Mile 60 of my first century, I lost feeling in my ring and pinky fingers. By mile 80, I couldn't shift properly. I finished the ride with hands that felt like wooden blocks.
"Handlebar palsy," the experienced riders explained. "Your ulnar nerve gets compressed. It happens to everyone on long rides."
The Solution
But it doesn't have to happen. Padding helps. Position changes help. Tape on pressure points provides extra cushioning exactly where nerve compression occurs.
I experimented with different setups until I found what worked: padded gloves, strategic tape, and a reminder to shift hand position every fifteen minutes.
Many Centuries Later
I've done dozens of centuries now. My hands finish as functional as they started. The preparation that seemed excessive for my first ride is now automatic for every long effort.