Cycling Your First 100 Miles | How To Prepare For A Century
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 มี.ค. 2018
- Riding your first century on the bike can seem a daunting task. Emma and Simon have got some tips on how to successfully complete your first 100 miles, and even how to have a great time doing it!
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Have you set yourself the goal of cycling your first 100 miles? Whether you are entering a sportive or taking the challenge on alone, Emma and Simon give the lowdown on how to achieve your goal. Training, planning and race day nutrition are all key elements in achieving the century benchmark.
Don't forget to let us know how you get on with your first century 💯
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Leave us a comment below! - กีฬา
![Bike Your First [or next] 100 Mile Century Ride - 8 Easy Tips](/img/n.gif)
Let us know what big rides you have coming up 👇
Global Cycling Network love ur channel
Thank you Ganji!
OMG I can't believe I got ur reply😍😍😍
Cycling back 129miles back from Edinburgh in April
IM UK in July (112 miles)
LEJOG (1000miles) over 10 days in September
#GCN I’m 13 and disabled and I can’t ride a normal road bike and I want to do a 100 mile ride. do you know any company’s that do trikes. Any help would be really apreciated
I use 100 Kms. You get there sooner.
Hahah
I thibk thats just a grand fondo xD
Like way easier.
😂🙏
Try riding your first century in feet
Mastered the first century (220km) together with my mate, although we did almost everything wrong.
- decided the day before
- we were untrained (but highly motivated). Actually we started our cycling careers with this century ride at the age of 20.
- catched the hottest day of the year (36° Celsius in the shade)
- didn´t check our bikes, so we went with creeking chains and tire pressure was too low
- my bike was an old 15kg Hardtail-MTB
- didn´t plan the route so we rode 220km, althoug the actual distance was 180km
- didn´t have a clue what to eat. Thought it was a good idea to eat one boiled egg every hour. Also had one big meal in the middle of the ride.
- Rode the last 50km mostly in a standing position (cheap cycling shorts, wrong saddle)
- My mate rode an even older and havier City bike. He really suffered. Had sympathy for him, so i kept him out of the wind the whole distance.
- We carried 2 bottles of beer from start to finish in our rucksacks. We wanted to have a drink to celebrate ourselves in case we manage to finish. The beer was also 36°Celsius.
We suffered so badly.
It was epic!
Love this story, great spirit of adventure :) What sort of rides/preparation have you done since that 220 ride?
Thx! I prefer long adventure rides, nothing competitive. Exploring new countries, cultures, landscapes and cafès is what I love about multi-day rides. As I live in (little) Austria, foreign countries are never far away. Once a year we choose a town in a neighbouring country (GER, CZ, SK, HUN, SLO, ITA, CH) as our destination and we take the most attractive roads to go there. Those journeys take 3-7 days on average, at ~120km per day. Mostly we stay in B&B´s, sometimes we bring our own tents. Finally we take the train to get back home. This years destination: Milano
Jakob Ro I DNF on my first 60 mile ride. I had only ridden 2 miles to and from work and was asked by my cousin to join an event. I had only ridden my new ish road bike 2 times, I'm 5 foot 8 and it's a 58 size frame so a bit too big, first time using clipless, and I didn't ever do hills before. I was fine on the flats but the hills really destroyed me! Since then, I've got a smaller size frame, done a bike fit, got bib shorts etc for comfort, carry a bag of food and gels and actually ride long distances. I weigh 97 KG so I am overweight although I'm not incredibly fat. I'm a blend of fat and muscle lol.
I would never recommend going on a hilly ride unless you're prepared or at least you ride at your own pace anyway.
@@jakob-ro Where in Slovenia did you go to cycle? Just curious because I live in Ljubljana and just took up road cycling 2 years ago.
HAHAHAHAHAH SAME
I’ll never forget my first century back in 1996. I was 14 years old, my dad had given me his steel Panasonic road bike and I started riding my bike everywhere all the time. Then I heard about the local MS bike tour fundraiser and signed up. I had never ridden more than about 20 miles in my life. I did no training whatsoever. On the day, I rode the first 50 miles in 2 hours with the big boys on pure joy and adrenaline. After lunch at the halfway point, I couldn’t stand up. My legs simply didn’t work. I had to push myself up off the table with my arms. I’ll never forget that moment, thinking “uh-oh.” The 50 mile ride back was the most painful 6 hours of my life. What an experience.
Wow - great effort!
You're scaring me I'm doing a 50 ml charity ride on Sunday and I've never rode that far at any given time...I do an hour most days and maybe two in weekends but you all are scaring the crap out of me !
@@jaynebachoo1781 how did it go?🙃
@@fabrice6847 it was a wreck...first 20 was good ...halfway into the 30s I needed a lift came out trying on the 40s and fell on my face was ordered to take a ride on a truck tried the 50s but fell short 1km of the finish line and wanted to pull my hair out...but had fun after all.
@@jaynebachoo1781 it's just all about fun isn't it? When you're not a professional it just doesn't make sense when you didn't enjoy the ride during or after it.
