Quote Originally Posted by Ange View Post
I'm about to sign up for a charity ride in mid-November. I'd planned to sign up for the 20-mile route, but is that a realistic training goal? Would the 12-mile route be more realistic? They also have longer routes, which I had deemed unrealistic, but hey, let me know if you think 44+ miles would be in reach!

A little about my training scope: Before cycling, I worked out 3-4 times a week in the gym, and I still do yoga and some weights. I can usually squeeze in 30-60 minutes of riding a day, weather permitting (we're on the Gulf Coast, so it's not cold now, but it is hot, rainy and humid), plus possibly more on the weekends. I haven't found a cycling group in my area to train with that fits both my skill level and my schedule, so until I build some speed, I'm training mostly on my own. My bike is a Trek 7.5 FX wsd, stock everything (for now).

A little about me: I'm a 32 year old SAHM with a one year old and an eight year old. My mom and my aunt, who live in another state, have been serious amateur cyclists (uh, D, maybe you're on here?) for three decades. My partner is also very, very supportive of my cycling goals (he's glad to take his turn with house/kids/dinner while I train, etc.). You guys have been a great help and inspiration to me, and I'm really excited to have joined you!

Thanks so much!
Oh, I totally agree with everyone who has said that this is VERY DOABLE goal (even 44+ miles is doable)! They key is that you are young and in good shape already thanks to the gym. Just increase your mileage a little bit at a time. Next ride 6mi, then 8mi, then 12, 15, 20, 25, and so-forth. General rule of thumb is to add 10%, but as was said by someone else, at this stage you will see your fitness on the bike increase pretty quickly. Just get out there and ride.

A 44mi ride really isn't that bad. I think my 3rd ride this season after 6months of sitting on my sofa was 50mi (ok, I felt like crap after that ride, but I did it). On my last century a week or so ago, I rode with a guy whose longest ride ever in his life had been 40mi. He was very done at the end of 100 but he was proud of himself. The adrenaline of an event will definitely help you add a few extra miles. So, I would suggest training up to 30-35mi and then doing the 44 on event day.

. . . and if your time constraints or weather make it impossible to get in anything longer than a 15mi training ride, you can do the 20mi route and be proud of yourself nonetheless!