**Calling all cyclist**. I am about to ride my first Century this weekend. Any suggestions?

Question

I own 2007 Lemond Road bike.
I currently ride 25 mile everyday other day.

I have been riding about 5 months.

Answer 1

you will make it, but make no mistake about it, you are way under trained.
25 miles every other day is really good, if your training for 40k time trials or crits. But for a century, I would have rather you said you were riding 25 miles twice a week with a longer ride of 60-80 once a week. Don't make the mistake of trying to squeeze in a long ride this week before the century. Like I said you will make it, you have a good base. Just don't go out too fast, DON'T FORGET TO EAT early and often. After about 60 miles you might not be able to handle solid foods anymore, be prepared to rely on liquid calories(energy gels, and endurance drinks) For earlier in the day, try to eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and fig newtons. I'm also a big fan of shot blocks (made by cliff bar) they taste good and go down easy even when you can't take solids anymore. Also consider some enduralites (salt tablets) these help me prevent cramping on long hot days. Finally, prepare for a fair amount of pain. Even if you go easy all day, just that 5++ hrs in the saddle is gonna hurt. Don't be shy with the butt butter(if you are not familiar with this term ask at the bike shop, they will know what you mean) carry some extra with you and re-apply at the rest stops.
Good luck , Ride safe

Answer 2

I did the MS150 from Irvine California to San Diego last October. We had the opportunity to do just 60 on the first day but I wanted to do the century. Well, as soon as we got past the 60 mile mark it was all up hill. I mean some of these were more mountain than hill, then I made it to mile 93 and my knees were so jacked up I stopped because I literally had to. I had a few beers at this bar and just chilled for about an hour. Then I said screw it and got back on the ol' saddle. My buddy did it in 5 hours and 55 minutes and came in second on the entire ride, but he's a different breed. With my one hour break I did it in 8 hours. So expect at least 6.5 to 7 without stopping. Good Luck!!

Answer 3

wow, well i hope you like pain cause your in for it. Ideally you should have worked up to at least 75% of the distance with little discomfort at this point. Ok to the advice get with a group that rides your speed, you can't take the wind all the time, just go to the front when you fell good and drop back when your tired. get some energy "gels" because you will be on the bike for a long time 5.5 hrs @18 mph. Drink a bottle of water every hour more if it's hot. you are under trained so don't ride leading up to the event just be rested and fresh, eat lots of carbs the days leading up to the event, oh and lastly just have fun I've done three this year and they are truly a blast to participate in.

Answer 4

how long have you been riding? That takes a lot of strength and dedication. WOW.

Answer 5

Congratulations..... ride it and then post a review :) cheers!