Did my first 100 mile ride less than 5 months from starting to cycle. At 37 I feel proud of myself.
I did it at the age of 42 last month, on a MTB 😊
Great job man 🎉
great job dude!
It's the arse that fails first, not the legs
That means you're not putting enough into your legs
Maxie, 20 minutes into your the ride one realizes ones butt ain't gonna hurt no worst. Then an hour into the ride you come up to that 13% grade climb. Now then Max, tell us what you feel - your butt or your legs. Right... One thing we all share is that silly grin on our face while riding. Be safe out there everyone...
lol isn't that the truth.
So true lol
Sounds like you need to get a Brooks b17
My first century didn't feel like a big ride till I got down my bike and my legs were dancing to their own tune
How long was it untill you were able to get back on the bike!?
Global Cycling Network 2 days, I was feeling absolutely knackered. Then I went for a light spin
I ride my "age" every year on my birthday. Last year I missed it due to family things, so I'm going to do 2 rides this year. 75 for the birthday I missed, sometime this summer, and 76 on my birthday. Planning a ride to celebrate 55 years making it home from Vietnam, too, but not sure how long a ride it'll be.
Would it be in bad taste to suggest going for a ride from the south to the north of the country, but realizing halfway that you've made a terrible mistake?
I used to race (badly) in my teens/early 20s. Decided I HAD to ride a 100. I live in Swindon, and a quick look on a map showed me that Weston Super Mare was about 54 miles away. Perfect, I thought, I'll do that then. Great plan. This was pre-internet, pre-GPS, pre-mobile, although I did have a bike 'computer' of sorts (the old sensor on the front wheel type and forks) which measured distance, speed etc. Additionally I brought the grand total of 2 bottles of drink, one mars bar and a banana.
Anyway, all went fine on the way there; arrived happily on the sea front, grabbed some chocolate and drink, and set off home. Into a headwind. And then I got lost. Very lost. I appeared at the foot of Cheddar Gorge (this isn't on the correct route, not even close) already knackered and having traveled 120 miles. I got up it, then cruised away from it with no idea if or when I'd get home.
Shakey and weak I had a small 'off' which sealed my fate. I couldn't even consider getting back on. Fortunately, there was a little village shop. I went in an begged the shopkeeper for use of their phone. I explained my story and they not only let me use their phone to ring my dad, but also gave me sandwiches and biscuits and drinks (for free; I'd run out of money).
My dad arrived and drove me home. The awesome shopkeeper wouldn't even let me pay for the food once I'd scrounged money off my dad.
The shopkeeper was a hero, I was a fool. Still felt I'd achieved something though (I'd done 134 miles in the end) and ridden Cheddar on basically no legs :)
Hahaha, a year after you posted your comment and here I am, planning my first century ride and I just chuckled at your comment. Don't know why for sure, but it seemed encouraging to me (probably because of the kindness of people). Thanks for sharing...
This story is just great. Hard to think of nowadays with all the tech we got on hand which makes life so much easier, but also much more harder to create lovely stories longer yours.
Thats why I love metric system
but how are you going to enjoy a quarter-pounder with cheese after that century ? Unless you prefer LE Big Mac ;)
xGshikamaru you do know it's called the "royale..with cheese" because of the metric system right?
Did my first 100 about a year ago. I just woke up one Sunday morning and decided "today I am going to do 100 miles". The weather was perfect, light winds and moderate temperature. I just set off and did it, solo. No planning, no nerves, no pressure. It was one of my most enjoyable rides ever, because I wasn't in a rush, or trying to keep up with other people, I just enjoyed it. Stopped once for a natural break. Took just over 5 hours. I think I got a greater sense of achievement because it was spontaneous. Sometimes us cyclists, including me, overthink these landmarks. Just get out and do it.
Emma fits in really well as a GCN presenter! Glad to have her on board!
guess I'm the only one who doesn't like her..
Why Dave?
She's cute!
To be fair its pretty simple.
Step 1: start riding
Step 2: Go easy
Step 3: eat + drink
Step 4: continue for many hours
Step 5: stop at 100 kilometers HAHSHSHAHAHH
Cookie is just kidding, this is a joke, please take a century very seriously to avoid permanent injury.
Dr. ZaneK to be fair I did 89 km in 3.5 hours full headwind with no training while stopping for cigarettes breaks on a CX bike. All things considered it was a lot easier than everyone makes it out to be
@@thomasaitken9790 As always the genetics you are born with make up 50% of the athlete, the rest is up to the person to train intelligently or not. Those without good birth genetics will struggle their entire lives to build up to a century and maintain it. Also there is a big difference when riding for 3.5 hours and 7 to 8 hours...we are talking about the REAL century 100 miles or 160 kilometers.
at my current pace a century would take me 8-9 hours dependend on the terrain
what pace should i aim for for a century attempt
My first 100mile was almost like how it was recommended in the video. I used an entry level Aluminium road bike, total elevation of 4000ft. The only problem I faced was, I took a long time to finish the last 30 miles. Perhaps, my training was not upto the 75% mark earlier. Yet, I finished it. Felt proud of it.
