5 TIPS for Cycling Your First 100 Miles

Riding your first century? Here's some tips that might help you get through.
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[@pinoyeh]

This is an old video but I wanted to share my recent experience. I did a 215 kms. solo a few months ago. I did consider everything that was said from this video except to bring Layers. If I may contribute as a last tip, DETERMINATION TO FINISH THE 100 MILE RIDE, this was at the back of my mind while riding as I listed this long ride from my bucket list. I finished this 215 kms. in 8 hours and 56 minutes moving time while 10 hours and 46 minutes for elapsed time.

[@markfeldman6509]

Great advice in every way.. I try to ride a “century” once a month and I am 68 years old. Pacing and eating and hydrating are the keys. I never sprint out...I want to make sure I have enough in the tank to get home!

[@chokeizm]

any advice on getting the kids into this ?

[@markfeldman6509]

@@chokeizm … I bought my grandkids ages 7 and 9 cycling suits and took them to a bike store to get fitted so they felt like a big deal. I take them every Saturday and Sunday for a round trip ride of 14 miles on the flat Cape Cod Canal trail followed by lunch out and an ice cream sundae. It has become a ritual. I have taken the older boy on a 23 miler along Nantucket sound.Great bonding time . I video them with my iPhone and they love seeing it!

[@chokeizm]

@@markfeldman6509 Thank you for your speedy reply my 2 are bmx crazy we done nearly 50+ miles on them in the surrey hills in the uk lol (its so crazy i think we are one of the only ones to do this ) i guess i have to push myself moreso as there always up for a ride ! thanks again.

[@davidhopley9361]

My top tip. I just did my first 100miles last week (previous longest ride was 64). I planned 3 routes, all loops from and back to my house. This enabled me to restock on food after each section or give up if I was struggling to finish!

[@ChrisP978]

I took the opposite approach. One way trip, make it or bust!

[@davidhopley9361]

ChrisP978 HaHa, there’s also that approach I guess 😁

[@Kya_._Papaya]

@@ChrisP978lol yes! I ride in one direction so that I know I have no choice but to make it back ;)

[@billinhouston3291]

The only thing I would add is to make sure you get plenty of seat time in the weeks leading up to the ride. If you're going to be riding 6-7 hours, do some 4 hour rides to make sure that you still feel ok at that point. Totally agree on food and pacing. Once you bonk, everything goes into slow motion, and you can be a danger to yourself and others. And there's def no sense in going out too fast. If you feel amazing after 75 miles, you can pick up the pace then.

[@andrewmcmahon6432]

Great information. For my next long ride I am aiming for 30 miles, I've been increasing by 5 miles every couple of weeks on longer rides at the weekend to supplement my daily commute.

[@motogp9253]

How many miles you up to now?

[@joewilson1857]

Perfect timing. Planning my longest ride, only 65 miles but it's a start 👍🏼

[@Gazpalli]

65 miles is no joke. Good luck and have fun!

[@tomgarner5965]

Everyone starts somewhere mate good luck

[@AndrewBlucher]

A metric 100 is always a good effort!

[@harleyday4276]

There's no "only" about it, 65 miles is a good distance. Good luck!

[@DanTheTTT]

My tip is, JUST DO IT, REGRET LATER

[@Cade_Media]

i can subscribe to this

[@nige_breaks_bikes9782]

That’s me 👍

[@AndrewBlucher]

Ahh, the voice of youth!

[@LeDore38]

Yeah that's how I did it. The 200/300km however needs a bit preparation

[@ES-aussie68]

@@AndrewBlucher 😂

[@SioLazer]

top tip: make sure you poop before you leave the house! I achieve this by making sure I'm done eating at least two hours before bed time the night before but three is ideal. Most of the time, we're getting up earlier than usual for these big rides which means our body might not be ready to poop that early. Keep in mind what your usual schedule is and adjust accordingly.

