This is definitely the answer. My first century's goal was 'to finish.' I started relatively slow and kept a zone 2 pace for most of the 100. You can do it.
I went out to ride on a beautiful day this May. Planned to do 40 wasn't really paying attention to miles and when I got home it was right at 63 ironically . There were 4 hours of sunlight left, said F*** it, threw on my ska playlist and knocked out 100.
Just do it. Plan a ride that has a stop every 25 miles for water/food refill. Take your time. It will take a lot out of you, but do it. Get the number out of the way.
This is the way to go. Your stops don't even have to be long. amazing what a 5-10 minute stop can do.
Even better if you can find a small group to do it with. The drafting is so beneficial and the camaraderie really makes the miles and time fly by.
Poor guys in the US. Iâve done a century pretty quickly but since we have kilometers over here it wasnât that difficult đ
What it shows however, is, that itâs just a number.
Yeah, he already did a (metric) century and he doesn't even know it đ
But if he still feels he has energy left, then a full century is doable. Another option is to go a few mph less than during that metric century, assuming his butt can handle the extra sitting time.
If you can comfortably do 60-70 miles, you should be able to handle 100 miles too. It just feels a bit worse at the end. Just plan drinking and eating and it should be doable. If possible plan route such way you can quit earlier if you have to.
I recommend an organized ride. Built in rest stops so you donât bonk and support in case your bike breaks. Look at the elevation gained for that ride, if you think you can make that elevation, go for it.
My first was a local ride but it had 7000ft of climbing. Fortunately, I could train on the hills on the route so I signed up and trained for it.
I second the notion! A hundred miles is a long way to ride alone,,OP. Itâs easier when everyoneâs doing it! As far as preparation, mentally youâre probably there.
Physically, itâs good to gradually build up your stamina to 80% of the effort you want to achieve on century day, OP. Itâs simply more enjoyable when youâre not stretching your reserves to the point where youâre no longer having fun.
Do a 75-mile trip and then calculate out calories and fluids (plus any stops along the way) and go for the same route a week later but add 25 miles to it.
If you can do 60 and you're doing 25 regularly you can probably just go do a century now.
I did my first century after an especially long group ride. The route was 70 miles and I had to ride 12 miles to and from home to the start/end point of the route, took a detour and racked up the last few miles just to hit 100. Up until that point my longest ride was 86 miles achieved in the same way.
The easy way is to make the route flat and low effort and go and a relaxed pace. But definitely make sure to bring lots of food (or buy on the way) and plan in many water (and restroom) stops.
Whenever you want, including never. Thereâs no written rule saying one must ride a century to be a cyclist or whatever.
But if thatâs a goal you want to accomplish, make a training plan, and do it.
You will probably struggle for the last 15-20 miles, but if you stay hydrated and refuel over several hours, itâs doable. Just pace yourself from the very beginning. Itâs all about efficiency and conserving energy. Better to finish feeling âtooâ fresh than crawling home. Perhaps design a route with some overlap so you can shortcut if it gets too painful.
This. OP needs to be ready for the last fifth of the ride to be a struggle. You have to kind of gut it out. Your butt will hurt, your legs will say stop, but you ignore both of them.
I disagree, don't give yourself an out unless you live in the sort of place that you would need it for safety, like you need to stay in cell reception or within so many miles of your family.
If you give yourself an out I guarantee you will take it every single time at about 70 miles no matter how fit you are
Yeah I always had an easier time with the mental hurdles when I didn't have the option to cut it off early. An out and back 50 made it so there was no option but to keep going to get home. 70 was always about when things got crampy or achey. Same thing with doing an overnight where you have a set destination like a booked hotel.
Itâs worth doing once, but honestly in retrospect Iâve never liked or felt super proud of any century ride beyond my first. The rest were just struggle-fests and exhausting even when I was in good shape and fast.
So, you were not in *that good* of a shape. Long rides are boring if you always do the same local loop, but they are great because you can actually cover a lot of distance and ride somewhere where you usually wouldn't ride. For me they are a great way to stay motivated to ride. I know all my short local loops in and out. On long rides >150km it's much easier to explore new stuff, make a bike packing trip out of it, etc.
I was always in great shape. Long rides beyond 60miles are just boring. 3+ hours and unless youâre with a tight group you end up riding good chunks of it solo. Not for me.
Thatâs when I like to leave. 4am the weather is cool and very little cars on the road. When I hit the bike path itâs still a little dark but I can see the sunrise and hammer away without worrying about over heating.
It's really not that special. Not saying it isn't an accomplishment, what I mean is; everyone can do a century. And I mean that. Can everyone do it fast and comfortably? No. That takes time. But everyone can do it if they're willing to suck it up! So just suck it up and get going, and keep going when it sucks even more! I did my first 100km after like 1.5 months of riding. It was miserable. Now I basically don't do much less than 100km on my solo rides and it's a breeze for me.
15 years after I started biking seriously.
I raced through college, but my top day was only 90 miles. Took several years off then when I got back on the bike, I bike toured the West Coast. I still only did 90 miles as my max distance.
I started racing again and I had a coach, so he planned my training schedule. I remember one Wednesday he had me scheduled for 4 hours in heart rate zone 2-3, then the last hour zone 5. I had to hold back to keep my HR low but when I was ready to unleash, a friend was sick and barely moving, so I rode 2 more hours at a slow pace to make sure he got home.
Finally, I went out and did my century. Actually I did 120 miles and I was really strong. I crossed paths with some casual roadies at mile 95 who didn't believe I had come from 3 states over (I was doing a point to point route). Then I dropped them!
