Considering Attempting 30-Mile Ride

[katibosch]

I'm a pretty new rider and pretty out-of-shape, IMO, but my church parish is having a ride the 16th of this month, 30 miles long. I don't think anyone would care if I dropped out before the end (it isn't competitive or anything, and my husband could come pick me up wherever I was when I pooped out) so I thought I might sign up and just see how far I could get.

What would I need to have or bring in order to attempt a ride this long? How much and what kind of drinks/food/equipment? What else?

Advice please. I'd really like to try this, although I know I'll almost certainly not finish. I think it would still feel like a big accomplishment to me.

[Owlie]

You can do it! 30 was a big mental barrier for me.
Assuming you've got the basics (shorts, gloves, helmet, etc.)

First I suppose is dress for the weather, whether that means showing up with short sleeves or with legwarmers and a jacket. Arm and leg warmers are a good idea if the temperature is likely to change, or you're someone who heats up a lot during exercise.

Second, equipment to change a flat and the knowledge of how to use them. You have a way out, but if you could finish the ride, it would be a pity to have to pack it in because of a flat tire, you know? Tire irons, at least one spare tube and the means to inflate them...and the means to get the wheel off the bike!

Third, food and drink. Both on and off. Eat breakfast (or lunch), something with a mix of carbs, proteins and fats. On the bike...that's a really individual thing, but water and some kind of electrolyte and carb replacement is a good idea. I take a 24 oz bottle of Gatorade (with ice), a 24oz bottle of water, a hydration pack with more water (depending on the weather) and either Shotbloks or Clif Bars, depending on the weather. (Real food doesn't sit well with me in hot weather.) Other people swear by peanut M&Ms (I want to try this) or other types of real food, or a host of gels or bars. I take a full tube or two of the blocks and keep an extra gel (ick) in my bag for emergencies, or two Clif bars.
I bring more than I think I might need. I always have leftovers, but better safe than sorry. I sweat for England and use the nice cold water in the bottles to help cool me down, so my water consumption may be higher than yours.
Go on some shorter rides and see what works for you.

[warneral]

way to go! definitely give it a try. Do a few longish rides before to get your stamina up. Or also ride 10 mi a day nearly every day until then. Your muscles and stamina will be more prepared.

I like packets of almond butter in my seat bag for emergency fat/protein pick-me-ups. Ice water in the bottle holder.

have fun

[featuretile]

After much experimenting with bike snacks, I like pretzels (they have salt and carbs) and dried apricots (natural sugar). I just don't like the ingredient list and the price tag on all these gels and bars. (Although I did just get some electrolytes to put in my water.)

The two things I have found that make long rides work are the pace (speed) you are riding and the number of breaks you take. Don't try to keep up with the other riders and stop when you feel like it and eat and take a drink.

It's also much easier to ride if it is not really hot out. If it is, you need LOTS OF WATER!

[sarahspins]

Advice please. I'd really like to try this, although I know I'll almost certainly not finish. I think it would still feel like a big accomplishment to me.

Don't think like that! You CAN do it! 20 miles was my big mental barrier, but once I did it, I was like "whoa, that's all?" and after that I found myself wishing I had enough free time to go on longer rides (something I still struggle with - most days 10 miles is all I can manage because of time.. weekends are for longer stuff).

Is this a supported ride, or just a general lets get together and ride thing? If you have rest stops, make sure you linger at them as long as you feel you need to. If there aren't any, do NOT feel bad about making some for yourself... there is no shame in not being able to hammer out 30 miles without stopping.