Up to now the most I have done is 56 miles, but that was on a Trek hybrid. I've just bought my first road bike, so longer distances should be easily obtainable. 🚴♂️💨
I do like how Hank said a century ride could take around 4hrs. Yeah, for us mere mortals, it's going to take 6hrs at least. Not many of us are averaging 25mph. :)
That made me laugh too when he said: "You could be on the bike for 4 1/2 and EVEN up to 6 hours." I have my first century this August (Tour de Victoria) and remember thinking if it's JUST 6 hours I'll be singing hallelujahs😅
My first 163 km took 8hrs of riding. It had 1870m of elevation, it was a quite cold day and I was riding alone. But even with more favorable conditions, no way I could do it in 4hrs.
I recommend doing your first century as part of supported t-shirt ride. They have stops along the way with snacks, drinks, bathrooms and sag support. Plus, your entry fee typically gets you a t-shirt, lunch and beer. But, the biggest advantage is the energy you feel riding in a group. The last 25-30 can be pretty tough if solo and having other riders share the workload makes a huge difference.
I've done a few of those big festival century rides. I learned that the aid stations are a hassle for a few bananas, you can sit on some wheels and draft, but there are a LOT of people who don't have group riding experience and are unable to keep a steady pace or hold their line. You also have the club guys blowing through like it's their TTT. Sketchy.
@@charliedillon1400 I have only done solo centuries for this reason. Go at my pace, I'm not slowing people down or pushing too hard to keep up. Save the intense stuff for small group rides.
@@Bosco-nq2kk a group ride is quite good. Yes you will find those with little group experience but in the long run it makes for a more enjoyable experience in my opinion.
i did my first century last year and it was one of the most difficult things I've ever done in my life. i am 6-2, 280 pounds, i've had 4 knee surgeries, and had a herniated disc at the time. i was able to work through the discomfort, but when i hit miles 92 i was virtually dead. i did not bonk, but i was overheated, and felt like throwing up. i completed the 100 miles, had to crawl on all fours up the stairs, and could not enjoy my post ride celebratory meal. i had to eat my burrito one bite at a time for over an hours. but i am so happy i did that.
Most people don’t enjoy the ride while they’re doing it. Round about 70-80 miles - tired but with still a non- trivial way to go, you could reasonably ask yourself “ why the hell did I start this!?” The fun is the grim satisfaction at having achieved it, while enjoying a well-earned beer at the end 👍🍺
@@davidburgess741 no kidding. it was in October with an overcast. it was a cool day, but i was hotter than a furnace. when i got home i placed ice packs around my neck, armpits, and between my legs where the femoral arteries goes through.
@@litespud luckily 20 percent of the ride was along the coast, which was fun. that i enjoyed. but once i got back inland. it was hell. no fun what so ever. once i recovered and ass was no longer sore, i was able to look back and relish on my accomplishment.
JUST did 61 miles and 7,000 feet in preparation for a 106/12000 in June! Fueling was huge, and taking breaks. Towards the end after some killer climbs I had to rest for a few minutes but made it home safe and strong. 210 pounds is a lot to carry up big pitches lol.
I've done several centuries by now and by far the most important advice from Hank is to pace yourself. When pacing, I ended my century sprinting to the finish and was ready for more. Another time I got excited and pushed hard at the 50-mile mark and the last mile was absolute torture. So now, I simply dial in the power I know is sustainable and just ride at that power level till the end.
Great advice. I'm doing RideLondon 100 at the end of May for Blood Cancer UK - which I am recovering from (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia). I'm 62 and a cyclist for 40 years. I've done a couple of centuries previously. I started following the training plan they send out but then figured that 2 hourly gym sessions twice a week, weekly studio cycling stints and a long ride every week should see me through!
I literally planned my first ever Century ride on Komoot this morning, infact it actually turned out being 101 miles, so at least I will be able to say I've rode OVER 100 miles. I will probably attempt it around September time, as my fitness usually peaks around Sep/Oct each year. I've also just bought a Ribble Endurance SL, so I can't wait for the epic rides to come in 2023.
My charity cycling team and I will be doing Copenhagen to Paris in a week. With 6 centuries in a row. Training has started with 60 km and I am both excited and scared about the prospect of those many kilometers.
@@gcn was all road. Only had to be on one major highway. Mostly back rural roads! You all should come ride in the Appalachian Mountains sometime. Lots of epic scenery and great climbing!
Great advice Hank. I did an epic last summer and my advice to add is don’t do it on the hottest day of the year and expect it to go well! Even setting off mega early, we still ended up riding in blistering heat so dehydration was a real problem as the refreshment stops were a little sparse!
When was younger and putting in 450 miles a week, I used to tell people that 100 miles is not twice as hard as 50 miles, it is much harder. I feel that it is important work up to a 100 miles by gradually increasing to that distance.
I’m a 50 yo male, 6’1” 255lbs 20% body fat, new to biking, been biking for a year. I’m doing an organized century ride tomorrow, I have done 60 miles at 16mph average. Wish me luck!
Seen a couple of these "100 mile" videos on GCN but this was my second favourite, after Connor's one, fun, informative and makes me want to just get out there and do it :)
Currently training up to do my first century in the last 20 years. I've done several in younger years and always struggled with my food intake. I was eating too much. Now I'm knocking out 60 mile rides on just gels and maybe one sandwich or bar. Another tip; plan a route that finishes with a long downhill, so those last brutal miles are easier. Oh yeah, and take some weed.
bike check: make sure your bike in optimum condition. make an M check - tire, moving parts, brake hydration: bring enough water bottle. thermal insulated bottles work well, but i prefer insulated bottles like hydroflask to keep water temp. train: do short ride like 20km in two weeks. better if you can add short uphills as part of endurance training. map your ride: better study your routes and stops. for beginners, 10kms stops is good to manage stamina. energize: bring energy bars, but i prefer snickers.
I've only ever done 100 miles once last summer. I did it on my own, and had to cycle around my town at the end. As I had only done 99 miles by the time I got home. I was very tempted just to leave it a 99 miles on strava lol. Going to try it again this summer on my new endurance bike, as appose to my 15 year old Ribble 7005 audax.
