How to ride long distances

[freednerd]

You don't say if you had anything to eat on the ride or anything to drink other than water. (You did have water, I hope!) Obviously as you increase your time in the saddle, you have to fuel with more than just water. Since you are a new rider, a former smoker (congrats!), were riding in hills, and didn't really plan your ride out, it must have taken at least two hours, if not three. Rides of that length really do call for some nutrition during the ride, or at the very least, a sports beverage during the ride, not just water. Water is normally fine for rides lasting an hour or less, but above that, you have to replace the glycogen that is being burned as you ride.

A hilly 25-miler when you've only been riding 4-6 miles at a time is a huge increase and would be hard for anyone, so don't sweat it! We all started with short rides once too. Be patient with yourself, and welcome to the wonderful world of cycling!

Thanks for the encouragement. No, I didn't have anything to eat but I did [bring water] and stop and get some Gatorade at a CVS after about 15 miles to give me a little sugar. And yes, looking back, I guess all the factors combined just wasn't smart..I am a bit impulsive and tend to just 'go for it' without actually thinking things through the best. After riding on my new bike now for a few weeks I think that had something to do with it as well. I wouldn't have thought 'getting used' to a bike to be that big of a deal, but my commute times each day seem to be improving and I truly believe this has as much to do with me and my bike 'melding' as improved fitness :-) I had a triple on my past bike and now I have a compact, so I think I have had to learn how this bike shifts as the feeling is different- but great once I got better adjusted. Once again I appreciate all the help and encouragement from such a great group of ladies!

[Jiffer]

By the way, I have done several centuries, lots of climbing, three road races and, in general a lot of riding. And, yes, a year and a half ago a 30 mile ride was no big deal whatsoever. However, right now I can't ride more than about 10 miles (which is twice what I've been doing for the past year), and last week when I did 10 at a slightly faster pace than the week before, I realized it was too much for me. I paid for it all weekend and still feel like my body is a little mad at me.

UGH!!!! How frustrating. I'm working on getting over some health issues that involve fatigue, and I'm trying to figure out the right balance of how far and how hard I can ride. I so desparately want to ride with my club again and eventually do events. But it's teensy weeny baby steps for me right now.

If you're healthy, you can probably boost your miles a little at a time and be doing a regular 30 miles much more quickly than I can right now.

[Jacki O]

I live in-town Atlanta and can totally appreciate the hills you mention. Atlanta and its 'burbs are hillier than one might initially think. Combine that with heat and humidity...whoa.

One thing that helped me when I started riding was the Silver Comet Trail. Caveat: I do not generally recommend riding there as I, personally, believe this trail can be more dangerous than the road, particularly if one starts at the trail head. Go a little further out, bypassing the walkers/runners/roller-skaters/babystrollers/dogs and it's safer. Also, weekdays > weekends. Because the grades on the Comet are gentle to non-existent, you'll have the opportunity to build base miles and improve your endurance. The Alpharetta Greenway may offer the same opportunity, but I can't speak from experience about it.

Best wishes for your continued success. Believe all of us when we tell you that you WILL GET THERE. Before you know it, you'll be out on charity rides and doing 30, 40 or 50 miles regularly (at my house we say, "It's not worth putting on the spandex if you're not doing at least 20"). Ride well, ride safe and ENJOY!