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This is a fun group who loves cycling and likes to discuss the following. Training tips, locations, biking educate, races, P/R, and most of all encouragement for new riders.
I'm new to this group but thought I share my newest Challenge--a "century" (116
miles actual) bike ride around next Spring/Summer. My plan is to bike from the city I live
in to the next major city; and then back (approx. 58 miles one way: Elmira, NY to
Binghamton, NY). you can explore my route on the maps on this site under my name if you
wish. I have already been working out on a stationary cycle under the
"strength-endurance" level. I figure if I get through that, then when it comes
time for that century ride, I'll be up to the challenge. When the weather starts warming
up again, I'll take a couple of "shorter" routes to get a feel of what I am up
against. When I told friends about my "dare" they looked at me like I was crazy,
but i'm actually pumped up over it and am looking forward to it. A friend of mine told me
he'd like to do that with me, in which I welcomed his joining me on it.
Learn to eat while riding. You'll need constant energy regardless of how much you trained. Same for drinking while you ride. Bicycling Magazine has a great training schedule for completing a century.
I don't mean to come off as smug, but most stationary bikes aren't going to offer you much other than going through a similar motion. You're generally a lot more upright, the seat isn't anything at all like what you'd use, generally no clipless pedals, etc. Unless you're going to ride a stationary bike for that century, I'd look at getting a trainer for your back wheel.
If you haven't already, you're going to need your bike to get fitted. Improper fit means nothing but pain and wasted effort. I know people always say "no pain, no gain", but there's really nothing gained from tendinitis and saddle soreness.
Once you have a good trainer or rollers and a nicely fitted bike, you'll think of most stationary bikes to be a waste of time. I've stopped going to Spin classes because I'd spend too much time trying to get it to feel almost as good as my road bike.
The rest of it is to make sure you're spinning and not mashing in too heavy of a gear. It's a secret of racers and long distance riders because it's less effort and things like wind and hills don't hurt you as badly.
Thanks for the info, spade; I'll certainly use it and look around for them trainers. I have heard of them but never really looked into using them. I have been doing bicycling last Summer, mostly to work and back (12 miles round trip). I have gone further than that but nothing over 15 miles. The Century run sounded like an interesting challenge, but I'm also aware that without proper work-out and planning; it realistically won't happen. However, I'm persistent on making the best of this and will use any info to that end.
Definitely look at a GOOD trainer with plenty of resistance and one that's quiet. Since you live in an area that's basically unridable for about a third of the year, they're a very good investment.
You may not be a racer like me, but the serious distance guys tend to adopt a lot of the training methods, riding styles, and gear of racers. Too many guys like the idea of a century, but don't want to do what it takes to get there. I've crossed paths with guys on century rides and seen THAT guy on a hybrid with a tractor seat and regular shorts. I'm no fortune teller, but he might make 40 miles.
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