Rapha Women’s 100 – preparing for your first 100km event

Are you taking part in the Rapha Women’s 100? Whether this is your first time tackling 100km, or you’ve been joining these popular women’s rides since they began in 2013, we’ve got all the hints, tips and training information you need to ensure you have the best experience. 

BikeRadar spoke to Rapha Ambassadors Gem Atkinson and Lentine Alexis to get the inside track on how to prepare for the events to ensure you get the most out of the experience. 

• 21 top tips for first-time sportive riders

What is the Rapha Women’s 100?

Launched in 2013, the Rapha Women’s 100 is essentially a global call to encourage female cyclists around the world to get out and ride, tackle larger distances, and encourage others to do so. The aim is to ride 100km or more on the same day, and for 2016, that day is 17 July. 

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Rides are arranged informally with women able to pledge to ride on the Rapha Women’s 100 website, with the opportunity to organise their own ride or join one in their local area. Rapha is also hosting rides, via its ambassadors and cycle clubs. 

In 2015, more than 8,000 women around the world participated, and for 2016 Rapha is aiming to get 12,000 women out riding together. Women of all levels participate, with some rides suitable for those new to riding 100km and others suitable for experienced riders aiming for much higher distances or faster speeds. 

How to train for the Rapha Women’s 100

• 8 injury-busting stretches for cyclists

• 11 barnstorming training tips for sportives

• Training for a sportive

Pre-ride bike checks and preparation

• 5 things you should check before every ride

What to eat before, during and after the Rapha Women’s 100

• Ultimate sportive nutrition guide

What to wear and bring for the Rapha Women’s 100

• 15 sportive essentials – the gear your need to ride a sportive

How to pace your 100km ride

• How to pace a sportive

Get in the spirit of the Rapha Women’s 100

1. Find a great group to spend the ride with. Friends make bikes and biking goals fun! 
2. Eat early and often, and keep drinking! Dehydration or a bonk can end your fun FAST.
3. Celebrate! When your ride is done, celebrate your achievement. Riding your bike a little further each time is a special goal and one that makes you stronger as a cyclist and person with each mile!

Join the Rapha Women’s 100 – find a ride

You can read more at BikeRadar.com