All good advice. Also, just do it. I did my first century at age 14 on a 28 lb steel Motobecane wearing tennis shoes. It was a cycling club century ride with great food stops. That's a great way to go if the option is available. Comradery and food definitely help.
Definitely people should not be afraid of it, especially events where you've got rest stops and SAG support if things go south. Fear of failure will keep you from an incredible ride.
@Global Cycling Network I did 66 miles a couple of years ago and have done similar before that, including some 50 mile mtb marathons. However, I underwent a lobectomy last year to remove a tumour from my right lung, so it's first since then.
My first solo 100 miles was fueled by lots of gels and some pizza, also I never actually trained. By the time I did the ride I cycled about 3000 more before hand. Consistency is key. Just keep riding and you'll eventually have enough endurance!
Im looking forward to get back on the saddle after a rather long winter break, 100 miles is a tad out of reach but a 100k is certainly within my grasp.
I do like the optimism of 'up to 6 hours in the saddle'. I suspect that speed is outwith my capacity at least. (I average about 22kph on 100km rides, longest 120km still hoping to get to 160km this year - but will need a longer day :) )
@@gcn I've just done the maths - I'm on a 10 000 km challenge for this year - and I'm now just 9km short of 3 000 km for the year so far. Averaging over 50 km every day in March so far. This is static bike only (hey, I have to work as well!). But the setting is (I think) 180w.
Furthest I've ever rode is 50 miles that I was NOT in condition to ride. I learned a lesson, if you are going to go rowing on a river, row up stream first and ride the current back. Those 25 miles coming back was a killer.
4 and a half to 6 hours for 100 miles for a regular rider? Are you in the real world? That's about 23 mph down to 16.6 mph. Not the average cyclist, mate.
I'll tell you right now a century is NOT as hard as you think it is. I'm slow, old, and fat, and I've done a century. It took me 8.5 hours total (about 7:19 moving time, but there were 5 well stocked rest areas on this ride). The single biggest thing is mental. You've got to go in with the mindset that you're going to spend the day on the bike. Don't think about the end or how long you've been riding; this is what you're doing today. If you went somewhere and toured around on your bike sight-seeing, you wouldn't be thinking about the miles would you? Same mindset here. The hardest part for many mentally, myself included is the middle third of the ride, so from about 33 to 66 miles. Once you clear that and you can see sort of see the finish line, it gets much easier mentally (but not physically). I echo the warning of someone below: At about the 75 mile mark or so many experience somewhat of a crash of fatigue. Be super vigilant during this for your safety and allow yourself time to just "noodle". Make sure you keep your head up during this noodle time and be extra aware of your surroundings. It will pass in a few miles. If you're doing this as part of an event, don't be afraid to talk to other riders. They're generally very friendly at these sort of events (and the ones who are serious are way up the road from you anyway). Final Tip: Strava or it didn't happen.
Im doing my first grandfondo in June. The Marmotte, so videos like these are great for someone like me who just trys to do it more mentally over physically When cycling
Finally! GCN name dropped Philly! Fun fact, NYC and Philly messengers do that century ride all the time. Track bikes, street clothes, with a bag on our backs!
I’ve relied of the gospel according to GCN since I took up cycling, but still rely on Si Richardson’s advice most, “ride your bike, ride your bike, ride your bike”
@Global Cycling Network well, not really. I was a newbie when i tried. I just watched some videos to learn from others (gcn,...), i bought what i needed (clothes,...) and more important : i had a goal : for the first one, i wanted to reach my family (they took the car). One last thing : I enjoyed all my trips, even when cycling during the night. It was new for me as well so incredible experience.
On century rides in the rural US, where cafes and other sources of refreshment are not always available, I always take my Camelbak plus two 20 oz. bottles. Stuffed in my Camelbak are numerous nutrition bars. For me this works fine for both road and mountain biking.
Saturday 9th September 2023 was the date of a charity event I do every year. Normally I cycle 50 miles or so in a shirt and tie in a pair of chinos on my very ancient Carlton Corsa. This year it was 32 degrees celsius and a head wind for 90% of the planned route, the year I had chosen to do my first 100 mile ride. I managed to cycle 102 miles. I did move to three pairs of boxers under the chinos. The last 7 miles went on forever. I had done a 77 mile ride before but 100 miles seems a lot further. I am properly awestruck by everyone that does a 100 mile ride especially if they can do it in 6 hours or less it took me ages. Fortunately I managed to stay fueled and hydrated pretty much throughout but there were moments when I know I ran low on sugars.
I've done Chase The Sun a couple of times which is a great ride. I've always felt if you can do a good 60 mile ride without being shattered then 100 miles is attainable as long as you pace yourself.
@@gcn Fine the first time, second time I had had a bad knee so hadn't ridden much. My longest ride before the day was 47 miles that I'd ridden in March. TBH, the plan was to just ride to Bromley with my mates and then stop. They stopped for coffee so I thought I'd try to get to the next stop as I thought they'd soon catch me up. Trouble is, I'm competitive and stupid so after 80 miles I decided I'd try and complete the route. Only plan was to stop at every town and eat loads, which I did until 40 miles from the end when there were no shops open. I was so tired by the end of the event that I missed the main route in to Burnham and actually rode around the back of it and crossed the finishing line the wrong way! My mates never did catch me and I still loved the day!
I’m doing a century mountain bike ride this Fall with around 25-30k total elevation. I have a marathon this May, then switching focus to my bike. Thanks for the tips
I did a 32km ride originally as a king distance gravel ( old railway line ride ) doubled it up now and again to then Ride up the highest old railway line in England. That got me to my first ultra and a APN ( yikes the weather ) eventually over the 18 months to the North Cape 4000. Everyone can have an adventure just do a tiny bit more than you have done before and it’s enough. It doesn’t have to be round the world. Just maybe a county away.