My advice, don't bother with a 100 mile ride. Especially if you're a beginner, it's likely to just put you off cycling. Don't bow to the pressure of snobby cycling cubs and silly strava boy "purists" that judge people on how many km/miles they've done. Being capable of a 100 mile ride isn't necessary to call yourself a "cyclist". Ride where you want and how you want. If you want to ride for a couple of hours 3-4 times per week do it, if you want to ride for an hour 3-4 times per week, do that. Cycling clubs often push people too hard, too soon. It can take years to get to stage where your legs are capable of enjoying a 100 mile ride. There's too much emphasis put on the "century".
Liofa It never gets any easier, just faster!
Now there's great advice. A 100 miles is a good landmark but it isn't necessarily fun. I've done it lots of times but I prefer 100km because that's a good few hours on the bike, a good selection of landscapes and then stop before it starts to really get uncomfortable. Enjoy yourself.
I do it over 2 days
Agree, too soon is too much risk. Don't risk your health, do a century when you are truly a high skilled experienced cyclist, and not one of those "one-time - I did it" things.
a century ride is an achievement and a great difinitive goal out there to lead you to push to become stronger with more endurance. Without a goal like a long ride a few months out, I lack focus. Having that structure really helps me push and grow.
Here's an idea for a show, you guys round a table talking about riding anecdotes. We all have funny stories, it'd great to hear more of yours.
I’m a mountain biker and I’m in my freshman year in high school, just started biking for the high school team. I just accomplished a 80 mile ride on fireroads and I chose to pick a route that racked up over 8,500 feet of elevation. I set myself a goal to break 100 miles by the end of summer on the trails.
Love the videos. I fudge a little. Did a 96 mile ride. First day of a 524 mile 6 day trip. When people asked me why I didn’t do a century, I told them I had reached the campground. I was a teenager and didn’t know a century was a thing.
Still a novice mostly. But I managed to do 50 miles per day last Saturday and Sunday (my previous longest distance being 40). Second 50 was meant to be a short casual ride, but my legs felt great and the weather was beautiful, so I went for it. Hope to be able to work up to a 100 mile day by summer time. Big thanks to your channel for all tips. Your videos regularly remind me how much FUN cycling truly is.
Good effort Matt! Keep up the good work!
If you can do back to back 50 miles, you can do 100 miles. If your legs were fine after 50, they'll hurt after 100, but you'll be able to do it.
illegitimate0 Thanks for the support! I’m sure I’ll be able to. Just trying to be conscious not to over do it at the same time.
2 days back to back is a good indication that you are ready :) but, your mind has to be set up for it too, if you think you can't do it... you can't.
I went 155 km before lunch (on a bowl of oatmeal) August 2002. 280 km every Sunday for 36 weeks. Just plod away. I've always had an impressive reserve of body fat though.
My first 100 miles:
Back in 2012 a friend of mine and I decided that we were going to bike up north (Minnesota) to my cabin. Decided two days before. We had never rode farther than 20 miles, ever, in our lives. Here’s what happened:
- we had a clipboard with over 100 directions to avoid the highway. Too many dirt roads, had to abandon that.
- I rode a VERY heavy Uni Vega, one of the first made. My buddy rode a HYBRID bike, not even a road bike!
- we had the wrong clothes for riding.
- no plan to get home (assumed we’d bike home).
- next to no food. We each brought two apples, and some granola bars.
- we went through three severe thunderstorms. The first one ripped me off my bike, and sent a garbage can flying. Lightning struck 100 feet away from us. Two more storms that drove us to take shelter happened. At 60 miles in, my body actually shut down, completely. At this point we had 51 more to go.
- my arse hurt SO bad for so much of the ride that I would stand up to avoid crippling pain only to be forced back down because of my ligaments and joint pain. This went on for hours and hours. I’d count five pedal turns, then count to five while coasting, then repeat.
-the ride ended up being 111 miles, which we completed in 14 hours and 27 minutes.
- my buddy messed up his hand and didn’t have feeling for months. I had damage around on my ligaments aground my knees.
- basically, we biked 111 miles in one day with no training, barely any food with bikes that no one should have ever used, through three very severe storms. The human will is powerful!
Since then, I’ve done 5 more century rides! Im doing that ride again in August.
Frickin gnarly! 🤟🤟🤟
I did my first one on my own in July. I just decided I wasn't coming home until I I did. Goal before turning the big six five..
I did my first 100miler on a fixie. It was hard work and my average speed was pretty low, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and I felt a great sense of achievement when I had finished. Good luck to anybody planning their first 100mile ride!
enjoy watching this on the couch after having cycled 134 miles with 3300m elevation from newcastle to leeds yesterday. for me the key was to keep eating and drinking and split the route up into mental segments/milestones
Good effort Toni, enjoying some well deserved rest!
I just did my century and all I can say is... HYDRATION HYDRATION HYDRATION!!!
