Cycling 100 miles is a challenge. Whether you’re a seasoned bike rider with years of experience or you’re new to road cycling looking to your first big challenge – riding a century can be tough. But, as with all things cycling, it should be an enjoyable experience. Conor’s here with some handy tips to help you on your way to completing your next 100 mile bike ride.
Have you ridden 100 miles? https://app.globalcyclingnetwork.com/ZxoG
Introducing our brand new GCN Castelli Pro Training Kit: https://gcn.eu/3Tf
Subscribe to GCN: http://gcn.eu/SubscribeToGCN
Register your interest in the GCN Club: https://gcn.eu/3Te
#Cycling #GCN #RoadBike
Have you ever cycled 100 miles? How was your ride? Let us know in the comments below!
Sign up to the GCN newsletter https://gcn.eu/3K7
Join our Facebook community: http://gcn.eu/FBCommunity
If you enjoyed this video, make sure to give it a thumbs up and share it with your friends. 👍
If you’d like to contribute captions and video info in your language, here’s the link – https://gcn.eu/3Td
Watch more on GCN…
📹 How To Train Using A Powermeter: https://gcn.eu/3Tg
Music – licensed by Epidemic Sound:
Strollin’ – Tigran Viken
So So – Roof
So So (Instrumental Version) – Roof
Progressive Progress – Howard Harper-Barnes
Play It Cool – Duke Herrington
Libertalia – Arc De Soleil
Forget Your Name (Instrumental Version) – spring gang
Dancing with the Devil – Bonkers Beat Club
A Tribute to Gold – Duke Herrington
Photos: © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Bettiniphoto / http://www.bettiniphoto.net/
The Global Cycling Network (GCN) is the largest and fastest-growing online cycling channel in the world, bringing together a global community of road cyclists to celebrate everything that’s great about the world of cycling.
Our videos bring fans compelling daily content including expert tutorials, techniques, training, racing, cutting-edge bike tech, unparalleled behind the scenes event coverage, humour, entertainment, and more.
Presented by ex-pro riders, GCN offers a uniquely qualified insight into the world of cycling, and most importantly it’s fuelled by our passionate and enthusiastic fans – everyone who makes up the GCN community. We also bring you the latest and greatest tech to your attention, showcase the best places in the world to ride and get exclusive access to events and races.
Welcome to the Global Cycling Network | Inside #cycling
Thanks to our sponsors:
Castelli Clothing https://gcn.eu/Castelli
Giro Helmets https://gcn.eu/Giro
Pinarello Bikes https://gcn.eu/Pinarello
fi’zi:k Shoes & Saddles: http://gcn.eu/fizikshoes and http://gcn.eu/fiziksaddles
Mavic Wheels: https://gcn.eu/Mavic
Enervit Nutrition: https://gcn.eu/Enervit
Topeak Tools: http://gcn.eu/Topeak
Canyon Bikes: http://gcn.eu/-Canyon
Pirelli Tyres: https://gcn.eu/Pirelli
Orbea Bikes: http://gcn.eu/Orbea
Vision Wheels: http://gcn.eu/Vision
Wahoo Fitness: http://gcn.eu/Wahoo-Fitness
Park Tool: http://gcn.eu/-parktool
Elite Bottles: https://gcn.eu/EliteBottles
Whoop Fitness: https://gcn.eu/Whoop
Komoot: https://gcn.eu/komoot
GCN Japan: https://gcn.eu/subscribe-gcn-japan
GCN Italia: https://gcn.eu/GCN-Italia
Suscribirse a GCN en Español: http://gcn.eu/Suscribirse
The GCN Club – http://gcn.eu/club
YouTube Channel – http://gcn.eu/gcnYT
Facebook – http://gcn.eu/gcnFb
Instagram – http://gcn.eu/GCNInsta
Twitter – http://gcn.eu/gcnTW
GMBN Tech – http://gmbn.tech/subscribe
GCN Tech – http://gcntech.co/subscribe
EMBN – http://embn.me/subscribe
Leave us a comment below!
