How Many Consistent Miles To Date?

[Mr. Beanz]

How many miles have you done CONSISTENTLY? This time, without a long layoff, being consistent. No not since you were 10 years old then picked it up 20 years later. I mean This time, consistently?:D..Maybe a monht off at the most. My biggest lay off was prolly one week.

I started riding at 32 y/o, did 2,000 miles the first 2 or 3 years. Then 4,000 every year since then with 1 7,000 mile year. I figure my grand total this time being consistent is app 53,000 miles.

13 years of consistent riding!:thumb:

[ScotteeD]

Thats alot of miles, Beanz. I'm just hoping to average 5000 to 7000 a year for the next 20 years. I probably have 5000 the last 3 years. I used to MTB only and never logged my miles. 5000 may be on the low side.

My goal in the the next 2 years is to qualify for RAAM. No little goals for me.:thumb:

[Mr. Beanz]

My goal in the the next 2 years is to qualify for RAMM. No little goals for me.:thumb:

The year I did 7300 miles, some were climbing in the dirt the hard way. Takes longer that way!:notamused:


So if you did RAAM, would you chose to do it alone? I would. That's the way I am. If I ever do something like Furnace Creek 508, I'd go at it alone. :thumb: Some people pay $10,000 to do the ride. Now that!!!! I could not do alone!:D

[ScotteeD]

Solo rider is what I'm shooting for. I am a loner by nature.

I already have some sponsorship locked down. It helps wrenching for a bike shop. My gear and bikes will be covered. Just need to get a great support crew lined up.

I may be either doing the 24 hour race in Iowa or Furnace Creek as my qualifier next year.

[Mr. Beanz]

Solo rider is what I'm shooting for. I am a loner by nature.

I already have some sponsorship locked down. It helps wrenching for a bike shop. My gear and bikes will be covered. Just need to get a great support crew lined up.

I may be either doing the 24 hour race in Iowa or Furnace Creek as my qualifier next year.

Cool! Good Luck Man!:thumb:

[ScotteeD]

It is truly amazing that the more time I spend in the saddle the more addicted I become to the sport.

I work at the bike shop as a hobby and for a great discount, just so I can be around bikes and cyclist.

Now I am totally focused on riding longer and longer distances. 1 day off the bike and I feel like I'm missing out.:twitchy:

[freeagent1970]

Good going....are you still a clyde?

[flip18436572]

Solo rider is what I'm shooting for. I am a loner by nature.

I already have some sponsorship locked down. It helps wrenching for a bike shop. My gear and bikes will be covered. Just need to get a great support crew lined up.

I may be either doing the 24 hour race in Iowa or Furnace Creek as my qualifier next year.


What is the 24 hour race in Iowa?

[Wogsterca]

How many miles have you done CONSISTENTLY? This time, without a long layoff, being consistent. No not since you were 10 years old then picked it up 20 years later. I mean This time, consistently?:D..Maybe a monht off at the most. My biggest lay off was prolly one week.

I started riding at 32 y/o, did 2,000 miles the first 2 or 3 years. Then 4,000 every year since then with 1 7,000 mile year. I figure my grand total this time being consistent is app 53,000 miles.

13 years of consistent riding!:thumb:

The is easy for you California types, but in places like here where there is a 60C temperature variation, nearly half of it below freezing, you often get a 4 or 5 or 6 month layoff every year, Do we include those lay offs or not? If not, then I am back riding my third season, I guess about 500 miles the first year, since then 1575 miles, so about 2000 miles on my return, not bad when you consider I turn 47 in a couple of weeks, and took 20 years off....

[Mr. Beanz]

The is easy for you California types, but in places like here where there is a 60C temperature variation, nearly half of it below freezing, you often get a 4 or 5 or 6 month layoff every year, Do we include those lay offs or not? If not, then I am back riding my third season, I guess about 500 miles the first year, since then 1575 miles, so about 2000 miles on my return, not bad when you consider I turn 47 in a couple of weeks, and took 20 years off....


I guess you've never heard of 'Machka'?...She a Canadian that deals with the same elements as you. And her father Cadillac. both Canadian Rando's. They log 7 grand a year too. She's a poster in these forums as well. Let me know, I'll ask her to drop in!:innocent:

Plus I could also throw in that I worked 7 days a week on graveyard shift in a steel company, & raised 4 kids. Not sure what's tougher, raising the kids or walking around all night in steel toe boots!:p But if there's a will there's a way. Pre cycling era when I used to pump iron, I'd stay up till the kids went to bed, then hit the garage at 10 pm to lift for an hour or two, then up at 6 am. I've got a million of them too!:D.....And I ride in 110 degree weather when others won't!