Nutrition and Hydration is key not just bicycling, I recently did my first 10K Run (I walked most of it) but at the 5k mark I ate a power bar and on the last KM I used one of those SIS power gels and they both worked, I didn't have the after run stiffness or soreness I usually get. I did drink water along the way, I has a small bottle with me and took advantage of the water stations along the way. I find that doing both Bicycling and Walking-Running compliment each other they use different muscles, the walking help with keeping my Bones strong and at 60 with a bit of Arthritis that's important and the Bicycling helps with my cardio and I its just fun to ride my bike. Bicycling prepping for long distance I remember an old saying from my time in the Military the 5 P's: Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance. Cheers.
The old 100 in 8 rides with the CTC had the 3 stops 11s lunch afternoons tea .. Was quite a civilised way to go about for a first go. The 20 plus riders helped as well at a nice steady pace ..
My wife's great uncle used to ride over here to visit, 40 miles on an old steel bike. Had a cup of tea then rode back. 80 miles and thought nothing of it. They truly were the greatest generation.
i recommend instead of doing combo of carbohydrate bar / gel / cookies / and water, its better to use isotonic drinks powder that already has sugar in it - while you sip some water, you will also provide constant loads of carbs every 15-20 minutes and it makes a lot of in terms of endurance. Also for very warm weather (everything over 20 degrees celsius) I recommend taking additional water bladder fiilled with cold water (1 litre models in most cases will be enough, but for very long ride or if you dont plan to make stops to shops - you can pick even larger models like 2 or even 3 litre)
If I build up to regular weekly 60 mile training rides with several climbs in it, I've found 100 miles do-able. Agree with comments about pacing, especially at the start and not getting too carried away with the excitement of an event. Weather conditions have made a big difference in how easy the distance feels and my times. Not surprisingly. it's much more of a slog in the wind and rain with wet-and-cold hands and feet. I try not to overdo it with gels and use them for a bit of a boost towards the end. I find them a bit stomach churning if I have too many.
planning to do my first centaury in the summer as part of my fitness plan. doing longer rides at the end of each month. 67mile run at the end of March is my next one.
Planning a 12-hour endurance ride in a few months. Quietly thinking 200 miles is attainable. Will be laps, with my car as a base camp for easy refills. Keeping the hallucinations in check is the main goal...
@@gcn speed, spent too long in the saddle. Jumped from 45 mile rides at 15mph on tarmac to 80 in gravel. Average speed dropped down to 10mph body wasn't used to spending 8hrs in the saddle.
I'm planning to ride the Gran Fondo at Tulsa Tough this year! Actually, I'm planning to ride the Double Tough, so the fondo (100 miles) on Saturday, followed by the metric century on Sunday. Should be a blast!
I just ask the shop to check my bike before I go for rides more than 130km. I did my first 100mile+ ride at an event I believe only 5 months after getting my first road bike lol. It was an event so free drinks and food. Plus people to tell you where to turn. That was actually the recce for the actual event. I ended up only doing the 108km ride for the actual event, on my MTB because it was much more comfortable. Kinda lucky I switched because some of my clubmates bonked the wall and were stuck at the last rest stop, I brought energy jellybeans. I went a bit more than the distance because some other clubmates wanted to take a shortcut(basically everyone else on an MTB and some on roadbikes)and asked me to follow them but we made a stop and they left while I was connecting my earphones. So I went back on the route. It was so fun, I had 20 random people drafting behind me at one point. Helped change someone's tube. And someone else's tube but that guy apparently wasn't in the event. First event I ever went to and I would like to go again, the club not participating for 2 years, then covid when they wanted to, then I graduated from that school, then still covid. And this year I'm in another country when they decided to host it early. Next year I guess.
4.5-6hrs? I did my first century on a hybrid bike in 8:40.... and did 4,350ft of elevation. Oh and it was 110 cause yeah. 115 total on the day accounting for riding to my friend's place for the start and home from the metro afterwards
Do you know if I should try to use a giant trinity or a treck speed concept for my next race my name is Jordan and we say welcome to the gin show from Cozumel Mexico
A friend and I went for a century ride around the Boston area last weekend. I neglected to tell him it included over 10,000 feet of climbing. It was all short and punchy hills. 😂😂
Am diabetic, and I really struggle with the correct fueling for a long cycle. I usually end up not eating enough and crashing into a hypo, which isn't great. It happened to me at the 85 mile mark on my only century ride. Luckily it happened just as I reached my friends coffee shop, which was a saving grace.
Yes, if you can, use a CGM connected to your bike computer. Cut down on rapid insulin before the ride and fuel continuously throughout the ride. Type 1 myself and had to try to learn, it's very individual in the end. Good luck!
@@Siblove7 I've slow onset Type 1, so I've been able to control it with oral medication for the last 5 years. As I was on oral medicine I couldn't get a cgm until this week, as I am being moved over onto insulin in the next few weeks.
I nreak mine in the.middle. ride to st.charles eat caffeinate drink more coffee, refill water bottles, take off home. What should you not eat on a 100 mile, midpoint meal?
@@gcn eat real food. Dates, dried figs and grapes are great. Keep the pace steady. Don't surge. I use a bike computer because I tried the Strava app on my 1st century but it didn't record 14 miles (did 114 miles). Also, the computer has my route preloaded so my phone battery doesn't die. Have good songs for solo rides. Have good conversations in group rides.
I managed to complete three 100 mile rides last fall. I tried it three times during the summer where the temperature was over 90 degrees F and failed each time.
6 hours? Maybe on one of your superbikes and the glass smooth roads in this video. As a non roadie who likes to ride on dedicated bike trails, getting a century done in under 9 hours is a really fast day for me.
"one bar every hour" So if it's some oat bar it's what 20-30g of carbs? Very slow digesting carbs full of fiber. So you just end up with stomach full of fiber and no energy lol.. Meanwhile pros are doing even on training rides 50-100g of sugar per hour.. So I would say have some sugar in your water as well and eat only very easy to digest foods high in sugars that you like. Everything from dried fruits, rice cakes to gummy bears. If you need some kick coca cola/pepsi is great for that..
@@charliedillon1400 lol last thing that you want is to digest some sardines. That doesn't give you any energy. You don't need any sources of protein during the ride. Maybe some whey protein powder if it's mixed in home made energy bar or something..
4 hrs lol... I'm a pretty seasoned at racing and I don't try to tackle 100 miles at anything more than 20mph average pace... maybe if I was in a group.
