How many centuries this year?

[speedevil]

How many of you are planning multiple centuries this year?

My best year I completed 6 centuries, but that was a couple of years ago. An out-of-state move and long work hours kept me off the bike for a while.

Planning to turn that around this year.

Maybe 3 or 4 this year? Considering the Storming of Thunder Ridge and Horsey Hundred for now.

[ripvanrando]

I usually try to do a ride longer than 100 miles no less frequently than every two weeks. Organized centuries? None.

[ptourkin]

For 2017 I did 11 rides between 100-200 miles, 2 rides between 200-300 miles and 2 rides over 300 miles (one was a 500 mile dnf.) That's a pretty normal year for me and I'll probably repeat that - hopefully not with a dnf.

[Mzilliox]

im hoping for more than 5 this season

[AngryScientist]

i have some nagging health issues that i need to get in check, so the season is off to a non-start for me. hopefully i can pull it together and start ramping up the miles soon.

[kppolich]

Just 1 for me in 2017 hoping for 5-6 in 2018

[bicycletricycle]

I discovered last year that my knee seems fine up to 80 or 90 miles but does not respond well to 120 miles.

I probably had 20 80-90 mile rides last year and I will do the same this year. I'm going to try to push through the 100 mark a few times carefully to see how it goes.

[rccardr]

I do 10 or 12 organized centuries each year and travel out of state to about half of them. Nice way to change things up and meet new people.

[sandyrs]

Probably not more than one or two, but lots of 60+ mile MTB rides (which take longer than a road century).

Edit: None of these are organized, didn't realize that was what the OP was talking about but organized centuries you have to pay for, drive to, and ride with a bunch of people you don't know are not my thing.

[dbnm]

I am hoping for 6 this year.

[kramnnim]

1 per week...most with a retired friend who normally rides 3 per week. :eek:

[speedevil]

For 2017 I did 11 rides between 100-200 miles, 2 rides between 200-300 miles and 2 rides over 300 miles (one was a 500 mile dnf.) That's a pretty normal year for me and I'll probably repeat that - hopefully not with a dnf.

Wow. I guess I'm still in the noob category then in comparison. But we all have other demands on our time, and not every spare minute is actually spare.

15 minutes here, 30 there, does not add up to enough time to ride a century. or sometimes even shorter rides to prepare. Then you factor in weather and the available riding time decreases again. DST is a factor too. I guess I'm going to have to get zwift up and running with my dumb kurt kinetic trainer. Maybe I can put some bad weather time to better use that way.

[redir]

I've done a few organized centuries and while I found them to be fun I also found them to be sketchy and I can just hop on my bike and go ride 100 miles for free anyway. Rode with the local college team last weekend on a ride I intended to bail out early on. Ended up riding 105 miles. So that's my first 'century' of the year :D

[mhespenheide]

How many centuries this year?

Pretty darn close to 1/100, I'd say.




(Apologies. Math humor, suitable only for myself and maybe 1-2 other people. Maybe.)

[livingminimal]

I get a bit bored after 4 hours on the bike. 70 mile rides feel like my sweet spot for distance.

If I get buck wild and decide to do more than 100, it wont be planned.

[tv_vt]

Ha, ha. I get it. What we have here is a failure to communicate, eh?

[sparky33]

maybe none, maybe 2. If that's what the miles add up to, fine.

I'm spending my available time exploring places without much regard to distance. Maybe there will be an organized gravel ride or brevet in there that achieves the century mark. Whatever.

The twisted side of me wants to do a Zwift century just to see if I lose my marbles. I tried a Zwift metric the other day but nearly fell asleep after a while.

[MattTuck]

maybe none, maybe 2. If that's what the miles add up to, fine.

I'm spending my available time exploring places without much regard to distance. Maybe there will be an organized gravel ride in there that achieves the century mark. Whatever.

The twisted side of me wants to do a Zwift century just to see if I lose my marbles. I tried a Zwift metric the other day but nearly fell asleep after a while.

How is that even measured? based on some estimates of how many kilojoules you should expend on a century, given your size and weight?

