I am 71 and have cycled 100 miles back when. I was young, 10 years ago or so. Even then I was aware that apart from the sense of accomplishment, it wasn’t very enjoyable. My longest ride was over 200. I go bike packing now and really enjoy it as I go solo at my own pace and rarely do more than 50 miles a day. I take my time and enjoy the scenery stopping wherever I see something that interests me, and have a really great time. I avoid riding with others now as invariably there is always someone who wants to push the pace or carry on some irritating discussion. I now cycle for enjoyment and looking back I wish I had learned this lesson a lot earlier. I enjoy my own company 😊
Lovely! Agreed, 50 mile bike packing days are great. There’s a lot of rigmarole anyways with bike packing, tearing down camp, finding food and water, waiting for things to dry, etc. can all eat up hours. It’s nice to be able to enjoy the ride at your pace!
As a slow low powered recreational cyclist, “It’s a marathon, not a race” is my motto for longer rides. I drop my pace way back from what I can do for a 50-75km ride if I know I’m aiming for 100-160km. Don’t push on any hills, don’t fight headwinds etc. And eat lots and often!
I do centuries in NewYork. The thing that really helps is going through so many different neighborhoods and over so many bridges. The monotony of long miles on barren lifeless roads would make the ride twice as taxing and exhausting. My centuries are actually 4 25 milers combined with bailout opportunities along the way so it helps mentally. However you do it the fact is that it’s an amazing achievement and a ride to be proud of!
Awesome! I love biking in NYC. I shipped my bike there via Amtrak and spent a lot of time biking all around that city and over the bridges too. Super fun and dynamic!
I`ve been to NYC this year. After crossing Williamsburg Bridge on a single speed, I said to myself I won`t do that again. I ended up crossing it every day back and forth for over a week. I love that city
My first century was a supported ride. Haven't done one again. As a bike tourer, I am doing about 50 a day. One of my tricks is stopping about every hour and getting off the bike. Kind of changes your perspective along the way.
I did my first century (108.4 miles) two weekends ago. I have two big tips. The first is to wear a hydration pack. I rode with a 2 liter bladder on my back and two 710 milliliter bottles on the bike. It helps you stay hydrated and helps you decide when and where you want to stop and take a break, instead of having to stop because you ran out of water. The second tip is to plan into your route multiple bailout points. Don't do a straight out and back, have a big loop that lets you turn off and head home if you need to. It also helps if you can plan those bailout points near public transit so that you can still get home with a hard bonk. Knowing you have these options makes it mentally easier to keep going. I know that you felt that it would make it harder mentally, but I hade the opposite experience.
I did my first century last month. Easy way is I did six 14 mile laps around my house plus some extra miles on last lap. The farthest I was from my house was about 6 miles. Riding 50 out and 50 back is intimidating. When I ran out of water and food, stopped at house and picked up what I needed; it was actually easy, Hope this helps.
@ I only carried a bottle of water and one protein bar. I did stop at house and grab the other water bottle and more protein bars. A lot easier than going 50 miles out and back! You can do it! 🚴🏻♂️
Here in Northern Washington State we have two 200 mile rides, Seattle to Portland, and Ride Seattle to Vancouver and Party. Each of them has more than 2,000 finishers. It is always children to 80 year old rider. Yike. I ride lots of miles. In 2025 I will do one or the other. It is just expected here. So I am using Randonneuring training patterns, Ride 5 days a week or even 4 and include a long Ride and a long backup ride. Like a 45/50 mile ride and a 30 mile ride. The rest is coffee shop rides. Then when in the event they take it easy up hill, push over the top and ride down, no coasting. Then steady on the flats. Oh and I'm doing this on a recumbent bike. So much less stress and discomfort. Bravo on your ride and a great video.
a 100 mile ride is a great personal challenge. Ive done quite a few and my first couple of rides were a learning experience. It's fun to think what you can accomplish when you dig deep and make it happen. Well done!!
Thanks @Halliday55. I realize how many times I day dream about long multi day touring trips and picture myself doing multiple 100 mile days in a row when in fact I’ve only done that millage twice now and both times I wasn’t loaded down with gear ;-) 100 miles is doable but certainly an accomplishment.
I remember my first 100km trip. I almost collapsed at the end, because I did not bring enough water and food. So my tip to beginners like myself is to make sure to pack up enough of both or to look up before if you have any opportunities to refill on your path.
@@vanmisthoven4906 this summer I was biking up through WI and had to eat a piece of humble pie and stop at someone’s house and ask for for water. Oops a daisy.