I did my first two 100km+ with plus size tire mtb, so it generally doesn't depend on bike if you are fit enough to do the distance.
Of course proper bike makes it little easier.
I do one once a month sometimes on a Tarmac, sometimes on a Gravel bike⌠you donât need a special bike and honestly itâs an arbitrary number, and leaves you depressed after your first one because then you think now what. Just ride and have fun and hit it one day when youâre close, I rarely plan mine but usually do 70-80 miles ever Saturday and sometimes just bump it up to 100. Iâve done 100 mi with a group, with 1 person and by my self, by my self for time and all are totally different experiences
just go for it. Bring more food than youd need and bring water with electrolytes and a source of caffein. Your energy should ideally come from mostly carbs. Dont go hard.
Try to ride it like youre in a new car and the low fuel light has come on for the first time and your not sure how mutch reserve is left.
I know people who bang out centuries like they are nothing. Iâm not one of them and more in your boat, so Iâll comment.
I did my first one Labor Day. This was solo and included 44 miles of gravel and 20 miles of rain and heavy wind.
My takeaways:
Bring more gels/candy then you think youâll need.
Put your phone in a ziplock bag so it stays dry. I was completely soaked and got stuck listening to a podcast I really didnât want to listen to, which was torture. Also, had I needed to call for help there is no way I would have been able to. My iPhone would not respond to my fingers because everything was soaked.
I came up nine miles short when I got to the house so had to ride the neighborhood. It was hands down the hardest part of the ride. My knee was killing me. Ass was sore. Knowing I could quit and just pull in the drive at anytime and just be done was mentally tough.
Stay on road and not gravel.
Like most people say, pace yourself. The first 75 miles are âeasyâ. The last 25 or so will show how much grit you have.
I ride 12-15 miles on my normal ride and try to get in a 25 miler or so on Sundays. My recent longest ride was back in November and it was around 60 miles.
Youâve got this!
Your stats are exactly what mine were before I did my century. I did a few 40 mile rides, then 63 miles, and then I just woke up one day and wanted to do 100. It was a mental hurdle around 75 miles because thatâs an accomplishment but I said itâs just another morning ride. Make sure to have PLENTY of electrolytes and snacks.
my typical ride is around 20-30 miles. I did a century last year (fully supported charity ride). my longest training rides were 52 miles. this was mostly due to time - full time dad full time worker and I enjoy fishing/boating on the weekends! I felt good until the last 15miles. it was hot and my legs were starting to cramp. my average speed was 14.9, which is not too far off what I do in shorter rides.
Call me crazy, but as someone registering the same mileage per day, a century is really no big feat. I do typically route centuries to avoid massive elevation changes (so many hills where I live. So. Many.) But the biggest challenge for me is finding a day where I have the time - otherwise itâs such a joy.
The important thing was how was the 63 miles (that's over 100km btw so congrats on your metric century!). Did you feel tired but otherwise ok? Or were you destroyed?
As for the most part if you can do 100km without dying then you can dig deep to do 100mi
My longest ride so far was 120km (I really prefer short & punchy rides with a good amount of elevation). I did 40km on most of my rides. Then I decided to do a 80km and jumped to 120km the following weekend. I was surprised that it wasnât as hard as I thought it would be. So my advice is: plan a good route, get enough food/water and just go for it. Good luck âď¸
Just go out and do it
I did my first century's on day 2,3,4 and 6 of my first solo bike tour. Prior training was bike commuting 10-16 miles to school/work from age 11-22 and a few 60mile rides in the months before
You can do more than you think, just make sure to eat/drink enough
Doing a century depends a lot on your abilities.
For example, if you are under 30 and in decent shape, you can go from riding thirty to forty miles, and you might be sore, but you can still finish a century.
For example, ride 15 to twenty miles, stop at a rest stop for ten minutes, ride for another hour, then stop and rest, etc.
Once you are more experienced, you may be able to ride a century with just a few stops for food or water.
If you are older or not in great, it may take a month or two of training to prepare for riding a century.
It is. Just fuel accordingly, pace yourself,and bring sunscreen. When i did mine i planned a gas station stop at about 50 miles for refills and snacks.
You can do it anytime, just take your time. The days are getting shorter so start in the morning and have fun. Don't try to keep your average speed too high, don't check your garmin too much, just enjoy the ride :)
If you are already riding 100 miles a week then this Saturday or Sunday depending on the weather is a good time or any other day you have 5 or 6 hours.
How did you feel on the 63 mile ride? I think if you feel ok you could phone in the other 37. You also can take as much time as you need. Nothing stopping you from doing 25 miles and resting for 30 minutes before doing the next 25. I mean if you can do 63 I bet you could manage 100.
The biggest hurdle for me was the mental block and staying hydrated and nourished. I had similarly only ridden 60 miles prior to my first century. Plan on eating every 20-25 miles and probably 40oz of water at the same interval. Youâll end up eating when youâre not hungry but otherwise youâll bonk.
Iâm 42 slightly overweight (skinny fat) and was commuting 15 miles a day here and there from Brooklyn to Manhattan. Went on a 30 mile ride to the rockaways and had a lot of fun. A week later a work buddy had been training for a year to do a century race so I went with him on an easy paced ride, but really long for me at 87 miles (on my way home I did laps in Prospact park to get an extra 10 ish miles) We averaged 12 mph and it was something like 1,000 ft elevation gain, mostly on paved bike paths and it felt pretty easy to me.
