JS41989

I picked up my first road bike on June 27th. Though I’d been cycling frequently during the shutdown, I had never biked more than 19 miles on my hybrid. I set a goal after picking up my Tarmac to attempt a century ride before my new daughter arrived at the end of October. Since the beginning of August, I’ve been riding 2-3 days per-week in preparation. I found some group rides with riders who are a lot more experienced and skilled, which really pushed me to get stronger and faster.

Saturday I attempted and successfully completed my first century ride, biking 114 miles. I’m filled with a ton of overwhelming pride and accomplishment, because I truthfully expected to fail. I was physically gassed the last 20 miles, but I had other riders who continually encouraged me to complete the route. Support was essential to completing the ride. I look forward to participating in more century rides in the future.

Statistics

Distance - 114.6 Miles
Elevation Gain - 3,120 Feet
Time - 6 Hours 33 Minutes
Average Speed - 17.5 MPH
Average Heart Rate - 153 BPM
Calories Burned - 5,105

Nutrition

Pre-Ride
Two Protein Waffles
Peanut Butter
Banana
Gladiator Pre-Workout by Ryno Power

During Ride
Two Honey Stinger Waffles
Two Gu Roctane Packets
One Complete Cookie
Half Breakfast Burrito (Mile 60)
Two Hydration Fuels by Ryno Power
One Gatorade
Six Liters of Water

I will say pacing could have been better. I averaged over 20 mph until mile 90 and then really fell off the last 25 miles. Had I paced myself better I am not sure the wall I hit would have been as large. Also it was hot this weekend, over 90 degrees by the time I finished up. Perfect storm for a bonk, I'd say.

ericcox

Congratulations! That is a huge accomplishment.

Robert A

Nice time too.

drewtk

Good job, and nice pace, especially with the elevation gain. Sounds you did it as part of a group ride? My longest ride so far is 75 miles, although regularly ride 40-70. I want to check the century box myself at some point.

InvertedMP 

Nicely done! I have been doing a few half century rides and really want to do the full century. One of these days lol.

JS41989

I did the ride with two friends! My longest ride previously had been 50 miles. My average ride for training was roughly 30 miles and I shoot for a pace of 17.5 mph or better. I typically climb 1,500-2,000 feet per-ride.

Olefeller77 

Congratulations!! That is great. That would be a fast pace for me. You have a tip of my hat to you.

woodcraft

Congrats! Well done.

jpescatore

A lot of people contemplating their first century ride ask about eating/drinking/rest stop strategies - what did you end up doing in those areas?

JS41989

Great question! I will actually add that information to my initial post as well. Though I was never hungry I felt like I could have used a little more food toward the end of the ride.

Pre-Ride
Two Protein Waffles
Peanut Butter
Banana
Gladiator Pre-Workout by Ryno Power

During Ride
Two Honey Stinger Waffles
Two Gu Roctane Packets
One Complete Cookie
Half Breakfast Burrito (Mile 60)
Two Hydration Fuels by Ryno Power
One Gatorade
Six Liters of Water

Nachoman

Nice job, rookie!

diphthong

weather should be a little cooler this coming week if you wanna double dip just before the time change.

JS41989

I was actually just joking today that I chose the wrong Saturday.