Tips needed for my first 100 miles.

[Katherine]

It's two weeks until the Manchester 100. I have been wondering why did I ever sign up! I have been gradually building up the miles and trying to do more regular longer rides. Feeling better since I did my first 80 mile ride last Tuesday and I'll be aiming for another 80 miles tomorrow.
I'll be at my parents for a few days at the end of the week and I think I will have to take my bike to get a few miles in but I can't be out all day. I'll probably do a couple of early 35 ish miles rides to be back mid morning as there's lots of family stuff going on.

So, question : how many rides /miles do I do in the week leading up to the big day?
I'm free Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Working Friday. Plenty of jobs to be done at home the rest of the time.

I plan to take cash and snacks and to have several stops.
The bike is working well at the moment, though I plan to get new brake pads as the back disc feels a bit soft.

Anything else?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Spinney]

Several days rest beforehand.
If you can do 80 you can do 100.

I try to do a 100 mile ride every year, but as I am often a lazy slob over the winter I need to build up to it. I did my century a couple of weeks ago - the longest ride this year before that was about 65 miles.

On the day, have plenty to drink as well, even if the weather is not particularly warm. If there are feed stations you should be able to go to the loo there if you need to.

Good luck with it!

 

[ianrauk]

If you've done 80 miles then a step up to 100 is not too hard. Especially as you will (I am guessing) be doing the ride with many others. There will be plenty of people in the same position as yourself.
There's no need for any specific training leading up to the ride. Just get on your bike and ride. If you can do a fair few miles at an easy pace before hand then all well and good.


At the start do not hare off trying to keep up with others. Take it at a comfortable pace. Find a group or individuals that are cycling the same speed and pace as yourself. If the pace picks up then drop back to find another group.

Keep drinking and eating on the go. Light bites are good. Cut up pork pies, Nuts. fruit bars etc, food that you like and is easy to digest. Try to stop half way for some real food. Burger and chips, fish and chips, Ice Cream, cakes etc if you are up to that. It's good refuelling for the second half.
I am guessing you are no racing snake (I hope that doesn't come across as rude, it's not meant to be), so there's no need for tabs, gels or such like.

Above all, enjoy the cycling, enjoy being with other like minded people and enjoy the day for what it is. The miles will soon pass under tyre.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Relax, enjoy it, don't over-think it.

Make sure any changes to your bike, like brake pads, have been bedded in with a short ride.

Write a list of things not to forget for the day, so you won't be stressing and faffing around on the day.

 

[rugby bloke]

As above - take it easy in the final week, no point starting the ride with tried legs. When I do my 100 mile ride I would do a couple of 15 mile rides in the final week. My longest training ride is normally 75 miles, the remaining distance can be bridged with a bit of determination and grit.

On the ride drink and eat often - try to take on board a mixture of sugar and carbs.

Finally - enjoy the ride !

 

[raleighnut]

I'd echo @ianrauk 's advice, start off slow and ride at a pace that you are happy with and try to stay 'relaxed' on the bike. Good luck.

 

[iggibizzle]

As said if you can do 80 you can do 100. The Manc 100 is pretty flat but it can get windy out there on those Cheshire flats!! Just do what you normally do but eat a bit more before your 80 mile. You'l wonder what the fuss was about. As for the week before, I wouldn't particularly change your routine. Just don't do 100 the day before

 

[Globalti]

The Cheshire 100 is mostly flat so it will require the same effort as 50 miles in Lancashire. Just be aware that you'll be in the saddle for over 6 hours so take plenty of snacks and two bottles with an energy supplement (maltodextrin) and an electrolyte tab in each. Rest during the week leading up to the ride, eat a decent breakfast, fit mudguards if rain looks likely, carry a couple of inner tubes and some cash. Try to get on the wheel of a slightly faster rider if you can and don't be reluctant to share the work on the front. Your squidgy rear brake might just need bleeding, not new pads. If you're on a bike with knobbly tyres, swop them for road slicks.

 

[GuyBoden]

Knowing how to ride safely in a group.

 

[Banjo]

Just do what you did on your 80 mile ride and you will be fine.

Dont try anything new on the day stick to food and drink you have used before on rides.

Ride very little in the week before so you start out with fresh legs.

Ride gently enjoy the day.

 

[ColinJ]

Your body is ready, it's just your mind that isn't - yet!

If you tackle something fairly demanding such as a century ride before you are fit enough then you suffer a lot and it puts you off doing it again. OTOH, complete one just once when you are fit enough not to suffer too much, and you will forever know that it is something that you can do.

As long as the weather is ok, and you avoid illness, injury, and bike problems then with the right attitude (I CAN do this and I WILL do this!) and approach (eating and drinking enough, and riding at a sustainable pace) you will do just fine.

 

[si_c]

Best advice I can give is don't worry about it. You've already done a couple of 80 mile rides, so you should be able to pace yourself to the end. You've already said that you'll make sure you have plenty of food and water with you so that's covered. I find that electrolyte drinks make riding longer distances easier, so use High 5 tabs, but that's up to you.

Other than that I wouldn't worry too much, and I certainly wouldn't change too much before the ride, just stick with what you're comfortable with.

 

[User33236]

Don't do it..... you'll just want to end up going further next ride

 

[ayceejay]

In terms of the mental approach make sure you do the 100 miles in the proper order.

 

[potsy]

Is it too late to get your money back?