As ride director, I’ve ridden this area extensively — including all the climbs — and I’ve also seen a lot of riders succeed and fail in their attempt to complete the Shasta Summit Super Century.
And surprisingly, some very fit people don’t make all four summits. Why?
Here are a few strategies for success:
#1 Do Your Homework
The Super Century is the equivalent of a Tour ‘de France mountain stage with over three vertical miles of climbing. You won’t make it on last year’s miles.
The key? You need quality miles, including a lot of sustained climbing. Our climbs are only steep in a few places, but there are also almost no flat places to recover. Ride now or suffer later — it’s your choice.
#2 Pace yourself
You’re trained, you’re ready to go – and it’s tempting to pour on the coal on the early climbs.
Don’t.
When I rode the Super and Summit Centuries, I was routinely passed by riders at the start of climbs, only to reel them in on the later climbs, their legs failing.
These are sustained climbs, and nobody wins anything at the top of the first summit.
Take my word for it; the suffering on the final ride up Mt. Shasta can be immense – and several tons of gels and Gatorade won’t save you if you threw away your legs on Parks Creek and Mumbo Summit.
Take it easy the first two climbs and enjoy the scenery. Your legs will thank you later.
#3 Bring your climbing bike
The local riders have made peace with the climbs — you see a lot of triples, compact doubles, and big rear sprockets on the bikes up here. The strongest riders can get away with “Lance gears,” but with over three vertical miles of climbing, this is the wrong place to pretend you’re Eddy Merckx.
And the odd truth is this; over the course of the day, you’ll climb faster with lower gears.
It’s also time to “think light” — one of last year’s finishers confided that he’d trained his butt off, and rewarded himself with a new carbon bike before the ride (a month before — never bring a brand new bike on the century).
#4 Stay fed & hydrated
Start eating and drinking early in the ride — by the time you feel hungry and thirsty, it’s too late.
There are food stops at the top of every climb (and halfway up two of them), so there’s no reason to bonk.
It’s also tempting to go light on water to save weight on the climbs, but these are long climbs, so carry enough water with you — and stuff some food in your pockets.
#5 Have fun!
It’s a long ride, but it’s also a beautiful one. Every corner brings another stunning view, and for many of our riders, the Summit Century is the high point of their season (if not their century career).
Every once in a while, relax, loosen your shoulders, and yes – take a look around.
