Communication is key! If you need to rest your legs (or DH does) let each other know.
2. Make sure you have a REALLY good pair of shorts. Long distance on the tandem means a LOT of saddle time.
3. Make sure your saddle is broken in, and you REALLY like it (see above).
4. Take a camera, and stow it in DH's pocket (assuming he is the captain) - makes for easy access when those photo opportunities arise, plus, he carries the weight
5. Of course, with ANY century, lots of fluid and food.

Most importantly, have a GREAT time! Centuries on the tandem are definitely fun, and a great way to keep you together. And riding with tandem friends makes it an even better adventure! We will have 4 tandems riding together next weekend.

Do post after the ride, and let us know how it went.

SheFly

[madscot13]

first century congradulations!

[teigyr]

Oh Amtrak is FUN!!!! I was going to try to do it but we need cases for the bikes and I imagine it's sold out by now. It is my favorite century ever. Be sure to bring good food for the train ride back

Honestly, it's an easy 100 and while people whine about the Torrey Pines Hill, it isn't that bad. It's hot...at least it was every time I did it but they have ice cream at the top.

I am jealous! Oh man, next year. You picked a good one for your first!

[bikerchick68]

jiffer... Amtrak is a great first century... Cool Breeze only has 3500ft of climbing, but that is still more than Amtrack I believe... and the 3500ft all happens between miles 30-40 in Cool Breeze...

Torrey Pines is only a mile and a half... totally do-able. That's part of my regular ride route thru the whole summer...

I think this will be a great choice! I've not ridden Amtrak Century but HAVE ridden most of the route on my own (72 miles of it anyway) and it's nice! Have a great time...