I think this is a great share! I ride 100mile(Century) rides on my gravel bike very often. Try to get at least one a month with my bike rides in between. I haven’t done any 100% dirt trail Century rides yet. BTW I don’t really calculate my calories or water intake but I do just pack bars, trail mix, beef jerky and it’s my only time I will drink a Coke. Btw, the more you do Century rides the easier they become.
Great vid! Food is so important for rides that are 100 miles and above!! If you're like me and you don't like to leave your bike outside of shops/ restaurants, look for places where food trucks are commonly found, I usually just google where they are at. Having a food stop half way or a bit after will give you a boost in energy :)
Thanks Robert! Yeah the whole locking your bike up with all the gear on it isn’t my favorite. I like the food truck idea. And it’s certainly a nice mental boost to get something a little more delicious than bars and gummy bears ;-)
For me it is going to be getting over the mental hurdle. The longest i have hone is 65 miles and tried to do an 85 miler but stopped half way as late starts and not knowing the route super well. I really pyched myself out. One thing that has helped is to start at the farthest point and then you cant turn back.
Well done. 100 miles is a big deal. Others have given useful advice but my tip - remember it's still just a bike ride. You need to eat a lot more food.
congrats! that's a bout 160km. when I did my long distance biking back in the day (that would be around 20 years ago) I did about 160 miles per day with the occasional 200 over a 20 day period. with camping equipment like a tent, a stove and food. the parts of the world I travelled in had long distances between people.... but in short I know your feeling!
You're video just popped up in my feed, but my first century and 75 mile days were done with friend or group. As you said the encouragement is key and also just being able to talk and laugh can help pass the miles mentally. Plus if you forget something or have an issue and are with a group or someone experienced with riding those distances you are more likely to not have to bail because some probably has it or can fix it.
I often bike two or three centuries a year. I need to build up strength in my core before riding a century - my back and backside can get very sore on a 100 mile ride!
The purple color of the "Camelbak Peak fitness" water bottle would be an exact color match for your pedals, and bar tape. I got one for my wife, but I don't see the color in stock on amazon, or even ebay. That bottle is THE one if you want actual purple!
Muahaha! Hell yeah! This comment is the best! I’ll check it out. You’re right that purple bottle was a big ol disappointment when it arrived. However I might be transitioning to a full frame bag and a one liter narrow mouth Nalgene in the stem bag and one liter double walled bottle bellow the bike. But thank you.. I might just try and snag the one you mentioned any way! 🙏
Honestly you’re overthinking the journey. If you pace yourself, not a race & train up to 60+ miles. Should be capable of 100. Carefully choose your route, rest stops, drink often, dress appropriately (seasonal), send route/beacon to friend/family someone know where you are, bike maintenance night before, leave early, backup plan (metra /Uber home) and whatever you carry on regularly on rides bring it. Breakfast is essential but not everyone eats in the morning. Good job for video Chicago native 👍🏾
probably stating the obvious but don't even think about wearing a backpack, you'll get pains in your shoulders, neck, etc. put everything on your bike, or if you absolutely must wear some of your stuff, use a fanny pack instead of a backpack. also, while it might be tempting to just bring energy bars and gels on the journey because they weigh less and consume less space, it is worth icluding some normal food like sandwiches because your guts will not like energy bars all day. for me what helped a whole lot was doing the ride with two friends instead of just doing it alone. did 130 miles while my previous longest ride was probably 40 or 50.
Your friend was right - you can ride 50 miles, you can ride 100 miles. The hardest part about it is staying fueled and mentally just forcing yourself to keep going. If your legs and sitbones can handle 50 miles in the saddle, you can do 100 miles. It'll be hard, but you'll be able to do it.
