Road Cycling: My first Century Ride

So, Here is the deal. I have been getting ready for my first 100 miler. but this is not just any 100... this is the tourdashugel in austin tx.which is 100+miles of hills. the max that I have ridden in a day is 35 miles. I have been training where the ride will take place and have gotten to go 25 miles non stop mainly hills. I know is not enough but I just got into the sport.  So my questions:

what would you recommend to eat before the ride?

What is a sign (from my body) that I should stop before getting injure ?

Any kind of input in the topic will be apreciated.

 

By the way the ride is next saturday nov. 15.

 

this is the website in case you are interested.  www.tourdashugel.com

Cheers

I rode in my first century at the end of September near Wenatchee Washington.  There were a number of big hills including a 5 mile long 1000 foot climb.  I finished in 5:18:48; roughly 18-19mph mostly by myself only a couple of shorter stints riding as a pack. 

My only preparation was my regular commute to work, about 24 miles round trip to work starting daily in March 08.  On average I was riding about 115 miles per week. 

A couple of recommendations:

figure out what you want to eat and drink! (even if it is a supported ride) I found some energy bars that I like a lot of water and cytomax which is awesome.  Also the Gu shots were critical to keeping my sugar levels from dipping

Use some sort of shamis lube.  Seems silly but it kept me comfortable and I had no issues.

Comfortable riding gear! Very important

Finally whatever you do try it prior to your ride weather it be clothes, food or liquid

one more thing if you can certainly try to ride with others of your speed; it will make your day much more enjoyable and fast!

Good advice on the tapering, you will be pleasantly surprised by the amount of energy you will have. One important way of reducing the drain on your energy is drafting. You may find that you get dropped on the hills and may be by yourself at the top. Don't try to catch the riders in front, spin along at an easy pace and try to build up another small bunch as other riders catch up (then hide at the back!)

I did my first (almost, ~92 miles) century earlier this year, not exactly super hilly, but not flat.  

Eat steadily, you need to replace calories.  Eat something with salt or drink sports drinks (or gels) regularly. If bannanas are available, potassium is a good thing.  I'm on the large side, so my caloric requirements are high, but I was taking in about 100 calories every 20-30 min plus a bit at rest stops, and going through about 1 water bottle and 1 sports drink per 15-20 mile leg.

Be sure to start eating before you're hungry and drinking before you're thirsty.  Your body needs time to get the calories and liquids to your legs, and once you feel it it's to late.

 If you're worried about making the distance, don't try to push for speed.  I took it easy in my low cruising speed (14-15 mph, slower on hills), and that kept me from ever really cramping up or bonking.  A slower speed may not win you any races, but it allows you to keep going pretty much forever.

I realize you may not see this in time, but I figured I should add it, just in case.  Good luck, and let us know how it goes.

 

Congratulations! Most I have ever ridden in a day is 30 miles, but I hope to someday make a century.

Ride safe!