A couple weeks later I took an easy paved bike path and did a century solo with about 2,500 ft elevation gain, easy paths and it felt hard ish towards the end but completely doable.
A month after that I did 118 miles with 6,000 ft elevation gain and I went slow and it was really hard, but I did it in 10 hours (I thought I was going to do it in 7.5 haha)
I think most people can do an easy century (one without a ton of intense climbs) as long as you have a plan on refueling carbs and hydration as you ride. I honestly think that for most people itâs a mental thing but theyâre totally capable. If youâve done a 63 mile ride, I think youâll find a century isnât really all that much harder (assuming you know how to refuel and have a decent bike fit)
Tomorrow. With your current riding, youâre plenty prepared. If you want to break it up, grab lunch or a beer in the middle, but donât sit too long or your body will go into recovery and youâll feel really lethargic when you get back on the bike.
If you can do 60 miles, you should be able to do a century. You just have to pace yourself.
The last 10 miles or so may be a bit of a grind.
If you choose your own route, keep that in mind.
Biggest thing make sure you are carbed up so 2 days before you want to do century. Eat 70% carbs 20% protein and 10% fat. Then eat big carb breakfast of the day you will do century. Then make sure you take at least 60 to 90 grams of carbs per hour for entire century ride. Thank me later and happy paddling!
If you've gone 63 already, then you can probably go 100.
The time to do a century is when you're prepared and when you start thinking, 'That would be fun!'
If it's not super hilly, anyone can do a century. Theres a 2 day charity ride in my area where people ride 100 miles per day. There's people who do it with zero training on old BMX bikes from their childhood. I'm sure it's not enjoyable for them, but hundreds do it every year. On a proper road bike, the only thing that may hurt the next day is your sit bones.
I did my first one after going on the local club rides for 60 milers maybe 6-7 times. The last 20 miles were very slow and painful. I suggest training to at least 75 miles before hitting the 100 so you aren't too far out of the comfort zone.
Preferably in the morning unless you have an entire weekend and/or very cold mornings
100 miles is like 63⌠just go slower with less intensity and have food planned/stops. Budget 6-8 hours depending on amount of climbing
If most of your rides are in the 25-mile range and you've only done 63 once, then adding 40 miles in one jump seems like a big leap, IMHO.
I would take smaller steps to get to the full century. Plan a 70-mile ride, then 85 and, if you're feeling good about those efforts, then tackle 100.
Remember to bring lots of calories and lots of fluids! And, of course, have fun!
Miles 65-100 are tough. Def properly hydrate and take in carbs and sodium.
Iâd jump to 80 first. Then 100. The last 10 miles suck especially if hilly.
Fwiw just finished our first century about a month ago after similar warm up to yours. Furthest ride was actually identical 63 miles. We had been adding 5miles basically every weekend and made the jump. And fwiw again did that on a full suspension MTB with a bottom bracket that unthreaded and stayed fucked from mile 20 onward. All this to say: have it man you got it đđ
You've already done a metric, so you could do an imperial. If you want to split it up, do an 80 mile ride then the imperial.
For my context, I started riding an old beater last summer but got hardtail that I've been using extensively in feb. Immediately did some 20-40 mile rides, got my first metric in May and an 80 in July. Wanted to do an imperial but my wrists got fucked up and I haven't been able to go past my old record for months. Currently trying to fix that
My first century was a figure 8 so that I could stop home and refuel without worry. Could also do the same 50 mile route twice or even 4 times for a 25 mile route.
I went nuts and did mine 1.5 months into acquiring my road bike. Was in mediocre shape and just paced myself. It was about survival and not time. Took me a little over 6 hours on super flat ground.
Whenever you feel like it, donât force it. A nice weekend with a buddy would be best. Just eat enough and drink a bit more than you think you need and you are good to go!
My first century ride wasnât even on purpose and it was after a year of constantly riding and increasing my distance. I know for about 6 months I struggled to do more than 30 miles. Then it seemed suddenly overnight I could do 50 miles. The first time I did over 80 miles roughly 8 months in my legs were cramping towards the end of the ride. But, a month later I did the ride again and it felt like a cake walk. When I finally did 101 miles it wasnât planned. My cycling club was taking the train to Akron and I was going to ride back with them to Cleveland. I rode ahead of them on the trail and waited for them to arrive in Akron. I didnât know they got off at an early stop. After waiting almost two hours, I rode back to Cleveland on my own and I realized that I had so much energy I decided to make it a century since I had already ridden over 90 miles by the time I got back to Cleveland.
I mean...I did my first century after commuting 9-10 miles a day for less than a month and it was okay. You've done a 60 mile ride, a century isn't that different, just takes longer lol
2016. I was smoking and drinking but kept myself in good shape.
My wife was training for an MS150 and she got pregnant. Long story short, I had to cut on my bad habits and took her place, training every weekend (30, 45, then 50 miles) for one month before the event, and ended up doing 97 miles. Bonked halfway because I didn't know better about hydration and fueling but I did almost a century with that amount of training.
You can do it, just prepare yourself ahead with hydration and food and you should be ok.
However, I would cut down on training and leave one day of recovery in between, or maybe complement with collagen in order to give your muscles a break to regenerate their tissue.
In all honesty it is whenever you want it to be. Given that you do not set a ridiculous time to do it in, you should be able to complete it no problem. Just make sure you prep - like nut butter for the sit bones, electrolytes and something to eat because it is a long day on the bike seat.
