The Cap2Cap Century is this Saturday, and the time has come to focus a little bit on the route. I realize this makes me different than many participants in rides such as this, who seem quite content to simply show up and go with the flow. I’m not very good at going with flows, so I like to have a very good idea as to what I’m getting myself into. This is what I’ve learned:
– Of the four organized rides I’ve participated in since last September, this will be the biggest by far with over 2,000 riders. I’m not sure how many will be with me at the 7:30AM start for the century ride, but I suspect more than a few will be there.
– This ride has two start points – one at each end of the route. Here’s hoping we don’t run into each other!
– With only 1,099 feet of climbing, the course is very flat. That was actually one of my reasons for picking this as my first century. Hopefully, I’ll ease myself into things as I get ready for the Civil War Century and 7,000 feet of climbing this September.
– The route appears to be easier to follow than the sometimes intricate routes of my previous rides. There is also the promise of course marshals sprinkled throughout the route. I think the probability of getting lost is about as low as it can be.
– There’s beer at the end of the ride. Very nice. They’ve got a lunch planned for us at the halfway point in Chickahominy Park. Also very nice.
– I’ll be on the road to the start line at 5:30AM. Not so nice.
I’ve done my reading. I’ve done my training. I have a plan that will surely be out the window by Mile 10. All that remains is to complete the ride. I’ve pedaled 70 miles before as well as 30 miles. 70 miles was a bit of a challenge but 30 miles is easy for me, so the question is this: does 70 plus 30 equal 100?
I’ll let you know sometime on Sunday!
There And Back Again 
Just tag along with a group and the thing will be finished before you know you’ve started. Of course you can easily cycle 100 if you’ve done 70. Good luck and have a nice time. (Think of it as three easy 30 miles rides, the sort of thing you do without thinking or special preparation.)
Thanks for the encouragement! I intend to suck as many wheels as I can without being rude. 🙂 I’m hopeful that I can make it to lunch (Mile 52) with almost no fatigue, meaning the route back should be manageable.
What’s the weather forecast? Good I hope, (good in a cycling sort of way), have fun ,and good luck
Sunny, light breeze, with a high in the mid-70s. Temp at start time should be in the upper 50s. Almost perfect. I’m trying to decide if I should buy some arm warmers, wear a base layer (and sweat the last 30 miles), or go without (and be cold the first 30 miles).
Tom’s advice is spot on. Ride with a group. If they are too slow for you, pick up another group. If they are too fast, pick up another group. The last 30 miles is ok if you’ve maintained hydration and food intake 30-50 miles earlier. If you are eating or drinking when you think you are hungry or need it … it is too late. The way I do it is eat for the 1/2 to 1 hour away from now. Have fun!
RevRider
Will do! If I start to feel sorry for myself, I will reflect upon some of your ride reports and remember it could be much much worse! 🙂
Good Luck with the ride Steve.
I agree with previous comments plus the reckoning is that you save 30% of energy riding in a group so thats the 30 extra miles taken care of.. so no need to worry about that then.. 🙂
Given the time difference I’ll be (should be!) finishing a 42 mile road race at about the time you start your ride so I’ll be thinking of you setting out as I finish
Send whatever positive energy you have left my way, Brian. Good luck on your race. Kick some Cat B butt!
Steve, looking forward to the recap of the Century (don’t forget the victory beer…). I can’t add much to the excellent advice already posted, and having never done a formal Century, I wouldn’t dare. Have fun!
Right, formal centuries are simply too much. Stick to your safe, comfortable rides up Mount Ventoux!
I’ll echo…if you’ve ridden 70, 100 is possible. On a flat course, wind could be a surprise problem. I’ve sometimes found that flat windy rides can be more disheartening than hills. Take care to watch what you eat and eat often. I’m betting you’ll be fine.
Current forecast is for winds at 10mph. Last year was very windy with gusts over 50mph. It reportedly was brutal. Thanks for the tips and well wishes!
First off mate, with our background we know that no plan ever survives first contact with the enemy. But it’s better to have a plan than no plan!
As for the temperature, if it was me I’d go with being a bit cold and having less to carry rather than sweat later, and have a jacket to haul around with me.
But all that said, I’m sure you’ll piss this with ease. I’m looking forward to the tale of a successful century!
GO ARMY! 🙂