A 100-mile event or ‘century ride’ is frequently a goal for a beginning cyclist. It’s not only a rite of passage but it also rightly comes with a great sense of achievement. Even on ‘easy’ terrain, riding 100 miles is extremely tough and requires not only physical but also mental strength. I still remember my first 100-mile ride which, out of necessity, did have multiple café stops and when I got in I was very much ready for my bed.

But – do you need to actually ride 100 miles in advance of taking on your event or challenge? Of course it can help, but this is more because it builds the confidence in yourself that you can do it. If you don’t have an unlimited number of hours on the bike to spare –  as many of us don’t – what then? I recall, my longest ride was around 3-4 hours prior to my first 12-hour mountain bike event. 



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