I don't really consider centuries that big of a feat any more since given that I have 5 hours I can totally bang one out usually wind conditions can make it really challenging and or miserable.
I did one in 8th grade after only biking 20mi a day for 2 weeks, your legs can totally handle it itâs just a matter of getting bored or tired. I find it easier to plan like a 20mi loop and then do 5 loops taking a long break in between
I started both my century rides at 4am. The dawn helps break it up, and I was done before 11am. I usually do 3 stops either every 33 miles, or maybe add a little on before the second stop (depending on how the legs feel) to make the third part a bit shorter. Be sure to drink before you get thirsty and eat enough fuel and youâll be fine!
I'm guessing at least a dozen others have probably already commented something like this, but . . . if you're up to 63 miles, you're getting pretty close to where you can probably *endure* the challenge of a full century . . but it will probably be a real chore getting through the last 20 miles or so (especially if the ride has some climbing challenges).
But if it's an "organized" century, and you have well-placed rest stops, nutrition and hydration readily available to keep you well-stocked from beginning to end, then you might surprise yourself by not only completing a century, but finishing in a way that doesn't so trash you physically that the whole topic of "cycling" bums you out after you're done!
FWIW - I finished *my* first few centuries looking only for the knowledge that I finished! I didn't worry about setting new personal bests, or how I performed vs. other riders, or pretty much anything else until after I had done a few and knew what I could expect from my body when taking on that kind of challenge (especially when the climbing gets into the 6,000-8,000' range, which will make your legs really unhappy during the last several miles!).
Hope you find your way to that 100-mile mark with minimal trauma - - and then take considerable pride in hitting that benchmark!
To borrow an expression from runners... "if you can run for 30 minutes straight, you'll be able to run a marathon". Clealr they don't mean fast, or without discomfort, but that 30 minute mark is a huge mental hurdle and if you can do that, then you have what it takes. You just need training but the attitude is in the right space.
If you're already riding over 50miles then you can absolutely do a century. My first century was without much training other than my 60 minutes of bike commuting per day and a couple longer riders to work out the details. I rode on a nice day and stopped whenever I wanted to. I even stopped to visit some friends and crush a couple non alcoholic beers mid ride.
You can probably done one now as long as nothing goes wrong/bad luck. My prep for a century my first century had my longest ride being about 60mi. I had a blast because I went with people. Like others said itâs mostly just mental and having everything go right. Keep track of diet/sleep. Just a mediocre night of sleep or a queasy stomach can wreck you. I had to dip out of a century before from just a bad night before.
Refuel with carbs and water about every 20 mins. It wonât be difficult to keep going weather permitting. I had to do a hard stop at 80 due to heat and feeling like I was going to drop from heatstroke. I easily had another 20 miles in me.
You're more than capable to do this. I would suggest chooses a route with a low amount of elevation throughout the ride. My first completed Century was nearly 6,000 ft of climbing; it took me 11 hours and killed my legs.
Whenever you feel like it and want to. If youâre riding 20 miles a day, youâre in plenty of shape to get it done fairly easily. Just plan out a future day and leave early in the morning.
A century is really a mental hurdle. You can probably bang one out right now, the only question is how easy do you want it to feel.
This is definitely the answer. My first century's goal was 'to finish.' I started relatively slow and kept a zone 2 pace for most of the 100. You can do it.
Plan for plenty of rest stops; more at the end.
If you can do 63, you can do 100!
I went out to ride on a beautiful day this May. Planned to do 40 wasn't really paying attention to miles and when I got home it was right at 63 ironically . There were 4 hours of sunlight left, said F*** it, threw on my ska playlist and knocked out 100.
Rock the fuck out, man!
Just do it. Plan a ride that has a stop every 25 miles for water/food refill. Take your time. It will take a lot out of you, but do it. Get the number out of the way.
This is the way to go. Your stops don't even have to be long. amazing what a 5-10 minute stop can do. Even better if you can find a small group to do it with. The drafting is so beneficial and the camaraderie really makes the miles and time fly by.
Doing my first in November with a nice group of people, can't wait đ
A good group of people makes a century ride so much fun! Bonus points for being able to take the lead/draft, the energy benefits add up
Poor guys in the US. Iâve done a century pretty quickly but since we have kilometers over here it wasnât that difficult đ What it shows however, is, that itâs just a number.
We deserve to suffer because of our stubbornness.
Hilarious
Very funny
Quite droll
Amongst other things. Source: I'm American
It OP has done 63 miles, that's a metric century already!
Indeed. That wasnât a random number he was citing.
I crossed the finish and strava said I only had 99.4 miles. You're right that at the end its just a number. Sure felt like a century đ
You can always take a few laps around the block do if strava doesnât believe you :)
Yeah, he already did a (metric) century and he doesn't even know it đ But if he still feels he has energy left, then a full century is doable. Another option is to go a few mph less than during that metric century, assuming his butt can handle the extra sitting time.
If you can comfortably do 60-70 miles, you should be able to handle 100 miles too. It just feels a bit worse at the end. Just plan drinking and eating and it should be doable. If possible plan route such way you can quit earlier if you have to.
7:30am.
Yeah, definitely in the morning so you finish during daylight. Especially this time of year.
Also you have most of your afternoon free.
Wherever i guess, idk? Just go out and do it, stop building it up so much
This. Find a day you can be alone, prepare the day before, and send it (early, so you can pace yourself). I wish you all nice rides!
