I have not trained on a bike but I have been training for the Navy Seals. I plan on Biking 100 Miles!?

Question

Do you think I can do it? I plan on leaving in 2 weeks! I'm not sure on any training for it yet...I can pass the PT for the Seals but once again I do not bike often...will that be a problem? or can I "suck it up" so to speak?

Answer 1

The biggest problem will come after about 35 miles. Make sure you have a quality saddle and good cycling shorts.

Answer 2

Jenni D is spot on. Riding long distances requires 4 things:

1. Good conditioning. (which you claim to have)

2. Cycling specific endurance/training

3. Being acclimated to the bike and riding position

4. Basic knowledge/experience in long distance cycling.

While you say you have #1 covered, you lack 2-4. If you're in very good shape you may be able to overcome #2 by "sucking it up". But you may not finish due to #3 and #4. So not cycling often may be something you can't overcome.

Answer 3

Roadbike frames can vary from under 2 pounds to over 4 pounds, but 3.6 pounds is fine.

Just keep in mind that total weight of a bike, while a factor, is not NEARLY as important as the weight of rotating parts (i.e. wheels, tires, tubes, cranks, pedals .... and bike shoes). The "feel" of a bike is markedly impacted by the choice of wheels and in my view is the single most important component to save weight on.

I would suggest that every ounce off the wheels is worth at least 8 oz off the frame.

Also keep in mind that lower weight components come at a high price (Typically measured in $$/gram), and NONE of the weight saving does ANYTHING for your body weight. The world is full of affluent riders with 18 pound bikes who are carrying 15-20 lbs of extra bodyweight.

Sure, a lightweight bike is nice, but saving 3-4 lbs off the bike weight won't help you much up hills ... at least not in comparison to more muscle/less fat ... and has no appreciable impact on flat road cycling.

And light weight can mean lower durability. So, as with all things, put your money where it counts most (i.e. light weight wheels) but without going to extremes. And be realistic, a 230 lb rider can't ride the light wheels a 150 lb flyweight can.

17 hours ago

Answer 4

I think you are probably strong enough to do it, but you'll need to fight through considerable pain.  A century (100 miles) is a combination of strength and willpower.  Your legs might feel strong enough to finish, but if you have saddle sores (look it up - it could happen with that little time in the saddle) you may not have the willpower to finish.  I completed a century last week, and I prepared for it for 10 weeks, riding a minimum of 10 hours a week.  You condition your body to the specific strength you need to pedal that long, and you also get used to your seat.  All I can say is get on your bike now and see how long you can sit and pedal.  If you can do 40-50 miles tomorrow without feeling like you're going to die, you might be able to finish a century.  Good luck!

Answer 5

Well biking 100 miles without much time on the bike will be a challenge. If you plan to bike in a flat area with no hills, then yes you could suck it up all the way through. But with hills, I doubt you will finish. PT for navy seals really doesn't prepare you for biking 100 miles. Correct me if I'm wrong, but PT for the seals doesn't look very challenging, I just googled it. But if you pass the initial PT, it then get real hard.