[R3awak3n]

i have some nagging health issues that i need to get in check, so the season is off to a non-start for me. hopefully i can pull it together and start ramping up the miles soon.

dude same here. This year started so good, a lot more mileage than last year but hit a wall this past month. Hope it all gets sorted out.

I don't really look at cycling as how many centuries I will do, I probably only have done a couple ever. My sweet spot is 50-60 miles but really, whatever I feel like it.

[sparky33]

How is that even measured? based on some estimates of how many kilojoules you should expend on a century, given your size and weight?

My watts/kg moves the Zwift guy at some rate of speed over the miles of virtual courses.

Clearly it's not representative of reality because my avatar looks like a porn star and maintains optimistic speeds. Though taken at face value, it is an entertaining challenge...there are even Zwift audax clubs.

[dem]

I did a Zwift century once just to see.. took me 5:30 to do a virtual 100/7000 - so I'd say about 30 minutes faster than outside (rolling.. outside would have more non-moving time)

I was trying to do a double century this year, and my knees/legs fell apart on a 160 mile training ride - now trying to rehab my legs back into just regular riding, had to cut way back. :(

I like to do 6-8 hour mixed dirt/pavement rides every weekend, which is probably close to a road century in effort, if not distance.

[Bob Ross]

I only have three on the calendar, which means I'll probably wind up with a total of four by yearend. tbh I'm just not a huge fan of centuries; the sweet spot for me is between 65-80 miles, and after 80 I usually find myself just wishing the ride was over.

The most centuries I did in one year was in 2010 when my wife and I were training for the Markleeville Death Ride, and we wound up doing 10 or 11 that year...all with >10,000' of elevation. Ouch.

[kramnnim]

I've done a number of Zwift "centuries", they're faster than reality, but for me, there's very little coasting. Ends up being more difficult. And very boring.

[benb]

I'm going to guess I'll do in the neighborhood of 4-5 rides over 100 miles this year. None will be your "Charity Century" type rides. Probably only 1 of them might be solo though.

I signed up for B2VT (135 miles), last time I did it I think I did 3 other rides over 100 miles that year. I kind of burnt out later in the year too.

But I did lots of other rides > 75mi that year too getting ready for it.

Compared to last time I did it I've got a few long standing bike fit/injury issues sorted out and feel like I'm in really great shape. I am behind on miles for the year compared to last time though.

[bikinchris]

The local riders have organized a group of "century of the month" rides and did their first century last weekend. So they intend to do at least 10 centuries and 4 more if they do nearby club's own centuries in Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, New Orleans and the fall Century here in Lafayette.

[simonov]

Over 11 so far this year. I'm behind last year's pace where I was somewhere in the 60s. Nothing beats 4-5 hours of all out hammering to make you feel alive.

[CSKeller]

Over 11 so far this year. I'm behind last year's pace where I was somewhere in the 60s. Nothing beats 4-5 hours of all out hammering to make you feel alive.

WOW!! You are a beast my friend! Where do you live?

I hope to have 4 this year. I always do at least two a year. Usually my first one is at the beginning of June.

[unterhausen]

It might be best not to count. Just did a 200k this past weekend and going to try 300k this coming weekend. In April, 226 mile fleche one weekend and 400km the next. I'm hoping to finish 2 1200km grand randonnees this year, 750 miles in 4 days. Is that 7 centuries or 4 or 1?

[muz]

So far 7 200k's and 2 300k's. Now moving on to 400k and longer rides.

[cal_len1]

I'm going to do my first one this year!

[jumphigher]

I usually try to do a ride longer than 100 miles no less frequently than every two weeks. Organized centuries? None.

Same for me. I dont consider them centuries, just rides to stay fit. Definitely no interest in organized rides..

[Clean39T]

Over 11 so far this year. I'm behind last year's pace where I was somewhere in the 60s. Nothing beats 4-5 hours of all out hammering to make you feel alive.


Solo, or in a group?

Is a 60mi ride solo roughly equivalent to 100mi in a group?

