My longest ride so far...short for most

[Alexvs]

Well today I decided, while the weather was nice, to go for a 20 mile ride. This is the furthest I've rode so far since getting the bike in July and felt like a great achievement. My normal riding is to work and back which is just over 5 miles each way so nice and short and knew 20 would be a challenge. I searched on Google for some routes round my local area and found one that looked quite good and straightforward so stuck in the destination to the Bike Hut app on my phone and set off. I also used Endomondo Pro which I loved for the mile times in the ear. Unfortunately I realised after putting the phone in my ss jersey back pocket that when the screen went off the guidance stopped so had to stop a couple of times to check the map to make sure I wasn't lost. Endomondo however kept on working with screen off so this was useful hearing those mile times dropping.

So what I've learnt from this is I'm fully capable of riding further than I thought I could and that I could do with a phone holder as can't afford a GPS unit at the moment so the phone will have to do. Oh and not to do longer rides after a leg workout at the gym, my calves weren't loving me at all.

Just wanted to share my achievement with people that can appreciate a good ride as my friends and family think I'm mad for enjoying cycling as they love their cars too much lol

 

[Kiwiavenger]

well done. i did my first 25 miler the other day (took in a few hills) and was knackered by the end of it!

 

[raindog]

Well done! Sounds like you had fun - leave the phone at home next time, it will make it more of an adventure.

 

[MattHB]

Well done!
I managed 17 today in 2 separate rides, so I'm going to give a 20 a go next weekend.

 

[2wd]

Well done

I'm only at 9 miles at the moment cos I'm too scared that for each mile outwards, it's another mile to get back

 

[Rob500]

Well done Alex.
Next time you plan a longer route, don't forget to make a tea & cake stop.

 

[danger mouse]

Nice one. 20 is usually my limit so I know what an achievement it is.

Keep it up.

 

[Alexvs]

It gives a great sense of achievement when you do it and feeling knackered at the end just proves you pushed yourself

If it wasn't for the phone I think I'd have been lost lol I actually went out into the middle of nowhere and took in all places I've never been to or seen was really good. To be fair I probably could've got back without it as there were enough road signs.

Good luck MattHB, it still counts as 17 as still the same day

2wd all I did was set a point and when I got there turned round and headed back, you're right though lol I had no intention of going over my target so as soon as the cycle computer said 10 that was far enough for me and homeward bound I went.

Think I'm going to next try a proper loop route so get to take in a few more sights and aim for 30 miles. Onwards and upwards as they say

Good suggestion Rob but I'm trying to go to places I've never been so not sure about planning a stop but if I see a nice village cafe I'll definitely make a stop to refuel.

Thanks for all the replies

 

[HLaB]

Well done Alex

 

[danger mouse]

Certainly couldn't have done mine today without a tea stop.

For me it is about setting yourself a target, but saying that I did find I was limiting myself with doing 10 or 12 miles and getting a bit nervous and setting back home.

I think it was the fear of burning out before I got home.

 

[ianrauk]

Well done, you will soon be wanting to stretch the mileage further.

 

[brokenflipflop]

Certainly couldn't have done mine today without a tea stop.

For me it is about setting yourself a target, but saying that I did find I was limiting myself with doing 10 or 12 miles and getting a bit nervous and setting back home.

I think it was the fear of burning out before I got home.

Don't worry about burning out miles from home, we live in England not the Amazon jungle

 

[MattHB]

I've started using imapmyride to sort out some good loops. It takes a bit of working out but it's great, has an app so you can follow the route afterwards. I'm finding loops much much more motivating than out and backs.

 

[Cycletrax]

Well done, 20 miles is a good ride, and a good acheivment.

 

[Alexvs]

I don't think I could've done much more today as my calves were cramping on the way back so glad I limited myself to just the 20. It was all self inflicted though as went to the gym not long before for legs day so will definitely be keeping them separate going forward. It's definitely about setting targets and working towards them. I've set a target of achieving 50 miles by Spring and then looking to do some charity rides above and beyond that.

Thanks Matt will give that a look and see what it's like.