Longer rides - how many times to stop?

[Soltydog]

You'll get loads of differing advice as all people differ, so do what feels best for you. I did my 1st 100 miler yesterday & we had a few small stops for banana/flapjack etc & one longer stop about half way for a coffee & cake.
I found it really hard going after the longer stop & took a while to get back into my stride, but on shorter rides 60-70 miles I've had no problems after longer tea stops

 

[BentMikey]

You should be fine with commuting that sort of distance, assuming you commute that 5 days a week. I might be tempted to do a few longer rides at weekends before the exodus, and then very little commuting or other riding and exercise in the final week.

As for stopping, I tend to have a brief stop every one or two hours, normally a quick hedge stop. It doesn't really matter if you're just out to enjoy yourself. With longer stops your legs might feel a bit leaden and tired when you start again, but just go slow and you'll soon warm up again. Not a problem.

 

[Neilwoo123]

Stop about half way at a good B&B for the night and carry on in the morning after a good nights sleep!!! LOL

 

[Over The Hill]

Malt Loaf is good for grazing as you go.

I have not done many long rides but on my only 100 miler I was glad for the compulsory one hour stop half way.

I try to not stop when I like but keep to set distances. But break the rule if you are really tired- it is supposed to be fun!

I break long rides into 12 mile chunks and only think about that chunk. Short stop on 12 miles longer on 24 miles, short stop again on 36. Lunch around 50 and repeat in the afternoon.

Two minutes off the bike is really refreshing and you get back on with more energy.

Stick a red bull in but dont drink it until the last stop an hour from home.