Last Tuesday (May 17) I rode a century by myself. I took a day off work and went up a local trail (25 miles), back again, and repeated. I just wanted to see if I could do it before our first "big event" on June 4.
I'm just getting my notes together, but thought I'd share with you all what I learned:
There's not much difference between mile 30 and mile 80. After awhile, it's just all pain. :-)
You need to eat and drink a lot. I felt better almost immediately each time I had something to eat.
Change at the halfway point. I was soaked with sweat by mile 50, and it was good that I had an extra change of clothes in my car. It made miles 51 thru 100 not as bad as they could have been.
Adrenaline helps some. From mile 50 to mile 80, I could see that I was going to make it, and that gave me an extra boost. Miles 81 thru 100 were tough, though, as I was close, but not close enough.
Go out slow. If you ride the first 50 too fast (which I didn't), you'll deplete all your energy.
Work as a team. I did this ride alone, but when I've drafted back and forth with others, I've had an easier time of it.
Hope these tips help. I'll try to keep them in mind as the first "official" century is only eight days away.
Comments