Good advice Hank. I did my only 100 mile ride (actually 104) about 25 years ago and I took it easy too (12 elapsed hours for 9:40 road hours). Ok your pockets are large enough for a bar an hour but where do you carry all those bottles? Without a team car, I have to be self sufficient so I couldn't use such a bare bike as you, I need a rack and luggage for my comestibles. Whats your trick?
I put a half frame bag (strapped under the top tube) on my Tarmac for rides longer than a few hours. It is very aero; I really forget it's there. It will hold a third water bottle, an extra tube, mini pump, a rain jacket or spare base layer, and plenty of food for a century.
@@charliedillon1400 Sounds good Charlie, but that won't work on a step through (I'm to old and inflexible for a leg over bike). I'm very impressed that, at one bottle (1/2 lt) an hour, you can do 100 in three hours. When I did an 80 (about 17 years ago) I had a 1lt bottle in the rack, 1lt in the bag and 2 lt camel back. That was about 7 hours. I did have about 1 lt left.
@@emmabird9745 Oh, I'll refill bottles somewhere along the way. I drink about one bottle per hour. If I had to, I'd just use my Camelback with a 100oz bladder. That's five bottles but I only wear a hydration pack on the mountain bike, but it's a viable option for you.
@@charliedillon1400 Yes refil works. Refil stops are something else to plan for... I wonder where to find a refil map, that would be a good service if anyone did it eg water fountains, (friendly) cafes etc. Even super markets might do with bottled water. Better carry some money too. Good idea.
Back in my younger years I did century rides with no problem. After nearly 20 years without a bike, I’ve been back in the saddle and working back up to a century ride. Will I do it this year? I’ll know soon enough.
My 100 mile ride was scuffed: - Bonk ride (kinda lol) - No cycling gear (shorts etc.) - did not clean my bike + its heavy - dont know where i went through, since i was new in Netherlands
I had signed up for my first century last December, and the event is in about 2 months. been considering cancelling since this winter has been really difficult between work and life. plus its a fairly difficult gravel event with lots of elevation gain. Do I still do it or try another one later on?
So how many mile a day should a new rider do plus the long ride in the weekends? When I practice for a marathon we run 8 miles a day, 14 mile on Saturday. Recovery 4 mile on Sundays and rest on Monday. How about to get Ready for mile first 100 miles ride.
Currently training for my first Imperial Century at 58 years young, It’s going to be the Struggle Dales……..so 10,500 feet of climbing thrown in for good measure, any tips 😅
![[UNCUT] The Loyal Pin ปิ่นภักดิ์ EP.6 (2/4)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/GgeGQOP10RQ/mqdefault.jpg)
What’s the furthest you’ve ever cycled in one ride? 🚴👇
223 miles (although to be fair it was a 2 day bike-pack) from Philly to Washington DC. Was my first bike packing trip !
Done 204 km the longest, targeting for a 300 km this month and to do the SR in 5 days series (all 4 BRMs) in Oct.
Forty-five miles. I want to get that century this year.
Up to now the most I have done is 56 miles, but that was on a Trek hybrid. I've just bought my first road bike, so longer distances should be easily obtainable. 🚴♂️💨
200 kms
I do like how Hank said a century ride could take around 4hrs. Yeah, for us mere mortals, it's going to take 6hrs at least. Not many of us are averaging 25mph. :)
That made me laugh too when he said: "You could be on the bike for 4 1/2 and EVEN up to 6 hours." I have my first century this August (Tour de Victoria) and remember thinking if it's JUST 6 hours I'll be singing hallelujahs😅
My first 163 km took 8hrs of riding. It had 1870m of elevation, it was a quite cold day and I was riding alone. But even with more favorable conditions, no way I could do it in 4hrs.
hahah yeah I loved that... I stop counting at 4 hours, most my batteries stop around 6, but I eventually get there.
Same thought here. 4 hrs is hilarious.
Yep. 8.5 total time, 7:19 moving time for my first century. I can't average 20Mph on a 10 mile ride, much less a 100 mile ride.
I recommend doing your first century as part of supported t-shirt ride. They have stops along the way with snacks, drinks, bathrooms and sag support. Plus, your entry fee typically gets you a t-shirt, lunch and beer. But, the biggest advantage is the energy you feel riding in a group. The last 25-30 can be pretty tough if solo and having other riders share the workload makes a huge difference.
I've done a few of those big festival century rides. I learned that the aid stations are a hassle for a few bananas, you can sit on some wheels and draft, but there are a LOT of people who don't have group riding experience and are unable to keep a steady pace or hold their line. You also have the club guys blowing through like it's their TTT. Sketchy.
@@charliedillon1400 very true! I usually push to stay at the front end of the riders bc most of them have group/race experience.
@@charliedillon1400 I have only done solo centuries for this reason. Go at my pace, I'm not slowing people down or pushing too hard to keep up. Save the intense stuff for small group rides.
I heartily agree, just be careful with the wheel you follow!
@@Bosco-nq2kk a group ride is quite good. Yes you will find those with little group experience but in the long run it makes for a more enjoyable experience in my opinion.
i did my first century last year and it was one of the most difficult things I've ever done in my life. i am 6-2, 280 pounds, i've had 4 knee surgeries, and had a herniated disc at the time. i was able to work through the discomfort, but when i hit miles 92 i was virtually dead. i did not bonk, but i was overheated, and felt like throwing up. i completed the 100 miles, had to crawl on all fours up the stairs, and could not enjoy my post ride celebratory meal. i had to eat my burrito one bite at a time for over an hours. but i am so happy i did that.
Well done bro
Been there. Heat is even more dangerous than regular bonk and can take days to recover.
Most people don’t enjoy the ride while they’re doing it. Round about 70-80 miles - tired but with still a non- trivial way to go, you could reasonably ask yourself “ why the hell did I start this!?” The fun is the grim satisfaction at having achieved it, while enjoying a well-earned beer at the end 👍🍺
@@davidburgess741 no kidding. it was in October with an overcast. it was a cool day, but i was hotter than a furnace. when i got home i placed ice packs around my neck, armpits, and between my legs where the femoral arteries goes through.
