First Big Ride...any advice?!

[ToshaMack]

Tomorrow I'm going on my first long ride...25 miles...any advice on preparation? Should I warm up before the ride? Should I have breakfast? Not really a breakfast person, but I want to be prepared and not burn out.

I'm riding with a local group of ladies

Thanks everyone!

[Pedal Wench]

Definitely something in your tummy - but something you know you can tolerate - bagel, oatmeal, something easy. Only warm-up if you think the pace might start out fast for your level of fitness.

[Owlie]

Eat something beforehand that you know you can tolerate. I need some fat and protein in there, as well as carbs. Even on an easy (for me) and flat 24-mile ride, I find that if I don't have that on board, I'm hungry by mile 10-13.
I would also take something along--peanut M&Ms are supposed to be good, as are dried fruit, nuts, whatever you can tolerate while exercising. (I bring Shot Blocks or Clif bars.) Just in case, you know?

I've never really needed to warm up during a ride, but that's just me. It depends on your fitness level and the group you're riding with.

Have fun!

[Biciclista]

carry water. PLEASE eat first. You don't need to eat a lot. Sometimes we need to change life habits to learn a new healthy lifestyle. good luck on your ride.

[ny biker]

Arrive early so you're ready to roll at the time the ride is supposed to start.

Have fun!!

[azfiddle]

Ditto on eating before you ride. I usually eat a bowl of oatmeal & raisins or half a bagel and cream cheese, or a slice of toast with cheese or peanut butter. Just so you have something in your system- mainly carbs.

Bring more water than you think you need (2 bottles), and some snacks. For that distance, you may want to eat something around 15 miles in or so. I find that I want to eat a snack by about an hour in. An energy bar (luna bar or similar), pretzels, or trail mix are possibilities. A rule of thumb I've been using is that after an hour, I eat about 100 calories every half hour. I have become pretty fond of shot blocks as a ride snack- they are easy to eat and digest and they are like eating candy.

[Bike Writer]

I can't add anything to the good advice already given but I can say -

Good luck and have fun!

[bluebug32]

Good advice! I'd also add that I recommend eating something that includes slow-burning complex carbs at least two hours before the ride. That will give you plenty of time to digest. If you ride for more than 1.5 hours, then add a sports drink or small snack. Have fun!

[ToshaMack]

Awesome ride....I'm still new to shifting gears but through it all we had a blast!! I did eat a lite breakfast of oatmeal and brought some snacks along. I'm sure I will feel sore tomorrow, but I'm pumped up!!

Thanks all for the great advice

Roll-Tide

[Seajay]

Awesome ride....I'm still new to shifting gears but through it all we had a blast!! I did eat a lite breakfast of oatmeal and brought some snacks along. I'm sure I will feel sore tomorrow, but I'm pumped up!!

Nice Job ToshaMack!

[azfiddle]

Glad it went well! Soon you'll feel like 25 is just an easy ride!

[bluebug32]

Sweet! Sounds like you rocked it!