Yesterday, I crossed the finish line of my 100-mile ride, and the feeling was incredible! It wasn’t about breaking personal records this time; it was about enjoying the journey and finishing strong, which I did in 6 hours and 40 minutes. While it wasn’t my fastest century, it was exactly the kind of ride I was aiming for given my training approach.
The training I undertook leading up to this event was, in my opinion, the key to my success. If you’re looking to conquer a century ride and want to actually enjoy the experience, I can confidently say that focusing on a well-structured Bike Training Plan is essential. There are countless plans available, varying in mileage and duration, but the core principle remains the same: preparation is paramount. My own plan, while moderate, ensured I was fully ready for the challenge, both physically and mentally.
Let’s talk a bit about what fueled my ride, as nutrition is a critical component of any effective bike training plan, especially for endurance events.
My pre-ride routine started two hours before hitting the road with a balanced breakfast. At my hotel, I had a boiled egg, oatmeal with blueberries, a small ham and cheese sandwich, a handful of almonds, a banana, and of course, coffee and water to kickstart my energy levels.
Arriving at the starting line, I made sure I was well-prepared with two full water bottles – one with plain water and the other with an electrolyte mix to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance throughout the long ride. I also carried two energy gels for a quick boost later in the ride.
The event was well-organized with four rest stops along the route, and I made it a point to stop at each one. These stops were crucial for refueling and rehydrating. At each stop, I would take in about 150-250 calories, usually consisting of half a banana and another item like an energy bar or a small sandwich. Hydration was also a priority; I aimed to drink at least one full water bottle of fluids every hour on the bike. Reviewing the route map at each stop also helped me mentally prepare for the upcoming sections.
In addition to the planned rest stop nutrition, I used the two energy gels I carried at mile 70 and mile 90 to combat any potential energy dips in the latter stages of the ride. Throughout the entire ride, I felt consistently fueled and neither overly full nor hungry, a testament to my nutritional strategy as part of the overall bike training plan. And yes, the post-ride meal was definitely well-deserved and thoroughly enjoyed! Nothing beats refueling after a long day in the saddle.
Ride Stats Snapshot:
- Distance: 101.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 5,022 ft
- Calories Burned: 3,796
- Ride Time: 6 hrs 40 mins