You forgot hydration at least 10 times.
rode my first 180km, decided 2 hours before, route was decided along the way, old, heavy MTB, about 30km cobblestone road, about 40 km ground road.
It was absolutely brutal and amazing
Did my first 100 mile ride on 7 September 2019. I put together 4 local rides I’ve done before and completed them all in one day. Thanks for all the great advice-I think I saw all your related videos beforehand.
It turns out that gummy bears made from fruit juice are great for energy food and nice for munching throughout the ride. I used all real food-electrolyte drink, jam sandwich, pretzels, banana, a cereal bar, and gummy’s.
I did my first (and so far only) century last year, solo from Dublin to Belfast. I bought a bus ticket online for the 8pm bus back to Dublin but, because I left home a bit too late, I had to push really hard to catch it. Didn't even stop for a coffee. The ride was less enjoyable than it should have been, but gave me a great sense of achievement nonetheless. I made it to the coach station in time, with 4 minutes to spare.
Wow good effort Tudor! Glad you managed to catch the coach in time!
Just ride to your own ability, don't get caught up in chasing numbers.
Tudor Marian that's good motivation!
I was literally chasing the bus, not numbers :). It was within my ability, I just left home too late.
That's as great motivation as any. You'll have to find a friend in Belfast to let you stay overnight and you can catch the bus (or cycle) home the next day, and you can do the same for them.
My first 100 was the Bournemouth sportive. All went well until we hit Bulbarrow Hill at about 85 miles. I went up slowly but it was the first time I had seen people traversing up the road to lessen the incline. I loved it all but was glad to get off the bike at the end.
I rode my first 100 miler on Xmas day 2021, with seven months training. The weather was brutal,and it hammered down,high winds,etc.
7.5hours finish.
62 and have heart disease,so very pleased.
I just love that expression "blow your own doors off".
Love it how Emma keeps it real. No artificial conversation with "witty" quips. She's present with the conversation and has natural responses.
12 minutes into your video, vlog, blog, or whatever, you two are brilliant! Outstanding vid, thanks
Loved you both recalling an old cycling story. I could listen to more of them.
I find these videos really motivating. I took up this lark last year at age 66 and did my first Sportive in the Mendips (63 miles). It nearly killed me because I started too quick, didn't fuel, didn't hydrate, rode on my own etc. Now I am booked into the London 100 and am following a TP - but there are so many TPs and they seem so sophisticated. I like this video as it is simple.
I'm planning a 200 mile ride over two days from northern California to San Francisco. It's mostly flatter ground but I need to hope the winds are in my favor since it's valley riding. LOVE this channel, keep up the good work.
Always plan your 100 miles around the cake coffee stop at 75miles. Boost of moral to crack on and finish with a smile
☕️🍰
Ya
We stopped for a single Guinness and panini at 65 miles
jason hymes Carbs and Iron fuel will do the trick 👌
VeganTruther this video is geared to achieving your first century distance. Not without stopping. Coffee and cake is a perk and incentive to keep going
Just did my first century ride earlier this month. Love the channel.
Emma you are doing great!
I've completed lots of centuries (several each year) and most did not have a specific start time that everyone had to depart on. Instead, they had the earliest allowable departure time (typically dawn or sunrise) and the latest allowable departure time (typically noon). This allows participants some leeway as to when to start. One of my "regulars" is the famous _Apple Cider Century_ in Three Oaks, Michigan, U.S.A. It typically gets from 5000 to 6000 participants and this year (2018) will be the 45th running. Here are some tips...
*Tip 1:* With the above in mind, I recommend that first-timers plan to depart at the earliest possible time so that you'll have plenty of time to complete the century and so you won't get log-jammed in a slow-moving bunch. Plus, there's another reason for leaving early: Many centuries also offer shorter routes for less fit or less ambitious participants. These shorter routes often merge into the main century route as you near the finish line. The later you arrive at the finish, the more congested it can become and some of the slower riders may not be very safe. So, again, plan to depart early to avoid the worst of the congestion at the finish.
*Tip 2:* Enter the route into your cycling computer _before_ the event. Some events will provide a data file that you can download and load into your Garmin or other cycling computer. I prefer the _Ride With GPS_ website and load the route in there. It can import data files or it has the best manual route entry system for cyclists (a necessary method for the _Apple Cider Century_ because all they provide is a printed map). Then it's a simple matter to download the route with turn-by directions to my Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT so I don't miss a turn during the event. Whenever you enter a route, it's a good idea to make it publicly available for other cyclists who may not have time or the experience to enter it themselves. IMPORTANT: Always take a printed backup map in case your cycling computer dies. I also carry a smartphone with a good GPS map system in case of an emergency. As an extra caution, you could also plan to "live track" your route so family or friends can monitor your progress on their smartphones or computers.
