What would you say a reasonable starting mileage is?

[Kovu]

Right its been a long time now since I have been cycling, and now we no university and more time, I am dying to get back into it, but i don't where to start. Obviously start as I mean to go on, and as I am wanting to join the TA I need to get quite fit.

So just as a rough ball mark number what would a reasonable mileage to start training be? All on the road, I am moderately fit I would say, though haven't worked out/exercised for a while. My boyfriend was gobsmacked when I said i'd be cycling to his at the end of the month, which is only 40 miles. I know you can't give me an exact amoutn but just a rough one, or just what you did when you first started?

Cheers,
Kovu

 

[Kiwiavenger]

whatever you feel comfortable with!

when i came back to cycling after a long lay off i struggled with 1.5 miles each way (with the return being almost all down hill!) now i dont bat an eyelid at a 30 mile round trip! some people can pop in with 10-15-20 miles as a beginners/returners average but its not gonna help if you feel obliged to stay out longer than you feel comfortable with!

 

[Sittingduck]

5 miles and go up in 3 or 5 mile incriments? Switch to 10 mile incriments when you reach 40...

 

[ColinJ]

I am constantly shocked at how hard some people find their first bike rides as new adult cyclists. When you think about it - cycling is a lot easier than walking and I think everybody who doesn't have major health issues should be able to walk 5 or 6 miles, no problem. That implies that a 10 mile bike ride should be easy. The truth is though, that many people struggle at first - for a good example, see the post above by Kiwiavenger!

You can only start from whatever level of fitness or unfitness you have at the time. For some people, that would be a mile or two. Others will be okay with 20 or 30 miles.

I started off doing about 10 hilly Yorkshire miles per ride for the first month or so, and didn't go much above 30 for a couple of years. The 30 mile undulating return commute to Burnley from Hebden Bridge used to have me crawling up the stairs when I got home, my legs were that tired. It would seem easy now.

So, Kovu - I'd suggest going out for a 10 mile loop to start with to test your legs. If you feel fine with that, do a 15 mile one next time and keep adding 5 miles a time until you start to feel the strain. Stick at that level for a while and give yourself adequate time to recover between rides. If you really are moderately fit, it shouldn't take long to build up to 40 miles. You might already be fit enough!

Enjoy your cycling!

 

[sdr gb]

When I started, I worked out a local route with plenty of options in it to either cut the ride short if I struggled or to extend it if I was enjoying it. Then I gradually added bits on as my fitness and confidence improved.

I ended up doing around 14 miles on that first ride.

 

[Gary E]

What would you say a reasonable starting mileage is?

A good starting milage is zero, otherwise it wouldn't be the start

Haven't got much else to add to the thread to be honest. As has already been said, only you know when you're approaching your own limits.

My one bit of advice would be to start off with a shorter ride than you think you're capable of and work up. If you bite off more than you can chew to start with, although you'll probably make the distance, your body will then be constantly struggling to recover between rides to the point where you'll genuinely hurt and loose motivation.

Stay close to your comfort zone, increase distances in small increments and if you start to struggle don't be affraid to give yourself a rest day or drop the distance again. Less really is more sometimes and you'll be surprised how quickly you develope.

 

[Nihal]

Well,i officially started two months ago,my first ride was a lousy 6 miles()...............later progressed to 8-10 miles everyday()................now do 13-15miles everday()
Again,it depends on fitness,i was qiuet fat before i started,now quickly dropping sizes(2 down,2 to go )
So for beginning,i would say 6-8 miles would be great

 

[defy-one]

I started with a 3.2 mile loop around my house after suggestions from experienced riders.
First few times i could only manage once round, gradually twice and now i use it as my 10 mile training loop,when i don't have the time to go out longer.
Biggest plus about a loop is you can cut it short any time you want.
If you have some sort of cycling computer,then start timing your laps as a way of improving and setting personal goals

 

[Crackle]

If I'm returning after bone idleness, err, I mean a break, I start at 10 miles and take it from there. You're not a complete beginner so your muscles will remember. I find the third ride is always the hardest.

 

[GetAGrip]

Started at about 5-8 miles, but changed the route often so as to take in some hills, and not get bored. Increased the miles only when I was comfortable with it. Now do regular 20-30 milers around N. Devon hills several times a week. I just can't seem to get up to that magic 50 . One day very soon, I hope.

 

[brockers]

It depends how hard you push yourself, surely? You could absolutely mullah yourself over five miles so you feel like throwing up, and be unable to ride a bike (or walk) for a week afterwards, or you could use much easier gears, go a lot slower and do twenty.

 

[Becs]

I have to confess to being rather mean to my friends - I took one that was fairly fit (running 6-8 miles and doing kettle bell classes) on her first ride and we did 35 miles with 1800ft of climbing (I was aiming for 25 but we had to detour), I took another completely unfit (but petite) one out for her first ride and we did 19 miles with about 900ft of climbing. We made and afternoon of it, had a pub lunch and took our time and both coped fine, apart from being a bit saddle sore! Both were very surprised at how easy it was to cover the miles slowly. When I started I went out on a couple of 30 ish mile CTC one star rides (very slow) and gradually picked up the pace, then the distance.

 

[Garz]

I started off on the MTB doing 12 mile stints. When this was easy I upped the mileage to 16, then 22. Moved onto road bikes and then it soon went to 30, 50, 100 - you get the picture. If you can comfortably complete the distance either try going round quicker or increase the mileage. Simples <Meerkat type noise>.

 

[buddha]

I started with down to the end of the road and back. That included having to pick myself up off the floor a couple of times too!
So I bet you'll do better than me!

 

[superbadger]

Get a map out and find something nearby that you wouldn't mind visiting (an abbey,castle,river,lake,) what-ever your into really and plan your ride,giving yourself plenty of time; Hit the road and enjoy the day! Just looking at the mileage can be a tad boring! Start local and just see how you feel,your body will tell you when your limits are reached (on the day or in the morning!)