@@litespud luckily 20 percent of the ride was along the coast, which was fun. that i enjoyed. but once i got back inland. it was hell. no fun what so ever. once i recovered and ass was no longer sore, i was able to look back and relish on my accomplishment.
JUST did 61 miles and 7,000 feet in preparation for a 106/12000 in June! Fueling was huge, and taking breaks. Towards the end after some killer climbs I had to rest for a few minutes but made it home safe and strong. 210 pounds is a lot to carry up big pitches lol.
I hear that my fellow Clydesdale.
I've done several centuries by now and by far the most important advice from Hank is to pace yourself. When pacing, I ended my century sprinting to the finish and was ready for more. Another time I got excited and pushed hard at the 50-mile mark and the last mile was absolute torture. So now, I simply dial in the power I know is sustainable and just ride at that power level till the end.
Going to attempt my first century this year! Can’t wait 🤘🏻
Good luck Nick! What is the furthest you've ridden so far? 🗺
Me too! I've done 75, next step the full hundo! Best of luck to you!
@@gcn 75 miles around beautiful northern Minnesota 🌲
@@schrodingerthecat likewise! Have fun out there!
Main thing is to enjoy it😊
Great advice. I'm doing RideLondon 100 at the end of May for Blood Cancer UK - which I am recovering from (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia). I'm 62 and a cyclist for 40 years. I've done a couple of centuries previously. I started following the training plan they send out but then figured that 2 hourly gym sessions twice a week, weekly studio cycling stints and a long ride every week should see me through!
I literally planned my first ever Century ride on Komoot this morning, infact it actually turned out being 101 miles, so at least I will be able to say I've rode OVER 100 miles. I will probably attempt it around September time, as my fitness usually peaks around Sep/Oct each year. I've also just bought a Ribble Endurance SL, so I can't wait for the epic rides to come in 2023.
Give em hell, as they say. Good luck and enjoy the ride.I’m sure you’ll smash it. 👍
100 miles you can just grizz it. Did the NC500 in 5 days. The longest ride I did before that was 40 miles
My charity cycling team and I will be doing Copenhagen to Paris in a week. With 6 centuries in a row. Training has started with 60 km and I am both excited and scared about the prospect of those many kilometers.
I live in northern france, where do you plan to go, and when ?? :D
My longest ride was 139.5 miles from west Knoxville, TN into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and back.
Sounds like an amazing ride 🙌 All road or a bit of gravel thrown in?
@@gcn was all road. Only had to be on one major highway. Mostly back rural roads! You all should come ride in the Appalachian Mountains sometime. Lots of epic scenery and great climbing!
I just did my first century on Sunday! Was a great feeling. Can’t wait to extend it over this summer 🎉
In the words of Hank... "AHHHH YEEEEEE!" Nice work 🙌 What's the next goal?
Great advice Hank. I did an epic last summer and my advice to add is don’t do it on the hottest day of the year and expect it to go well! Even setting off mega early, we still ended up riding in blistering heat so dehydration was a real problem as the refreshment stops were a little sparse!
When was younger and putting in 450 miles a week, I used to tell people that 100 miles is not twice as hard as 50 miles, it is much harder. I feel that it is important work up to a 100 miles by gradually increasing to that distance.
Understood… I’m a runner. It’s the same for a half vs full marathon.
I’m a 50 yo male, 6’1” 255lbs 20% body fat, new to biking, been biking for a year. I’m doing an organized century ride tomorrow, I have done 60 miles at 16mph average. Wish me luck!
100 miles be like 7+ hours on the saddle for me 😵💫
Seen a couple of these "100 mile" videos on GCN but this was my second favourite, after Connor's one, fun, informative and makes me want to just get out there and do it :)
I am planning a double century. I am mostly concerned with eating enough/the right stuff.
I would hazard a guess that if you are doing it in 4.5 hours, that is not your first century
Currently training up to do my first century in the last 20 years. I've done several in younger years and always struggled with my food intake. I was eating too much. Now I'm knocking out 60 mile rides on just gels and maybe one sandwich or bar. Another tip; plan a route that finishes with a long downhill, so those last brutal miles are easier. Oh yeah, and take some weed.
Great advice Charlie!
bike check: make sure your bike in optimum condition. make an M check - tire, moving parts, brake
hydration: bring enough water bottle. thermal insulated bottles work well, but i prefer insulated bottles like hydroflask to keep water temp.
train: do short ride like 20km in two weeks. better if you can add short uphills as part of endurance training.
map your ride: better study your routes and stops. for beginners, 10kms stops is good to manage stamina.
energize: bring energy bars, but i prefer snickers.
I've only ever done 100 miles once last summer. I did it on my own, and had to cycle around my town at the end. As I had only done 99 miles by the time I got home. I was very tempted just to leave it a 99 miles on strava lol. Going to try it again this summer on my new endurance bike, as appose to my 15 year old Ribble 7005 audax.
you guys have inspired me to make this a goal of mine, Love from Southern California
All good advice. Also, just do it. I did my first century at age 14 on a 28 lb steel Motobecane wearing tennis shoes. It was a cycling club century ride with great food stops. That's a great way to go if the option is available. Comradery and food definitely help.
Definitely people should not be afraid of it, especially events where you've got rest stops and SAG support if things go south. Fear of failure will keep you from an incredible ride.
I'm doing a 100km in June, riding for Macmillan, so this is bang on topic for me. Just got to start the serious training 😮
Good luck! Is this the first time you've ridden this sort of distance? This video might help 👉 th-cam.com/video/R0NMp6zhCcU/w-d-xo.html
@Global Cycling Network I did 66 miles a couple of years ago and have done similar before that, including some 50 mile mtb marathons. However, I underwent a lobectomy last year to remove a tumour from my right lung, so it's first since then.
My first solo 100 miles was fueled by lots of gels and some pizza, also I never actually trained. By the time I did the ride I cycled about 3000 more before hand. Consistency is key. Just keep riding and you'll eventually have enough endurance!
Im looking forward to get back on the saddle after a rather long winter break, 100 miles is a tad out of reach but a 100k is certainly within my grasp.