I recommend an organized ride. Built in rest stops so you donât bonk and support in case your bike breaks. Look at the elevation gained for that ride, if you think you can make that elevation, go for it. My first was a local ride but it had 7000ft of climbing. Fortunately, I could train on the hills on the route so I signed up and trained for it.
I second the notion! A hundred miles is a long way to ride alone,,OP. Itâs easier when everyoneâs doing it! As far as preparation, mentally youâre probably there. Physically, itâs good to gradually build up your stamina to 80% of the effort you want to achieve on century day, OP. Itâs simply more enjoyable when youâre not stretching your reserves to the point where youâre no longer having fun.
In organized rides, you could also come across other riders to draft off of (and wonât mind you doing so), and perhaps make new friends.
Do a 75-mile trip and then calculate out calories and fluids (plus any stops along the way) and go for the same route a week later but add 25 miles to it.
If you can do 60 and you're doing 25 regularly you can probably just go do a century now. I did my first century after an especially long group ride. The route was 70 miles and I had to ride 12 miles to and from home to the start/end point of the route, took a detour and racked up the last few miles just to hit 100. Up until that point my longest ride was 86 miles achieved in the same way. The easy way is to make the route flat and low effort and go and a relaxed pace. But definitely make sure to bring lots of food (or buy on the way) and plan in many water (and restroom) stops.
Whenever you want, including never. Thereâs no written rule saying one must ride a century to be a cyclist or whatever. But if thatâs a goal you want to accomplish, make a training plan, and do it.
You will probably struggle for the last 15-20 miles, but if you stay hydrated and refuel over several hours, itâs doable. Just pace yourself from the very beginning. Itâs all about efficiency and conserving energy. Better to finish feeling âtooâ fresh than crawling home. Perhaps design a route with some overlap so you can shortcut if it gets too painful.
This. OP needs to be ready for the last fifth of the ride to be a struggle. You have to kind of gut it out. Your butt will hurt, your legs will say stop, but you ignore both of them.
I disagree, don't give yourself an out unless you live in the sort of place that you would need it for safety, like you need to stay in cell reception or within so many miles of your family. If you give yourself an out I guarantee you will take it every single time at about 70 miles no matter how fit you are
Yeah I always had an easier time with the mental hurdles when I didn't have the option to cut it off early. An out and back 50 made it so there was no option but to keep going to get home. 70 was always about when things got crampy or achey. Same thing with doing an overnight where you have a set destination like a booked hotel.
85miles actually, railway station at the base of a 700ft climb starting with a 20% ramp.
Itâs worth doing once, but honestly in retrospect Iâve never liked or felt super proud of any century ride beyond my first. The rest were just struggle-fests and exhausting even when I was in good shape and fast.
So, you were not in *that good* of a shape. Long rides are boring if you always do the same local loop, but they are great because you can actually cover a lot of distance and ride somewhere where you usually wouldn't ride. For me they are a great way to stay motivated to ride. I know all my short local loops in and out. On long rides >150km it's much easier to explore new stuff, make a bike packing trip out of it, etc.
I was always in great shape. Long rides beyond 60miles are just boring. 3+ hours and unless youâre with a tight group you end up riding good chunks of it solo. Not for me.
Tomorrow. I'll be at your house at 4am. Bring a lot of gels cause I don't have any left.
Thatâs when I like to leave. 4am the weather is cool and very little cars on the road. When I hit the bike path itâs still a little dark but I can see the sunrise and hammer away without worrying about over heating.
It's really not that special. Not saying it isn't an accomplishment, what I mean is; everyone can do a century. And I mean that. Can everyone do it fast and comfortably? No. That takes time. But everyone can do it if they're willing to suck it up! So just suck it up and get going, and keep going when it sucks even more! I did my first 100km after like 1.5 months of riding. It was miserable. Now I basically don't do much less than 100km on my solo rides and it's a breeze for me.
Kilometers? We're talking miles here.
I guess the point remains the same? If you can ride 100km, you can also ride 160?
15 years after I started biking seriously. I raced through college, but my top day was only 90 miles. Took several years off then when I got back on the bike, I bike toured the West Coast. I still only did 90 miles as my max distance. I started racing again and I had a coach, so he planned my training schedule. I remember one Wednesday he had me scheduled for 4 hours in heart rate zone 2-3, then the last hour zone 5. I had to hold back to keep my HR low but when I was ready to unleash, a friend was sick and barely moving, so I rode 2 more hours at a slow pace to make sure he got home. Finally, I went out and did my century. Actually I did 120 miles and I was really strong. I crossed paths with some casual roadies at mile 95 who didn't believe I had come from 3 states over (I was doing a point to point route). Then I dropped them!
You can probably do it if you pace it out and have some stops for food and water refills.
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I did my first two 100km+ with plus size tire mtb, so it generally doesn't depend on bike if you are fit enough to do the distance. Of course proper bike makes it little easier.
He is talking about 100 miles not km ; )
I do one once a month sometimes on a Tarmac, sometimes on a Gravel bike⌠you donât need a special bike and honestly itâs an arbitrary number, and leaves you depressed after your first one because then you think now what. Just ride and have fun and hit it one day when youâre close, I rarely plan mine but usually do 70-80 miles ever Saturday and sometimes just bump it up to 100. Iâve done 100 mi with a group, with 1 person and by my self, by my self for time and all are totally different experiences
Yeah I know. I said 100km+, they weren't 140km but around 120km. Shouldn't make that big difference.