I really wanted to get my garmin century badge I knew id be cycling long days on tour this july well I done 2 centuries in july while on tour but didnt know you cant navigate two routs on the same ride and it still count as a single ride both times I completed 100 miles were split because of having to end navigation and start navigation surly garmin should use the date or time even
100 miles is Hard?? LOL. I do 10 or 12 rides 90 to 120 miles a summer, picking only nicer weather days. Winter is 5 months here. I'm 70 now, with 3 IGH steel heavyweights. All do sight seeing centuries, 10 to 12 hours. One is 1 1973 CCM with a 7 year old SA X-RD3. A lot of the rides I have a grocery bag hanging on the swept bars. LOL. I usually start around 9 am. I pick the best direction for avoiding headwinds, air the tires, fill the 3 or 4 drinks, tools, coats and go. I only ride highways and go to the small city in the direction, 43 to 60 miles out. Have a long lunch, do a rest putter ride around the town, then head back, about 90 minutes total. Getting home I'm for sure doing a lot more mini stops for a break/ drink and photo. Usually an icecream at about 70 miles. Doesn't matter how much I drink, I'll sweat down 5 or 6 lbs. Takes 2 days to get it back. My tour bike has a Rohloff14 that is 72 lbs on a light day. LOL. I use it when days are shorter and cooler. All the highways have hundreds of trucks, lots of really wide loads as well. I have big scooter type mirrors to watch out. Maybe I get cramps, maybe not much. I have done 2 tours average 4,100 miles. Bike was 120 lbs. LOL
I am 71 and have cycled 100 miles back when. I was young, 10 years ago or so. Even then I was aware that apart from the sense of accomplishment, it wasn’t very enjoyable. My longest ride was over 200. I go bike packing now and really enjoy it as I go solo at my own pace and rarely do more than 50 miles a day. I take my time and enjoy the scenery stopping wherever I see something that interests me, and have a really great time. I avoid riding with others now as invariably there is always someone who wants to push the pace or carry on some irritating discussion. I now cycle for enjoyment and looking back I wish I had learned this lesson a lot earlier. I enjoy my own company 😊
Lovely! Agreed, 50 mile bike packing days are great. There’s a lot of rigmarole anyways with bike packing, tearing down camp, finding food and water, waiting for things to dry, etc. can all eat up hours. It’s nice to be able to enjoy the ride at your pace!
Very wise words Sir...
As a slow low powered recreational cyclist, “It’s a marathon, not a race” is my motto for longer rides. I drop my pace way back from what I can do for a 50-75km ride if I know I’m aiming for 100-160km. Don’t push on any hills, don’t fight headwinds etc. And eat lots and often!
I do centuries in NewYork. The thing that really helps is going through so many different neighborhoods and over so many bridges. The monotony of long miles on barren lifeless roads would make the ride twice as taxing and exhausting. My centuries are actually 4 25 milers combined with bailout opportunities along the way so it helps mentally. However you do it the fact is that it’s an amazing achievement and a ride to be proud of!
Awesome! I love biking in NYC. I shipped my bike there via Amtrak and spent a lot of time biking all around that city and over the bridges too. Super fun and dynamic!
I`ve been to NYC this year. After crossing Williamsburg Bridge on a single speed, I said to myself I won`t do that again. I ended up crossing it every day back and forth for over a week. I love that city
@@vanmisthoven4906 fun! It’s pretty exciting biking around that city! And I freaking love riding around Central Park. I could get enough of that loop!
That's a great idea without burning out so quickly along with the mental toll it takes.
My first century was a supported ride. Haven't done one again. As a bike tourer, I am doing about 50 a day. One of my tricks is stopping about every hour and getting off the bike. Kind of changes your perspective along the way.
yes! I totally agree with those scheduled breaks!
I did my first century (108.4 miles) two weekends ago. I have two big tips. The first is to wear a hydration pack. I rode with a 2 liter bladder on my back and two 710 milliliter bottles on the bike. It helps you stay hydrated and helps you decide when and where you want to stop and take a break, instead of having to stop because you ran out of water. The second tip is to plan into your route multiple bailout points. Don't do a straight out and back, have a big loop that lets you turn off and head home if you need to. It also helps if you can plan those bailout points near public transit so that you can still get home with a hard bonk. Knowing you have these options makes it mentally easier to keep going. I know that you felt that it would make it harder mentally, but I hade the opposite experience.
@@deemey95 nice work! Well to be fair… technically I had a spouse on hold ready to pick me up if I needed ;-)
I did my first century last month. Easy way is I did six 14 mile laps around my house plus some extra miles on last lap.
The farthest I was from my house was about 6 miles.
Riding 50 out and 50 back is intimidating.
When I ran out of water and food, stopped at house and picked up what I needed; it was actually easy, Hope this helps.
Oh man I’d be afraid I’d stop if I kept passing by my home ;-) Congrats!
@ I only carried a bottle of water and one protein bar. I did stop at house and grab the other water bottle and more protein bars. A lot easier than going 50 miles out and back! You can do it! 🚴🏻♂️
@@BikingZenI agree with you. Too tempting !
