Build toward your first Gran Fondo or century ride

Prepare for 100 miles with a clear, progressive four-to-five-ride schedule. This Beginner plan is for cyclists with some consistent riding experience who want a structured, power-based path to their first Gran Fondo or century.

Best fit

• You can already ride for 90 minutes comfortably and train at least four days most weeks.


• You use a power meter or smart trainer and understand basic power zones.


• You are preparing for your first 100-mile ride or want a more organized approach to long-distance cycling.


• You value regular recovery days as training volume grows, including many masters cyclists.

Weekly structure

• Four rides most weeks: steady endurance, sustained efforts, controlled higher-intensity intervals, and progressively longer weekend riding.


• Regular recovery days: three non-riding days in most weeks help you absorb the workload and stay consistent.


• Event week: culminates in a planned 100-mile century ride and an easy recovery spin.

Time commitment

The TrainingPeaks calendar averages 6 hours 41 minutes per week. Weekly bike volume ranges from 5 hours 33 minutes to 8 hours 18 minutes, including event week. The longest planned ride is 5 hours 33 minutes.

Equipment

• A power meter or smart trainer.


• A road, gravel, or endurance bike appropriate for your event.


• A cycling computer or compatible app that can display TrainingPeaks structured workouts.

This is a self-guided plan and does not guarantee event completion or a specific finishing time. Begin only after establishing a consistent riding habit and confirm that your power zones are current.