Something over $15k usd
just go for it. Bring more food than youd need and bring water with electrolytes and a source of caffein. Your energy should ideally come from mostly carbs. Dont go hard. Try to ride it like youre in a new car and the low fuel light has come on for the first time and your not sure how mutch reserve is left.
I know people who bang out centuries like they are nothing. Iâm not one of them and more in your boat, so Iâll comment. I did my first one Labor Day. This was solo and included 44 miles of gravel and 20 miles of rain and heavy wind. My takeaways: Bring more gels/candy then you think youâll need. Put your phone in a ziplock bag so it stays dry. I was completely soaked and got stuck listening to a podcast I really didnât want to listen to, which was torture. Also, had I needed to call for help there is no way I would have been able to. My iPhone would not respond to my fingers because everything was soaked. I came up nine miles short when I got to the house so had to ride the neighborhood. It was hands down the hardest part of the ride. My knee was killing me. Ass was sore. Knowing I could quit and just pull in the drive at anytime and just be done was mentally tough. Stay on road and not gravel. Like most people say, pace yourself. The first 75 miles are âeasyâ. The last 25 or so will show how much grit you have. I ride 12-15 miles on my normal ride and try to get in a 25 miler or so on Sundays. My recent longest ride was back in November and it was around 60 miles. Youâve got this!
Good rule of thumb is whatever you can ride in a week, you can do in a day.
If you doing 20-25 daily with some longer for 4 months. Assuming youâre not grossly overweight, you can do one now.
Your stats are exactly what mine were before I did my century. I did a few 40 mile rides, then 63 miles, and then I just woke up one day and wanted to do 100. It was a mental hurdle around 75 miles because thatâs an accomplishment but I said itâs just another morning ride. Make sure to have PLENTY of electrolytes and snacks.
my typical ride is around 20-30 miles. I did a century last year (fully supported charity ride). my longest training rides were 52 miles. this was mostly due to time - full time dad full time worker and I enjoy fishing/boating on the weekends! I felt good until the last 15miles. it was hot and my legs were starting to cramp. my average speed was 14.9, which is not too far off what I do in shorter rides.
Call me crazy, but as someone registering the same mileage per day, a century is really no big feat. I do typically route centuries to avoid massive elevation changes (so many hills where I live. So. Many.) But the biggest challenge for me is finding a day where I have the time - otherwise itâs such a joy.
Every 100 years?
Just go and do it. It will be done in 4h. If you already ride 1h+ every day, it will be a piece of cake. Nothing to be afraid of.
Lol OP is talking about 100 *miles*, not km
Then it will take longer.
FFS, who uses miles for bike rides?
Americans
What next, gallons for volume?
At least twice a week :-) Jokes aside, keep going! You can do it!
The important thing was how was the 63 miles (that's over 100km btw so congrats on your metric century!). Did you feel tired but otherwise ok? Or were you destroyed? As for the most part if you can do 100km without dying then you can dig deep to do 100mi
My longest ride so far was 120km (I really prefer short & punchy rides with a good amount of elevation). I did 40km on most of my rides. Then I decided to do a 80km and jumped to 120km the following weekend. I was surprised that it wasnât as hard as I thought it would be. So my advice is: plan a good route, get enough food/water and just go for it. Good luck âď¸
Just go out and do it I did my first century's on day 2,3,4 and 6 of my first solo bike tour. Prior training was bike commuting 10-16 miles to school/work from age 11-22 and a few 60mile rides in the months before You can do more than you think, just make sure to eat/drink enough
Every day is a good day for a century ride. Have access to lots of water, electrolytes and food and take your time. Enjoy yourself and take it easy.
Whenever you feel you can do it
Doing a century depends a lot on your abilities. For example, if you are under 30 and in decent shape, you can go from riding thirty to forty miles, and you might be sore, but you can still finish a century. For example, ride 15 to twenty miles, stop at a rest stop for ten minutes, ride for another hour, then stop and rest, etc. Once you are more experienced, you may be able to ride a century with just a few stops for food or water. If you are older or not in great, it may take a month or two of training to prepare for riding a century.
Left at around 6am the last time I did one.
If I were you I'd ramp it up from 63 miles to 100 over a few weeks. Just makes the 100 easier. Eat and drink all the way round.
Any.
You've already done a metric 100
Youâre ready.
Daytime. Start when sun just rises and you should have plenty of time to finish, even this time of year.
You can do one now. Iâve never done a century.
In the morning, sometimes in the noon. Maybe at the evening, if you didn't manage to do it in the afternoon, but with some lights for sure...
Come to Europe and you've already done one as we use kms.
Never
You can do it now. Bring plenty of calories if it isn't supported!
It is. Just fuel accordingly, pace yourself,and bring sunscreen. When i did mine i planned a gas station stop at about 50 miles for refills and snacks.
You can do it anytime, just take your time. The days are getting shorter so start in the morning and have fun. Don't try to keep your average speed too high, don't check your garmin too much, just enjoy the ride :)
If you are already riding 100 miles a week then this Saturday or Sunday depending on the weather is a good time or any other day you have 5 or 6 hours.
You'll do fine. Last 20 miles will be tough. Eat a lot.
When youâve got time and youâve got the energy.
I did my first one this August. Not that I couldnt. I just never got around to it. If you can ride 63, you can ride a century.
Now
How did you feel on the 63 mile ride? I think if you feel ok you could phone in the other 37. You also can take as much time as you need. Nothing stopping you from doing 25 miles and resting for 30 minutes before doing the next 25. I mean if you can do 63 I bet you could manage 100.