I do like the optimism of 'up to 6 hours in the saddle'. I suspect that speed is outwith my capacity at least. (I average about 22kph on 100km rides, longest 120km still hoping to get to 160km this year - but will need a longer day :) )
I've only just managed 100k...This'll inspire me to go further!
You've got this! Build up to a 200k maybe? 😎
@@gcn I've just done the maths - I'm on a 10 000 km challenge for this year - and I'm now just 9km short of 3 000 km for the year so far. Averaging over 50 km every day in March so far. This is static bike only (hey, I have to work as well!). But the setting is (I think) 180w.
Solihull, Breakfast - sweetened porridge, Coffee. 600 kCals
Lichfield, McDonalds Double cheeseburger meal with coffee. 940 kCals
Stafford, McDonalds McCrispy meal with coffee, 554 kCals
Newcastle under Lyme, McDonalds McCrispy meal with coffee, 554 kCals
Congleton, McDonalds Cheeseburger with coffee 300 kCals
Wilmslow, McDonalds Big Mac with coffee 564 kCals
Salford Quays Travelodge, 4 pack of San Miguel from Tesco Express.
92 miles, 38 kCals per mile.
I have never done 100m in a day, but have done 550k in 4 days with ease. This year plan is 200+ km in a day as a personal challenge!
Good luck! Sounds intense and fun!
I did my 200+ (217km) last week! Just take the bike and do it! Well, check the bike, the weather (and wind!) before. Good luck!
4.5 to even 6 hours?!?! Ha! Unless you're in great shape and experienced, figure at least 7 hours when including breaks. And even that's pretty quick.
Furthest I've ever rode is 50 miles that I was NOT in condition to ride. I learned a lesson, if you are going to go rowing on a river, row up stream first and ride the current back. Those 25 miles coming back was a killer.
I did a 110 mile ride on not much more than a Sainsbury's meal deal last year... I was very hungry throughout
Century ride soon come this weekend. All off road to make it harder
Last year managed my first 300km Audax, total of 198miles in a single day with riding to the start and back.
4 and a half to 6 hours for 100 miles for a regular rider? Are you in the real world? That's about 23 mph down to 16.6 mph. Not the average cyclist, mate.
Props to your sound team for putting cool BG music on this video. So much better than super compressed guitar solos.
I'll tell you right now a century is NOT as hard as you think it is. I'm slow, old, and fat, and I've done a century. It took me 8.5 hours total (about 7:19 moving time, but there were 5 well stocked rest areas on this ride).
The single biggest thing is mental. You've got to go in with the mindset that you're going to spend the day on the bike. Don't think about the end or how long you've been riding; this is what you're doing today. If you went somewhere and toured around on your bike sight-seeing, you wouldn't be thinking about the miles would you? Same mindset here.
The hardest part for many mentally, myself included is the middle third of the ride, so from about 33 to 66 miles. Once you clear that and you can see sort of see the finish line, it gets much easier mentally (but not physically).
I echo the warning of someone below: At about the 75 mile mark or so many experience somewhat of a crash of fatigue. Be super vigilant during this for your safety and allow yourself time to just "noodle". Make sure you keep your head up during this noodle time and be extra aware of your surroundings. It will pass in a few miles.
If you're doing this as part of an event, don't be afraid to talk to other riders. They're generally very friendly at these sort of events (and the ones who are serious are way up the road from you anyway).
Final Tip: Strava or it didn't happen.
Im doing my first grandfondo in June. The Marmotte, so videos like these are great for someone like me who just trys to do it more mentally over physically When cycling
That’s my top tip - eat every hour - too easy to get 3 hours in before eating - any decent ride, I’ll make sure I eat within the first hour …
Finally! GCN name dropped Philly! Fun fact, NYC and Philly messengers do that century ride all the time. Track bikes, street clothes, with a bag on our backs!
I’ve failed 2 attempts at the century ride maybe this year I’ll succeed.
I’ve relied of the gospel according to GCN since I took up cycling, but still rely on Si Richardson’s advice most, “ride your bike, ride your bike, ride your bike”
333 kms for me, planning 500 with Race across Paris in April 2023
Nice going! That is some big miles, any tips for anyone new to longer rides?
@Global Cycling Network well, not really. I was a newbie when i tried. I just watched some videos to learn from others (gcn,...), i bought what i needed (clothes,...) and more important : i had a goal : for the first one, i wanted to reach my family (they took the car). One last thing : I enjoyed all my trips, even when cycling during the night. It was new for me as well so incredible experience.
On century rides in the rural US, where cafes and other sources of refreshment are not always available, I always take my Camelbak plus two 20 oz. bottles. Stuffed in my Camelbak are numerous nutrition bars. For me this works fine for both road and mountain biking.
I love the "It might take 4.5-6 hours" part. Who has done their first century in 4.5 hours? Who has done their first one in 6 hours?
Saturday 9th September 2023 was the date of a charity event I do every year. Normally I cycle 50 miles or so in a shirt and tie in a pair of chinos on my very ancient Carlton Corsa. This year it was 32 degrees celsius and a head wind for 90% of the planned route, the year I had chosen to do my first 100 mile ride. I managed to cycle 102 miles. I did move to three pairs of boxers under the chinos. The last 7 miles went on forever. I had done a 77 mile ride before but 100 miles seems a lot further. I am properly awestruck by everyone that does a 100 mile ride especially if they can do it in 6 hours or less it took me ages. Fortunately I managed to stay fueled and hydrated pretty much throughout but there were moments when I know I ran low on sugars.
I've done Chase The Sun a couple of times which is a great ride. I've always felt if you can do a good 60 mile ride without being shattered then 100 miles is attainable as long as you pace yourself.
Nice going, that is no easy ride 🙌 How did you get on?
That was the exact advice I was given before my first century. Turned out to be true.
