First Century
 

I am sure that countless times many of you here on the C/A sub forum have completed many centuries.

I recently completed a Century+. I participated in the 2011 El Tour de Tucson this past Saturday. It is a 111 mile trek around the perimeter of Tucson Arizona.

It has been a goal of mine to finish a century ride and that I did. I finished in 6:56:57:68 according to the timing with about 6:20 in the saddle. I was riding with friends from the next town over and eventually I was riding solo as far as people I knew.

This is probably just one of many centuries to come, but I did learn a few things.

1. Training is something that I probably should have done more of.
2. At the 75 mile mark, my legs were giving out and were just plain sore.
3. Endurance is something that is gained over time.
4. People with super expensive bikes don't necessarily ride better.
5. Being in the saddle for 6+ hours is a LONG TIME!
6. One pedal stroke after the other will keep you going.

Here is a picture from just after the finish. http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=227912

I am the dude in the red jersey!

Hope you guys have a great day!

I've done a few centuries, but my times are usually more than nine hours.

Awesome dude!

Congrats! You are my hero.
Charlie

Great job! One thing you didn't really mention is how it went. Did you enjoy yourself? How was the ride?

It was familiar territory since it was only an hour from my home. The weather was in the mid 60s and overcast so that made for a nice day to be on the bike.

I really did enjoy it up until 75 miles. After 75 miles it was just survival....especially the last 20ish miles or so.

I live up at a higher elevation and biking at lower elevation wasn't really an issue of cardio, it was just an issue of endurance.

Approximately 9,000 cyclists entered the various lengths 111, 80 (i think) and some shorter rides.

Here is my Garmin mapping as well for those interested. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/129719980

That's great!

Sounds like perfect weather. Congratulations! I can't yet envision a 100 miles.

awesome! I am hoping my first century (since I am older and fatter) will be next year.

:eek:.....Ain't that the truth?!:roflmao2:

You look happy! :thumb:

I did the Tour back in the late 90's. One of my first centuries. Knew nothing about timers or drafting. I even stopped to chat with Gina on the side of the road several times, wore an IN-N-Out tshirt on the ride. I started at the back of the line up, took me about 15 minutes to get across the line. I finished in 6:15 time. If I had known anything about timed rides, I would have gotten the gold by limiting my stops a bit.:D

Lesson learned. This is going to be agood year so hopefully I can do AZ rides again. I also did a metric in Casa Grande in 05. I'm a Cali boy but must admit, AZ rides blow away Cali rides.:p

You too? I've done one and come in the same.

Fixed the post for you.

Congratulations!

That's great!

I've yet to do a sub-seven hour century.

I love the picture of you after you finished. A giant grin.

That's how I felt after I completed mine a month or so ago. Even though I was completely out of gas as I didn't bring enough food. I did mine solo on my commuter bike.

Congratulations, it quite an accomplishment for us bigger, older fellas. :D