Planned 40 mile ride - preparation?

[Mushroomgodmat]

Hi All...

Sometime this week (probably Thursday) I plan on cycling 40miles - I expect it will kill me, but Im up for a challenge!

Iv done a fair few 20 miles, and a hand full of 30s, i also cycle on avarage 11 miles a day commuting...40 miles will be a strugle, but I do plan on taking my time and not pushing myseld too much - I will probably start off around 4pm, planning to get home at around 7-8ish

I will be taking two bottles, typicaly I just fill them with squash (any other surgestions?) and not being a fan of bananas I plan on eating a apple or two before hand. As well as this my ill also take a DSLR, a pump, spair innertube, allen keys.

So does anyone have any advice, does anyone take any energy bars when cycling this kinda distance...etc etc etc...

Infact its probably best to assume im clueless in every regard!

 

[ColinJ]

I think you will do fine, assuming that you won't be riding over endless steep hills!

I try to drink 500 mL an hour so for 3-4 hours that would be 1.5-2.0 litres of drink.

On longer rides, I put carbo-powder in my drinks but I think I'd probably get away without for 40 miles as long as I ate sensibly beforehand and took a couple of things to nibble on the way. Better to eat and drink too much, than not enough though. 40 miles is probably far enough to run out of energy if you got dehydrated or hungry.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Have a good breakfast - many recommend porridge, drink water before you feel thirsty and take some flapjacks and energy gels with you. Based on the distances you have already done I think you will find it easier than expected TBH.

 

[Lien Sdrawde]

Went through the same barrier a bit ago - as suggested, as long as your not going over the mountains and you drink on route (and stop for a butty) you'll probably find it surprisingly do-able (I hesitate to say easy).

One thing I found was, I was used to cycling around busy areas - and hence having to get off the saddle frequently for red lights etc... when I started doing longer rides they were on much quieter roads, so my 'tush' really noticed the difference. Saddle nicely beded in now though. Good luck.

 

[lulubel]

If I was going for a ride at that time, I'd probably have a slightly bigger lunch than normal (breakfast and dinner are usually my biggest meals). Take the usual tools and inner tubes, 2 bottles of water (with electrolyte in if hot) and a cereal bar to eat about half way.

 

[StuartG]

If you have done 30 then you can do 40. Distance is as much a mind thing as anything else. So banish all doubt barring mechanicals or horrendous headwinds (go t'other way!).

Start slower than usual and slowly build up speed going no faster than you have done before. Remember distance is Thursday's objective. When you have a few 40 milers under your belt you can think about a fast one. Preserve your knees by using your granny gears on any significant incline. You don't want them to come and haunt you later in the ride.

Don't pedal downhill - coast down taking a well earned rest. Don't carry anything barring your puncture kit, energy (Mars?) bars, bananas (in pocket or taped to bars), a light water/windproof in case you get cold and the minimal amount of fluid. Use cafes/pubs to rehydrate/refill.

Make sure your tyres are within 15% of max pressure. It can make a real difference to your rolling resistance. Think about covering/removing your computer if you can't avoid looking at it. Miles go slower the more you watch.

Doing it with a friend can also make it easier, more enjoyable and the final shared pleasure.

Good luck!

 

[Fex]

I agree with Stuart G - it's all in the mind.

I like to ride about 30 - 35 miles in South Cheshire/North Shropshire/NE Wales early on Saturday and Sunday mornings but due to a more ambitious route and getting a bit lost it got to over 45 miles last Sunday.

My preparation consists of getting up and dressed, cleaning teeth and drinking a glass of water or orange juice. I have breakfast when I get home. Normally I do whatever I like for the rest of the day, although the 45 miles did necessitate a bit of a rest after breakfast. I am neither young nor especially fit but enjoy the ride. I go as fast I feel commfortable with and ususually average somewhere around 14 mph - I am aiming to get to 15mph consistently but, despite a new bike which I think is excellent, this seems some way off, although I do occasionally get there only to be followed by a slow ride the next day.

Ultimately, riding of this type is about enjoyment. If you are comfortable and enjoying it you will not notice the distance - have a good ride

 

[Mushroomgodmat]

Cheers for the advice guys. I'll let you know how it goes

 

[Alembicbassman]

I rode 60 miles on Sunday with a bunch of people in their 60s and 70s, just take it easy and if you can find a Tea Shop with home made cakes - have a break.

 

[aberal]

Cheers for the advice guys. I'll let you know how it goes

It'll be a doddle. Just take your time.

 

[topcat1]

check the weather, have a look at xcweather.co.uk, ride out into the wind and let it blow you home

 

[Globalti]

I wouldn't bother taking the camera, or at least not a DSLR. You won't want to stop and it will be an encumbrance. Hasn't your phone got a camera?

 

[jefmcg]

I did a (albeit slow) 70km/43 miles with no planning and not much food. Figured I could do 16 miles to work, I could get to Reading. Started with 2 eggs and toast + coffee. Did 18 miles and had a cake and cappuccino. Another 16 miles, and stopped at an Italian restaurant/cafe which wouldn't serve me a sandwich as it was after 6 (5 past) so skipped it and cycled the last 9 miles to a chocolate bar at Reading Station while I waited for my lift. Felt fine.

If you treat it as 2x20 with a cafe break, I don't think you will have any problems at all.

 

[Red Light]

What Stuart G says. With your ride record, 40 miles will be no problem. Treat it like you did your 20 or 30 milers but with a bit more to drink. I avoid gels and powders in the drinks because you can become hooked on them but I would carry an energy bar or two in the back pocket. The intention is to not eat them but if you find yourself bonking some miles from home they are the emergency rescue package. The other thing useful if you are going to try to push your limits is to have someone you can call to come out and fetch you if the worst happens and you can't complete for any reason. Those two together remove some of the mental barriers.

Good luck.

 

[Mushroomgodmat]

I wouldn't bother taking the camera, or at least not a DSLR. You won't want to stop and it will be an encumbrance. Hasn't your phone got a camera?

It has, but im a slight camera nut - I tend to take my trusty slr (you never know when you will see something worth shooting) wherever I go. I also have a bar bag designed for the task, so apart from some additional weight on the front side its largly a non issue.