@@gcn Fine the first time, second time I had had a bad knee so hadn't ridden much. My longest ride before the day was 47 miles that I'd ridden in March. TBH, the plan was to just ride to Bromley with my mates and then stop. They stopped for coffee so I thought I'd try to get to the next stop as I thought they'd soon catch me up. Trouble is, I'm competitive and stupid so after 80 miles I decided I'd try and complete the route. Only plan was to stop at every town and eat loads, which I did until 40 miles from the end when there were no shops open. I was so tired by the end of the event that I missed the main route in to Burnham and actually rode around the back of it and crossed the finishing line the wrong way! My mates never did catch me and I still loved the day!
I’m doing a century mountain bike ride this Fall with around 25-30k total elevation. I have a marathon this May, then switching focus to my bike. Thanks for the tips
I’m waiting for more snow to melt🇨🇦 I already have a route planned.
Where are you heading ? 🗺
I did a 32km ride originally as a king distance gravel ( old railway line ride ) doubled it up now and again to then Ride up the highest old railway line in England. That got me to my first ultra and a APN ( yikes the weather ) eventually over the 18 months to the North Cape 4000.
Everyone can have an adventure just do a tiny bit more than you have done before and it’s enough. It doesn’t have to be round the world. Just maybe a county away.
Nutrition and Hydration is key not just bicycling, I recently did my first 10K Run (I walked most of it) but at the 5k mark I ate a power bar and on the last KM I used one of those SIS power gels and they both worked, I didn't have the after run stiffness or soreness I usually get.
I did drink water along the way, I has a small bottle with me and took advantage of the water stations along the way.
I find that doing both Bicycling and Walking-Running compliment each other they use different muscles, the walking help with keeping my Bones strong and at 60 with a bit of Arthritis that's important and the Bicycling helps with my cardio and I its just fun to ride my bike.
Bicycling prepping for long distance I remember an old saying from my time in the Military the 5 P's:
Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance.
Cheers.
The pacing advice is good, the first time I did a "100" I tried not to go over 20 mph while pedalling and got round @ 18.36.
The old 100 in 8 rides with the CTC had the 3 stops 11s lunch afternoons tea .. Was quite a civilised way to go about for a first go. The 20 plus riders helped as well at a nice steady pace ..
The best tip not mentioned: cycle in the direction the wind is going and get the train back :)
O yes, absolute must! 😂
Thanks god we use the metric system in Brazil… 3 digits more easily 🤣 Nice vid 🎉
My wife's great uncle used to ride over here to visit, 40 miles on an old steel bike. Had a cup of tea then rode back. 80 miles and thought nothing of it. They truly were the greatest generation.
i recommend instead of doing combo of carbohydrate bar / gel / cookies / and water, its better to use isotonic drinks powder that already has sugar in it - while you sip some water, you will also provide constant loads of carbs every 15-20 minutes and it makes a lot of in terms of endurance. Also for very warm weather (everything over 20 degrees celsius) I recommend taking additional water bladder fiilled with cold water (1 litre models in most cases will be enough, but for very long ride or if you dont plan to make stops to shops - you can pick even larger models like 2 or even 3 litre)
Step 1: Have loads of time
Step 2: don't have kids
I'm still working up to a 100-km ride. Maybe by fall I'll try a 100-mile ride.
If I build up to regular weekly 60 mile training rides with several climbs in it, I've found 100 miles do-able. Agree with comments about pacing, especially at the start and not getting too carried away with the excitement of an event. Weather conditions have made a big difference in how easy the distance feels and my times. Not surprisingly. it's much more of a slog in the wind and rain with wet-and-cold hands and feet. I try not to overdo it with gels and use them for a bit of a boost towards the end. I find them a bit stomach churning if I have too many.
planning to do my first centaury in the summer as part of my fitness plan. doing longer rides at the end of each month. 67mile run at the end of March is my next one.
Tour De France vibes are intense in this video!
Planning a 12-hour endurance ride in a few months. Quietly thinking 200 miles is attainable. Will be laps, with my car as a base camp for easy refills. Keeping the hallucinations in check is the main goal...
Crazy part is how TDF riders do this every single day for 3 weeks, and have to race it, often with big mountains in between.
1:50 My first century was a heck of a lot longer than 4.5-6 hours!
80 miles is my greatest distance. done it 2 times and struggle to finish
What do you think you were lacking on those 80 mile rides? 🤔
@@gcn speed, spent too long in the saddle. Jumped from 45 mile rides at 15mph on tarmac to 80 in gravel. Average speed dropped down to 10mph body wasn't used to spending 8hrs in the saddle.
I rode 100mi everyday for 35 days straight last fall. Doing it again this fall. My training is a century/week starting April (Canada, still snowy...).
Great advice👍
Step 1. Sit on bike
Step 2. Pedal for 6-8 hours
Did 100 miles on Zwift in winter, 40+ laps of Volcano circuit... woohoo
I'm planning to ride the Gran Fondo at Tulsa Tough this year! Actually, I'm planning to ride the Double Tough, so the fondo (100 miles) on Saturday, followed by the metric century on Sunday. Should be a blast!
I just ask the shop to check my bike before I go for rides more than 130km.
I did my first 100mile+ ride at an event I believe only 5 months after getting my first road bike lol. It was an event so free drinks and food. Plus people to tell you where to turn.
That was actually the recce for the actual event. I ended up only doing the 108km ride for the actual event, on my MTB because it was much more comfortable.
Kinda lucky I switched because some of my clubmates bonked the wall and were stuck at the last rest stop, I brought energy jellybeans.
I went a bit more than the distance because some other clubmates wanted to take a shortcut(basically everyone else on an MTB and some on roadbikes)and asked me to follow them but we made a stop and they left while I was connecting my earphones. So I went back on the route.
It was so fun, I had 20 random people drafting behind me at one point. Helped change someone's tube. And someone else's tube but that guy apparently wasn't in the event.
First event I ever went to and I would like to go again, the club not participating for 2 years, then covid when they wanted to, then I graduated from that school, then still covid. And this year I'm in another country when they decided to host it early.
Next year I guess.
