First Big Ride...any advice?!

[ToshaMack]

Tomorrow I'm going on my first long ride...25 miles...any advice on preparation? Should I warm up before the ride? Should I have breakfast? Not really a breakfast person, but I want to be prepared and not burn out.

I'm riding with a local group of ladies

Thanks everyone!

[Pedal Wench]

Definitely something in your tummy - but something you know you can tolerate - bagel, oatmeal, something easy. Only warm-up if you think the pace might start out fast for your level of fitness.

[Owlie]

Eat something beforehand that you know you can tolerate. I need some fat and protein in there, as well as carbs. Even on an easy (for me) and flat 24-mile ride, I find that if I don't have that on board, I'm hungry by mile 10-13.
I would also take something along--peanut M&Ms are supposed to be good, as are dried fruit, nuts, whatever you can tolerate while exercising. (I bring Shot Blocks or Clif bars.) Just in case, you know? :)

I've never really needed to warm up during a ride, but that's just me. It depends on your fitness level and the group you're riding with.

Have fun!

[Biciclista]

carry water. PLEASE eat first. You don't need to eat a lot. Sometimes we need to change life habits to learn a new healthy lifestyle. good luck on your ride.

[ny biker]

Arrive early so you're ready to roll at the time the ride is supposed to start.

Have fun!!

[azfiddle]

Ditto on eating before you ride. I usually eat a bowl of oatmeal & raisins or half a bagel and cream cheese, or a slice of toast with cheese or peanut butter. Just so you have something in your system- mainly carbs.

Bring more water than you think you need (2 bottles), and some snacks. For that distance, you may want to eat something around 15 miles in or so. I find that I want to eat a snack by about an hour in. An energy bar (luna bar or similar), pretzels, or trail mix are possibilities. A rule of thumb I've been using is that after an hour, I eat about 100 calories every half hour. I have become pretty fond of shot blocks as a ride snack- they are easy to eat and digest and they are like eating candy.

[Bike Writer]

I can't add anything to the good advice already given but I can say -

Good luck and have fun!

[bluebug32]

Good advice! I'd also add that I recommend eating something that includes slow-burning complex carbs at least two hours before the ride. That will give you plenty of time to digest. If you ride for more than 1.5 hours, then add a sports drink or small snack. Have fun!

[ToshaMack]

Awesome ride....I'm still new to shifting gears but through it all we had a blast!! I did eat a lite breakfast of oatmeal and brought some snacks along. I'm sure I will feel sore tomorrow, but I'm pumped up!!

Thanks all for the great advice

Roll-Tide

[Seajay]

Awesome ride....I'm still new to shifting gears but through it all we had a blast!! I did eat a lite breakfast of oatmeal and brought some snacks along. I'm sure I will feel sore tomorrow, but I'm pumped up!!


Nice Job ToshaMack!

[azfiddle]

Glad it went well! Soon you'll feel like 25 is just an easy ride!

[bluebug32]

Sweet! Sounds like you rocked it!