First Century

Peddle Up!
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I'm planning to ride my first 100 miles in the next couple of weeks. I'm comfortable with rides around 50 miles which I can finish in reasonable times with just one or two "foot down" stops for munchies. Any tips on how best to tackle the century, or is it as simple as "just keep peddling"?

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So you riding solo, with group, charity/sportive ?
A couple of weeks isn't that much time to prepare so I would suggest you need to do a 75 miler at least a week beforehand. I'd get out early as well to get 75% of the route done before the hottest point of the day (temperature in Norwich has been upper 20s all week 8).Specialized Venge S Works
Cannondale Synapse
Enigma Etape
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Turn the corner, rub my eyes and hope the world will last...0 -
Depends on a number of factors including the geography of where you intend to ride, whether this is a solos ride, a group ride or a sportive, your level of fitness, stamina etc.
From riding 50 miles up to 100 miles will add another 3-4 hours cycling (and probably a few more hills), so might be worth trying to do a 70-75 miler as an intermediate goal.
Staying well fuelled and hydrated will be key - so take plenty of energy bars, gels, bananas etc. Also suggest taking some energy drink powder which you can add to water when you run out of the drinks you have taken with you. You might also consider taking some Nuun tablets (or other electolytes) to help avoid cramp. It would be sensible to plan in one or two stops where you can buy and consume some more food and liquid - cafe stops are good for this.
Obviously take essential spares (2 tubes, chain links etc), tools (chain tool, multi tool, tyre levers) and waterproofs, money and phone.
If you are doing it solo you might want to consider planning a route that has a few shortcuts and bail-outs should you get tired and need to head for home.
Don't start off too quickly and retain a steady pace - again depends whether you are doing the ride solo, with a group or as a sportive.
Above all having the right attitude and determination will help you reach your goal! Good luck!0 -
+1 for getting in at least a 75miler.
It gives you a good idea of what happens to your body after 4 or 5 hours in the saddle.
75 is exactly what I got upto in training for my first 100 today.
I found that my lowest point was around 80miles in, I guess as I knew mentally that I was beyond my previous longest.
I stopped for 5 minutes and took on food, gel and more electrolyte drink...I found it easier than trying to get all that in whilst riding. Set off again and I was fine until the finish (110miles).
Drinks wise I went through 5 or 6 large bottles of electrolyte and energy drink...it was pretty hot out there. So make sure you plan in top ups if it's warm.
and another thing...chamois cream..get some, It doesn't last all the way round but gets you most of the way without that annoying hot feelingMike B
Cannondale CAAD9
Kinesis Pro 5 cross bike
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