[@marcinswidzinski]

Pacing yourself is, in my opinion, the best advice. We have recently made a fixed gear 200km ride. We rode 30kph average into the wind, which turned out to be way too hard. When we finished we almost died. If we dropped 2-3kph from the average it would be much, much better.

[@Totalavulsion]

I would also add the notion of breaking the distance down in your mind so it doesn’t seem quite so daunting

[@ChrisHallRides]

What about your first 107 miles?

[@CyclingWithDan]

definitely need another video for that :)

[@SuperDiddzz]

Francis got a 107 tattoo!!! Love you Chris but not in the gay way!

[@tomcycles9725]

And 102.6

[@jonathanderozario9451]

First one has gotta be 107!

[@rboydphotography]

First one will be 107 for Chris!!

[@raychan9449]

Def love to hear more on pacing and understanding using a powermeter for longer rides

[@josephpatar9827]

Thanks man, especially for the "eat regularly" tip... That is so useful!

[@ethanzanelli]

This was super helpful! Just completed my first half century ride, so now I’m training my body to ride a century ride. Super cool intro! I wish I could bike around London, looks beautiful

[@simonbradley7031]

Looking at doing my first ton this week, great timing 👍🏻

[@claytonssv5124]

Very timely upload - I just did my first 100 miles today (with mates!). Just came home to find this vid! Loving your channel, mate. Cheers!👍🏻

[@tomhudson4345]

Another awesome video.

[@williamwheelie4430]

Congratz on 100k (when it happens) . You've had me hooked since Redhook Barcelona 2017, keep it up man.

[@Cade_Media]

Old skool! Thanks William!

[@michaelmontalvo5757]

Excellent tips, Francis!

[@cocorocks88]

The intro was pretty awesome, your video edits/whatever you want to cool it keep getting better and better, great stuff. Would love to see some kind of epic inspirational cut of all your adventures (US/Oz/etc), reckon that would be very watchable.

[@James_McInerney]

Sick intro.More of it Francis! Love the videos.

[@SuperDiddzz]

A 30 second outro with Francis playing guitar would be nice 2! What you think?

[@jamesbicknell4706]

Keep it coming Buddy, it's never the numbers but the content that counts. :-)

[@sevlasiul1]

Nearly 100 k subscribers! Congrats.

[@Dfrontview]

loving to watch and I am expecting more videos like this really great and interesting

[@stijnw8626]

Great intro!! It's getting me hyped to ride a track bike right away!

[@alfrancis2720]

100K subs! Congrats!

[@peelandy]

Doing one with my bud Paul as four different 25 mile loops. With three visits home en route helps do a lot of the things you suggest.

[@malcontent510]

CONGRATULATIONS on reaching 100k

[@gregstevenson7401]

Congrats on 100K subs Francis!

[@anthonyhomercycling]

Advance congratulations on 100k subs!! 😊

[@Big2Planker]

Great advice. One thing to add when planning the route, try to route along a few points of interest. This makes you stop, get a bit of stretch and a chance to eat. It also distracts from the somewhat tedious task of pedaling for hours and is a great mental break. Even take a few pictures or video like Francis would to remember the ride and post to Strava and/or Komoot. Above all else, have fun with it.

[@petegough1533]

Prefect Vid for a Blustery Rainy Day!...👌🏻

[@harleyday4276]

By sheer coincidence, I just did my first 100 miles (actually 165) yesterday, just before this video was released. In fact, you may even have been filming it while I was out! I'm pleased to say I did everything you advised except ride with mates. Solo from Calais to Delft anyone? Love the channel Francis.

[@chrisold6729]

Enjoyed this one! Footage at the start was cool AF. I wanna see more videos of Daisy burning the pros!!

[@lookrider3845]

Great information all things are very important for a 100 miles ride and having a friend to help you on your ride is good to well one more time great Video Mate and thanks again.😎🚴

[@gregfagence7462]

perfect timing. doing my 1st 100m (x2 got to get home following day) in a coiple of weeks. should be fun with the group.