Good timing! I’ve just entered carten 100 😂
4.5-6hrs? I did my first century on a hybrid bike in 8:40.... and did 4,350ft of elevation. Oh and it was 110 cause yeah. 115 total on the day accounting for riding to my friend's place for the start and home from the metro afterwards
124 miles at 14 years old doing a race
Wow that is a long junior race! Very impressive 🙌
Thank you it was an iron man 😁
Do you know if I should try to use a giant trinity or a treck speed concept for my next race my name is Jordan and we say welcome to the gin show from Cozumel Mexico
A friend and I went for a century ride around the Boston area last weekend. I neglected to tell him it included over 10,000 feet of climbing. It was all short and punchy hills. 😂😂
Am diabetic, and I really struggle with the correct fueling for a long cycle. I usually end up not eating enough and crashing into a hypo, which isn't great. It happened to me at the 85 mile mark on my only century ride. Luckily it happened just as I reached my friends coffee shop, which was a saving grace.
Supersapiens continuous glucose monitoring system was developed for a performance task like this. Just don't wear it in a UCI sanctioned race 😂
Yes, if you can, use a CGM connected to your bike computer. Cut down on rapid insulin before the ride and fuel continuously throughout the ride. Type 1 myself and had to try to learn, it's very individual in the end. Good luck!
@@Siblove7 I've slow onset Type 1, so I've been able to control it with oral medication for the last 5 years. As I was on oral medicine I couldn't get a cgm until this week, as I am being moved over onto insulin in the next few weeks.
….doing Ride London this year and bricking it 😂
My first Century was eight hrs, seven in the saddle. I would have been flying with just six in the saddle😅
I nreak mine in the.middle. ride to st.charles eat caffeinate drink more coffee, refill water bottles, take off home. What should you not eat on a 100 mile, midpoint meal?
Did 22nd Century last month. Working on 23rd this month
Nice work! What are your top tip?👀
@@gcn eat real food. Dates, dried figs and grapes are great. Keep the pace steady. Don't surge. I use a bike computer because I tried the Strava app on my 1st century but it didn't record 14 miles (did 114 miles). Also, the computer has my route preloaded so my phone battery doesn't die. Have good songs for solo rides. Have good conversations in group rides.
I read that wrong at first, and thought you did 22 centuries last month lol
I managed to complete three 100 mile rides last fall. I tried it three times during the summer where the temperature was over 90 degrees F and failed each time.
6 hours?
Maybe on one of your superbikes and the glass smooth roads in this video.
As a non roadie who likes to ride on dedicated bike trails, getting a century done in under 9 hours is a really fast day for me.
"one bar every hour" So if it's some oat bar it's what 20-30g of carbs? Very slow digesting carbs full of fiber. So you just end up with stomach full of fiber and no energy lol.. Meanwhile pros are doing even on training rides 50-100g of sugar per hour.. So I would say have some sugar in your water as well and eat only very easy to digest foods high in sugars that you like. Everything from dried fruits, rice cakes to gummy bears. If you need some kick coca cola/pepsi is great for that..
take 5-6 gels, a few hard cooked eggs and a can of sardines in olive oil. done.
@@charliedillon1400 lol last thing that you want is to digest some sardines. That doesn't give you any energy. You don't need any sources of protein during the ride. Maybe some whey protein powder if it's mixed in home made energy bar or something..
4 hrs lol... I'm a pretty seasoned at racing and I don't try to tackle 100 miles at anything more than 20mph average pace... maybe if I was in a group.
i might try this on my MTB bike. I can see some issues coming along on straight racing bike.
Good advice Hank. I did my only 100 mile ride (actually 104) about 25 years ago and I took it easy too (12 elapsed hours for 9:40 road hours).
Ok your pockets are large enough for a bar an hour but where do you carry all those bottles? Without a team car, I have to be self sufficient so I couldn't use such a bare bike as you, I need a rack and luggage for my comestibles. Whats your trick?
I put a half frame bag (strapped under the top tube) on my Tarmac for rides longer than a few hours. It is very aero; I really forget it's there. It will hold a third water bottle, an extra tube, mini pump, a rain jacket or spare base layer, and plenty of food for a century.
@@charliedillon1400 Sounds good Charlie, but that won't work on a step through (I'm to old and inflexible for a leg over bike).
I'm very impressed that, at one bottle (1/2 lt) an hour, you can do 100 in three hours. When I did an 80 (about 17 years ago) I had a 1lt bottle in the rack, 1lt in the bag and 2 lt camel back. That was about 7 hours. I did have about 1 lt left.
@@emmabird9745 Oh, I'll refill bottles somewhere along the way. I drink about one bottle per hour. If I had to, I'd just use my Camelback with a 100oz bladder. That's five bottles but I only wear a hydration pack on the mountain bike, but it's a viable option for you.
@@charliedillon1400 Yes refil works. Refil stops are something else to plan for... I wonder where to find a refil map, that would be a good service if anyone did it eg water fountains, (friendly) cafes etc. Even super markets might do with bottled water. Better carry some money too.
Good idea.
It's a lot harder when you're just doing circles of the same unchanging route
I'm thinking a route that's 100 miles of downhill would make it easier too.
Back in my younger years I did century rides with no problem. After nearly 20 years without a bike, I’ve been back in the saddle and working back up to a century ride. Will I do it this year? I’ll know soon enough.
My 100 mile ride was scuffed:
- Bonk ride (kinda lol)
- No cycling gear (shorts etc.)
- did not clean my bike + its heavy
- dont know where i went through, since i was new in Netherlands
I had signed up for my first century last December, and the event is in about 2 months. been considering cancelling since this winter has been really difficult between work and life. plus its a fairly difficult gravel event with lots of elevation gain. Do I still do it or try another one later on?
So how many mile a day should a new rider do plus the long ride in the weekends? When I practice for a marathon we run 8 miles a day, 14 mile on Saturday. Recovery 4 mile on Sundays and rest on Monday. How about to get Ready for mile first 100 miles ride.
I wonder how many riders do complete their first century in less than six hours…
Currently training for my first Imperial Century at 58 years young, It’s going to be the Struggle Dales……..so 10,500 feet of climbing thrown in for good measure, any tips 😅
One day you must ask me why the hotel opposite the Abbey is boarded up......
Ha ha. There is no way Hank could do the full 100 miles Forest of Dean Sportif in 4 hours. Now there is a challenge for him.
about 60 miles/ 100 km