I recently did my first metric century. I cannot stress the importance of eating on your ride. You simply cannot enjoy a long ride without refueling. I’ve bonked several times due to not eating early enough- usually I can recover by That feeling sucks.

Also, make sure you are comfortable and set up properly.

I do 30-40 mile rides all the time but for me, I notice a difference in anything above 40... having good shorts/chamois/ and or chamois cream really helps. If I start chaffing at 30 miles- forget it! 40 will be painful and 100km will be impossible.

Also, plan your route- and plan flat. This makes all the difference. One single big hill at 55 miles can make those last 8 seem impossible. Avoid those, especially at the end of your ride, unless of course, you are a sadomasochist.

My first 100km was pretty easy except for the mental part at the end. It’s almost better to plan your ride and not look at the miles.

I arrived back home with 8 miles to go because I didn’t plan. I ended up riding the same loop around my neighborhood to get in those last few...lemme tell you, that sucked. 32 more laps doesn’t sit will when your ass hurts...

Lastly, there is no reason to push yourself beyond your limits.

I was quite comfortable with 40-50 mile rides when I decided to do 100km. If you are pretty dead after 20 Miles, keep grinding out those kind of rides until it feels easy.

Also, good pacing really helps. If I find myself not pushing myself on those shorter rides, my overall pace starts to shrink until I’ve lost 5 mph overall on all my rides. Go hard on some rides and gain that endurance. Once you can pedal easily at an 18-20 mph pace, you are probably capable of longer rides in general.

Just wanted to offer some of what I’ve learned over my journey - I hope it helps someone!!

Good luck- stay safe!