i did it.
i rode the marin century (100M) ss. i won't say it was easy. it was challenging for sure, and the part that hurt the most for me, both mentally and physically was miles 50-75. once i got to 75 i knew i could do it.
i ran a 39x17 gearing which is what i'm used to for riding in these parts. it's also what i use for ss cross racing. i figured that i should probably leave well enough alone and just stick with that gearing. i learned very quickly to try and conserve as much energy and momentum as possible (which i'm used to from riding ss cross, but that's a bit different). i obviously spun out on most of the descents so i pretty much tucked all of them, and rode them out as long as possible until i could get traction with my gearing again.
for the first time ever i suffered from leg cramping which started at about mile 50. man it was so bad. it forced me to stop more often than i wanted to to stretch and shake them out. i was drinking a ton and getting enough electrolytes, so i dont know what the deal was. i ride a LOT and have never had this problem.
anyway, thanks to the guy who spared 2 of his advil for me. i think that helped to break up the cramps and luckily there was more ibuprofien at mile 75 rest stop. once that kicked in i definitely felt better.
a few things about this ride:
i never walked a step of it.
i never got off my bike on the climbs -- or at all, unless it was to stretch or pee.
i descended much faster and perhaps more risky than if on a geared bike.
it was generally hard to keep pace with anyone consistently, so i was out in the wind pretty much the entire time.
i spent most of the ride in my drops.
i found it so frustrating that people would draft off me, however. in general i signaled for these unwanted drafters to pass me, or i dropped them. i dont know,maybe its just me, but it seems pretty lame to draft off the guy with no gears.
i was the guy on the green IF and the MASH kit.
i finished in 8.5 hours.