Too far???

[luv2ride94]

Hey everone! I'm Katie, I'm 12 and have a question.

I want to do a 50 mile bike ride this weekend, and the farthest I have ever ridden is 25ish miles at once. I never feel really tired afterwards though and usually we stop just because we live in a little town adn theres not alot of place to ride.

I usually only ride on saturdays and sunday b/c of school. But I swim 5 days a week and usually run one day a week also and do drylands before swimming everday. Do you think 50 miles is to far? I don't because I may not ride everday but I am in shape. I know that much.

My mom thinks I should wait till I have a chance to ride more but if I wait it will probably be next spring before I can find another one and my sister and swim coach are riding in it too.

[mimitabby]

Go for it! you'll be a little sore the next day, but no big deal! I hope you have great weather. Have fun.

[SheFly]

GO FOR IT! And have a great time.

SheFly

[Mimosa]

Just find a good pace, don't mind the other riders, don't forget you drinks, food and some sweets (for the sucre) and go for it. Sure it will be though but the spirit of it being an organised ride will keep you going.
You go and show them girl!

[light_sabe_r]

Go for it Katie! And then come back and tell us all about it! ^_^

[Duck on Wheels]

You'll do fine! You're in way better shape than I was, or am. I'd also never done more than 25+ miles until the day I did 42 in strong headwinds on a comfort bike. They say you can do at least twice as much on an organized ride as you can do on your own, unsupported. As the others say, you may be sore here and there after from being "in the saddle" longer than you're used to, but you'll have fun and you won't mind the soreness, which you'll recover from anyway after a few hours. That's my prediction, at any rate.

[Xrayted]

Hey, little TE sister. I say go for it! Just remember to drink before you're thirsty and take along energy foods to keep you going. I hope you have fun and please come back and let us know how it went. Take pics - we loooove pics!

Cindy

[Triskeliongirl]

Yes, go for it. You'll be fine! And please, come back and tell us all about it.

[bacarver]

I think it's awesome that you are only 12 years old and already a "bikie" and a dedicated athlete! I was totally clueless when I was 12 back in 1972. 50 miles may be difficult near the end but the human body is capable of more than it thinks when it wants or has to succeed. Consider this to be a real opportunity to learn about your cycling strengths and weaknesses. Fuel and water will be important. Also, be tuned into your comfort level (clothes, position on the bike, tight muscles). Take it slow the next day because your body will benefit from a gentle workout and some down time. I admire you. So many kids are lazy and overweight these days. Enjoy the freedom that riding provides. Be proud of your fitness! I work full-time nights as a psychiatric nurse and I've ridden over 1200 miles this year.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Katie-
You will probably be fine. But do drink plenty of liquids while riding that 50 miles, and eat a snack in the middle of it- a few fig newtons, granola bar or something.
By the time you actually FEEL thirsty, you may already be in a serious fluid deprivation state that can make you feel suddenly sick and stop your ride cold.

And remember, you can STOP when you want to if you feel totally wiped out. What counts is not that you finish the 50 miles, or that you kill yourself trying, but rather that you are making the effort, doing a really healthy fun activity, and creating a great lifestyle! Whatever distance you can do that day, even 20 miles, it simply means you are giving your best shot. That WAY beats all the kids who are just sitting on their bums at home in front of a tv or computer screen!

[KSH]

Hey everone! I'm Katie, I'm 12 and have a question.

I want to do a 50 mile bike ride this weekend, and the farthest I have ever ridden is 25ish miles at once. I never feel really tired afterwards though and usually we stop just because we live in a little town adn theres not alot of place to ride.

I usually only ride on saturdays and sunday b/c of school. But I swim 5 days a week and usually run one day a week also and do drylands before swimming everday. Do you think 50 miles is to far? I don't because I may not ride everday but I am in shape. I know that much.

My mom thinks I should wait till I have a chance to ride more but if I wait it will probably be next spring before I can find another one and my sister and swim coach are riding in it too.

Hi Katie!

Well, I first want to commend you on your committment to being physically fit. So many young people today, overlook how enjoyable exercise can be.

If you didn't have a friend/family riding the 50 miles with you, I would probably say not to do it. Being only 12... you need someone you know... to be able to stay back and support you.

Since you have support though, I would say that you should take on the challenge. But, I'm not your Mom and that's just my humble opinion. Your Mom is who you should listen to and communicate with on this.

The KEY to riding long distances... is STOPPING for BREAKS! This isn't going to be a race... right? So, try to stop at the rest stops, get something eat and drink... move around off the bike. By doing this, you will be able to go for HOURS!

Another important aspect, will be NUTRITION! Don't just eat breakfast and expect to go ride for 50 miles. Eat at the rest stops and don't get hungry while riding. I know when I was your age, I did not understand nutrition, or how to eat... AT ALL! So, take the time to learn about how to eat for endurance sports... and by doing this... you will make your Mom feel better about possibly allowing you to go.