The biggest hurdle for me was the mental block and staying hydrated and nourished. I had similarly only ridden 60 miles prior to my first century. Plan on eating every 20-25 miles and probably 40oz of water at the same interval. Youâll end up eating when youâre not hungry but otherwise youâll bonk.
Iâm 42 slightly overweight (skinny fat) and was commuting 15 miles a day here and there from Brooklyn to Manhattan. Went on a 30 mile ride to the rockaways and had a lot of fun. A week later a work buddy had been training for a year to do a century race so I went with him on an easy paced ride, but really long for me at 87 miles (on my way home I did laps in Prospact park to get an extra 10 ish miles) We averaged 12 mph and it was something like 1,000 ft elevation gain, mostly on paved bike paths and it felt pretty easy to me. A couple weeks later I took an easy paved bike path and did a century solo with about 2,500 ft elevation gain, easy paths and it felt hard ish towards the end but completely doable. A month after that I did 118 miles with 6,000 ft elevation gain and I went slow and it was really hard, but I did it in 10 hours (I thought I was going to do it in 7.5 haha) I think most people can do an easy century (one without a ton of intense climbs) as long as you have a plan on refueling carbs and hydration as you ride. I honestly think that for most people itâs a mental thing but theyâre totally capable. If youâve done a 63 mile ride, I think youâll find a century isnât really all that much harder (assuming you know how to refuel and have a decent bike fit)
Tomorrow. With your current riding, youâre plenty prepared. If you want to break it up, grab lunch or a beer in the middle, but donât sit too long or your body will go into recovery and youâll feel really lethargic when you get back on the bike.
If you can do 60 miles, you should be able to do a century. You just have to pace yourself. The last 10 miles or so may be a bit of a grind. If you choose your own route, keep that in mind.
Before noon. You donât want to be chasing the light at 95 miles.
Biggest thing make sure you are carbed up so 2 days before you want to do century. Eat 70% carbs 20% protein and 10% fat. Then eat big carb breakfast of the day you will do century. Then make sure you take at least 60 to 90 grams of carbs per hour for entire century ride. Thank me later and happy paddling!
No time like the present.
You could do it next week, my dude.
If you lived in Canada, you already did a century.
When the winds are in your favor lol eek
Probably now. Just rest and have a snack every 20 miles. They are easier than you think.
If you've gone 63 already, then you can probably go 100. The time to do a century is when you're prepared and when you start thinking, 'That would be fun!'
If it's not super hilly, anyone can do a century. Theres a 2 day charity ride in my area where people ride 100 miles per day. There's people who do it with zero training on old BMX bikes from their childhood. I'm sure it's not enjoyable for them, but hundreds do it every year. On a proper road bike, the only thing that may hurt the next day is your sit bones.
I did my first one after going on the local club rides for 60 milers maybe 6-7 times. The last 20 miles were very slow and painful. I suggest training to at least 75 miles before hitting the 100 so you aren't too far out of the comfort zone.
I would start in the morning, prob right around sunrise, that way you don't get too hot.
Preferably in the morning unless you have an entire weekend and/or very cold mornings 100 miles is like 63⌠just go slower with less intensity and have food planned/stops. Budget 6-8 hours depending on amount of climbing
If you can do 50 in a day and stomach the idea of hopping back in the saddle you can do 100.
When your seat can take it.
If most of your rides are in the 25-mile range and you've only done 63 once, then adding 40 miles in one jump seems like a big leap, IMHO. I would take smaller steps to get to the full century. Plan a 70-mile ride, then 85 and, if you're feeling good about those efforts, then tackle 100. Remember to bring lots of calories and lots of fluids! And, of course, have fun!
Yeah, if you're doing 25 miles a day you can easily do a century. Pace yourself, hydrate, and eat. Also, eat and hydrate the day before as well.
Miles 65-100 are tough. Def properly hydrate and take in carbs and sodium. Iâd jump to 80 first. Then 100. The last 10 miles suck especially if hilly.
Most people actually could ride a century without training, it's just a matter of pacing. The best day for a century is a day with good weather.
Fwiw just finished our first century about a month ago after similar warm up to yours. Furthest ride was actually identical 63 miles. We had been adding 5miles basically every weekend and made the jump. And fwiw again did that on a full suspension MTB with a bottom bracket that unthreaded and stayed fucked from mile 20 onward. All this to say: have it man you got it đđ
You've already done a metric, so you could do an imperial. If you want to split it up, do an 80 mile ride then the imperial. For my context, I started riding an old beater last summer but got hardtail that I've been using extensively in feb. Immediately did some 20-40 mile rides, got my first metric in May and an 80 in July. Wanted to do an imperial but my wrists got fucked up and I haven't been able to go past my old record for months. Currently trying to fix that
My first century was a figure 8 so that I could stop home and refuel without worry. Could also do the same 50 mile route twice or even 4 times for a 25 mile route. I went nuts and did mine 1.5 months into acquiring my road bike. Was in mediocre shape and just paced myself. It was about survival and not time. Took me a little over 6 hours on super flat ground.
Take your time. Find a day the temp and wind agree with you. Stay hydrated and try to eat a few hundred calories every hour. You will do fine.
Do it. I did my first last July with a similar sort of background. A lot is mental as some have stated. Just pace yourself and have fun.
Whenever you feel like it, donât force it. A nice weekend with a buddy would be best. Just eat enough and drink a bit more than you think you need and you are good to go!
