Adirondack Sports & Fitness - Take the Century Cycling Challenge

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Take the Century Cycling Challenge

By Darryl Caron

Completing a century ride, a distance of 100 miles in one day, is a rite of passage for cyclists. It tests physical and mental endurance, and can even be a spiritual experience for some. The accomplishment astonishes outsiders. Non-cycling family members and friends will never regard you the same way, they'll start introducing you: "This is Mary. She rode 100 miles in one day...on her bike!"

If you are a beginning or casual rider you will probably complete a century in eight to ten hours, and depending on your training it will either be a pleasurable or painful experience. If you are an advanced or competitive rider you may complete the ride in five to seven hours, possibly without stopping to rest.

The best part of a century is anyone can do one. Whether your goal is a touring or racing pace you should properly train, ride at your own pace, eat properly, and stay hydrated. You can complete the ride and have fun too!

Training

Someone once said, "the most important thing for endurance riding is to endurance ride." The key is to consistently accrue miles and hours on your bike. Bicycling magazine publishes two training schedules, one for cyclists attempting their first century who currently average 50-miles per week and another for experienced cyclists who currently average more than 75-miles per week. Start training at least six weeks before the event, increase total mileage by 10-15% per week, and temper your training the week before the event. Ride at least three, preferably five or six times per week for a minimum of one hour each day. Visit www.bicycling.com for more information.

Gear

Most century cyclists ride road bikes because they are lighter and more aerodynamic. However, you can ride a century if your mountain bike has slick tires that are fully inflated, bar ends to vary hand position, and the seat moved up slightly for an efficient pedal stroke. Make sure the bike is in good condition and geared for the route. Bring a good tool kit, even if there is mechanical support. Wear gloves, cycling shorts, a jersey, cycling shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen. And don't forget a helmet, which is often required at special events.

Pace

Ride at your own pace, you'll conserve energy and feel more comfortable during the ride. Spin easily for 50-miles to keep your legs fresh for the second half. Try to find people riding at your planned speed, so you can hold the pace for 100-miles. Stretch on the bike and vary your riding position to ward off fatigue. One trick that works mentally is to divide the ride into segments: think of a century as four 25-mile rides, not as 100-miles. Smile, and tell yourself, "I love hills!" and "I can do it!"

Nutrition

A proper diet will maximize efficiency and boost your energy level. Increase your intake of carbohydrates a couple of days before the event to help your body store energy. Have a good breakfast and pre-hydrate two to three hours before the event to boost your energy. During the ride, the most important thing is to eat before you feel hungry and drink before you feel thirsty. Water is fine, but a good energy drink, such as Gatorade, provides an ideal mix for extended efforts. Try to drink at least 16 ounces per hour. Good snacks include bananas, energy bars, Fig Newtons, and trail mix.

Fun

A century ride is a group ride, not a race. It's often very social, which allows you to talk with friends and meet other cyclists on the road or at rest stops or after the ride. Limit rest stops to 10 minutes so you don't become stiff and loose motivation. If you have a goal for the event, keep it in mind. Cycle with someone who has similar goals, think positive thoughts, and believe in yourself! Finally, obey traffic laws for your own safety and respect of motorists.

Events

Here are ten great century or endurance-related rides to choose from in and around the Adirondack region. Find a ride that interests you, train for it, and have fun!

The Mohawk Hudson Cycling Club's Century Challenge Weekend is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, September 9-10. It's the largest century ride in upstate NY, with an average of 400 riders participating in the event over the last ten years. For 2000, there's a new starting location at the Saratoga Spa State Park in Saratoga Springs. Each day features 125, 100, 62, 50, and 25-mile routes on the back roads of scenic Saratoga County. The rides all include cycling around a portion of Saratoga Lake. The terrain is flat to rolling; only the longer rides will climb the steep Spier Falls climb in Moreau. Family rides will also be offered within the State Park at no charge. The registration fee includes sag support, rest stops, and a post-ride picnic. For more information, call Dan Vickery at 580-1031 or visit www.mohawkhudsoncycling.org.

