UMCA: Preparing for and Riding a Century

UMCA (Ultra Marathon Cycling Association) Mileage Challenge: Preparing for and Riding a Century. Whether you are a new bicycle century rider or a veteran century cyclist, these articles on training, equipment and nutrition will help you enjoy century rides!

Training for endurance is straightforward, but not easy. You simply identify your target event on a calendar, back off six to eight weeks, and do weekly long rides building up to 75% of your target distance. If your target event is a century the first of July, you reserve one day a week in May and June to do rides up to 75 miles. This 75% rule works for any cycling event up to 24 hours. In the latter case, you’d build up over six to eight weeks to an 18 hour training ride! If your target event is longer than 24 hours (e.g., RAAM), then a 24-hour ride every week or two over the last six to eight weeks may be the best preparation.