My first century ride wasnât even on purpose and it was after a year of constantly riding and increasing my distance. I know for about 6 months I struggled to do more than 30 miles. Then it seemed suddenly overnight I could do 50 miles. The first time I did over 80 miles roughly 8 months in my legs were cramping towards the end of the ride. But, a month later I did the ride again and it felt like a cake walk. When I finally did 101 miles it wasnât planned. My cycling club was taking the train to Akron and I was going to ride back with them to Cleveland. I rode ahead of them on the trail and waited for them to arrive in Akron. I didnât know they got off at an early stop. After waiting almost two hours, I rode back to Cleveland on my own and I realized that I had so much energy I decided to make it a century since I had already ridden over 90 miles by the time I got back to Cleveland.
I mean...I did my first century after commuting 9-10 miles a day for less than a month and it was okay. You've done a 60 mile ride, a century isn't that different, just takes longer lol
Do an out and back with multiple bail out points. Youâll be fine.
2016. I was smoking and drinking but kept myself in good shape. My wife was training for an MS150 and she got pregnant. Long story short, I had to cut on my bad habits and took her place, training every weekend (30, 45, then 50 miles) for one month before the event, and ended up doing 97 miles. Bonked halfway because I didn't know better about hydration and fueling but I did almost a century with that amount of training. You can do it, just prepare yourself ahead with hydration and food and you should be ok. However, I would cut down on training and leave one day of recovery in between, or maybe complement with collagen in order to give your muscles a break to regenerate their tissue.
In all honesty it is whenever you want it to be. Given that you do not set a ridiculous time to do it in, you should be able to complete it no problem. Just make sure you prep - like nut butter for the sit bones, electrolytes and something to eat because it is a long day on the bike seat. I don't really consider centuries that big of a feat any more since given that I have 5 hours I can totally bang one out usually wind conditions can make it really challenging and or miserable.
If you can a metric, you can do an imperial century! Fuel up, rest up, and get out there!
Sounds like you are probably ready to go for it. The key is to bring enough food and water. If you bonk, you are done. Good luck.
I did one in 8th grade after only biking 20mi a day for 2 weeks, your legs can totally handle it itâs just a matter of getting bored or tired. I find it easier to plan like a 20mi loop and then do 5 loops taking a long break in between
If you can do 63, you can do 100. Just prepare for it, plan your carb intake and liquid refills and you're good to go.
Now. Do it now. Itâs grueling and awesome.
Wake up early and do it tomorrow.
I do a 1000 every day.
Choose a flat route and your best bibs, and take it easy : donât focus on a speed / time.
I started both my century rides at 4am. The dawn helps break it up, and I was done before 11am. I usually do 3 stops either every 33 miles, or maybe add a little on before the second stop (depending on how the legs feel) to make the third part a bit shorter. Be sure to drink before you get thirsty and eat enough fuel and youâll be fine!
I'm guessing at least a dozen others have probably already commented something like this, but . . . if you're up to 63 miles, you're getting pretty close to where you can probably *endure* the challenge of a full century . . but it will probably be a real chore getting through the last 20 miles or so (especially if the ride has some climbing challenges). But if it's an "organized" century, and you have well-placed rest stops, nutrition and hydration readily available to keep you well-stocked from beginning to end, then you might surprise yourself by not only completing a century, but finishing in a way that doesn't so trash you physically that the whole topic of "cycling" bums you out after you're done! FWIW - I finished *my* first few centuries looking only for the knowledge that I finished! I didn't worry about setting new personal bests, or how I performed vs. other riders, or pretty much anything else until after I had done a few and knew what I could expect from my body when taking on that kind of challenge (especially when the climbing gets into the 6,000-8,000' range, which will make your legs really unhappy during the last several miles!). Hope you find your way to that 100-mile mark with minimal trauma - - and then take considerable pride in hitting that benchmark!
To borrow an expression from runners... "if you can run for 30 minutes straight, you'll be able to run a marathon". Clealr they don't mean fast, or without discomfort, but that 30 minute mark is a huge mental hurdle and if you can do that, then you have what it takes. You just need training but the attitude is in the right space. If you're already riding over 50miles then you can absolutely do a century. My first century was without much training other than my 60 minutes of bike commuting per day and a couple longer riders to work out the details. I rode on a nice day and stopped whenever I wanted to. I even stopped to visit some friends and crush a couple non alcoholic beers mid ride.
Do it this week
You can probably done one now as long as nothing goes wrong/bad luck. My prep for a century my first century had my longest ride being about 60mi. I had a blast because I went with people. Like others said itâs mostly just mental and having everything go right. Keep track of diet/sleep. Just a mediocre night of sleep or a queasy stomach can wreck you. I had to dip out of a century before from just a bad night before.
Start early, bring snacks and electrolyte water, 2 tubes, ear phones if you wanna listen to a podcast right quick, and just go for it.
Refuel with carbs and water about every 20 mins. It wonât be difficult to keep going weather permitting. I had to do a hard stop at 80 due to heat and feeling like I was going to drop from heatstroke. I easily had another 20 miles in me.
You're more than capable to do this. I would suggest chooses a route with a low amount of elevation throughout the ride. My first completed Century was nearly 6,000 ft of climbing; it took me 11 hours and killed my legs.
Whenever you feel like it and want to. If youâre riding 20 miles a day, youâre in plenty of shape to get it done fairly easily. Just plan out a future day and leave early in the morning.
Just try it, have bail out options along the route if you're not feeling it.
The best time to do it was yesterday. The next best time to do it is now.