[@ianhutchinson970]

congrats on reaching 100k Francis

[@stuartmclean3843]

Ive been on the bike for approx 4 months after 22 years away from the sport (im 44), building my ride time and mileage back up, currently sit on 53 miles or just under 3 hours, my aim is to be back at 100 miles come 31st December this year, slowly starting to feel like a cyclist again instead of a bloke riding a bike 🤣

[@gokulr346]

Did you make it?

[@davidfenwick262]

Great tips . Especially pacing yourself 👍

[@ironmanwg]

the new Intros are so sick!

[@SuperDiddzz]

Francis needs to play a 30 second outro on guitar! what you think?

[@alessandroBRG]

awesome video as always, I subscribe to the idea that the first hour should be your warm up and to split the ride up into smaller sections like for example between planned stops

[@camreeves]

Another great intro. Love these style of videos from you, best of cycling b-roll and some knowledge - thanks!

[@Cade_Media]

thanks Cameron!

[@dalecollins2085]

The best cycling advice on the web. Easy to understand. Talks to you like one of your mates...

[@Cade_Media]

Thanks dale!

[@brendavane9148]

Very cool video at the beginning

[@vijeetjaisinghani6163]

Out of nowhere, the intro was still amazing!

[@jonburnell532]

Fig rolls and date & oat slices for me. Pacing was my biggest failure on my first century. Better to end with spare energy than bonk half way through.

[@rav3nst33l]

That intro was RIDICULOUS 🤘🏼

[@JonFairhurst]

You nailed it. (Though you should have mentioned water and electrolytes in addition to food.) Did 100 this weekend with my son. It was his first. (Tualatin Valley Oregon Scenic Bikeway) we did everything you mentioned here (plus hydration) and it was a great success!

[@tobortine]

Take a power cell with you. Over 6 or 7 hours things run out, lights, phones, computers, whatever - Have some backup power. _P.S - Loved the soul sounds in the intro, very nice_

[@AndrewBlucher]

Yes, especially if you subscribe to "If its not on Strava ..." 😂😂😂

[@michaelfoulkes9502]

Keep your cell phone in airplane mode most of the day to save battery.

[@tonystrange7224]

nice tips Francis. When I did my 1s t hundred I did it as part of a sportive in Norfolk. Norfolk is a great choice for your 1 at because it is pan flat. Just got to careful you don't cramp up as you're hardly out of the saddle.

[@ianboylan91]

Great tips, Francis. With the bars and gels, I’d also say don’t try them for the first time on that big ride. It’s the wrong time to find out that your chosen ones don’t agree with you. Experiment for a few rides before the big day.

[@Cade_Media]

Or one that tastes rank!

[@yerlnyslinarez]

thats a really good experience that everybody need to do

[@nige_breaks_bikes9782]

Good advice.... my personal 4 rules that need to be satisfied ... bike must be in good condition , you must feel well , mentally and physically and the weather needs to be reasonable .. did a century last Saturday in high winds .. not recommended ... also plan your route then drive it if you can or look at as much as possible on google street view ... plus every century feels good ... 13 done so far still special ... keep the good content flowing 👍👍👍👍👍

[@daletam3893]

My first big was an organized event with feed stations. Skipped the first one as I felt great and wanted to keep riding. 2 hours in I was starting to feel hungry and tried eating more at the second station. Bonked hard at about 4 hours. Eat early and regularly.

[@alfrancis2720]

9.99K subs. Looking forward to your 100k!

[@deanwilliams7571]

I’ve been riding a Penny Farthing for about 3 months now, furthest ride in a day is 55 miles but keen to go further before my big ride (350 miles in a week) next year. Done a couple of 100mile plus rides on a “normal” bike but loving the Penny. Thanks for the tips.

[@Cade_Media]

amazing!

[@SuperDiddzz]

loved the matches analogy Francis. My granddaughter is up for her 10 mile ride with her friends and mum. Rehanna is 13 and a gymnast. She loves bike fit James because he uses the F word!!!!

