u/BaseDiligent7859

Completed a century today and cut an hour from my century seven weeks ago. Today’s course was significantly hotter, more ascent (but still pretty flat), supported (but I carried all my nutrition but for some electrolytes) and all paved. Start time was 0730. Averaged 14.5 mph.

Previous century (not counting the longer rides 120+ miles between today and seven weeks ago) was flatter, included some rail to trails and about eight miles of gravel road, crossed the Mississippi River twice on different bridges, and included almost half on the super wide shoulder of 65 mph highway. Start time was 05:30, so about an hour of dark. Averaged 12.8 mph. Unsupported but water refill at highway rest area and a local small business.

Same bicycle—a second gen Trek Duosport 2. Same basin nutrition, but the ride today included more electrolytes due to the heat 90F.

Finally bought a road bicycle yesterday, so future century paved rides should be faster. Question is how much faster? New bicycle is about half the weight of the Duosport. It has wireless electronic shifting. Designed to be an endurance bicycle.

After 30 years, I (52m) completed 101 miles on my second generation Trek dual sport. Unsupported solo with two stops to refill water bottles at an interstate rest area and a local ice cream shop. Consumed 600 calories of various gels and syrup during the ride.

Put only about 1,000 miles on my Trek and my Cruzbike this summer in build up to this ride after three years of zero miles. Have two more century rides planned over the next five weeks, but planning to upgrade to a true road bike.