Entrada

I did my second century of the summer Saturday, and averaged 18.3 mph for the first 103 miles. Seems great, especially considering I'm 54, it's my first summer of significant cycling in decades, and there was substantial headwind the last 15 or so miles. But before the kudos come rolling in, consider the route:
Tell-Gateway-topo-scan_..gif
Some 4300 ft drop in elevation from start to finish doesn't hurt the numbers! If anyone wants a gorgeous, fast and easy century, this would be it. The "Mountains to Desert (M2D)" ride started in Telluride amidst the mountains, evergreens, and golden aspens (and 34 degrees--yikes!). We did the 28 miles to the first rest stop in an hour and seven minutes (and my frontal area to weight ratio makes me like a kite fluttering on the downhills...). Finished in the red-rock canyons and sagebrush straight out of a western--watch for falling anvils and boxes marked Acme Explosives...
Lessons learned: First, I've never ridden in a group before, but I learned it makes a huge difference when you're cranking along at 23 mph. Thanks to the group of geezers that passed me and told me to "hook on." Second, it's great to have an event that understands that a 50 degree rise in temp. from start to finish requires a way to drop clothing after the initial screaming descent and before the 800' grind up Norwood Hill. Third, it's maybe not so smart to tack on the extra 30 miles and 2000 ft of climbing at the end. That was tough, and twasn't easy to actually pass someone so that I wasn't the last person to finish the entire route. Fourth, a charity ride that benefits the region's kids ensures lots of enthusiastic waves and roadside high-fives from the younger set, as well as getting swarmed at the rest stop with offers of water refills, bananas, and Tootsie-Pops.
Truly a glorious experience--highly recommended. No pics, but it's about as great as you can imagine...

BigSean

congrats

adriano 

the first leg is impressively easy.

Carbon Unit

This sounds like a good time. I will be 54 on my next birthday and planning on riding my first century. The easiest century near me is the Cool Breeze Century along the coast in Ventura County, California. I think it is fairly flat so it is a good place to start. We also have a century ride here called Breathless Agony and I hear it is properly named. I would love to be in condition to ride that one but right now it scares me.

Congrats on your century ride. Was this your first?

AngryScientist 

thats a comical elevation profile, looks like a fun way to cover 100 miles, thats for sure. good work.

LowCel 

Now that's my kind of century!!!

Entrada

It is a plushy century, and I'm not ashamed! But I should note that I finished out the whole 133 miles with the out-and-back climb at the end--my average speed plummeted on that part...
Can't knock the gorgeous scenery, regardless of the effort.

HigherGround

It was his second of the summer.

HigherGround

Entrada, thanks for posting information about the ride. That looks really cool! Since I'm a much better descender than climber (read: borderline Clydesdale) this looks like a great ride for me!

Shimagnolo

Hmmm...that gives me an idea:
A century starting at the top of Mt Evans, and finishing in a 'burb of Denver.

GP

The easiest for you is riding to Coast Highway and going south until you get to 50 miles. You don't have to pack anything because there are plenty of convenience stores on the route.

The hardest thing about BA is starting at 6:30.

ultraman6970

I'm 40 and i can't do 10 mph now Congrats

rdubbz

lies... that bmc can do 10mph by itself.

ultraman6970

hahahahaha. Ok i can do 12 but for 10 miles after that i go to 11 no kidding ;D

cyclingd

how about doing the climb first thing when you have the energy and coast down the remainder of the ride.

Carbon Unit

I have been looking for a place in Orange County were I can ride 100 miles by myself just to get in shape to ride an organized century. I was thinking of taking Santiago Canyon to El Toro to PCH and then do a loop on PCH and back up Jamboree. This could get me to 100 miles.

Thanks for the feedback.

Creatre

Congrats, sounds like a fun time! Cool profile too, definitely a fast course until that climb at the end.

redirekib

That would be fun.

teterider

I'd love to do that one.

Next time, try this one:

jmX

I just posted in the Southern California section with an easy 100mi century course to do by yourself. Check it out. Its very similar to what you described.

Carbon Unit

Yes, I saw your post. Thanks. I want to give it a try only on a cooler day. I think I could take two bottle and either a 70 or 100 ounce Camelbak. What did you do for food? Nutrition is an area where I do not have a lot of knowledge.

Randallissimo

Wow, I have silently mused about a mostly downhill century 50 + y/o, thinking this to be a flight of fancy. Well done!

rollin

+1

Congratulations OP

diverguy

Congratulations. Sounds like a really fun and rewarding time.

kleinboogie

Congrats. All I want for Christmas is a century with that profile. Mine are mostly loops so climbing = descending. GL on the next one.