Here in Northern Washington State we have two 200 mile rides, Seattle to Portland, and Ride Seattle to Vancouver and Party. Each of them has more than 2,000 finishers. It is always children to 80 year old rider. Yike. I ride lots of miles. In 2025 I will do one or the other. It is just expected here. So I am using Randonneuring training patterns, Ride 5 days a week or even 4 and include a long Ride and a long backup ride. Like a 45/50 mile ride and a 30 mile ride. The rest is coffee shop rides. Then when in the event they take it easy up hill, push over the top and ride down, no coasting. Then steady on the flats. Oh and I'm doing this on a recumbent bike. So much less stress and discomfort. Bravo on your ride and a great video.
I love aloha energy bars, i give you kudos! I don't think i would do a century alone. I still have yet to complete one, but i aim to!
100 miles on those big slow tyres is genuinely impressive on slick road tyres you'd have breezed through it.
@@zedddddful thanks for acknowledging my extra effort ;-) This bike is even a good deal slower than my gravel bike.
i watched this whole video, unaware on the amount of subscribers you had. i couldnt imagine so little support for such a great channel.
Aww thanks man! I appreciate you taking the time to pass that along. It’s nice to get some the encouragement!
a 100 mile ride is a great personal challenge. Ive done quite a few and my first couple of rides were a learning experience. It's fun to think what you can accomplish when you dig deep and make it happen. Well done!!
Thanks @Halliday55. I realize how many times I day dream about long multi day touring trips and picture myself doing multiple 100 mile days in a row when in fact I’ve only done that millage twice now and both times I wasn’t loaded down with gear ;-) 100 miles is doable but certainly an accomplishment.
It's so fun to just "wing-it".......Im 62...I still enjoy my bike....sold my motorcycle and from here on Im just pedeling....
I remember my first 100km trip. I almost collapsed at the end, because I did not bring enough water and food.
So my tip to beginners like myself is to make sure to pack up enough of both or to look up before if you have any opportunities to refill on your path.
@@vanmisthoven4906 this summer I was biking up through WI and had to eat a piece of humble pie and stop at someone’s house and ask for for water. Oops a daisy.
I have a Kona Sutra. Nice to hear you talk about a slower ride.
I think this is a great share! I ride 100mile(Century) rides on my gravel bike very often. Try to get at least one a month with my bike rides in between. I haven’t done any 100% dirt trail Century rides yet. BTW I don’t really calculate my calories or water intake but I do just pack bars, trail mix, beef jerky and it’s my only time I will drink a Coke.
Btw, the more you do Century rides the easier they become.
That’s great! I think I might shoot for a longer ride next!
Cool channel, glad I found you. See you in the road.
Thanks man! See you out there.
Great vid! Food is so important for rides that are 100 miles and above!! If you're like me and you don't like to leave your bike outside of shops/ restaurants, look for places where food trucks are commonly found, I usually just google where they are at. Having a food stop half way or a bit after will give you a boost in energy :)
Thanks Robert! Yeah the whole locking your bike up with all the gear on it isn’t my favorite. I like the food truck idea. And it’s certainly a nice mental boost to get something a little more delicious than bars and gummy bears ;-)
Love the video - I am in Libertyville and can relate with your route.
@@mundovega1935 what a great route!
For me it is going to be getting over the mental hurdle. The longest i have hone is 65 miles and tried to do an 85 miler but stopped half way as late starts and not knowing the route super well. I really pyched myself out. One thing that has helped is to start at the farthest point and then you cant turn back.
Yep! Not having the option to quite works well. 65 is solid!
Well done. 100 miles is a big deal. Others have given useful advice but my tip - remember it's still just a bike ride. You need to eat a lot more food.
It’s funny how it’s almost easier to over eat by a 1000 calories sitting on a couch watching movies than it is to over eat on a biking day.
congrats! that's a bout 160km. when I did my long distance biking back in the day (that would be around 20 years ago) I did about 160 miles per day with the occasional 200 over a 20 day period. with camping equipment like a tent, a stove and food. the parts of the world I travelled in had long distances between people.... but in short I know your feeling!
Those are some long days!!! :-0
@BikingZen yep. they where. but then again, I learnt a lot of my limitations and how to expand them.
You're video just popped up in my feed, but my first century and 75 mile days were done with friend or group. As you said the encouragement is key and also just being able to talk and laugh can help pass the miles mentally. Plus if you forget something or have an issue and are with a group or someone experienced with riding those distances you are more likely to not have to bail because some probably has it or can fix it.
I stinkn ove this! I need to get more cycling friends, it would be a blast to do a century with a fun crew!
