What would you say a reasonable starting mileage is?

[defy-one]

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!)

Sounds so obvious - great idea

 

[Berties]

all depends on your speed,hills involved on your route and what you are riding,but beware if joining the TA you will need to be able to run,tab or yomp and part of your yearly tests will be a bft, and i have found that running has helped my cycling but my running has suffered by cycling,times have increased by 3%on a 8 mile run,but with the cycling just build up do some short fast rides some long bimbling rides and see how you feel,enjoy the riding first stay safe and build up competitiveness as you build fitness and stamina,every thing is achievable you need to decide how you get there

 

[fossyant]

Don't do what I did when I joined a club. First run was in the winter, in the hills. Long Hill to Buxton, Goyt Valley. God I was dead at the end - stayed with them though. I was, however, cycling 5 miles a day on a paper round before doing this.

Try a flat 5 or 10 miles. See how you feel. Try the plus 10% rule, or add slightly more. What you need though is frequency, rather than miles. You'd be better doing 5 days of 5 miles than 1 day of 25.

 

[Garz]

What you need though is frequency, rather than miles. You'd be better doing 5 days of 5 miles than 1 day of 25.

A sensible diet (in tandem) wouldnt go amiss either here!