BTW, I'm 45 but I don't see what age has got to do with it!:o

Don't get me wrong, I realize we have an advantage but you could do more if you really wanted! I know some Canadians that have more than us Cali's! Not all Cali people do as many miles as I do, nor do they want to!:D

[st0ut]

you guys / gals are monsters.

i am doing about 40 to 60 miles a week. 40 around town, 60 if i get a club ride in.

[Mr. Beanz]

Let me add that my wife (Gina) did 2,000 miles a year for about 3 years. Her son (my step) got sick and lost his kidneys. She did a century on our tandem the weekend before the donation. She returned to cycling a month after the operation with a 10 inch scar on her side.

She rode easy for a couple of years, maybe 1,000 or so then came back strong the last three years doing 3,000 consecutive years and increasing her speed!:D

She's got 6 grandkids and one kidney at 45 y/o!.......Dern kids keep multiplying!:p

[cyccommute]

Although I could dig the data out for all of my riding, commuting is what I track most. Since 1988, I've ridden 2406 week day rides (most are riding back and forth to work but some aren't). Those are only the ones I have records for because I didn't keep records before 1988. I've ridden at least once each month since 1977 which includes getting hit by a car, breaking an ankle a second time, the birth of 2 kids (I helped;)), broken ribs and a pulled hamstring (the day after getting the cast for the ankle break off because I was trying to keep the streak going:o).

For those of you counting, that 31 years or 372 months of riding.

[Machka]

I guess you've never heard of 'Machka'?...She a Canadian that deals with the same elements as you. And her father Cadillac. both Canadian Rando's. They log 7 grand a year too. She's a poster in these forums as well. Let me know, I'll ask her to drop in!:innocent:

Plus I could also throw in that I worked 7 days a week on graveyard shift in a steel company, & raised 4 kids. But if there's a will there's a way. Pre cycling era when I used to pump iron, I'd stay up till the kids went to bed, then hit the garage at 10 pm to lift for an hour or two, then up at 6 am. I've got a million of them too!:D.....And I ride in 110 degree weather when others won't!

BTW, I'm 45 but I don't see what age has got to do with it!:o

Don't get me wrong, I realize we have an advantage but you could do more if you really wanted! I know some Canadians that have more than us Cali's! Not all Cali people do as many miles as I do, nor do they want to!:D

Thanks Mr. Beanz. :D

And you're right ... I'm a year-round Canadian rider who rode in Manitoba for 13 years, and now Alberta for the past 3.

I'd love to live in a place with great weather all year, but it is still possible to ride all year in the snow and cold too. :)

[Mr. Beanz]

Although I could dig the data out for all of my riding, commuting is what I track most. Since 1988, I've ridden 2406 week day rides (most are riding back and forth to work but some aren't). Those are only the ones I have records for because I didn't keep records before 1988. I've ridden at least once each month since 1977 which includes getting hit by a car, breaking an ankle a second time, the birth of 2 kids (I helped;)), broken ribs and a pulled hamstring (the day after getting the cast for the ankle break off because I was trying to keep the streak going:o).

For those of you counting, that 31 years or 372 months of riding.

Good job! I wish I could commute but I work near Ontario Airport. 4 lanes crammed into one, speed limit of 50 but drivers do 80mph and no shoulder. No thanks! And lots of big rigs!:eek:..I'm looking itno another company that's in the opposite direction. If it works out, I will get a commuter ........with the price of gas!:twitchy:

But that's an excuse ! I know, if there's a will, there's a way!:p

[Mr. Beanz]

Thanks Mr. Beanz. :D

And you're right ... I'm a year-round Canadian rider who rode in Manitoba for 13 years, and now Alberta for the past 3.

I'd love to live in a place with great weather all year, but it is still possible to ride all year in the snow and cold too. :)


No, thank you! You are the best! ...I'd have to say that I'd wuss in the snow....maybe!...Depends on the studded tires!:D

Nice site BTW. Haven't seen much since your Austaralian (?) trip photos back in the other forum!:D

[ScotteeD]

What is the 24 hour race in Iowa?

http://www.ultramidwest.net/

Ultra 24 is actually in Ill.