Conor: Riding 100 miles for the first time can be a great breakthrough on your cycling journey. If you’re new to the sport, then welcome and maybe 100 miles is your next step. It can be a big challenge though. It’s definitely harder on the legs as it’s longer
And it does bring you further afield open up the possibility for some epic, epic routes, just like this. You’re in for a treat today, folks. [music] I’m going to share with you some of my own personal tips on how to best manage a 100-mile ride whether you’re new to the sport,
Or just looking to manage your next 100-mile ride a little bit better. Come on follow me. I’ve been told to have a good draft, still waiting on some of the beers I’m owed actually about that good
Draft to tell you. I will be setting off from home heading out to Clonmel and the beautiful climb of The Vee, riding down to the coast and up through Dungarvan. Quick stop on my favorite beach, Clonea Strand, before the final leg home. I’m getting ready to leave here. I said my
First point is to try to leave early if you can. The reason for leaving early is basically you get out there, you get a good amount of miles in the legs and by the time it gets to lunchtime,
You’ve got a good fair whack of your ride done so you don’t get two hours in and start feeling really hungry and want to stop so you can get the bulk of your ride in the bank. Also,
You want to get a nice hearty breakfast in you. I always opt for lovely porridge oats and I’m going to have about 100 grams, cook it with milk and water and add a few toppings maybe bananas,
Cinnamon, peanut butter. Get that energy in the legs ready for a big day out on the bike. Most importantly as well, sun cream. Never leave for a ride without sun cream. Even when it’s raining, put sun cream on just in case the sun comes out. Without further ado.
I’m off. The weather is looking beautiful today unlike my last long ride where I was absolutely soaked. Anyway, I’ve chosen a route on commute that takes in a bit of County Waterford and also going into County Cork this time. I’m going up famous Vee Climb. If this is your first 100 miler,
Try and pick a flatter terrain if possible. A really hilly 100 miles is a tough ask, so maybe start out on a flatter route to begin with. There are a couple climb things it does break
Up the route, it’s nice to have a few downhills as well to recover on but just don’t go too crazy and enjoy the view. Hey, finally good weather. [music] Another little tip as well is maybe start out in a group if you can. It means you can get a little
Bit of shelter at the beginning of your ride and then even if the group isn’t doing the full 100 miles, you can quite easy turn off and finish up on your own. Now I’d be doing the Isabelle
Today if I was riding in the group but as you can see, it’s just . Heigh-ho, solo rides are fun too. [music] First time at the county on my bike. There we go and I [unintelligible 00:03:52] across the county
Boundaries. New territory the first time in three months. Right folks, I’ve done 23 miles now, it’s been relatively easy. I’ve taken a pace down a notch, save my energy for later on the ride because I’m about to be going into those mountains over there, beautiful part of the world to ride
Your bike. I’m looking forward to showing it to you. Don’t forget to eat in these early stages, it’s so important. I can’t tell you how important it is. Don’t think of your food but ration it,
You want to get it into you, the more earlier on the ride, the better. You save it until the end of the ride, it’s too late. Even if you start to feel tired and hungry then you have a load of food,
You’ll probably just feel even more lethargic as a result, you just end up slogging home. The best strategy get as much food as you can into you. Think of it as like filling the petrol tank
Up, you don’t want to be running on empty for too long, you’ll just do too much damage. I’ve had two bars and one banana already first 23 miles just to get an idea for you. I’m having
Another bar now. Trust me, it will pay dividends towards the end of the ride and you’ll feel so much better as a result. [music] Right here we are at the bottom of the Vee, one of my favorite climbs actually in the
Whole world. Just heading up there you would maybe see the road if there was a car on there and then we’ll head over the border back into Waterford. I’ll get going. The jungle up here I love it. Runs across the [unintelligible 00:05:33]. This is Ireland at its greenest.
