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There is a lot of information in the cycling training sub-forum that talks about training for a century. Try perusing that, and if you still have questions, let us know!

. .. . but, in short, if you can find time to get in long rides as part of your training, you'll be fine on your MS100.

Ride, ride, ride! And have fun doing it. Try to throw in a few longer (60+) milers in there. Good luck!

I would say the century ride is pretty equivalent to a marathon. It is reasonable to train up to about 4/5 the distance as your longest training ride. I would do my longest rides at or just below the intensity I wanted to race at, with tempo rides working up to 40-60 miles a little above my estimated race pace once or twice a week, with a once a week hard interval workout like big ring hill repeats.

Maxmillimus said:

Hi Guys, I'd appreciate some guidance. I'm doing the 100 mile MS ride in October, and would like to do a little better than just finish it. I'm new to THAT level of cycling and would like to get some advice on how to prepare myself physically. So far, my plan is just to get out there every day I can and ride, but how far? At what intensity? Also, I'm a runner.... should I just drop that and concentrate on biking, or work it in? Any thoughts would be helpful.

As others have said there are numerous threads concerning long distance events preparation/training in the traning sub-forum.

A quick synopsis : you need to gradually increasse the miles in your training programme.
So start moderately and increasse incrementally.
Make sure to train regularly and to eat well.
And rest.
While training/competing, rest becomes more and more important.

As I said the training sub forums has tonnes of posts about trianing for long distance events.
Good luck.

Hey while this post from Athletic-Minded Traveler doesn't go into the training aspects of a century, it does talk about tips for first-timers and lists some race resources etc. Here's the link: Athletic-Minded Traveler :: Blog :: Blog Archive Century Rides for Beginners

How much climbing is involved? Century's vary in difficulty.

rockapple said:

How much climbing is involved? Century's vary in difficulty.

Most race information will give you guidance on elevation changes. The athletic-minded travel blog said stay under 5,000 feet. But the course information should say if the climbs are gradual or really steep.

Very little climbing involved.

Aside from a lot of miles ,if you don't know already learn how to ride in a group with your front tire about four inches off the rear tire of guy in front of you. This will saves you tons of energy.Of course you need to make sure whoever it is you are capable of staying with this rider without going beyond your limit.