Within the Park boundary, the High Peaks Cyclery Adirondack Century Ride will take place on Saturday, September 30. This unique point-to-point event will start in the Olympic Village of Lake Placid, continuing 100-miles southwest to Old Forge. The challenging route will follow Route 86 west to Saranac Lake, Route 3 to Tupper Lake, and Route 30 south through the halfway point in Long Lake. In beautiful Blue Mountain Lake, it follows Route 8 west through Raquette Lake and Inlet, to the ride finish in Old Forge. Details are pending, call 523-3764 or visit www.highpeakscyclery.com for more information.

The Mt. Greylock Century, organized by the Berkshire Cycling Club takes place on Saturday, August 5 (rain date: August 6). The ride starts at Brodie Mountain in New Ashford, Massachusetts (40-miles east of Albany). It is a 100-mile ride through the Berkshires known for its challenging climbs, great views, and refreshing descents. The first climb is Mt. Greylock (elevation: 3,491 ft.), with views of five states and a nice monument. It descends into North Adams and follows Route 2 (the Mohawk Trail) for more ups and downs, including a legendary 3-mile climb near the halfway point. Next, it's on to Plainfield, Goshen, Windsor Mountain (yes, more climbing), finishing up on quiet roads in Dalton and Pittsfield. Registration includes three food-liquid stops (including "a full lunch") and support vehicles. For more information, visit www.berkshirecycling.org.

To the north, Canton Bicycle Club's North Country Double is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, August 12-13. The rides are "planned as enjoyable, scenic tours." Both rides are featured in the book Best Bike Rides in New York, New Jersey & Pennsylvania, by Bell & Lally (Globe Pequot Press). On Saturday, the 47-mile Church Ride tours a series of ten historic churches and other attractions along the St. Lawrence River. On Sunday, the mostly hilly 41-mile South Colton Loop ascends into the Adirondack foothills providing a spectacular view of the St. Lawrence Valley. Optional loops make it possible to add 12-miles for an even century. The registration fee includes a group dinner on Saturday night and sag support (pre-registration is requested). Contact Jim Barrick at (315) 386-4924 or visit www.northnet.org/bikeny.

For something different, join fellow cyclists on a special 150-mile multi-day tour scheduled for Friday-Sunday, September 8-10: Bike Champlain 2000! The ride will begin in Burlington, Vermont with an overnight stay in Plattsburgh, before returning through the Lake Champlain Islands. Options include an extension into Quebec. The route travels primarily on quiet back roads, generally flat-to-gently rolling, interspersed with some occasional hills. The registration fee includes two dinners, ferry passes, t-shirt, water bottle and luggage shuttle. For more information contact Lake Champlain Bikeways at (518) 597-4646 or www.champlainbikeways.org.

In the Syracuse area, the Onondaga Cycling Club's Dick Richards Memorial Century Ride is on Sunday, September 10. The event includes 50 and 100-mile rides. Registration includes rest stops and a free gift. Contact Steve Ransford at (315) 446-2380 or ransford@servtech.com. In the Utica area, there is a rumor of a Fall Adirondack Century near Little Falls, but that could not be confirmed by press time. Feel free to continue the investigationÄ

For some peace, love and rock and roll, the Mid-Hudson Bicycle Club's Century Ride will be held on Sunday, September 17 in Woodstock. The rolling-to-hilly rides include 25, 50, 80, 100, and 125-mile options. Contact Bill Miller at (914) 687-9794 or www1.mhv.net/~mhbc/

Meet your friends in Burlington, Vermont for the Green Mt. Bicycle Club's Century Day on Sunday, September 17. The four rides include a half-metric century (31 miles) and metric century (62 miles). Choose from two options: Trans-Champlain Century (100-miles cross the Lake via Crown Point Bridge, return on Essex Ferry), or Double-Gap Century (113-miles via Middlebury Gap and Appalachian Gap). Call Kathleen & Stephen Judice at (802) 655-7452 or www.gmbc.together.com.

Looking for a challenge on the dirt—and in the dark? The 4^th Annual 24-Hours of the Adirondacks Mountain Bike Race will take place on Saturday and Sunday, September 23-24 at Mt. Van Hoevenberg, Lake Placid. The race is open to individuals and teams of four. There is also a 12-hour event for those wanting something less daunting. For more information, call High Peaks Cyclery at 523-3764 or visit www.highpeakscyclery.com.

Remember, any one can do it. If you devote the time to train, ride smart, and fuel your body—you'll complete the ride and have fun too!