Riding a century is my goal for '05. Anybody done this? Any pointers. I will be kicking off my trainging pretty hard here in the next 2 weeks or so. How long should this training take? I will be riding probably 3-4 times a week (I hope).

Anyone in Dallas who might wanna be a training partner for this endeavor, email me thriller@tamu.edu

[This message has been edited by thriller03 (edited 4/5/2005 1:19p).]

Good luck on the endeavor!

A couple of tips:
- Make sure you get your long rides in...If you are riding 3 - 4 times a week, one of those needs to be a reasonably long ride (50 miles or more).
- Make sure you eat and drink enough during the riding. This is the most common downfall of century riders. Without the fuel, you can go nowhere!

I've never done this, but I've heard that you can get away with training once or twice a week, as long as your taking long rides.

I've done quite a few centuries in my day.

That was good advice by Sooner Born.

You will need to be doing at least a 60-70 mile ride before you attempt 100. Water and food is key on the ride. Skittles are a good carryon as well. Little packets of sugar-filled rocket fuel.

I remember bonking (kind of like hitting the wall in a marathon) about 70 miles into my first century. Someone was actually giving me a push as I peddaled. I stopped at a store and got some coke. That sugar got me home that day.

Don't do your first century alone. There are plenty of cycling clubs in Dallas, so find someone to ride with.

I can't tell you how long it will take because I don't know what your fitness background is. I'd say at least two months if you body is used to endurance training.

[This message has been edited by dave99ag (edited 4/6/2005 6:48a).]

The sugar advice could backfire on you though. You could get a lot of energy real quick and then bonk.

I'd stick with energy bars, fruit, lots of water/sports drink, and maybe a little sugar towards the end if needed.

If its your first one, you might want to stop periodically, every 10-20 miles, and stretch. But don't stop too long, your legs will get stiff, stay loose.

Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 2006

i'll drive along side you in my air conditioned SUV and be your "team car" ...so long as you pay for my gas.(@ 2.00 + gallon and ~16 miles/gallon) that way I can keep fresh fruit, energy bars, and cold water for you, while I listen to sports radio and enjoy the drive.

thanks mike, maybe i can even call you Johann for the day.

Venga! Venga! Venga!

anything to help!

The Katy Flatlands in July (I think) is a great one to get your first century. Flat roads . . . .

April 30 Bob & Kay Wilson – Keller Williams Realty Tour de FLOW, San Marcos, TX.
10, 20, 40, 62, 100 mile routes through the scenic backroads surrounding San Marcos www.flowcares.org or www.bobandkay.com.

This could be good too!

Good luck!

the one in July might be a good goal...

april 30 won't work...too soon, plus the little brother is getting hitched that day

Thriller, if you want to head back to B/CS on May 1st you can do a metric century in the Mayday Challenge.

www.maydaychallenge.com