First 100 Miler, Need Advice Please

jagx400

Hello all
Me and 3 friends are doing a charity ride to Skegness in aid of the Midland Air Ambulance next Saturday. It will be 104 miles. The most I have ever done is 71 miles and felt fine, so hopefully should be OK.

My question is what should I take foodwise for fuel, that I can reasonably carry. We have a support vehicle that is going to meet us at Skegness to take us home.

I have plenty of energy drinks (High Five). Anyone who has done a century before who can offer some tips would be much appreciated.

butcher of bakersfield

If you can do 70 easily enough, you should be fine. 70 was the milestone that I jumped to 100 on. Just pack what you would for the 70, and a little more.

Depends on the hills of course. I really just wanted to get off and get a taxi home 60 miles in, climbing a 1000ft ascent. That was hard. Last 20 miles or so however were much more forgiving and more relaxed. By the time I got near home where it flattens out, I could have continued on for another 10 or 20 miles, and perhaps would have done if it continued to be flat, but I'm not sure I could have taken any more hills!

DaveL

As said above, jump from 70 to 100 shouldn't be a problem. Take as much food as you can. My first 100 I had 750ml with electrolyte tab and a 500ml high 5 energy source, which I replenished both at a half way cafe stop. We had 2 cafe stops which both involved flapjacks and coffee. I also had bananas, malt loaf and about 5 or 6 energy gels ( so long as they agree with you). The 2 riders I was with were both stronger riders than me, but I finished the strongest, totally down to the amount of food I consumed. Probably could have done with some more fluid at the end.

Good luck

Dave

Bozman

Eat and drink little and often, i usually have a small bit of flapjack every 20 miles and i'll take one bottle of electrolyte and one with water, 2 750ml bottles should be fine in this weather, maybe take a couple of gels just in case.
If you've done 70, 100 shouldn't be an issue you'll be fine and you've got company to spur you on.

farrina

Not exactly a direct response to your question which was about food ( lots of good replies already).

I was just going to say that (as with most sports) cycling, especially the longer distances is not just a physical challenge but also a mental challenge. So rather than see it as a 100 mile ride break it down and visualise it as two 50 mile routes (or a 70 and 30 if you prefer). If you can do 70 you can certainly do a 100.

Enjoy your ride - you will soon be onto 200 km Audax rides next.

Regards

Alan

garethjohn

Similarly to you, me and and a few friends did a ride for charity during the summer. We rode from Swansea to Cheltenham and had car support from one of the guys friend. The ride was around 120 miles so we met at around 50 miles and 90 miles. He had the boot loaded with the usual goodies, drinks, energy gels etc and he also had some tyres and other bits of kit just in case. The weather was absolutely horrendous so it was good knowing there was help on hand if we needed it. Definitely a highlight of the year for me even with the shocking weather. Make sure that you drink plenty cos my legs were cramping like mad after about a 100 miles

alihisgreat

I did my first 90 mile sportive in September on ~500-750ml/hour of electrolyte energy drink (it was hot though!).. and one energy gel.

+ 3 bits of flapjack -> one at each foodstop. Oh and a banana in the first 5 miles to supplement my breakfast consisting of a bowl of crunchy nut.

You'll be fine though.. 1x energy gel and 1x energy drink per hour should suffice (thats ~60g of carbs) providing you're riding at a lower intensity.

Obviously if you want to smash through it at pace then take more.

Bozman

I forgot to say, always stay well hydrated from the day before and i find that stuffing yourself on the eve before a bike ride works wonders, that's just a personal thing but if i feast like a king the ride is a hell of a lot easier.

diy

Another +1 for flap jacks - and don't waste money buying them. Its just brown sugar, syrup, butter and porridge oats. I add chopped fruit to mine too. Just eat little and often.

jagx400

Thanks for all the advise, don't suppose the misses will be too happy if I pinch her malt loaf, but needs must. I used the links that were on here for the cheap High 5 bottles and mixed energy gels/drinks so have a supply. Never thought to hydrate well the day before, so will definitely be giving that a go. I let you all know how we got on and how much was eventually raised.

priory

on your first 100miles do not panic , do not hurry, do not think that magic potions are necessary. The equivalent of a couple of sandwiches every 2 hrs or a bacon and egg bap , with added biscuits or flapjacks and probably 500ml or more per hour of water as you feel the need should be about right depending on the weather. I also take a teaspoon or two of salt for cramp and some paracetamols and setlers. Petrol station egg sandwiches and milkshakes are great; and I like to stop at a cafe nero or similar for big coffee and cake.
Average 10 mph overall and do not go too fast; save your legs. Lift your bottom off the seat often and a lot right from the start.

Morning breakfast should be a big bowl of porage or muesli or other high fibre and a big drink.

Bozman

priory wrote:

on your first 100miles do not panic , do not hurry, do not think that magic potions are necessary. The equivalent of a couple of sandwiches every 2 hrs or a bacon and egg bap , with added biscuits or flapjacks and probably 500ml or more per hour of water as you feel the need should be about right depending on the weather. I also take a teaspoon or two of salt for cramp and some paracetamols and setlers. Petrol station egg sandwiches and milkshakes are great; and I like to stop at a cafe nero or similar for big coffee and cake.
Average 10 mph overall and do not go too fast; save your legs. Lift your bottom off the seat often and a lot right from the start.

Morning breakfast should be a big bowl of porage or muesli or other high fibre and a big drink.

Blinding, made my day!

unixnerd

Did my first 100 a few weeks ago. Forecast said 12C so I put longs on but no base layer. Seemed to get a bit cold after 20 miles, then I spotted fresh snow down to 3500 feet on the hills. Turns out the actual temp was nearer 6C and I was frozen the whole way round even with a light jacket, thin overshoes and a my helmet liner (thank heavens for that!). I should have had my thick overshoes and a base layer.

I averaged just over 16mph which wasn't far short of what I'd hoped for (a mate who almost turned pro did it in 3 hours 54 when he was younger), I probably spent a lot of energy fighting the cold. Try to keep your cadence up, that's what saved me when the going got tough. And don't fight wind/hills, just slow down and keep the cadence going. I found a ten minute Mars bar break gave my legs a new lease of life.

Check the tyres are at a decent pressure to reduce rolling resistance and be sure you're comfy with the bike position.

Was sooo tired and cold afterwards but glad I'd finally done it. Best hot shower I've ever had.

Frank the tank

Plenty of good advice and tips you're in a group, it's not so hard as a lone ride.

My tip.

Ride to Sutton-on-sea. It's a far nicer destination.