Need training advice from experienced cyclists

[prolesunited]

I will be in my first organized century ride on Sept. 7. I've been doing 25-50 mile rides (a few longer ones worked in there) four to five times a week. I did 100 miles by myself just recently so I know I can do it.

My question is what I should be doing the next two weeks to make sure I'm absolutely ready? I don't need to finish first, but I don't want to be straggling in last either. Should I do another 100-miler before the big day? Should I push myself in the days before the event or just take it easy to save my strength?

Also, on the day of the event what are some of the strategies that worked for you? What are the pitfalls that I have to watch out for? What were your eating strategies the day before, day of the event?

[Kolesar]

1. I am so jealous, I want to go!

I have books with century training. I expect that you will have to get a few 70 mile trips in there, then "train down" for the week leading to the century by cycling less. If you are young, you can get to that peak shape more quickly. At my age, I am sure that I could not prep for a century in less than a month.

The longest I ever did was 64 miles, solo, when I was 41. I had ridden about 800 miles that summer before I tried that trip.

I expect you can find free training advice online, or try a local bike club.

Here is a Bicycling Magazine online training guide http://www.bicycling.com/fitness

[prolesunited]

2. I would say I'm in pretty good shape

not racing form, mind you, but my endurance is up there. I just got back from a cycling trip during which I did 250 miles in four days. It definitely would be too late to start from scratch.

I've done a little digging online, but I was hoping to get a little firsthand advice from people here. I'll check out your link, too. Thanks!

BTW, what's stopping you from doing one as well? I may not make the best time. My goal is simply to finish without embarrassing myself.

[Kolesar]

3. I have a house that won't repair itself

Actually, I have been busy this year getting my house ready to sell and moving. Now that that is out of the way, I am going to cycle more. It's funny, I was just thinking about setting a goal of a century ride this morning while I was out walking the dog.

[prolesunited]

4. Well...

the fact that you saw this again and replied means it's destiny. You have to do it now. Anyone else out there have any suggestions or advice?

[Section_43]

5. I agree w/ SpikeTrees

I would do a couple 70's next week and train down the week prior. I am sure you know this but, proper rest days are just as important as training days.

[pmbryant]

6. No first-hand experience

But I want to wish you good luck on this ride. Sounds like an exciting thing to do!

I'd eventually like to do a century ride or two myself, but that is a bit down the road. The longest trip I've done in recent years (probably ever, actually) is 35 miles, and more typical ones for me are 15-25 miles.

I do have a book on bicycle touring that suggests a good goal for century training is to be doing 125 miles per week and to do an occasional ride of 60-70 miles. So doing another 100-miler before the big day shouldn't be necessary, based on that advice.

Alas, I don't have the book with me at the moment, so I can't pass on the other advice it lays out. But it's in there, so hopefully I'll remember to look it up at a later time if you're interested.

:hi:

--Peter

[prolesunited]

7. I'm definitely psyched as well!

With a lot of the century rides, they have shorter options available as well. There's usually a half-century option. If you can do 35, I'm sure you can do another 15. ;-)

I think a big part of it is your head, too, pushing past the pain and exhaustion. Once the endorphins kick in, you just start flying, literally and figuratively. If you could look up the title and author of the book, I'll give it a look.

Thanks! :D

[pmbryant]

8. Half-century sounds like a good idea

This is the book I have: The Essential Touring Cyclist: A Complete Guide for the Bicycle Traveler, Second Edition by Richard A. Lovett, Vera Jagendorf (Photographer)

Still don't have it with me unfortunately.

A half-century would be a good option for us, definitely. Pretty sure 50 miles isn't out of our reach, as long as we pace ourselves properly. One reason we tend not to ride longer than 25 miles generally is that we only ride for 2-3 hours just before sunset (we're not morning people!) since it's so hot in Texas this time of year.

--Peter

[northzax]

9. have you considered driving?

that's a heck of a long way to ride a bicycle.

good luck, sounds like an interesting experience...

[bikebloke]

10. Fully Loaded Touring

I've done long independent touring fully loaded with panniers, tents, food, water, etc. Once spent a year in the saddle - New Zealand, Oz and Europe. Though I was fit from commuting, it takes a couple days before a 100 km + feels easy. If you're already used to the distance now, perhaps one ride to keep limber ought to do. Make sure you've eaten enough the night before. A big plate of spaghetti or something. You'll burn it and more. And keep hydrated. I once ran out of water, then after a while I could hardly pedal until I guzzle some liquid. I noticed I made the best time during the second hour on the road, gradually decreasing through the day. Without a load and the training you've done already, it shouldn't be a problem for you.

Enjoy the ride. And may all the hills go down and the winds come from behind.

Cheers

[prolesunited]

11. I would love to hear

more about your touring in Europe. That sounds so exciting. How long ago was it? What were the best things about it? Biggest headaches? Were you solo or with friends? That to me sounds like a dream vacation -- maybe not a whole year, though.

Thanks for the recommendations, too. One day I didn't eat until later in the afternoon and my legs felt like lead weights.

[pizzathehut]

12. The last issue of "Bicycling" magazine covers this

in detail with what you should eat the day before, hours before, and such.

Best advice: Concentrate on having fun and not trying to impress those more experienced around you.