Bitten off a little more than I can currently chew

[Ming the Merciless]

the half way stop was actually two thirds of the way through,

That’s how I often schedule my pub stops on a ride. Not before 2/3 not after 3/4.

 

[PK99]

So I've agreed to cycle 100 miles with my son (14) tomorrow from Marlborough to London. He's dying to do his first century. It will be my second, about 12 years after the first. I'm nowhere near as fit as I'd like to be and I've not done a load of exercise in the pas 10 days due to a (now healed) foot injury. We are committed to this because we have a non-refundable Premier Inn booked and my son is so excited.

I know I can do 60 quite comfortably. I reckon I could do 70 without too much distress. But those final 30?

I don't need any grown-up advice about how this isn't a great idea. Instead, I need all your best advice about how to get through this without falling apart. Thanks in advance.

Break it up into sensible chunks. Q
Our Old Gits CTC group followed this pattern for Century rides from Epsom to the south coast and back.

25 miles
Stop rest eat
25 miles
Stop rest have lunch
25 miles
Stop rest have big sticky bun
25 miles
Job done! Have beer.

 

[13 rider]

If you can do 60 miles comfortably then a imperial century is within your ability, Like everyone has stated just pace it correctly steady is best , just use every bit of rest freewheel downhills sit behind other riders into any wind . At some point it will be tough but you can do this and just reassure yourself you can , Plan the stops so you now it's only 10 miles to the cafe and when you set off don't think you've got 100 to go just that I've got 25/30 to the cafe and do the ride in small chunks
Good luck and have fun don't over think it

 

[biggs682]

Hope you both enjoy it

 

[Cathryn]

Thank you everyone for the lovely comments and encouragement. We are currently baking oatmeal cookies and quinoa patties for fuel. Starting to be more excited and less nervous.

 

[Paulus]

Looking at the weather forecast for tomorrow, you should have a 10-12 mph breeze at your back. You are coming more or less along the Thames valley so there won't be many hills to deal with.
Good luck.

 

[bobzmyunkle]

Thank you everyone for the lovely comments and encouragement. We are currently baking oatmeal cookies and quinoa patties for fuel. Starting to be more excited and less nervous.

Mini pork pies, every hour on the hour. Works for me anyway.

 

[Jameshow]

Mini pork pies, every hour on the hour. Works for me anyway.

Belgian buns are great too.
The cherry is one of your 5 a day!
Supermarket ones are ok but a double size one at local bakery is wonderful!

One at lunch and one mid afternoon if you buy the packaged ones.
.

 

[Andy in Germany]

B

So I've agreed to cycle 100 miles with my son (14) tomorrow from Marlborough to London. He's dying to do his first century.

my son is so excited.

Brilliant; I hope it goes well.

In my one and only imperial century, I survived by following a river valley upstream to my halfway point, so I knew it was mostly down hill from there. As others have said, if you start early, you will feel you're making progress.

Also, as it's an important family time, you have a good excuse to "stop for photos", although we will expect to see some on here...

 

[I like Skol]

"stop for photos", although we will expect to see some on here...

I was going to post before this.... We will all be looking forward to the ride report asap!

 

[Cathryn]

I was going to post before this.... We will all be looking forward to the ride report asap!

I think that’s only fair after everyone’s kindness and support!

 

[presta]

Mini pork pies, every hour on the hour. Works for me anyway.

Yup. On long rides, I aim to stop for ~10mins in every hour, and eat a sandwich (~250kcal).

 

[geocycle]

Lots of great advice. Mine would be to start as early as you can. That way you get all the local miles out of the way before you wake up and are mentally ahead all day. For me, miles before 9 are ‘free’ and rewarded by a nice breakfast stop.

 

[newts]

Enjoy the quality family time, I'm sure the memories of the journey will bring smiles to yours faces for many years.

 

[wiggydiggy]

Has anyone said go to bed early? Because you should go to bed early 🛌