100 miles - Reassurance Sought

[Hip Priest]

I've done quite a few 50 milers this year, and two 70 milers. On Sunday I'm going to attempt 100 miles and I'm already a bit nervous! How was your first century? Did you build up more gradually or did you just go for it?

 

[mcshroom]

Before my first century my furthest ride was 72 miles. I dumped myself 100 miles from home by train and then had to ride home

Try not to shoot off out of the blocks, and remember to keep eating and drinking as you go along. If you can do 70 miles then you should be fine

 

[Banjo]

Plus one to what Mcshroom says.

I had only done a couple of 60 milers before doing a century. So long its not over tougher terrain than you are used to you will be fine.

 

[MattHB]

I'd only done one 60 and some 50's when I did my first 100. I finished easily and could have done at least another 20.

Just take enough fuel and water and remember to pace yourself and you'll be fine.

 

[Hip Priest]

Cheers all. You're all saying what I want to hear!

 

[potsy]

Another one here that had not done more than 65 miles before, I then thought doing 115 would be a good idea
You'll be fine as long as you pace yourself and get the food/drink right

 

[MattHB]

Cheers all. You're all saying what I want to hear!

Your base mileage this year is all I need to see to know you can do it

 

[Cheshire Celt]

I was talked into my first 100 plus a few weeks back I was never told about the 11000 ft of climbing lol . Drink plenty and keep eating good luck

 

[MattHB]

I was talked into my first 100 plus a few weeks back I was never told about the 11000 ft of climbing lol . Drink plenty and keep eating good luck

 

[DCLane]

Take your time, eat and drink regularly - you'll be fine.

My first 100+ was in June, after getting to 75-80 quite a lot. I set out a decent route and made the day of it - covering 117 miles at good speed. It had to have worked; 2 weeks later I did 170+ and have done 100+ in July, August & September.

 

[Eribiste]

We're all intrigued now, and will want to know how it went! I've only done a metric century, but what I did was watch the computer and tell myself all the milestones; half way, 45 miles, 10 to go etc. etc. plus a wine gum treat out of the back pocket at the top of each hill and so on.
All the best, and let us all know.

 

[Steve H]

Before my first century my furthest ride was 72 miles. I dumped myself 100 miles from home by train and then had to ride home

Try not to shoot off out of the blocks, and remember to keep eating and drinking as you go along. If you can do 70 miles then you should be fine

I chose a similar method. Got the train to Scarborough and rode home to West Yorkshire. I had my mobile and plenty of cash in case I got really stuck, but it was a great adventure. Loved every minute of it.

 

[Cyclist33]

I've done quite a few 50 milers this year, and two 70 milers. On Sunday I'm going to attempt 100 miles and I'm already a bit nervous! How was your first century? Did you build up more gradually or did you just go for it?

If I can do it, you can, believe me!

My first one (well, all of them actually) was very slow, and it was a jump from 54 miles one Saturday to 104 the next. To be fair I had a large piece of Cake 46 miles in, which helped, and was riding with a bunch of miscreants from Cycle Chat, which also helped. I found it useful to think of the ride as 4 rides of roughly 25 miles. Best thing is to have a powersnack every half hour, like a fig roll or half a snickers or whatever floats your boat.

I've struggled with the final 20 miles each time, to be honest.

Stu

 

[mrandmrspoves]

Once you have done 70 miles a couple of times, you have the ability and stamina to just keep pedaling....and pedaling.
I jumped from 70 to 105 earlier this year (previously cycled 100 miles 27 years ago.....so I knew I could do it!)
Take your time - but try and maintain a good average speed. We only averaged 12.6mph so no records - (but one of my friends collided with me half way round so we did the last 40 odd miles more slowly as he had broken his wrist!)
Just bear in mind it gets dark quickly this time of year so ensure you carry good lights even if you plan to complete in day light - because you never know....
Best of luck and do post to say how you got on.

 

[ColinJ]

I had done a few hilly rides of 60-70 miles before I decided to do a century. I didn't feel that 100 flattish miles would be a problem so I signed up for the Manchester 100. That felt about the same level of effort overall.

Good luck on Sunday. Remember to take a few photos and report back here!