Genuinely curious as I do most of my riding solo and the couple centuries I’ve done 100% on my own have been doable, but definitely hard.

[lemondvictoire]

Last year it was like 3 centuries and 12 double centuries.. with no dnfs This year 2 double centuries done and finished.. total will be a few less than last year....:)

[marciero]

8-12? Not organized rides. But I may do a brevet series after a couple of years with no sanctioned events.

[kramnnim]

Solo, or in a group?

Is a 60mi ride solo roughly equivalent to 100mi in a group?

Genuinely curious as I do most of my riding solo and the couple centuries I’ve done 100% on my own have been doable, but definitely hard.

Depends on the pace of the group...

[redir]

Solo, or in a group?

Is a 60mi ride solo roughly equivalent to 100mi in a group?

Genuinely curious as I do most of my riding solo and the couple centuries I’ve done 100% on my own have been doable, but definitely hard.

They say you can save up to 20% in a draft so I guess that would be 80 miles?

---

You guys who can do Zwift centuries have my utmost respect, or should I say pity :)

Seriously I could NEVER do that even on the best of days.

[glepore]

I get a bit bored after 4 hours on the bike. 70 mile rides feel like my sweet spot for distance.

If I get buck wild and decide to do more than 100, it wont be planned.

This. Plus that whole afib thing...

[pdmtong]

I stopped doing organized rides particularly ones I have to drive to

never really enjoyed the 100 mile distance - around 80 start getting bored. Body is fine mind is wandering.

Our normal local riding is good "training" for a 100 / 10.0000 day

As someone else said around 60-70 is a distance I like

There really isn't such thing locally as a fast century at least for me since we have elevation so any ride like this becomes an all day thing once you include driving.

The bigger rides like the 15,000 ' death ride I am just not motivated to put the training into. That ride is at elevation with lots of elevation so sea level people do need the base

I ride my bike - road single track downhill cross tandem - but I'm clearly not a century rider

[muz]

never really enjoyed the 100 mile distance - around 80 start getting bored. Body is fine mind is wandering.

It's all a matter of training. The last 10% always feels too long. OTOH, the week after a 1200K, my 45 minute commute feels like 5 minutes :banana:

[Drmojo]

It's all a matter of training. The last 10% always feels too long. OTOH, the week after a 1200K, my 45 minute commute feels like 5 minutes :banana:

metin you are my hero!

[simonov]

Solo, or in a group?

Some of both. And some rides include some of both on the same ride.

[simonov]

Depends on the pace of the group...

For sure. My solo centuries are much easier than the ones I do with my friends.

[oldpotatoe]

I get a bit bored after 4 hours on the bike. 70 mile rides feel like my sweet spot for distance.

If I get buck wild and decide to do more than 100, it wont be planned.

Organized rides, even centuries, can be kinda a ego-fest complete with 'pro'-esque crashes..I try to do a long ride once per week but seldom more than about 4 hours(60-70 miles)....no organized centuries planned.

[Hellgate]

I do two organized centuries a year, The Hundred and Livestrong. Local.

That said, I typically ride 70 to 90 miles one day out of the weekend.

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[mt2u77]

The vast majority of my riding happens 20 miles at a time. I might do 1 organized century a year, but what I love to do is take a "bike day"-- a random vacation day on a whim to simply ride my bike on the nicest summer/fall days. These rides always turn into a century+ ramble, and they are so nice that my goal this year is to do it at least 4 times. Basically, any day where deadlines aren't looming and I look out the window and think, "damn, in the middle of winter, I'm going to wish I was out riding today." OK, that might be everyday, but you know the absolutely perfect days where it's a shame to be inside-- I'm taking some of those days off this year and I'm just pedaling.

[hcastro]

I get a bit bored after 4 hours on the bike. 70 mile rides feel like my sweet spot for distance.

If I get buck wild and decide to do more than 100, it wont be planned.

100% this haha

There's a distance/time sweet spot for me around 3.5-4 hours before getting bored so centuries are usually a last minute decision to clean up the last 15 miles or so if I end up feeling the itch.

[mars]

At least one. Hoping to complete my first this year!