[music] I’m up 35 miles in. I’ve just taken a little break just to admire the view. I need to do this on century. I thought I’d just take a moment as well to explain to you, even if the weather is amazing when you set off you
Can’t want to plan just in case it turns a bit. I always like to bring just a light short-sleeved jersey– Sleeveless jersey, I should say, not short-sleeved just for any eventuality. Once you do start climbing as I am now, the weather might get a bit cooler. You want to keep the wind off
Your chest which will potentially give you a bit of a chill. [unintelligible 00:06:15] the stuff in your pocket or if you don’t have space in your pockets, you can just stuff it in the top of your
Jersey like that, gives you a bit more space. As well, if you’re going for a real long ride, any long ride really, you want to make sure your equipment is in good working order. I gave it a
Good wash before I set off, tires for any slits or any stones, bits of glass that might have worn their way in there just in case. Also, make sure you bring supplies. I always like to bring an extra tube with me on a longer ride. In here, I’ve got my [unintelligible 00:06:47] burrito
Wrap as you can see there. I’ve got two tubes in there. I’ve got an Allen key set and I’ve got a chain-link tool just in case break the chain so I can sort myself out. I’ve taken the opportunity to have another little stop here because it is absolutely
Beautiful. I’m getting more food in. This is a jam, peanut butter, and honey sandwich. [unintelligible 00:07:12] a bit of homemade food because you need your energy in you. Again, I stress this again you need so much food in you. Focus on carbohydrates, flapjacks, gels,
Bars. You just need to get the energy into your legs if you’re going to make it through your century. We can take a nice scenic spot to enjoy a bite to eat, nothing wrong with that. Energy bars are also great because they are easily digestible and they’re really convenient
In a simple packet put them in your pocket, fit quite a lot in it actually, pack a lot of carbohydrates in a small package, that’s why I love them as well especially on a long ride. Just
Be careful not to stop for too long as you will find difficult getting going again so I like to be brisk with my stops and get up and off the road again. Come on, Conor, on that note onwards we go.
Take your rubbish home with you, in your pockets. There’s no excuse for littering. Never ever, ever. Put it in your pockets. I do not want to see any littering about otherwise I’ll come and find you. I’ll be like a big grumpy ugly troll following you around until you pick your litter
Up and put it in the bin, you hear that? Back into County Waterford there we go. [music] Don’t forget to drink. Similar to food really, little, and often just keep sipping throughout the day and throughout your ride. If you can,
Use a drink mix that will replace any electrolytes lost through sweat and even better use one with some carbs mixed in as well and it’ll help keep with those energy levels topped up. It’s just
Another way of getting the carbs into you which is so important on a long ride. I think if it’s really hot, try to drink maybe two bottles every hour and if it’s mild temperature, aim for maybe two bottles every couple of hours but don’t forget to drink.
Another good quick little tip is to try and find out, before your ride, if there’s any places on-route where you can refill your water bottles for free. Churches for instance are a great little tip, they often have a fountain on the outside of the building that you can actually fill your
Bottle up with. Also, do a quick google search of your country and find if there’s anywhere where there’s listings or water fountains where you can refill your bottles. In Ireland, for instance, there’s a site called refill.ie that will list all the stations where you can refill your water
Bottles. It just saves you having to stop and going into a petrol station or a shop, buying single-use plastic to fill your bottles up. It’s a shame to use single plastics and also, it means you are wasting time when you could be out on your bike. Don’t forget to drink. Thought you were
Going to forget that, sorry. Okay, right. I’ve been [unintelligible 00:10:06] with you too long now. Come on, Conor. Time to crack on. How many miles have I done? 40 miles, so 60 miles to go. [music] Conor: Ride Resumed. Another day in the country. [music] Conor: Lots of cows. Lots
Of sheep. Beautiful air around here. Love to bring my gravel bike here, actually, and go up into the mountains. I used to do a lot of my efforts on this road, actually, especially if I had a headwind. Actually, a really long climb from this side and you’d be slogging away. These roads
Are so heavy. No one really knows until they come here to Ireland and experience these back roads. [music] Conor: I’m starting to feel it in the legs now, but I’ve just knocked out a good amount of miles. I’ve got
17.2 miles to go. I don’t think it really matters who you are. If you do 100 miles on your bicycle, it’s going to get tough at one point or another, so you’re going to need a bit of mental strength.
