funbikerchick

Hi all. I am so proud to announce that at 57 I rode my first century last Saturday. It took me 11 hours. I had a crash at mile 18 when another rider pulled out in front of me as I was turning into the first rest stop. Still, I finished. It wasn't until after the crash that I realized that I was hurt. Not seriously, but I had soft tissue injuries all along my left side. My tricep, my elbow, my knee, my achilles tendon, and my foot (big). I spent that last week in a good bit of discomfort, but I am not finally well on my way to being healed. The muscle pain just from riding the century was all gone by Monday so it really was just the crash that caused me pain.

The point is, being 50+ doesn't mean we can't physically active. I am overweight, but I guess in some reasonable fashion of shape, but I wouldn't say super active. I did it! I will admit to crying at the end... tears of joy at the triumph!

Here is a shot of me just after I finished. The grimace is because I was fighting tears... lol I can't figure out how to rotate it.

ZIPP2001

Congrats ! Always remember when riding organized events expect the unexpected.

Reynolds 

Well done, and extra points for finishing after the crash!

Wileyrat

Congrats!!!

In the past, I've never been interested in doing a century, but lately I think it's become a nagging little thought that's going to have to be addressed.

justtrying

Congratulations on a job well done. It is an accomplishment in itself, but kudos to you for finishing it after the crash!👍. I didn't thing the picture was sideways. I thought you took it immediately after the crash.

WNCGoater

Congratulations! Way to go!

B. Carfree

I don't know if it's better or worse to do one's first century after age 50. On the bright side, one doesn't have those taunting memories of being able to easily ride 100 miles in four to five hours without a worry, so one doesn't feel like one is broken when riding at a more normal pace. On the other hand, it can be hard to venture out into unknown distances/efforts.

Whichever way is harder/easier, well done. A small crash just leaves something to improve on next time.

canklecat

Well done! Tough way to finish but you did it. I think the farthest I've ridden after a fall was 12 miles or so, and that was to finish a metric century. Ribs were aching and I doubt I'd have finished a full 100 miles.

Machka 

Congratulations! When is your next one?

OldTryGuy

Simply Marvelous!!!

Continuing after the crash was gutsy and shows me just how much you enjoy bicycling. You have now "done" what many "hope to do" so let this be your first step in many more to come.

BobbyG

I have yet to do a century so I am always impressed by those who do, especially at my age or older. I have hiked Pikes Peak 3 times including this summer and I have gotten emotional and teary-eyed each time.

You go, girl!

Extra kudos for getting back on the "horse" that threw you.

berner

You go girl! You are determined and tough. Often in life the answer to a difficult situation is to keep going 'till the end.

woodcraft

Well done!

philbob57

Congratulations! Sorry about the crash. Kudos for staying on the ride.

FlamsteadHill

Congrats. Especially after the crash. That's Guts.

Still working towards my first C. Had a couple opportunities (unsupported) but then other things came up. Hope to get one in before Winter sets in.

jppe

Terrific!! You've blown through a huge barrier. That's a long time to be out there on a bike. Tears were earned and I've done the same in years past. Well done!!

t4mv

Well done funbikerchick, a century at any age is an accomplishment, hopefully this is the first of many more adventures that await.


Wileyrat, I think I hear El Tour calling your name; I did it about a dozen years ago and it was a good ride. It's a bit crowded and there're some pretty squirrelly riders out there (i.e. the TNT ones), but, it's well supported, flat, and well, you know what the weather's like.

downtube42

Congrats!

You can do far more than you even imagine.

davester

Awesome achievement, especially having the wherewithal and guts to brush yourself off and finish after a crash. I crashed on a steep and windy descent on a century in Italy a couple of years ago, and had pretty bad road rash to show for it. I had not choice but to finish the ride because I was in the middle of the Tuscan countryside with no cell phone reception and no sag wagons on that ride. I did not discover how bad and painful the road rash was until after the ride. I think that what happens is that the adrenalin kicks in to mask the pain. By the way, Tegaderm and similar bandages do wonders for road rash pain.

Now you get to decide which century to ride next!

MinnMan

I've gone in the opposite direction. Rode my first century at age 49 and was proud just to have accomplished it.

Rode about an average of one century/year for a few years after that, with none in some years.

Last year (age 55) I rode 3, including my first under 5 hours.

This year, I've done 7, including two under 5 hours and one on gravel.

Boy, am I ever looking forward to retirement.

My point, apart from the shameless boast, is that not only is it possible to complete a century even being older and a late-starter, but that with enough miles under one's belt, they can become routine and additional goals can be met.

richas

Congratulations! Planning on riding 50 this weekend so sneaking up on it...

Rich

az_cyclist

Congrats! enjoy your achievement.. and plan your next century

rumrunn6

well done!

this forum needs a like button

Longfellow02

Congratulations on a great accomplishment.
You should be very proud of all the hard work and effort you put in.

Gerry221

Absolutely amazing job. Well done.

You must be so proud.....I know I would be.

Chapeau!