[Tony T]

Plan to do 0, Zero, None, Nada.
I prefer to do multiple 50-60 mile rides per week.

[59dualcab]

I do 5-6 centuries a year. I try to get them in during our "winter" here in South Florida. Mostly I stick to 60-80 miles rides as is gets too hot here after about 11am.

[redir]

I think I might go out this weekend for a 100 miler. It's gonna be sunny and 65 degrees and I got nothin' else to do. :)

[tculbreath]

I had 12 last year, and going for another 12. I started a 'Century Club' in my city. Cost is $60 to join, we do one a month, and if you complete all 12, you get a custom jersey. You miss one, you're out. We added a metric club for 2018. Really stoked to see people riding together and challenging themselves.

[Marc40a]

I had 12 last year, and going for another 12. I started a 'Century Club' in my city. Cost is $60 to join, we do one a month, and if you complete all 12, you get a custom jersey. You miss one, you're out. We added a metric club for 2018. Really stoked to see people riding together and challenging themselves.

Very cool.

[bikinchris]

I had 12 last year, and going for another 12. I started a 'Century Club' in my city. Cost is $60 to join, we do one a month, and if you complete all 12, you get a custom jersey. You miss one, you're out. We added a metric club for 2018. Really stoked to see people riding together and challenging themselves.

So the person who has no life or family commitments gets a jersey?

[ptourkin]

So the person who has no life or family commitments gets a jersey?

Ridiculous amount of jealousy and judgment in this thread, just like whoever it was who went nuts on Lael Wilcox for riding a lot. We don't all have to make the same choices as you guys regarding family and "life." Also, riding 6-7 hours once a month to obtain the jersey seems doable for many. I know many randonneurs who have both and still get huge distance each year.

Perhaps create a separate sub forum for sedentary people who talk bikes instead - that way you guys won't have to be so insecure.

[rides2slow]

I had 12 last year, and going for another 12. I started a 'Century Club' in my city. Cost is $60 to join, we do one a month, and if you complete all 12, you get a custom jersey. You miss one, you're out. We added a metric club for 2018. Really stoked to see people riding together and challenging themselves.

Very cool. Good luck!!

[ghammer]

we're doing something similar with our team here in MA. We are former road racers, we're still fit(ish) but no longer race due to family commitments, work, etc. We came up with a team within the club (separate kit too) that'll be specialized in scorching centuries, of the organized variety. We'll be doing a bunch of them this year, but the main objective is a North Shore century at around 4hrs30mins or less on rolling terrain. That'd mean 160km at the very least 35km/hr, and it'll warrant dusting the old deep dish for quick-moving pacelines. Can't wait!

I had 12 last year, and going for another 12. I started a 'Century Club' in my city. Cost is $60 to join, we do one a month, and if you complete all 12, you get a custom jersey. You miss one, you're out. We added a metric club for 2018. Really stoked to see people riding together and challenging themselves.

[ptourkin]

we're doing something similar with our team here in MA. We are former road racers, we're still fit(ish) but no longer race due to family commitments, work, etc. We came up with a team within the club (separate kit too) that'll be specialized in scorching centuries, of the organized variety. We'll be doing a bunch of them this year, but the main objective is a North Shore century at around 4hrs30mins or less on rolling terrain. That'd mean 160km at the very least 35km/hr, and it'll warrant dusting the old deep dish for quick-moving pacelines. Can't wait!

That looks fun.

I organize one at midnight under a full moon every summer at our local TT loop - Fiesta Island. At that time, with no (legal) traffic and next to no wind and no elevation the pacelines go very fast - sub 4 is possible. We've had a solo sub 4 who didn't draft but he is also a guy who races RAAM to win.

[Hellgate]

That looks fun.

I organize one at midnight under a full moon every summer at our local TT loop - Fiesta Island. At that time, with no (legal) traffic and next to no wind and no elevation the pacelines go very fast - sub 4 is possible. We've had a solo sub 4 who didn't draft but he is also a guy who races RAAM to win.That sounds like fun. Where is Fiesta Island?

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