Also, have a "plan" for what you will do if you get too tired. For example, before the ride, maybe see if your Mom/Family will pick you up if you poop out at 30 miles. Talk with your Mom and ask her what your plan should be if you don't feel you can make it 50 miles. If you have a plan, that will make her feel better. You also need to have your sister and swim coach in agreeance that they WILL stay with YOU the ENTIRE RIDE. They need to be committed to NOT letting you ride alone, or to wait at rest stops alone. You should have support at all times.

Finally, your Mom loves you and just wants to make sure that you aren't biting off more than you can handle. You might want to have her read these responses... and that will open up the lines of communication, so you can have an HONEST conversation about it.... and you two can then decide what is the best decision to make. Maybe if you two can agree on a plan for the ride... she will feel better about you going.

An example of what the plan might look like:
1) You will always be with either your sister or swim coach riding. You will NOT ride alone.
2) You will stop at rest stops and stay on top of your nutrition and hydration.
3) If you feel tired, you will let your ride buddies know and try to stop and rest.
4) If you have rested and still feel too tired to go on... you will take a SAG wagon if available. If a SAG wagon is not available, you and your Mom will decide HOW you will make it to the finish line, without riding.
5) Call your Mom at each rest stop and give her an update on how you are feeling.

[Lenusik]

Go for it, girl! You are in shape, so you can do it. Just be smart about pacing yourself. If you want to finish it, don't overdo in the first 25 miles. Just listen to your body and drink plenty. Good luck to you!

[luv2ride94]

Mom and I talked alot actually about it and she finally is 100% ok with it.. She really liked your idea of having a plan KSH so we have one set up. I can't wait!!

Now that I am riding for sure I have a few more questions.

I just looked at the weather for this weekend and its supposed to be about 65ish and mostly sunny. What do I wear long sleeves or short? usually I just ride in my shorts and a t-shirt and my helmet of course.

And I have 2 water bottle holders so I was gonna put water in one and gatorade in the other. I'm guessing there will be places to refill too if I need it.

Then some powerbars for when we stop and make sure to eat a good breakfast. Does all that sound right?

Hmmm anything else I need to know? This is my first time for this kind of thing so THANKS for the help!!! Katie

[Mimosa]

I just looked at the weather for this weekend and its supposed to be about 65ish and mostly sunny. What do I wear long sleeves or short? usually I just ride in my shorts and a t-shirt and my helmet of course.

Well, I know budget is allways thight and it is short notice, but there is something called armwarmers. I got one set at home and if I am not sure then I start off with the armwarmers and get them of when it is getting to warm.

And do you have some sporty sunglasses you can wear?

And I have 2 water bottle holders so I was gonna put water in one and gatorade in the other. I'm guessing there will be places to refill too if I need it.

Then some powerbars for when we stop and make sure to eat a good breakfast. Does all that sound right?

Just don't forget that refill, drinking regularely is very important. A fist rule is to drink one bottle per hour (which is a lot I hear you think, but do it anyhow ). Start drinking alreay after 15 minutes in the race. And also to eat something each hour (a powerbar is oke).

Hmmm anything else I need to know? This is my first time for this kind of thing so THANKS for the help!!! Katie

You got all the material for small repairs like when you have a puncture?

[KSH]

Mom and I talked alot actually about it and she finally is 100% ok with it.. She really liked your idea of having a plan KSH so we have one set up. I can't wait!!

Now that I am riding for sure I have a few more questions.

I just looked at the weather for this weekend and its supposed to be about 65ish and mostly sunny. What do I wear long sleeves or short? usually I just ride in my shorts and a t-shirt and my helmet of course.

And I have 2 water bottle holders so I was gonna put water in one and gatorade in the other. I'm guessing there will be places to refill too if I need it.

Then some powerbars for when we stop and make sure to eat a good breakfast. Does all that sound right?

Hmmm anything else I need to know? This is my first time for this kind of thing so THANKS for the help!!! Katie

OH! That's wonderful! I'm so happy you get to ride and your Mom feels comfortable with you doing it. She only worries because she loves you.

I have ridden the past couple of weekends when it's been 62... and I basically started out in shorts, a long sleeve dry weave shirt (NO COTTON!) under my cycling jersey. When I got warmed up... I was able to tie the shirt around my waist.

Then again, it got up to 82 degrees.

If I were going to ride and it wouldn't be getting above 65, then I would keep the long sleeved shirt on... and try to find something to cover my legs with. I have leg warmers (which can be removed, but SLIDE down your leg as you ride) and knickers (go below your knees biking "pants")... for such occasions.

Your hydration plan sounds good... and if it's a supported ride... you should be able to refill at the rest stops.

Powerbars and a good breakfast are great. Focus on eating some carbs and protein to prepare for the ride.

GOOD LUCK! You are doing to do great... and if you get too tired to ride... there is no shame in taking a SAG wagon.

You better come back with a full report!