*Tip 3:* Most of the centuries that I ride are held rain or shine. If there's a chance of rain in the forecast, you need to prepare in advance. One of the biggest helps for rain I discovered in a GCN video several years ago. GCN showed these amazing temporary, light-weight, plastic fenders that are designed to fit on a standard road racing bike. The bike I usually ride is a composite carbon Team Fuji and the maximum tire size it can accommodate is just 700c x 25mm. So there isn't much room to squeeze a set of fenders on the bike. However, the _Crud Roadracer Mk 2_ fenders will just barely fit. And they are fairly easy to install or remove. I leave the mounts (which are held onto the fork and frame with rubber bands) on the bike. Then all I have to do is connect the fenders to the mounts. It takes only 10 minutes or less. These fenders have little brushes that help them "float" on the wheels to keep them properly centered and the brake tracks clean. Fenders make such a huge difference when riding a rainy century. Highly recommended! _Note: I believe Crud has a newer Mk 3 version now which you can see here: ____www.crudproducts.com/_
I did the TOSRV in central OHIO on a $189 Walmart bike
My mate signed me up for a Century with 3 days notice.. i am a novice cyclists at best. This video gave me the Confidence in my self that i can complete this race. I learned that with my previous ride history is exactly what i should be doing. I came in 37/94, just under 8hrs. I am hooked to watching GCN, with all your knowledge i have been able to set higher goals.
Thank you
Great video with some really useful info, especially about taking it easy 10-14 days before the ride and making sure to eat at regular intervals. I'm not planning on doing 100 miles anytime soon but I will be doing a 35 mile ride with my mom in a few weeks on my old hardtail MTB that I put road tires on. It's the longest ride I'll have done though that's primarily because I used to only ride trails and just recently started riding the roads around my house which has been quite fun as it's a great way to explore roads and neighborhoods.
Looking for a perfect 100mile loop on Google maps 🤣
Love your channel! Keep on posting!
LOVE doing 100 mile rides! This video is chock full of excellent and accurate tips. Preparing your bike & kit the day before WITH A CHECKLIST is really good. I usually do the CRW Spring Century here in Massachusetts as my first century of the season. Beautiful course & well supported. A month later I follow it up with the Outriders ride -- 125 miles from Boston to Provincetown on Cape Cod.
My first century ride was the live strong century from Austin Tx into the hill country and I learned some great lessons about riding in high winds and why a good saddle is important
I’m going to do 100 miles this time next year & I just got into the sport from a road bike perspective I’ve been mountain bike girl all my life. I just did about 40 miles only finished 38 because I caught a major cramp so I’m going to train like crazy. I’m also going to try and start participating in races as well so I’m loving this page it’s helping me with knowledge and vital information thanks 😊
I’ve done several centuries on gravel. Pack up, steady pace and enjoy the scenery! Recovery is super important too! Post ride beers are an essential ingredient!
Doing 3 Dams in Perth hills, Australia. 135 km of hills in scenic Jarrah Forest this Sunday. Can't wait!
Thanks for the timely advice, my cycling goal for this year is to do my first Century :)
Planing for do my first 100 mile in summer and this video was really good see before doing that! I must say Emma is perfect for GCN since she know so mush and fit well with all the other presenters.
I recommend the 100 mile wattbike sportive plan, that has helped me immensely. Rattled of 75 miles with no bother last week and felt like I had more in the tank. Indoor cycling has definitely improved my cycling as you concentrate more on your form. But there is nothing that replaces being out in the fresh air.
Great info guys! Wish I'd seen this vid before my first century!
I did my first century today! Probably should have watched this video a few weeks ago, not after the event, but happily I think I did most of what you advised here! Phew...
You could add to plan a Century ride on an overcast day too with normal wind speeds when it's summer time. It's really helpful!
My first 100+ mile ride was the Paris -Roubaix Challenge - go hard or go home! Had quite a few moments of "what am I doing here?" along the way... I've never been so happy to see a finish line. Took me a good hour or two to stump up the courage to ride back to my hotel - all out of the saddle of course!
The longest ride I've done, was 120 km with a MTB, carrying quite a few things with me, such as a drone, some home-made energy bars (which were delicious and kept me well-fed) etc. The scenery was picturesque, on a ride around 2 lakes, here in Northern Greece, which gave me motivation to carry on. Despite the difficulties, or possible lack of the proper equipment, if you are determined, you can succeed in whatever goal you set. Of course, this is from an amateur's point of view. I really like your videos, guys. Thanks for sharing! Greetings from Greece.
Thanks! Am planning to do the Blue Ridge Brutal in August 2022. Have already started to train and am working steadily increasing my distances and saddle time over the next 17 months both indoors (Zwift and TrainerRoad) & outdoors.
My longest one-day ride was 330km (just over 200 miles)... this advice is spot on! I did fine nutritionally, and luckily my bike performed flawlessly. My biggest challenges ended up being foot, bum, and shoulder/neck pain... Base miles are key for working this stuff out!
For charity after my father passed away I cycled 220 miles from Tonbridge in Kent to the Humber Bridge in North Lincolnshire.
just did my first 100 miles yesterday. my hands are a little numb but it was awesome!!!!
