Is a 20 mile round trip far for a newbie?

[Tom Oglesby]

Hey guys, first post, I was wondering if I could have some experienced insight. I'll be starting work soon and while that's only down the road I'll be going 10 miles away for day release training, is this far for a newbie and how long do you reckon it'll take to get there without being too knackered to do anything?

I've not rode a bike in about 10 years, I'm 19 and quite unfit now (not particularly overweight, just chubby lol). I used to walk 4 miles a day at college and play football but I've hardly done any exercise since and the route I'm taking will mainly be flat but will have 2 or 3 big dips.

Heres the route: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?saddr...vaGm_S0YgFQ&dirflg=b&mra=ls&t=m&z=12&lci=bike

Don't know if the link will work or not.

Cheers guys.

 

[Rob3rt]

I assume this is a 1 off, or an occasional thing?

IMO, No it is not too far. Allow yourself about an hour to get there.

 

[RWright]

I would start riding a little asap to try and get ready.

 

[Arsen Gere]

Tom, You're young, you will adapt quickly. If I were you I'd watch the weather forecasts and have a backup route via public transport so you don't miss a day. Since you are on road, if you are using a road bike that would be fine but if it is a mountain bike it might be worth looking at slick tyres. If I remember correctly it is a bit of a hilly route, I guess this is to avoid the Chorley New Road. If I were you I'd have a practice run and see how it feels and work out what to wear.

 

[GentlyBenevolent]

When do you start? If it's after the weekend then get out on Saturday and ride to and from Bolton without a stop. If you're really struggling you can stop and not be too far from home. That'll see if you can do the 10 miles without much hassle, and at least you'll have the day to recover. I say the weekend as it should warm up a bit and be dry. If you're feeling brave then go for it as soon as. Time in the saddle is the only thing you can do to prepare.

I'd also work out a backup plan, probably using the trains from horwich to moses gate (although the dip/hill on hall lane will be a challenge!)

 

[Banjo]

You will find it tough to begin with probably sweat buckets so may need a change of clothes. After a few weeks it will get either easier or faster your choice I would start off doing it once or twice a week at first then build up the number of days per week.

 

[MrJamie]

Just don't put yourself off by trying too much too soon, you'll probably end up really saddle sore with achey legs and you might struggle with the total distance. If you have time to go out for say a couple of 5-10 mile ride first with a few days rest before the 20 mile journey, you'll probably find it much easier.

Also keep in mind traffic etc, you'll need to keep your concentration which might be difficult if you're completely knackered.

 

[simmi]

Tom

At 19 10 miles should be OK
My first couple of rides were 12 miles and were not too bad fitness wise worst part was my backside!
Now 2 months in and can ride over 50 miles, so you soon build up the stamina.

You will find it tough to begin with probably sweat buckets so may need a change of clothes

+1

 

[helston90]

Would you be able to grab a shower when you get there? I started out my 12 mile commute having not ridden properly for about 10 years and the shower at the end was a god send! It will get easier/ faster (but not both as mentioned!) so stick with it if you find you're enjoying it!

 

[summerdays]

Before I returned to cycling, I would hire a bike about once a year, usually on holiday and cycle. It was normally about 20 miles which was doable for someone not cycling but I don't think I would be able to do it in an hour. Even now it takes me nearly an hour to do 10 miles (50 mins) - I'm not the fastest person in the world.

 

[Tom Oglesby]

Wow, thanks for all the replies guys.

This will be a once a week ride and no, there aren't any showers there, might just bring a towel and rinse my head in the tiny bathroom sink haha (no shame). I'll definitely be taking a change of clothes in the summer and probably now as well just in case. I start on 2nd of January so as soon as I get my bike I'll have a few practice runs and see how I do. I could get two buses there but its a bit of a pain and expensive (apprentice wages!).

I'm getting a front suspension mountain bike because I'll be doing some off road with my mate occasionally and'll be using this to help get fit, how easy is it to change to slicks and back? Can you do this regularly without damaging the tire coming off?

Also while I'm here could someone recommend a helmet to me? I've been looking at the Giro Indicator, is this good? I clicked a link on a thread for a hardnutz (or something) helmet and while the guy said its was brill, the reviews of people with big heads like me (24inch / 62cm, jealous?) said its not so good for them. I'm a bit cautious about buying one online, can you try them on in a shop?

Sorry if these are stupid questions but I'd like to know the ins and outs before parting with what little cash I have haha.

Cheers again guys.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Tom
I have only once recorded a ride over 20 miles at less than 10mph that was my 5th ride since I started back in June, but that was quite a tough ride even now for me, though I would probably do the same at about 12.7mph (it still ranks in my top 12), though I did have to stop a few times, and now I wouldn't need to.
As has been said, get in the saddle and ride it, you might want to consider this, if traffic isn't a problem, slightly less of a hill to climb.
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1986102

Nothing is stupid if you don't know the answer. others will advise re. Helmet.

 

[Tom Oglesby]

Wow cool website, I like the elevation chart. Looks like a nice ride for the majority of the way home.

Cheers Nigel

 

[Rob3rt]

600ft over 10 mile? That is nothing!

The only "climb" is a long drag of very minor gradient! Even a newby would go fine on that route.

Also on the way back, that means you are going downhill!

 

[Tom Oglesby]

600ft over 10 mile? That is nothing!

The only "climb" is a long drag of very minor gradient! Even a newby would go fine on that route.

Also on the way back, that means you are going downhill!

Yeah when I said earlier a few dips I was thinking of the route the bus would take, through Moses gate. Just out of interest, what is a challenging gradient for a non-athlete?