[@jeza8138]

I love this comment haha

[@SuperDiddzz]

@@jeza8138 cheers Jez . She subscribed to Francis because of sarcastic bike fit James! The copious use of F**K helped.....

[@JonathonDoig]

SuperDiddzz I don’t think BFJ says Fizik enough 😂

[@SuperDiddzz]

Rehanna was bored with me watching Francis...Then when i was playing catch up on Cade vids bfj appeared and she just lost it! Must admit James is one of my favourite people to!

[@Jim-ub9qy]

Hilarious.. I think James comes across as a tough guy but I also think he is one of those that would do anything to help you. Would be a really good friend to have.

[@danielclarke7632]

Good advice 👍👍

[@kwameakom2625]

Perfect timing Mr Cade out for my 1st 100 in the next month or so, Thankyou!

[@Cade_Media]

thank you!

[@kwameakom2625]

@@Cade_MediaNo worries, can you please link your Strava?

[@RahLoh]

Would love to see a breakdown of your personal favorite clips/bits caught on camera next time it's raining!

[@SuperDiddzz]

blinding idea.

[@marcclish]

Bravo on your 100K..

[@larrybarnette884]

This is great.

[@connormcc]

Was meant to be doing Ride London last weekend.... hope it’s back next year...

[@global_nomad.]

very nice intro....nice tips for those unfamiliar with longer distances - one other tip is be prepared to fix almost anything...

[@qwerty123456789048]

Planning my longest route ever for next weekend. 140km, should be fun !!

[@alfrancis2720]

Cool intro. Very catchy😁

[@PaulWalker-uv2iq]

MANY CONGRATULATIONS ON 100k!!!!!!

[@TheXen4u]

Nice intro Francis 😊

[@moustaphabaya7887]

You keep releasing videos exactly when I am about to have my lunch stop 😊keep doing that please 😁

[@Cade_Media]

:D

[@SuperDiddzz]

@@Cade_Media every ones favorite viewer.... ha

[@maaz4933]

100K soon leshgooooooo

[@MegaSixpac]

Nice. I am looking at biking from Sumner in Christchurch to Kumara on the West Coast, about 240km and 2,400km of up.

[@HanOfGod13]

Chamois cream, for long rides this will help reduce chafing. The last thing you want is a raw bottom.

[@shenboloh6836]

when i dont have time to watch ur videos i still comeby to leave a like love ur shit my guy

[@Cade_Media]

🖤

[@inigoh]

Really like the backgrounds in this vid

[@qwerty123456789048]

Getting dangerously close to that 100k subscribers mark 👀👍

[@jacobchapman567]

That intro was sick

[@BMMB450]

Damn Sir for that intro it is 🔥🔥🔥🔥, nice tips, can you cool Francii cover in future metatarsalgia proplem by you or james or Dr. how to treat it. It is affecting me from go for more than 40miles as it is start paining as hell. Thanks for shering and keep this awsome intro Flow. Smashed the 👍🏻

[@SuperDiddzz]

30 second guitar outro by Francis needed????

[@BMMB450]

@@SuperDiddzz AMEN 🙌

[@SuperDiddzz]

@@BMMB450Cheers , Francis is a blinding guitarist and 30 seconds wont kill him!!!!

[@Itsahnap17]

I’m your big fan in Cambodia I watching ur video since last year. Your channel would get 100k subscribes soon!!!!!

[@andrewthomas7448]

Samrith Panha I’m watching from Cambodia too!

[@avigulwadi]

Great tips. One more I can add is trust yourself to go the distance..."just do it"

[@markclements1509]

Going out for a 110 miler on Sunday haven't done 100 since doing the Pru 4 years ag, I bonked about 4 miles from the finish as I hadn't eaten anything all day except two croissants so yes eating is a top tip and essential 👍

[@tonyfrewin4822]

Some really good advice here. I have done the 100 miles 5 times now and still find the last 25 a huge effort every time. Watching this just makes me want to get out and do it again though.

