…for identifying where you is, and where you wanna be
How much riding preparation is required to have a pleasurable time on a Century ride or the Amgen California Coast Classic?
What are your current riding activities?
| Group | miles per week | miles per month | miles past 2 months | comments |
| 1a | 10-20 | 40-80 | 75-150 | Transitioning from mole to mobile |
| 1b | 20-40 | 80-160 | 150-300 | 1 or 2 rides per week. AKA: Overcoming inertia |
| 2a | 30-50 | 120-200 | 220-380 | Recreational rider |
| 2b | 40-60 | 160-240 | 300-450 | Really jazzed recreational rider |
| 3a | 50-75 | 200-300 | 350-550 | Foundation miles + training miles, has a goal |
| 3b | 60-90 | 240-360 | 450-650 | Training miles + foundation miles, has a bigger goal |
| 4a | 80-115 | 320-460 | 550-800 | Sub-animal |
| 4b | 100-130 | 400-520 | 750-1,000 | Animal… you are there! |
With this hokey grouping, here’s my 2-cents worth (not to be confused with my post ride two scents):
- Training needs will increase as riders advance in grouping/groping and working towards their goal(s).
- Follow the 10-15% rule: No ride to be more than 10-15% more than any ride in the past 4 weeks. This is to avoid injury, sore buttinski, burnout, etc.
Loosely translated:
Prior to your first 100K (62 miles): in one day within the last 4 weeks, ride at least 55 miles.
Prior to your first Century (100 miles): in one day within the last 4 weeks, ride at least 87 miles.
If the 1st day of the ACCC is 86 miles: in one day within the last 4 weeks, ride at least 75 miles. - I would advise riders to be at least at these (minimum) levels:
- 1st 100K (62 miles): Group 2b.
- 1st Century (100 miles): Group 3b.
- ACCC: Work up thru the groups and last 6 weeks in group 3b/4a.
- Death Ride (125 miles, 15,000 feet climbing): Balance of 4a/4b.
- Every bike ride is a good ride. Every bike ride with hills is a great ride!
Loosely translated… Have a great ride! (include as much climbing as you can) - Your spinning classes or riding on a trainer count as 6 miles per 30 minutes.
- If you are under 25 years old, there are no rules!!!