Well, I got back on the bike in late March, and I've been gradually building up for the last several. So, my short term goal was this century (Cool Breeze in Ventura, CA), and I met the goal. I set myself a variety of goals: 1) Finish, 2) Finish in 7 hours pedaling time, 3) Average speed of 16 mph, 4) Finish in 6 hours pedaling time. Well, the distance was 104 miles rather than 100, so the time goals weren't really appropriate measures.

So, I met all of my goals. I started at about 0640, finished at 1355. My pedaling time was 6:03:28, averaging about 17.1 mph for the entire distance. Granted, at about 75 miles, I started to wonder if I was going to make it, but mind won out over matter. So, today, I'm feeling pretty sore, and am planning to do little exercise today apart from taking the dogs for some walks. My right knee (which experiences periodic pain which is related to my flat feet) was rather sore last night, and is still sore today, although I'm not limping or anything like that.

Any tips for post-century recovery?

Rob

Way to go!!

I'm tackling my first century next weekend in the Hotter N Hell 100 in Wichita Fallas, TX. I hope I do as well as you.

David

Congratulations. I did my fist century yesterday as well. I did the Horsetooth 100 out of Ft. Collins, CO. It was a pretty small affair (probably around 150 riders) but was well supported. I was hoping to average 15mph and we ended up at about 16.8 according to my computer. We came in just under 6 hrs pedaling time and 7.5 total.

I certainly learned a lot about longer rides. But I had a great group riding with me and we had a great time.

Congrats again.

j

you need to ride today- you can't not ride after doing a century. go for a nice, easy, one-hour spin to flush out lactic acid and to loosen up your legs. you will feel much better.

That's great. It's a good feeling when you set goals for yourself and achieve them. Now that you've succeeded with the century...what's next on your agenda?

The first century I did this year, I felt great the next day, but didn't ride. On the next day my legs didn't feel so good. The second century I did, after riding for 10 days in a row, shortest distance in those 10 days was about 20 miles, I went for an easy 30 mile ride the day after the century, and never missed a beat. Never felt sore or tired at all.

Centuries are a lot of fun, and are incredibly impressive to non-cycling co-workers, etc.

You definitely need to ride after a century, preferrably the day after, definitely within two days. As mentioned above, it's the best way to flush out the toxins you built up from your hours-long effort. Take a nice easy cruise, at least an hour long. No heroics, no major hills, just get the muscles real warmed up and loose. Your legs will thank you!

A warning:
You can put on an astonishing amount of weight in the next week if you continue to eat as you've been eating while training (lots of extra carbs and protein). With your activity level dropping drastically, reduce your intake as well, or suffer the consequences!

Grampa
Old enough to know better.

Well, after reading the advice here (yesterday afternoon), I hit the road at dusk yesterday for about 50 minutes (pedaling time). The riding was smart, the lack of my headlight or dayglo vest was completely idiotic. But I survived, and won't do that again.

Now, another question. I've been riding about 120 miles/week. With the century and recovery ride, I've just cranked through most of my usual weekly miles. Should I just up my miles, but keep them fairly easy? I was planning on riding on Tuesday & Wednesday (15 miles rt commute to work), and Friday (21 mile fun ride, half on rolling hills, half on flats). Would that be too big of a mileage jump, or should I not worry about it for one week.

Thanks!

Rob

P.S. My right knee was hugely sore the day of the ride (at the end), but this morning, it feels pretty good again (only slightly achy). Makes me feel like the various treatments that I have done were correct.

I completed my first Century last month at age 58. I have been riding for 2-1/2 years. I rode to my brother's house which was 149 klms. He told me a Century was 160.9344 klms. I said ......." I can do that." I returned home two days later not knowing if mileage on the other side of a two hour ferry ride counted so I took an extra long route in order to get the 161 klms in before I boraded the ferry. I might have looked a little strange pumping my fist in the air gliding towards the toll both but when you ride by yourself and you accomplish something ... what the heck. It was a great feeling. I took my cycocross bike with 13 lbs in the paniers averaging 24.5 klm/hr. Marginal hills but no wind (the big plus.) Legs were a little rubbery when I got off the bike but felt great otherwise.

I did my first century about a month ago. Got a few cycling buddies together. Stayed together for the whole thing. We finished in a bit under 5 1/2 hours then had a party with some beer I brewed specifically for the occasion.

I'd continue to ride normally without riding hard.