Setting goals for ourselves

I've been riding a road bike for about a year and since I'm limited on time, the most I've ridden is about 25 miles at one time (plus, I ride alone so time sometimes creeps along while on the trail). I've set a new goal for this weekend, I'm going to ride 35 miles. My goal is to keep add miles on the weekends. Small steps is how I have to work. That's my goal for Saturday and I hope to achieve it. I've been working on cadence and building some endurance. I'd eventually love to be able to do charity rides and eventually a century!

Any advice on what I should take on my ride tomorrow as far as gels/snacks or what I should eat before setting out?

Also, I'd like to know what cycling goals some of you have set for yourselves.

35 miles sounds like a great goal and I'm sure you can do it! Working your way up to a century is also a very doable long-term (6 months or so) goal.

Working up in small-ish steps like you seem to be planning is a great way to extend your distances. That's how I did my first century back in 2001.

Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

I think your plan sounds great. I do short goals that I keep in my mind...like "next time I ride a long ride, I want to do 30". I got up to 50 this year but haven't been past it yet.

As far as riding alone goes, it is much easier if you find someone to ride with. I ride alone a lot and that's great for base training. I've found, though, when there is someone to socialize with the time goes by MUCH faster. Same goes for group riding. Before you know it, miles have gone by and you are almost done!!!