Couch (well, gym) to 20-Miler in 4 Weeks: Realistic?

[OakLeaf]

I'm not exactly the same since I wasn't completely new to cycling, and I had spinning and shifting in muscle memory, but my fitness level was probably comparable to yours.

Three years ago I returned to cycling after 12 years of not riding a road bike.

At the time I was gym-fit - aerobics almost every day, heavy strength training, a bit of kayaking, a little bit of running but not near what I do now.

I went to a retreat where we did three consecutive 45-mile days on demo bikes in moderately hilly terrain (Napa - Sonoma).

It wasn't the slightest problem for me. No soreness that I remember, no excess fatigue (well, the whole retreat was exhausting and exhilarating, but not just from the cycling!).

Gym to 45 miles in 0 days. You can do it (if you don't try to go nuts on the speed).

[Geonz]

One of the "problems" I have as a beginner's ride leader is that most people get stronger fairly quickly. Then a real newbie shows up and feels like s/he'll *never* be able to keep up ... and this is the beginner's level!

Everybody's different, but I do think you can get up to the 20 mile goal in a month, especially because in general, you can go two or three times as far for an "event" as what you can do on a "routine" ride.

My " fast bike" is a 7500FX -- older version of your model -- and it's peachy for my Big Long Days - 100+ miles.

Get out here and ride I bet your second solo ride will be easier! Let us know!

[Vivi Doom]

Completely do-able.

I'm an (capital A) Amateur. Three years ago, I had ridden a bike (other than my super giant cruiser) in ages. I had been skating (roller derby) for a year, practicing yoga and occasionally running. I ended up with a torn ACL that left me unable to skate competitively (damn roller derby). While awaiting my reconstruction, I purchased a road bike and rode it very casually. About two months after my reconstruction, a good friend that rides convinced me to take it out on a 15 mile ride. We continued at this pace, eventually kicking it up to 20 miles, for about a year. Earlier this year, I decided to do the MS150 and jumped right into the training rides starting at 40 miles and worked my way up.

I recently discovered the importance of snacking while riding for extended periods of time. The Luna Moons or the Cliff Blocks are my favorite.

[Ange]

Thanks so much for the welcome and the encouragement, everyone! It's an excellent point that I can choose to do more (or less) once I'm really there. I registered for the ride today!

I have actually been riding for a few weeks, but my first bike was a second hand 7100 that was too heavy for my taste, too upright for my taste, and Did Not Fit. The LBS I'm with now was fantastic about fitting my new bike, and they want me to come back in if it feels "off" at all after I get some mileage in the wild.

Hoping the weather stays dry for another ride tonight!

[sarahspins]

I read somewhere when I was starting, that barring any fit/comfort (or saddle) problems, anyone in decent shape should be able to do 20 miles easily if they don't push themselves too hard/fast. If you maintain just a 10mph pace, that's only 2 hours on the bike. 15mph, and that's an hour and 20 minutes... really not so impossible when you think about it in those terms.

Keep hydrated, and keep fueled, and you really should be just fine for however long/far you want to ride

[jusdooit]

Welcome. I remember being amazed at how quickly the distances came. Even though I rarely ride more than 25 miles regularly, I easily ride 50 miles for an event. I do tend to overheat easily, if this proves a problem for you just take extra breaks. I also carry a bottle that's water only to use for over the head cooling.
A word to the wise about food/ water balance. I have difficulty balancing the two. Remember to drink often and eat early. Too much liquid can slow your gut and digestion of much needed fuel.
Where on the Gulf Coast? I live in central MS. Know there are women in Mobile area you may be able to hook up with.