I've signed up for a cycling event that will be my first metric century (100km/~65mi). Last year I was regularly riding 20-40 miles at a stretch on the weekends, and then I did a 50-mile ride and felt great after. So when I signed up for this one, 65 miles didn't seem particularly daunting. However, that 50-miler was last year, and between illness, weather, and travel I pretty much took the winter off from cycling. I've been doing regular training rides since early February, but none of my rides have been longer than 25 miles (but I usually feel great after). The metric century is this coming weekend, and I'm torn between skipping it because I might be unprepared, and going for it anyway because I'm already registered and why not try? Cyclists of Metafilter, what do you think--am I woefully unprepared? Should I try anyway? Have you done anything similar and felt great/terrible about it? More details below the fold. [more inside]
posted by rhiannonstone on Apr 2, 2013 - 20 answers

My roommate bikes about 4 miles to work. His feet are size 13 and he uses platform (flat) pedals. He wears pretty chunky shoes. We live in Portland, OR. For HolidayGiftingTime I bought him some Sugoi Resistor booties, but within a month they have shredded and ripped to the point of uselessness. What are some other options for the large-footed, shreddy-pedaled biker? Are there any booties specifically for platform pedals? [more inside]
posted by MonsieurBon on Jan 27, 2013 - 5 answers

Winter 2012 -- Help me arrive at work, via bike, with functional hands. [more inside]
posted by Danf on Nov 27, 2012 - 16 answers

Should I get a fatbike? [more inside]
posted by rocketman on Oct 8, 2012 - 18 answers

What interesting things should I see, do, eat, and (maybe) drink in and around Santa Rosa this weekend? I'll be there primarily for a bike ride* but will have a day before the ride and a day after to do other stuff, as well. [more inside]
posted by rhiannonstone on Sep 26, 2012 - 7 answers

Should my sister do a 70 mile bike ride with me? [more inside]
posted by pompelmo on Jun 6, 2012 - 28 answers

Anything like a suit-friendly bikeseat cover? [more inside]
posted by alchemist on May 12, 2012 - 5 answers

Tell me about bikes. It's been a long time since I've owned one, and when I did I trashed that thing, being a kid and all. Now I would like to get a new one, and one that I can love for many years to come. So, please share your thoughts on brands, hardware and tech. [more inside]
posted by zombieApoc on Oct 26, 2011 - 23 answers

Give me your great ideas for promoting winter cycling in frigid Wisconsin! [more inside]
posted by yomimono on Sep 13, 2011 - 8 answers

Velo girls, help! Where can I find well-fitting, breathable, non-bunching underwear for biking? [more inside]
posted by rhiannonstone on Aug 26, 2011 - 11 answers

I just snagged a $9 Decathlon VitaminF bike from Goodwill. I feel like I got a great deal but I don't know much about this bike company. What do you know about Decathlon? [more inside]
posted by glaucon on Jun 17, 2011 - 4 answers

Very affordable commuter/road bike? [more inside]
posted by thsmchnekllsfascists on Apr 20, 2011 - 28 answers

Dear reader: What's a lip balm good for biking that won't hurt my lips over time? [more inside]
posted by mostlybecky on Oct 21, 2010 - 31 answers

I moved from WV to relatively flat Richmond, VA. What kind of bike should I get to take advantage of the newfound flatness? ~$200-300 budget. [more inside]
posted by shortyJBot on Oct 20, 2010 - 9 answers

I just got into road cycling this year. I bought a bike in February, and have been ramping up in miles and pace since then. I just did a metric century (actually ~67 miles) a few weeks ago, my longest ride yet, and it killed my left knee. With this in mind, how do I keep up my progress in the off-season and return harder better faster stronger? What else can I do to move up a division for next year? (Also-- your thoughts on trainer versus stationary exercise bike: give me them.) [more inside]
posted by supercres on Sep 28, 2010 - 17 answers

We try to use our bikes as our main mode of transportation. We just adopted a wonderful (small) dog, and we'd like to see if there's a solution for putting a dog safely on a bike without the use of an expensive doggie trailer. [more inside]
posted by two lights above the sea on Sep 7, 2010 - 16 answers

BikeCommuteFilter: Shifting up to riding five days a week. But my legs already hurt from my twice-a-week routine! [more inside]
posted by zvs on Aug 11, 2010 - 32 answers

Bike/sport enthusiasts: can a daily bike commuter but otherwise not sporty person hope to finish a 120 miles bike ride in one go? [more inside]
posted by Sijeka on Jul 17, 2010 - 15 answers

I've caught the mountain biking bug and was out riding this weekend. On one of the more advanced drops I took a bit of a scary tumble and ended up pretty scraped up. One section of my leg has the top layer of skin completely scraped off. What I'm wondering is the best (and fastest) way to help my scrapes heal with minimal scarring. Does anybody have any tips? [more inside]
posted by AngryLlama on Jun 7, 2010 - 8 answers

What should we do on a long weekend in Provincetown? [more inside]
posted by kwaller on Apr 6, 2010 - 14 answers

Questions about bike gear for the rainy season. [more inside]
posted by rabbitrabbit on Sep 21, 2009 - 14 answers

Recommendations, tips or techniques for distance cycling. [more inside]
posted by readery on May 29, 2009 - 15 answers

Working all winter as a bike courier seems to have taken a toll on my skin. What can I do to mitigate the damage and lessen the effects of future harm? [more inside]
posted by pcameron on Mar 29, 2009 - 11 answers

Is a carbon fiber road frame worth the extra expense? I mean I've read loads of pros and cons but does it come down to a slight difference or a major one? I love to go on 15-30 mile rides but I'd like to increase my comfort levels (got a proper fitting and new seat/post so far). [more inside]
posted by mathowie on Jun 2, 2007 - 27 answers