Just because you’re starting to feel it, don’t let your head drop. Keep your morale high. Also, I think the benefit of using a route on a bike computer, towards the end of the ride, when you’re beginning to tire, you don’t get led astray onto any main roads or make any wrong
Turns. You can plan your route to be on back roads and minor roads to finish off your 100-mile ride, which means when you’re starting to get tired and lose concentration, you’re on quieter roads, not on busy roads. In my opinion, that’s a lot safer. Last little push now. Better crack on. Come on.
Come on legs, you can do it. I’m still having fun though, I promise you. It’s what it’s all about. It’s kind of like the paradox, the cycling paradox. We love it but it hurts, but then you
Get views like that and it all becomes worth it. Now you are on that final push. This is a good time to take a caffeine gel. Just a good way of giving yourself that final little boost,
Keeping yourself alert. Come on, Conor. Home time. Hundred miles in the legs. Going to be a good one. [music] Conor: I feel alive. [music] Conor: I’ve had to do a little detour. Roads have been blocked with a load of cows. [music]
Conor: I’ve actually never been down this road [chuckles] before. Now I know why there was cows on it. Proper rough one. I forgot how hard 100 miles is, but anyone can do it, especially if you take into account some of my tips. Especially fuelling, I think,
In the beginning of the ride. It’s so important because if you don’t do it, once you get to the end, there’s no way to reverse that. 100 miles, I’m still made to bring the bin up. I tell you. I’ve finished. 100 miles in the bank. I’m tired but I feel great to finish
It off. Tell you though, I’m not as fit as I used to be, but I guess that doesn’t matter anymore. It’s about the enjoyment. It’s about enjoying those 100 miles. I’ll tell you what, I’m looking forward to a post-ride beer and a bit of a burger or something.
I’d love to hear from you guys. What was your first 100-miles and what are your memories of it? Please let me know in the comments section below. Also, I think we should get a poll going on the GCN app. Have you ridden 100 miles before or would you rather do something a
Little bit shorter? I’ll be interested to hear what you all think about that one. I’m off to find some food. I’m starving. Thanks for watching, everyone. I’ll see you later. Got me through legs, thank you. Thank you. [sings] I want to film here but this sheep
Is standing its ground. It’s seen me and it’s standing to its– No. See? That’s what you get when you try and mess with this. Jog on. [00:14:28] [END OF AUDIO]
45 Comments
What was your first 100 mile ride?
Roads look good there
My longest ride is 30 miles. I binge eat before and after a ride. A couple double cheese burgers, baked beans, mac and cheese, a lasagna large enough to feed a family of four…
I did a 140m ride in 8-10 hours and at the end I wasn't even tired. 100 miles on as bike isn't shit, in fact it's more of a time commitment than actually hard.
You act like 100 miles is hard lol
Would it be more difficult to do 100 miles with a mountain bike (xc hardtail) on mostly unpaved roads?
I am a brand new extremely out of shape cyclist who has not ridden a bike in 40 years but I just bought a road bike that is being delivered tomorrow. I am registered for a Metric Century Ride at the end of April, and a Century Ride at the end of September. I dont know how I let them talk me into this, but I am going to give it my best. I will be putting your tips to use.
@conordunnealot – where are you storing all this food? Jersey pockets? Saddlebag?
What Conor left out: asprin at the half way mark and some brand of butt butter, as well as 10 per cent increases in weekly milage until 60 miles is comfy.
Love all your videos, SO helpful! Thank you GCN!
I've never managed a hundred miles yet. The closest I've ever gotten was 75 miles. It took 2 days to recover too. On day 3 after the 75 miles I did feel great though. I'm still hoping to do a one hundred mile bike ride. I'm thinking the St. Petersburg Bike Club would probably know of one for me. 🤔
My 1st century was in 2008 at the Hotter'N Hell endurance ride in Wichita Falls, TX. I couldn't believe how fast I was going for the first 40 miles with such little effort. Then I flatted and all that was gone.
Somewhere around 66 miles, my legs gave out and every pedal stroke was completely miserable. I remember at 72.0 miles thinking to myself, “this is really stupid.” A 72.1 miles, I looked at the rider next to me and said “this is really stupid.” There was even one moment when I thought that it would have been better to have stayed home and gone shopping for clothes with my mom…
After the 9th rest stop, which is a few miles past the dreaded 80 mile turn, I really wanted to get off my bike, bend the rear wheel and declare a mechanical. Fortunately, I was too tired and couldn't get out of sight of other riders.