Rode my first 100 about 2 months after I started riding with only about 6 training rides, because well, my friends are mean and it sounded challenging. Most of my previous rides were 30 miles but did 40 miles the week before through lots of hills. At least compared to the 40, the century was pretty flat. We also were no where close to fast and we took lots of stops and I struggled through cramps for the last 30 miles and could barely stand after I got off the bike. With that said it was a very satisfying experience and it made every century that I have done since a piece of cake. I will say it was nice having a well supported ride with lots of food with messages available at the end. The message was glorious to help relieve my aching neck and relieve my tension headache.
I rode my first century (in fact more, as it was 174 km) solo, without planning it, and it was also the first time I attempted to climb a mountain pass (in fact I climbed two that day). That day I climbed 2700m or 8858 ft.
This!!! Great advice!!!
After watching this and the other excellent videos on tackling the 100-mile trip from GCN, I completed my first ever 100-miler on Friday 28th May. I was hoping to be joined by a friend, but I ended up doing it on my own, and if I were ever to do it again (not sure on that at the moment), I would certainly advise to go with someone. It is a long way and motivation to continue going rises and dips along the way and I think having someone to chat to and put your minds off the miles ahead and also to chivvy each other along would certainly help. Saying that, I am very proud that I managed to complete it, having set this quest during my 50th year, but due to Lockdown rules, I have now only been able to complete it in my 51st year. I did train, but my wife doesn't think I did enough, as I generally cycled 20-30 miles every Sunday for the past year, with a few 50-milers (Bristol to Cheddar loop) thrown in. I did struggle a bit from 60 onwards, but it was more the terrain as sadly my route got a bit hillier as I approached the Quantocks and then Exmoor. I could have taken an easier route, but I was keen to cycle through the beautiful moors, and so stuck with it. One incident saw my heart rate rise to 190 BPM, and I think I put that down to a high-caffeine drink powder, which I was trying to avoid but hadn't checked the contents properly before setting off. Will I do it again??? Not for a while...
I did my first century from Newport Beach to San Diego on my fixed gear - awesome coastal views!
My tip: Definitely grab electrolyte drink mix! After 65 miles, I couldn't hold water long anymore and had to constantly go take a leak lol.
Great advice. I loved it!
I bloody did it lads, I’m in the hundred club! Completed it today, my Strava is James Ledner ! Your videos help
On my first long trip I managed to do a 216km from Berlin to Dresden last month with my tesoro3. It was absolutely amazing, before that my longest was 75km. It felt like an achievement :D
Two - three training rides a week for 2 months were enough to get me from not riding at all to my first century. Once a week I've done 3-4 hour slower endurance ride, all other rides were 1hr to 1:30 fast paced spin sessions sat in the saddle as much as possible to build up bum-sore resistance. I only used the cheapest decathlon cycling gloves, padded pants, shoes and tools and took peanut butter jelly sandwiches, fruit and nut bars and digestives with me, although i regretted not having savoury stuff like chicken wraps with me when my tummy started getting tense towards the end of the ride. It's one of my greatest achievements and it gave me this strong not-wasting my life away vibe for a very long time afterwards. Good luck to all of you taking on this great adventure.
THANK YOU Emma, Simon & GCN - I followed your suggestions, hints and experience along with many of the same info in the 4 week Training Video Series to successfully complete a Century last Sunday @ the Endless Summer Watermelon Ride in Fernandina Beach, FL hosted by the North Florida Bicycle Club. Yes, plenty of delicious Watermelon available during & after ride. This was my first Century and it meant so meant given various issues (off the bike) I was able to work through that allowed me to ride again after a 3 yr layoff. Yes, I tweaked (I skipped the flapjacks) your info to fit my situation but the majority of what was offered I followed which made a huge difference especially since I have to travel a long way to do the Ride. See your fans really do listen & follow your advice. Now time to look for & prepare for the next ride. Love GCN........
Thank for the video. That's my next achievement
Another good tip would be to plan your possible cafe stop about 30miles from the end. This might be a bit harder to plan in the case of an event, but you can definitely use it when you are doing it on your own or with your mates
Great tip, Niels ☕️
I participated in the Axel Merckx Prospera Granfondo century ride Penticton British Columbia 2016...and it was a very memorable ride, and proper preparation is highly recommended...😊
I took part in the first Birmingham Velo a number of years ago. Did it on a hybrid bike, carried 2 litres of water on my back in a ruck sack with several sandwiches and flapjacks. Left my two water bottles at home and panicked as it was a Sunday but luckily found a shop open and bought two water bottles. But still completed it in 8 and half hours. Felt amazing!
Hello all. I'm a huge GCN fan located in Philadelphia. Over this past weekend, I signed up for a century ride sponsored by a brewery in the town I grew up in. The challenge and nostalgia of riding in that area again, led me to impulsively sign up for this century. This will be my second official century.
