First century completed

Paul32uk

Yesterday I completed my first century ride. 101 miles starting in Woolston and off out through new forest roads with Blissford hill thrown in for good measure. Averaged 18.6mph which isn't to shabby considering I only picked up my roady in late April this year. My aim is to do the dragon sportive next year but I'm going to need to do some serious hill training for that as the new forest compared to Wales is really rather flat. The itchen bridge was a drag on the way back, I hate it being right at the end of my rides when I have knackered legs

Had to stop 4 times in total. 2 to visit the local bushes, once to buy fluids and once at 90miles when the cold sweats hit I've still not got my fuelling managed correctly it seems. 10mins sat munching as many jelly beans as possible saw me good to go again at a speed I was happy with The new team toupe saddle I fitted earlier in the week was OK, I could still feel it a bit on the butt but it is 200% better than the standard bonty that came fitted to the Trek.

Was a great ride and I now have some lovely tan lines too!! Guess 150miles is the next target

whyamihere

Considering how long you've been riding, and with this being your first century, I'd say that 18.6mph is a stunning effort. Well done!

Paul32uk

Even though I've only been riding the road bike since late April I've always kept myself relatively fit. I used to do a fair amount of running but due to not having a decent set of running trainers I ended up battling shin splints frequently. I purchased a decent set of running trainers but the damage was done and my legs dont like the shock anymore.

I cycle to work too on the tredder, my 14 year old Saracen mtb which is still going strong! it's only a 4 mile each way commute but it keeps teh legs spinning daily. I guess that helped with the transition from running to cycling.

CarleyB

whyamihere wrote:

Considering how long you've been riding, and with this being your first century, I'd say that 18.6mph is a stunning effort. Well done!

+1

KDX

You git 8)

I've just got back from doing my first 50 miler this morning and was feeling all pleased with myself for averaging a (now rather feeble looking) 16.5 mph. it was a pretty flat run as well as it started and finnished in the Cambridgeshire Fens although there are a couple of little bumps near Huntingdon

Ohh well, more work needed for me obviously but what the hell, I made it back alive so I'm pleased with that.

Seriously though, well done mate, 100 is a real miles stone, thats what I'm working towards. Sounds like you've got the endurance and the speed!!!!!!

Cheers

Rich

Rich Hcp

16.5 is a good average, so don't worry that someone else does a quicker average.

We all ride on different roads in different conditions

Just concentrate on yourself and enjoy it

MrJim007

Yep, nice one on the ton!! Great going!!
KDX - dito!! I completed my first 50 miler as well today around the Meon Valley, think I might be investing in a more comfortable saddle tho!! :shock:

Dunkindiver

I did my first century (102 miles) yesterday on the overnight Bristol to Exmouth Exodus which I finished in an average speed of 15mph, which considering we had to navigate our way through dark unfamiliar back roads and 3 big climbs, (the last one at 98 miles was just cruel!), I felt was quite respectable!

Paul32uk

I doubt the climbs i did in the forest are as long as the ones you guys are doing. I did play on the north side of the forest, Godshill, blissford hill and bolderwood area but once you head south its more just undulating road with nothing that I'd really call a climb. Jim I'm going to start doing some riding out meon way as they have some longer climbs, or so I've heard. Whilst my endurance seems to be OK I still think my legs could do with being stronger so more hills need to be added into the training.

Does anyone here do exercises off their bikes to build up strength in the legs? if so which ones? I'm assuming squats would be good seeing as they work the legs and back, any others?

I'm still not sure what I'm aiming for at the moment. Currently I just try to always match or be slightly faster than before. I get quite competetive against myself and hate not matching a previous ride Just need to get my fuelling nailed.

Congrats to you too Dunkdiver. Does feel good seeing the trip meter pass 100miles doesnt it. Kudos to you doing it at night too! And well done too KDX. I remember the first 30miler I did on my tredder back in march this year I found that very difficult. Got the cold sweats at about 25miles and had no food on me to recover with. That was a very slow cycle home.

I like the threads referring to milestones people have made as I know how good they're feeling with what they've just completed But then you go and set yourself an even harder challenge

mattward1979

Good job dude!!

My longest so far is the 54 miles of L2B so my next goal is a 75 mile or I may just MTFU and go for a 100 mile!

I doubt Ill be looking at 18+mph though unless 90% of it is on a negative gradient =P

masterchef

im impressed, that doesnt happen often! well done mate! ( longest iv managed myself is 65miles could of done 80)