Start early, finish late and take a break every hour. Do it in the summer so you have lots of daylight 😊
Yep! Although I always struggle with getting out the door (or tent) early enough :-/
I keep track of hours more than time.
I often bike two or three centuries a year. I need to build up strength in my core before riding a century - my back and backside can get very sore on a 100 mile ride!
Also I don’t ride centuries if the temperature is going to get over 90. If it’s going to get over 80 Start early!
Nice work. Building up those butt calluses is key! :-)
The purple color of the "Camelbak Peak fitness" water bottle would be an exact color match for your pedals, and bar tape. I got one for my wife, but I don't see the color in stock on amazon, or even ebay. That bottle is THE one if you want actual purple!
Muahaha! Hell yeah! This comment is the best! I’ll check it out. You’re right that purple bottle was a big ol disappointment when it arrived. However I might be transitioning to a full frame bag and a one liter narrow mouth Nalgene in the stem bag and one liter double walled bottle bellow the bike. But thank you.. I might just try and snag the one you mentioned any way! 🙏
@@BikingZen I have a lavender one as well. Fell for a misleading photo online haha
:-/
Honestly you’re overthinking the journey. If you pace yourself, not a race & train up to 60+ miles. Should be capable of 100. Carefully choose your route, rest stops, drink often, dress appropriately (seasonal), send route/beacon to friend/family someone know where you are, bike maintenance night before, leave early, backup plan (metra /Uber home) and whatever you carry on regularly on rides bring it. Breakfast is essential but not everyone eats in the morning. Good job for video Chicago native 👍🏾
probably stating the obvious but don't even think about wearing a backpack, you'll get pains in your shoulders, neck, etc. put everything on your bike, or if you absolutely must wear some of your stuff, use a fanny pack instead of a backpack. also, while it might be tempting to just bring energy bars and gels on the journey because they weigh less and consume less space, it is worth icluding some normal food like sandwiches because your guts will not like energy bars all day. for me what helped a whole lot was doing the ride with two friends instead of just doing it alone. did 130 miles while my previous longest ride was probably 40 or 50.
@@tolvajakos dang thats a huge jump in millage! Way to go. And great tips!
Your friend was right - you can ride 50 miles, you can ride 100 miles. The hardest part about it is staying fueled and mentally just forcing yourself to keep going. If your legs and sitbones can handle 50 miles in the saddle, you can do 100 miles. It'll be hard, but you'll be able to do it.
Agreed!
I really wanted to get my garmin century badge I knew id be cycling long days on tour this july well I done 2 centuries in july while on tour but didnt know you cant navigate two routs on the same ride and it still count as a single ride both times I completed 100 miles were split because of having to end navigation and start navigation surly garmin should use the date or time even
Come on Garmin! ;-)
Also congrats on two centuries this summer! Where was your tour to and from?!
100 miles is Hard?? LOL. I do 10 or 12 rides 90 to 120 miles a summer, picking only nicer weather days. Winter is 5 months here.
I'm 70 now, with 3 IGH steel heavyweights. All do sight seeing centuries, 10 to 12 hours.
One is 1 1973 CCM with a 7 year old SA X-RD3. A lot of the rides I have a grocery bag hanging on the swept bars. LOL.
I usually start around 9 am. I pick the best direction for avoiding headwinds, air the tires, fill the 3 or 4 drinks, tools, coats and go.
I only ride highways and go to the small city in the direction, 43 to 60 miles out. Have a long lunch, do a rest putter ride around the town, then head back, about 90 minutes total. Getting home I'm for sure doing a lot more mini stops for a break/ drink and photo. Usually an icecream at about 70 miles. Doesn't matter how much I drink, I'll sweat down 5 or 6 lbs. Takes 2 days to get it back.
My tour bike has a Rohloff14 that is 72 lbs on a light day. LOL. I use it when days are shorter and cooler. All the highways have hundreds of trucks, lots of really wide loads as well. I have big scooter type mirrors to watch out.
Maybe I get cramps, maybe not much. I have done 2 tours average 4,100 miles. Bike was 120 lbs. LOL
How many hours ride time and break time did it take you? Just interested
13.5 hrs total with 10 hrs of moving time
ROGERS PARK REPRESENT!
What’s up Rogers Park!
How to do a hundred miles in a day? Start early!
I always mess that part up :-/
Ya at sea level not at 6000ft
@@ForKnFifties yes, and what a freakin blessing.
... did a 125 once
her name, Wendy
cmon 100m is nothing if you not in a race mode and do very basic things. It is not even 100m XC.