Simon, I am SOOO happy that you mentioned your lack luster performance on your first century. My first century was a summer ride, and I was part of a relay team for an ironman distance triathlon put on by Challenge Family. I was handling the bike portion of the race, 112 miles. Our swimmer finished MUCH faster than anticipated, and I found myself taking off with many of the pro competitors. Once on the road, I was being smoked left and right by pro riders, but I kept my head and peddled on. Around mile 30, there was a left turn at the base of a steep hill, and while in mid turn, I found myself taking a hard fall after one of the other riders decided to try and sneak in on my left. Everything on my bike went flying off, but I was so full of adrenaline, that I popped back on my feet quickly and gathered my things. My bike didn't take too much damage, but my computer was useless after this. I quickly got back on my bike and began peddling again, so that I can avoid any race official trying to check me out before proceeding with the race. My biggest fear was that I had cracked my helmet, and that they wouldn't let me continue without a helmet in proper condition. I didn't have another helmet to use.
I rode for about a mile and came across a first aid station, more like an ambulance stationed on the side of the road along the bike route. I leaned my bike on the side of the ambulance that was facing away from the road, again, so that an official would realize that I was the one who took a hard fall. The medics cleaned up my extensive road rash that stretched down the entire left side of my body, did a quick concussion check, bandaged me up, and sent me on my way.
Without the use of my bike computer, I found it difficult to settle into a productive rhythm. Not only that, I found myself stopping two more times at road side ambulances to have my bandages changed out. With the summer sun continuing to rise over me, I found my bandages were mostly just collecting sweat and offering some protection from the sun. Sweat logged bandages on top of fresh road rash will begin to sting quite severely after a while. The last 15 miles poured on some of the heaviest head winds I have ever had to deal with. At the marker for the last 5 miles, I was told that all the other riders behind me were getting kicked off the course, and that I was going to be the last one allowed to finish the course.
I finished the ride in great pain, but I finished. I went to the medic tent and they changed out my bandages again, and provided me with some tips on washing up and dressing my wounds. It was in the medic tent that I noticed my helmet HAD cracked in three spots. The idea of participating in another century never crossed my mind for a few years after that. Until now.
Thanks for sharing your story, and keep up the great work at GCN.
One of the easiest centuries I've ever done was Croix de Fer and then Galibier. Big climbs but must have been nearly 100k of downhill in there!
Very helpful video. Yall are great and love the show. Used these tips.
Have a great blessed day
🙏🚴🏻♀️🥵😊
Fueling and pacing is key I guess as the GCN guys say. I Did the Portland to the coast bike ride on the 19th ,and the tips worked very well.Keep it going GCN
from experience riding a dozen centuries, I find tapering to 2 days before the ride works best for me. If I take it easy for more than 3 days, I have a harder time on the century. The two days before the century I do either a short intense 30min ride or easy hour ride around 18mph.
I just completed the Mallorca 312 and it was not "actually literally easy" in any way. Watching this video took me back to my first century a few years ago and this is some great advice. Great Video (Also, that's me in the Red Sotonia Kit at 2.58 on stage 5 of the Haute Route alpes! Emma absolutely flew up that climb!
I started cycling around a year ago. Did some commute by bike (25km each way), some evening rides (30-50km) from time to time and around 5 to 6 100km rides since then. This week I watched some GCN and got aware of this "a century" ride. As I anyway planned to do a bigger trip today, I told myself to maybe try the 100 miles / 160km and thanks to GCNs eat & drinks tipps for longer rides I managed to do it! It was hard at the end but I got 165km on my garmin. This will be celebrated with beer(s) tonight!
Thanks guys more great advice, planning our first 100 kms rather than miles but we are over 50 and I would imagine similar rules apply, nice one. Rob & Nicki.
My longest ride was when I was a student at UW-MILWAUKEE in 1967. This was at a time when I also was working at a bike store and doing a lot of AYH (American Youth Hostels) sponsored rides. One could qualify for 25, 50, 75 and 100 mile embroidered patches upon completion. They would organize 2 or 3 a weekend during the summer and fall with a marked route. There could be 30-100 riders of all ages depending upon the route.
I also had purchased a Raleigh Pro with full Campy parts at the bike store so I was in pretty good shape.
A girl in one of my classes (who also did some AYH rides) and I decided to ride north up to my bike store owner's cabin in Door County.
We brought along our camping gear and tent.
We left on a Friday morning with no doubts. We managed to do the 176 miles from UW-M to Fish Creek stopping three times along the way. We rode into town about 4pm and set up camp at the cabin.
The next day we checked out bike stores and rode around.
Door County is gorgeous peninsula with Green Bay one side and Lake Michigan on the other. It's a long time high-end destination with many quaint towns, state parks, all levels of dining choices, beaches, shops, motels, resorts, boat/kayak/bike rentals. It has been popular for many decades. Many tourists/vacationers from the Chicago area.
So we rode around on that Saturday and rode the 176 miles back on Sunday.
Not bad for a couple of 20yr olds.