[@Cade_Media]

Do it!

[@bennyandresdelgadoperez8374]

Best intro ever

[@brendavane9148]

Looking forward to the 100,000 send celebration. Would be nice if it was the same time as 1000 episodes but I think you will beat it.

[@jonathanfong3033]

Hey Francis great vid. I was gonna do my first century last week, but with all the fires in California it’s just not healthy. Thinking about doing it on Zwift, wish me luck.

[@Cade_Media]

Good luck!

[@saadunbar4996]

Useful tips. Done forget to smile and enjoy the ride. What’s that tune in the clip CADE? Need it for my upcoming 150.

[@capt_darling9454]

You guys are ninjas!!

[@Cade_Media]

how do they do it?

[@capt_darling9454]

@@Cade_Media that was about 2 seconds after you uploaded it?!

[@dariovelo1444]

99.9k subs!! Come on The Cadenator!!!!

[@jgnow]

Great intro, clean cuts! Thanks for the tips, and perfect timing... STRAVA and one of their partners just put a 100mi challenge up. Is there a rule for how often to get off your bike and have a stretch, also how long of a rest do you take? E.g. 5 minute rest every 45min/15mi?

[@Cade_Media]

No rules, but definitely try and ride out of the saddle regularly and take as many stops as you need, it's not a race!

[@sevlasiul1]

100k It is! The badge is on its way :)

[@U.s.e.r.3493]

So close to 100k subscribers to match the 100mile ride!

[@ColdDarkNorth.]

"Elevation... Can drastically effect how difficult the ride is". Remember these words Francis. #ColdDarkNorth 😉

[@NomadFilmmaker305]

Cool 😎 Thank You

[@shanew634]

Big box of tissues for a little weep at the side of the road if you do bonk. Nice vlog, thanks.👍

[@heidijarvis777]

I did the Birmingham Velo last year and had been training for 6 months for my first century. Unfortunately 40 miles in someone crashed into me and buckled my wheel so I couldn’t finish. The only plus point was I was in my home city at the time and only 5 miles away from my house. 2 weeks later with a new wheel I completed the Flat 100 in Doncaster! Yay

[@torinmcfarland9537]

definitely cool intro :)

[@danfuerthgillis4483]

Biggest one is the wind map, a must if you are doing this solo.

[@elmerrichardson6413]

Add this tip to SoCal riders: Begin ride as early as possible! Because this is when traffic is the lightest. Unfortunately this tip is good for starting out, but you'll probably hit traffic on return trip. We just don't have roads like Europe where you can ride with NO traffic at all. So 100 mile ride here can be a real battle. Thanks for tips FC!

[@MrMikeV]

I was slowing down 3/4 through a metric century. Went a long way down the list of what could be wrong before I realized I was bonking. A gel fixed me up, but it shows that mental confusion accompanies the physical lethargy.

[@JESTERorDIE]

Guess i will have to speak to my Dr, as I'm type 2 Diabetic I hadn't thought about what foods i can use for fuel. Maybe i can eat everything you mentioned as I'm burning it off quickly but i will check. Another great video, Thanks for all the info.

[@Cade_Media]

I've done some videos with a T1 diabetic called Tom in the past. He balances his blood sugar with jelly babies and insulin while riding.

[@JESTERorDIE]

@@Cade_Media Yeah I'm not sure how much difference there is between type 1 and 2 in terms of burning the sugar off, plus i don't monitor my blood throughout the day, just take a tablet at a scheduled time with meals. I will make enquiries though to be safe but I won't be going hard for a while anyways.

[@editdroid99]

having done several centuries, I can say riding with mates is a mixed bag. on one hand, sharing the experience enhances the day, on the other, when one starts to falter, slowing your pace for 20 miles while you shepherd the weakest link in, will ruin your day. Do an event. with people you don't have an allegiance to, and ride your ride.