It was this ride that gave me the criteria for an epic ride. These three things have to occur before reaching the finish:
1. You hate cycling.
2. This is the dumbest thing you've done in your entire life.
3. You're selling (if not donating) your bike as soon as you get home.
When I got back to camp, my friends were waiting for me and let me use their shower. After the last of their group finished (doing the shorter routes), we went to Texas Roadhouse and enjoyed some steaks.
On my drive home that night, I was excited to start training for 2009!
Here is a link to my 100K ride in 2010. https://youtu.be/EudV4LUxSso
Very good review.
My 1st century was by myself during the pandemic. I was participating in Bike MS and I was 44. Luckily my sister provided 2 water station stops. I like the idea of fueling up more up front will try that on my next one, it has BRUTAL hills.
I've got a 125 miler coming up in 2 days time. It's my longest ever. I've done 120 before… but that was 15 years ago when I was 22. My tip that seems to work for the few long rides I've done recently is chewy bars! But I make a 1kg slab, 50% nuts, mostly cashew, and 50% dates. Even put some electrolyte powder in. Best fuel I've found. I even start with a massive fatty omelette. Not the best for everyone but works for me.
Rode my first 100 mile plus ride way back in 1975 on an GITANE Interclub for many years I was riding roughly 350 to 400 miles per week these were the days when there was no such thing as energy bars and gels and so on, we had a good stack of Pan Cakes a few strips of bacon a couple of eggs and so on, stuff a few Bananas in the pockets along with a few oat meal cookies and a couple on mini cans of frozen JAPANESE coffee then we out the door before sun rise, towards the middle part of the ride the frozen coffee turned into a nice slushy cold drink, they were great for those hot days. Those days 5 speed rear ends with 42/52 up front with down tube friction shifting was the norm, then when 6 and 7 speed came available we were all over it. I'm from San Jose better known as SILICON valley and if there will be anyone here reading this while watching this video you'll know what this area is all about, look West and there will be the Santa Cruz Mountains, try doing that 2 to 3 times per week with your modern day bicycles, back in the days we were doing this with our 6 speed 13/24t rear ends with a 42/52 up front, too and back on HWY 9 and yes we had to deal with a lot of cars the stretch between Boulder Creek and Scotts valley was a hair ball run, if the traffic was light going through Boulder Creek we would stay on the saddle and go for it and do the dance with cars to Scotts valley, if not then we'd wait there in Boulder for a break in the traffic then go for it when we would see such a gap! In those days this stretch of road way there wasn't much of a shoulder to ride on so we had to ride within the traffic, once in Santa Cruz once through then we'd chill until Santa Cruz there we'd fuel up with some burritos and a Margarita then it's time to turn and burn back to the pit. Now some would wonder why would we ride on such road ways, bottom line we didn't have many country roads there to ride on, we could head south to Gilroy but that was boring so we had the mountains on both sides of the valley so that's where we went then when SILICON Valley came to be it just gobbled up what open space we had left.
BTW! My very first near 100 mile ride I cramped out with both of my legs BIG TIME right in front of a Fire Station, for sure I was able to receive medical attention, hell I was only 13 so to say what did I, we know about nutrition we just learned as we went along.
Did the MS150 last month for a good cause. 75 miles per day around 6hrs per day on the bike with strong headwinds the first day. First time doing it and it felt great! Small piece of advice, refuel yourself! Eat at every stop and load on carbs. I almost ran out of energy during the last 6miles. Safe rides everyone!😊
Excellent video – love the litter troll! Well said, no excuses 👍🏻
Fellow tall guy here… how did you find a Castilli that fits you? What size is that jersey?!
My first 100+ miles ride was with my friend when we were 15. I had a mountain bike back then, it was raining and super foggy but that didn’t stop us. Was beautiful at the end and since then I keep challenging myself. Just finished another 100+ yesterday.