I'm sure all elderly cyclists watching this, among whom , having joined my first cycling club ( CTC) in 1948, I number myself, must be wondering what all the fuss is about. Our regular Sunday club runs were always about 100 miles, ridden by an age range probably between late teens up to people in their fifties or more, most of whom hardly had any time on their bikes during the week. Virtually all of us, as was the custom then, were riding a fixed wheel (two brakes though - we weren't daft), on bikes that were heavier than today and laden in addition with mudguards, saddlebags and heavy old front and rear lamps. No modern techno clothing - the saddlebags were stuffed with things like heavy oilskin capes and sou'westers, the odd sweater and a day's food - oh! and tools, of course. In case any of you younger riders out there are thinking - 'rambling old idiot - probably senile and did it in bare feet' - I can assure you that this is all perfectly true, and I am sure that there will be many out there who could confirm this. I was still doing centuries in my seventies and am still riding today, although I'm pretty slow now and stick as far as possible to flatter routes. I don't intend to sound patronising and wish all power to all who cycle, whatever the distance, but you can perhaps appreciate why I and my ilk would say 'why all fuss'?
right you did lol. you didn't
@@job9650 Sorry - don't understand your comment.
Uphill in the snow both ways
I can vouch for this. CTC Sunday club runs laden with gear. Loved it. Justvwnet out and enjoyed the riding without worrying about the weight and what we were wearing.
Invaluable. I'll be doing a (metric) century in a few months and an (imperial) century a few months after that.
Doing Vätternrunden (300K) next week. I finished Vasaloppet and Grenaderen this winter at first try (cross country skiing classics, both 90K). In my experience planning is the key. That means a decent amount of training, doing some minor races and preparing equipment and supplies to the best ability of the resources at hand (you do not need the fanciest stuff or to be a top athlete). If you start easy and do it at your own pace, chances are good you will make it.
A few of us are aiming to become members of the Club des Cinglés du Ventoux in June. Can’t wait!!!!!
Good luck Mathew! 👊
I'm doing my first Prudential Ride London and these tips were informative! I'm not a clipless rider but I'm looking to upgrade my bike or trade in my current road bike before July.
Cool Video, Keep up the good work!
I did my first Century on an MS charity bike ride, too. They set up a 10 mile route in a Chicago suburb and we road around it 10 times, at least I did. Yes, the Chicago area is fairly flat, so I suppose that helped. I was 16, had no training, and rode a heavy steel tube bike.But like most teens back then, my bicycle was my main mode of transportation. Parents didn't drive us everywhere back then. I even had to ride my bike to the start of the ride and then home again when it was over. I had my breakfast and lunch at McDonalds. My second one I was 20 and my husband and I stopped for lunch at a pub and had burgers fries and beer. I am by no means athletic and very slow. You guys on your modern bikes would pass me like I'm standing still. ;) The reason I never did more 100 milers was the time constraints. I would stick to the 40 or 60 mile courses as an adult, riding my '78 Fuji S10-S (which I still have).
I did my first 161km ride in training in 2014. The event I was preparing for was l'étape du tour and although it was a shorter distance it was a more severe effort due to the amount of climbing involved. So training for the Pyrenees (l'étape 2014 went over the Tourmalet and finished up Hautacam) on the rolling roads of Belgium meant that for an effort almost equal to the event, my maximum training ride was 210Km. So I think its more important to think of the effort your going to need on your "big day" rather than just the distance. That way you don't get to hung up on the milestone that is the distance (which if your riding in Belgium and measuring in Kilometers seems pretty arbitrary as well!).
I completed a century in 2013 and haven't cycle until 2 weeks ago! I've signed up to do another 100 mile event in 2 weeks time leaving myself 4 weeks in total to train! I think I'll be breathing out of my hoop! 🤣
Good video I plan a 100 mile a few years ago by about a month for the least , do 60 mile by your self timig my self 60 mile group ride , dont ride the ride the dsy before precheck the day before spears tubes , ,patches, good pump , very important a riding buddy to motivate each other
Ronde van Vlaanderen,tour de Namur, Scheldeprijs........ .you Emma ,si 👊 spot on 👍.pat from Belgium 🚲
I rode 103 miles on my 71st birthday...Trained by leaving the bike at home and going skiing in Colorado...Grub was a bacon buttie for breakfast, a subway for lunch and 6 granola bars in between. Finished off with a few pints and fish and chips!
Just completed the Way of the Roses this weekend raising money for the MNDA. 175 miles over 3 days and now the ton in one run is definitely on the agenda. As is Cragg Vale this weekend.
After watching you older “How to ride a 100 miles”, a few years ago my buddy and I challenged ourselves on our Trek FX crossbikes from Tokyo via Yokohama, the big Buddha of Kamakura and back.
On the way back snapped my chain. Found a motorbike mechanic who fixed the chain and carefully rode seated the rest of the way for a 160-165km ride.
Si's bike is so gorgeous!!!
Great timing, I am hoping on doing my first century this year in Chicago!
Glad we could be of help Carlos!
I did my 1st ever 100 miles about 3 years ago, no plan, no route just went out and rode my bike. Found a couple of nice cafes along the way. Just done the Cheshire Cat last Sunday so 110 miles in the legs and now building for the Yorkshire Beast in May which is 200 miles and 15000ft of climbing. I have a lot of work to do to be ready for that.