well i'll be participating in the 100 miler next month and i'm just curious how difficult the course will be. i was lucky enough to get an all expense paid trip to austin,tx which included paid entry fee. so i need to know what i've gotten myself into, should i start to do more hill training? flats with stiff headwind? long meandering descents? i've got no idea what to expect can someone help me out. thanks guys :D

well i'll be participating in the 100 miler next month and i'm just curious how difficult the course will be. i was lucky enough to get an all expense paid trip to austin,tx which included paid entry fee. so i need to know what i've gotten myself into, should i start to do more hill training? flats with stiff headwind? long meandering descents? i've got no idea what to expect can someone help me out. thanks guys :D

Expect rolling hills.

Hills? None of any real consequence. Light rollers is the best way I know to describe them. The ride takes place East of Austin and most importantly East of the Edwards Plateau. You're gonna be in the relatively flat farmlands. West Austin would be a different story all together. That would be where the hills are. Expect wind on the ride. Wind will typically be quartering, either from behind or in front. Direct headwinds are few as are direct tailwinds. Be prepared for ANY weather. It could be 85 degrees and sunny with no wind on Saturday at the Expo and 40 degrees with strong wind and rain on Sunday. I would suggest bringing your normal riding gear, but add arm and leg warmers and possibly a rain cape. Remember the old saying about central Texas: If you don't like the weather, wait 10 minutes, it's bound to change. If you're completing the 100 miler, it will be necessary to bypass the first 2 rest stops. The 2nd rest stop will be a mile or two prior to the 30 mile mandatory time cutoff for the century. This means you need to be prepared to do a 41 mile non-stop drag to rest stop 3 in order to make that mandatory cutoff and complete the century.

Good advice here.... Be prepared for the weather. 2 years ago, it was in the 30's at the start. Last year it 40 and rainy. It's also been in the 70's warming up to the high 80's. Bring full gear and make your clothing decision the morning of the ride. There is always a run to buy cool weather clothing at the bike shops on Saturday so bring your own.

The course shouldn't present any problems. Rolling hills are the worst you'll experience.

thanks guys. i wasn't planning on stopping at any of the rest stops, unless nature calls. on my normal long rides 70-85 miles i stop once to use the facilities. i'm used to doing long gueling climbs so mostly flat /rolling hills will be a nice change. i am concerned about the weather though, i have to invest in some cold weather gear. thanks again

The only gear you will need to invest in are Arm and Knee Warmers ($50 max investment, suggest either Pearl Izumi or Voler) and possibly a rain cape ( $15 max.). I would also suggest some type of base layer ( De Feet or Body Armor ) as this is GREAT to have in both warm AND cool conditions. Good luck and have fun on the ride.

well i'll be participating in the 100 miler next month and i'm just curious how difficult the course will be. i was lucky enough to get an all expense paid trip to austin,tx which included paid entry fee. so i need to know what i've gotten myself into, should i start to do more hill training? flats with stiff headwind? long meandering descents? i've got no idea what to expect can someone help me out. thanks guys :D

The general course layout and sometimes wacky weather has been described very well. So here is my contribution:

The last time I rode RFTR (a couple of years ago), two of the biggest problems were 1) Traffic - get to the Expo Center early! and 2) the mass start. It's congested from the Expo Center to Elgin - maybe 8-10 miles. You have people with different skill levels all bunched together. Some know how to ride in a bunch and some have no idea. That makes it interesting. If you've done rides like RFTR before, you know what I mean. Once you get through the city of Elgin and on to the county roads, the bunch thins out and you should be good to go. One more thing: the road surfaces are generally ok.

thanks for all the great advice....i knew i could count on all of you to get me ready to roll. i went out and purchased a nice set of arm and leg warmers. i already own a nice rain cape so i have that part covered. i've been riding alot lately 4-5 days a week ranging from 30-70 miles so i definately feel ready for this, i hope to see some of you guys out there- thanks again