[tharbert]

As it's a supported ride, there should be food stops about every 20-25 miles. Even if you feel like skipping a stop, don't. It's so easy to ride through the first one. Stop and have a bite. Stay with carbohydrates and avoid too much of anything heavy like hot dogs or chili. Grab a fruit at each stop for your pocket and eat it before the next stop. Someone mentioned the Hammer products. They work great. I personally like the Endurolyte tablets you just drop in your water bottle to keep up your electrolytes. It's wise to have a a few Cliff bars or Hammer Gels in your pocket if you feel like you're starting to bonk (low blood sugar) but it's better to rely on the food stops if you aren't used to the Hammer products. You certainly don't want to get the Tijuana two step on a ride like that.

If you do 205 in two days, be sure to have a good spaghetti dinner the first night to refill your glycogen store. I swear by the Hammer Recovery drink. After a hard day in the saddle, that stuff actually perks you right up. I've also found it's great for hangovers as well.

Remember, you aren't racing but you really can't mosey too much either. I always look to make negative splits by doing the second half of the ride a tad faster than the first.

Someone also mentioned riding with local groups? That's a great idea. You need to learn how to ride in a group as you will probably find yourself in one during the century. There's a certain group etiquette that most cycling enthusiasts follow, things like not slapping on the brakes without warning. You need to become familiar and comfortable in a group. Pace lines are your friend especially if you start to wear down. Riding about a foot behind someone drastically reduces your effort level: drafting. Drafting becomes particularly important if it's windy.

Have fun!