Rest breaks

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AndyPeace

Guest
Location
Worcestershire
Just wondered how often others stop for a break when cycling?
How long is a peice of string? I've ridden 40 miles and eaten a whole malt loaf (pre sliced and buttered) then again I've been 65miles and just eaten half a cheese sandwich! imo depends on many factors, how well you eat in the days/week before the ride; what else your doing/done that day/week; how warm/cold it is; wether you are trying to loose/gain weight; and etc too.
 

MikeG

Guru
Location
Suffolk
If you are riding at the limit of your abilities, at a distance you aren't used to, then plan regular stops for food and drink, and, most importantly, a good stretch. You could stop, say, every 10 miles for a sip and a snack, as I did on a hundred miler last year. However, it also suits me sometimes to only stop once on a 60 mile ride. If you are new to the distance, be cautious by stopping more often.
 

JonUK4

Regular
I did 24 miles yesterday with 1000ft of climbing, furtherst i've gone so far. I took a short break after the first 10 miles for a little snack at a bench and then at 20 I HAD to stop for a breather. I was sipping water throughout. I was stopped for about 10 minutes overall.

I'd love to be able to power through but I wouldnt want to jeopardise a nice long ride for my own pride at not wanting to stop. Don't wear yourself out too early - I find there's a difference between pushing yourself and riding in pain.
 
OP
OP
Big Nick

Big Nick

Senior Member
I wouldn't ride in pain endurance wise but I was riding tired.

On reflection I think a break at least every couple of hours is advisable for me at the level I'm at which is what I'll do from now on so I can have a stretch and something to eat. I'm already keenly aware of the need to drink regularly before you're thirsty but think I may get a larger water bottle for longer distances.
 

jack smith

Veteran
Location
Durham
I usually don't stop for breaks unless I'm cycling with someone I always drink and eat on the bike if I feel like I'm draining abit, but you should always be eating or drinking before you start feeling drained as that's your bodies way of telling you your already past the part of needing an intake.

I always have a big bowl of pasta before a ride and make sure I drink enough so that I'm needing a wee rather often and it turns totally clear (lol) atleast it then know I'm hydrated, as for snacks I take out a couple of little breakfast bars made of nuts or cornflakes just something I can put in my back pocket or saddle bag. But it's always best to carry some cash in case you truly hit your fitness wall. Then go get something proper and have a rest.
 

The Mighty Boosh

Active Member
Location
Anglesey
I did 33 miles yesterday and had one stop at 25 miles but that was just for a smoke, All though I took two water bottles out with me I ended up just emptying them on the road
 
Location
Pontefract
I did 33 miles yesterday and had one stop at 25 miles but that was just for a smoke, All though I took two water bottles out with me I ended up just emptying them on the road
Thats me, but I do stop at other times, it all depends on the ride, but I stop when I want, I ride what I want or need if its for transport.
 

SpokeyDokey

68, & my GP says I will officially be old at 70!
Moderator
What's 30 miles of moderate paced cycling burn off in calories, 1500?

I wouldn't even think of eating before the ride specifically for going on a ride. Likewise I can't see why food would be needed on the ride.

I realise that we are all different but it seems to me that the case for food is being a bit over-stated in places.

Maybe a banana or two before setting off and a bottle of energy drink and a bottle of plain water on the bike is all that's needed although tbh I wouldn't bother with the bananas or energy drink and would only need half a bottle of water on the bike unless it was a mega hot day when I might up the water to one bottle.

I'm no big distance cyclist but for reference I regularly undertake long mountain hiking days of 15 miles plus with 7-1000 feet of ascent/descent over 8 -12hours on a couple of slices of toast beforehand. A couple of cheese sarnies and a small flapjack during the day and 2L water. Then bag of crisps and a cider at the end!

Massively more taxing day than a short bike ride.
 
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derrick

The Glue that binds us together.
It all depends who i ride with, one group we do up to 70 miles without a break, just what you carry with you, other groups we normally stop at a cafe after about 30 miles, we normally have a beer at the end of any ride.
 

hobbitonabike

Formerly EbonyWillow
Fuelling is very much an individual thing and you have to find what works best for you. I have to eat little and often or my blood sugar drops and that's it...legs just won't co operate. Some people xan go miles and miles without eating. Not me. (This is not an excuse for more cake stops:laugh:)

Ok.sometimes it is :angel:
 
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