First Century?

[rubywagon]

There is a century coming up this Saturday and I really want to give it a shot. The most I have ridden in one day is 60 miles, half climbing and half flat. Am I overshooting here? Any advice? I realize it is a big jump in mileage.

ETA: I usually ride around 80 miles on the weekend, with shorter rides throughout the week.

[rubywagon]

Nevermind. I registered for the metric. The century can be my goal for next year.

[ny biker]

Have fun!

[Jiffer]

You probably could have done the century, but you'll have a LOT more fun doing the metric at this point. I had "planned" on doing my first non-tandem century a year ago. I built up my mileage and then did a 65 mile ride a couple of weeks before and I was so miserable. I couldn't imagine going another 35, plus there was a lot of climbing. If your 60 miles wasn't miserable, you might do a century more easily than I would have at that time. But while I was on that miserable 65 mile ride, I made the decision to do the metric century instead, as you did. It was a great ride. Good decision for me.

There was another century coming up a few weeks after with less climbing. The Amtrak Century. I had done it on the tandem the previous year and had already planned to do it in addition to the other one (Cool Breeze). But I ended up making Amtrak my first century on my single and it was a great decision for me. My husband pulled me the whole way and it was still pretty darn miserable from about the halfway point and on. But I did it.

I have ridden so much since then. I did 4 centuries this year, including conquering Cool Breeze and, more amazing to me, Heartbreak Hundred with 8500 feet of climbing. I am finding now, just recently, that I am much less miserable on the second half of really long rides than I used to be. My body is more in shape, used to being in that position on the bike, I'm faster, so I'm on the bike for shorter time. Plus I have a much better saddle, which makes a huge difference.

After the Amtrak Century this year, I met a girl on the train home who had never ridden more than 20 miles before doing this century. I was shocked. Never would that have been me! And there was one pretty major climb for a person who hadn't ridden much to conquer as well. I asked, "Are you ever going to ride a bike again?!" She said, "No. Not this year anyway!"

So , it's very doable. Just depends on how much discomfort you're willing to put up with. This poor girl was hobbling so badly. But she did it.

Have fun on your metric!

[rubywagon]

Thank you! I was feeling a bit disappointed by my decision, but you just made me feel a whole lot better, Jiffer.

Thanks for the support ladies. I would rather just have fun this time, than start off with a struggle on my first big ride. 5 more days!

[rubywagon]

I changed my mind at the last minute and did the century today. I finished! My knees are killing me.

[Miranda]

I changed my mind at the last minute and did the century today. I finished! My knees are killing me.

Good for you! Now make sure you rest and take care of things that ache. Sorry about the knees. Ice and Advil maybe? If not better... see a doctor, of course. I like Blue Emu cream for my knees.

[rubywagon]

Thank you Miranda. I will most definitely be picking up some of that cream tomorrow!

[Wahine]

Way to go on finishing the century!!

Ice, anti-inflammatories if needed. Stretch your quads and your hips lots and a massage would help too.

[TrekTheKaty]

Good job! Sometimes you just have to go for it.........