Planning my first Century

[albion]

That's the thing. There's 'doing 100' and 'doing 100'.

I've lugged 45KG 150k in my youth and as already mentioned its about pacing yourself.
I use both a road and a heavier hybrid for long rides with no real preference.

The routes are different but I guess I would do the same route 1 to 1.5 mph faster by road bike.

 

[Matthew_T]

I don't know if Matthew's ride is going to be a hilly one, so I was just offering a tip on how to make a hilly ride easier.

The first 30/40 miles are flat but it then kicks up as I enter the Clwydian Valley. I would of course pace myself properly as to not get too tired too early.

 

[BimblingBee]

Not sure when you are planning this but the A5 from betws-pentrefoelas can be very busy with tourist traffic. There is a alternative on minor roads than run roughly parallel to the south, although these are slightly more hilly. The A5 in Bethesda area is ok though with slightly straighter and quieter roads. Nice ride planned. All the hills are pretty steady.

 

[Rupie]

When I did my first 100m, last spring it was very hot and I stopped oftern for drinks and snacks. It was around the Cotswolds. Although I did lots of training the thing that caught me out was not running out of energy to pedal but my back got tired. I then ended up leaning forward resting on the handle bar, which in turn gave me great discomfort in my shoulders, elbows and hands.

 

[Ningishzidda]

Exercising for extended periods of time without adequate rest is not just a simple case of swallowing carbohydrate.

Don't forget 'Fatigue'. It is well documented. Wilson and Whitt, as I've already mentioned.

 

[Rupie]

In the 7 1/2 hrs it took me I was moving for 6 1/2. The weather was just boiling hot so I drunk lots of liquids, so more stops were needed. I did not run out of energy, I agree, its not all about fuel, but body strength as well.