Only been riding since April but so far longest ride is 36.59 miles! My goal is a 100 miles but have a little bit more riding to do .
I’m 66 this is my 3rd year cycling . Did my first Century today ….yours and other GCN videos on doing the 100m and other cycling tips are invaluable …keep up the good work Connor & rest of GCN presenters…your all worth your weight in Gold …..well maybe flapjacks 🚴♀️👍
Experience has taught me that I need to mix fast & slow carbs to keep energy levels BUT also to keep my stomach occupied.
2L 'Camelbak' backpack with 'waterbladder' and room for tools/parts is a very handy addition to water bottles on the bike 🙂
Thank you for the valuable information
Hey Conor, (my son's name is Conar) – I'm headed to the Hotter-n-Hell 100 in Witchita Falls, TX. This ride is a challenge because you ride 100 miles at over 100 degrees weather. The route is mostly flat, but with the temperature over 100 degrees I have a hard time with keeping my electrolytes balanced. I am considered a "sweater" so I lose my electrolytes pretty quickly. I do take in electrolytes during the ride, but have learned that I need to hydrate and boost my electrolytes prior to the ride which has helped me to complete the ride. I've had many muscle cramps towards the end and am trying to make sure I keep the electrolytes in my system. Do you have any tips on how to maintain your hydration and electrolytes, when you are drinking and eating all the time but because of the 100 degree temperature you are continuously sweating them out at a faster rate?? Love your videos!
For distance rides, find a FLAT road where all hills are outlawed.
And get Gatorskin tires. My last long ride ended at 54 miles with a flat tire on a busy Sunday when all the bike shops were backed up.
Spent about 500 miles on it and so far so good. https://www.youtube.com/post/UgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA Pros:1. Very light2. Solid quality build3. Fast delivery: It arrived 5 weeks earlier than expected.4. Easy assemblyJust a few cons but nothing major:1. Cheap tin tubes and had flat on first day… but not a big deal. I replaced the tubes.2. Seat is a bit uncomfortable but that's pretty much the same situation with most bikes.3. Seat post is a bit long/high for a smaller size 48 bike – had to saw 2 inch off to fit properly. The lowest setting is too high. The post locking system does not seem to hold well (perhaps because I saw 2 inch off).4. wheels are not tubeless compatible (from what I can tell)
I trust that you keep the trash but did you do with the banana skin?
Earlier also means less people to run into on your ride : )
As someone who has just started cycling, i find it staggering that rides of 100 miles + aren't considered nothing short of incredible. Maybe 1 day…
I did a 32 mile ride with a 2000ft elevation in 2h42m yesterday and that was tough. The steep inclines just zap all energy. Riding flat is relatively ok.
Didn’t realise you lived in Ireland, I assumed you were uk based. That’s a long way in a day. I’m new to this and have managed a 22 mile so far. 58 years old but I’ll work on it and see if I can get to that one day.
Fantastic motivation I’m eager to conquer this milestone Connor !
Great advice but fu%k you for the ad harassment.
Watching videos about century rides again because today is my recovery day for my first century ride yesterday, Friday the 13th, October 2023! (Along several connected portions of the OTET in Ohio.)
I can’t even do 20 miles!
I have just finished my century with 16.5mph,i think it is a good speed for amateur like me😂😂
Great video
About 4 months ago i manged to do 108 miles recorded and i was riding a cheap mountain bike stuck in a medium gear, it took me 16h 40mins 🎉
Im doing a the ride 100 marathon in london/essex and i need a workout plan to complete this challenge in under 8 hours
Any music for the 100 mile playlist?
I can't wait to do my first ! Just done a 50 mile ride with my hardtail felt great ! Have fun guys
My first time 100miles,with Saturday club as Marshall,London ride to Essex 100miles. It was enjoyment. On the way back to London,i was determined to first the ride. In group with another cyclist,couldn't make it back. I met two male Marshall was riding back to London.Glad to say i ride back with them. Tired,but i'm glad i have done it 🎉
I'm 68 and doing my 1st century this summer (May 2024). Your suggestions & enthusiasm will definitely help. Thank you!
Fair play to Connor for the solo ride and what appears to be solo filming?!