Attempting my first 40 mile ride.... got any pointers?

[tulip]

They have good advice. Don't be like me - I tend to have the food with me but become resistant to stopping unless I am forced to by traffic... I would have felt better after my 30+ mile hot and windy ride Sunday if I had simply stopped a couple of times and nibbled a bit. Great ride though

With practice, you won't have to stop to eat and drink. It's not like I stop every 5 minutes! I'll only stop at the sag stops on organized rides. On my local rides, I'll stop every hour or so to look around and take a little break. Eating and drinking while riding is a very important skill to have if you plan on being on the bike for any length of time and remaining bonk-free.

[Catrin]

I use a hydration pack so I don't have to stop and drink - and I like that. I don't want to eat while riding, I prefer to stop and take a breather when it is time to do that - I generally stop once an hour when I am behaving myself

[tulip]

I use a hydration pack so I don't have to stop and drink - and I like that. I don't want to eat while riding, I prefer to stop and take a breather when it is time to do that - I generally stop once an hour when I am behaving myself

That wouldn't work with my eating schedule. I'd hate to stop every 15 minutes, which is when I eat. Ruby, everyone is different so it might take a few rides or more to figure out what works best for you.

Hydration packs are hot in the summer, but if you freeze them, they are great on your back on a hot, hot day.

[Catrin]

That wouldn't work with my eating schedule. I'd hate to stop every 15 minutes, which is when I eat. Ruby, everyone is different so it might take a few rides or more to figure out what works best for you.

Hydration packs are hot in the summer, but if you freeze them, they are great on your back on a hot, hot day.

Oh my yes, like having an ice cube on the back

I have considered putting loose things like pretzels in a Bento box so I can just reach in from time to time for something salty when I need it. I am more resistant to stopping when I clip in for some odd reason...

Ruby, you are going to have fun working out what works best for your body - in the end that is the most important. Have fun on your long ride and let us know how it goes! I would suggest hydrating well the day before your ride if it is going to be hot.

[rubysoho]

Thanks again for the pointers! I am a bit worried. I went on a slow, easy ride last night to see how my legs felt. Probably the easiest ride since restarting with cycling over a month ago. My legs were so tired by the end!!!! my ride is tomorrow. I am definitely worried.

[Bike Chick]

If you are worried, can you cut it back to 30 miles this week and then do 40 the following week? No need to double your mileage if you aren't confident. It won't be enjoyable if you are in pain the last half of the ride.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[ny biker]

Since it's an out-and-back ride on the trail, you can always start with a plan to do 40 miles and then turn around early if necessary. Where are you starting and are you riding east or west?