[Machka]

No, thank you! You are the best! ...I'd have to say that I'd wuss in the snow....maybe!...Depends on the studded tires!:D

Nice site BTW. Haven't seen much since your Austaralian (?) trip photos back in the other forum!:D

Well, I will say that the Century-A-Month challenge (see Long Distance forum) really helps to motivate me to get out there month after month after month.

And thanks again. Yes, I updated my site to a new format, and am working on updating more pages all the time. Since Australia, I've been all over Canada, the US, back to Europe, and back to Australia again. :) Travelling is one way to keep cycling all year too!

[Machka]

http://www.ultramidwest.net/UM/UM24/24Home.aspx

http://www.machka.net/24hour/2006_UMCA24hour.htm

[bdinger]

Solo rider is what I'm shooting for. I am a loner by nature.

I already have some sponsorship locked down. It helps wrenching for a bike shop. My gear and bikes will be covered. Just need to get a great support crew lined up.

I may be either doing the 24 hour race in Iowa or Furnace Creek as my qualifier next year.

If you REALLY want a challenge, I suggest the TransIowa. 300+ miles, all gravel, unsupported, in March. I'm planning on doing it in 2010, I think, if I survive the Dirty Kanza 200 next year.

I too am a little crazy with the goals :).

[coasting]

It's a lot harder to do lots of miles if you just ride on weekends for fun and don't commute. Well that's my excuse anyway. I'm trying to ride longer on each ride to make the miles. Since I did my first century in May I promised myself to do one a month so I guess the June effort must be due now.

[adrien]

My goal is to work hard enough to be able to retire early...and do consistent miles.

I'm ramping up -- 2250 last year, about 1600 the year before that. THis year am at 800 so far -- aiming for 2500 or 3000.

I have a full time job, fly all the time (36 flights so far in 2008), and have a 4 year old who loves her daddy. I also have a pesky need to sleep like every night.

I just don't have time for any more.

[ScotteeD]

I give up sleep to ride. Sure this will probably knock a few years off my lifespan, but hey we all have to sacrifice somewhere.

I also have 3 kids, a very supportive wife and work 50 hrs a week (Graveyard shift). I do all of my riding during the day when the family is out and about. I also wrench at a bicycle shop when I have extra time.

I did eliminate friends from my life so there would be no interference with my riding and family time. It's a good thing I like riding solo and enjoy my own company.:thumb:

[ScotteeD]

If you REALLY want a challenge, I suggest the TransIowa. 300+ miles, all gravel, unsupported, in March. I'm planning on doing it in 2010, I think, if I survive the Dirty Kanza 200 next year.

I too am a little crazy with the goals :).

I have always wanted to do that ride. However that is a ride where I think you would be better off riding with someone else or in a small group.

Would you like to ride that next year or 2010 with a companion? I'm game if you are.

[Mr. Beanz]

Yeah, I'm a weekend rider for fun unless I get a week off, then I'll ride during the week too. Last couple of years it's been weekends only, couple of exceptions. Last 3 years on nights, I'd get home at 2:30 am, then get up at 7 after 3 or 4 hours of sleep to do my weekend ride!:D

[Wogsterca]

I guess you've never heard of 'Machka'?...She a Canadian that deals with the same elements as you. And her father Cadillac. both Canadian Rando's. They log 7 grand a year too. She's a poster in these forums as well. Let me know, I'll ask her to drop in!:innocent:

Plus I could also throw in that I worked 7 days a week on graveyard shift in a steel company, & raised 4 kids. Not sure what's tougher, raising the kids or walking around all night in steel toe boots!:p But if there's a will there's a way. Pre cycling era when I used to pump iron, I'd stay up till the kids went to bed, then hit the garage at 10 pm to lift for an hour or two, then up at 6 am. I've got a million of them too!:D.....And I ride in 110 degree weather when others won't!

BTW, I'm 45 but I don't see what age has got to do with it!:o

Don't get me wrong, I realize we have an advantage but you could do more if you really wanted! I know some Canadians that have more than us Cali's! Not all Cali people do as many miles as I do, nor do they want to!:D

You missed my point, for those of us who stop riding for the winter, do we include that as a break from riding, or not?

I do need to apologize though, I really wasn't feeling well yesterday, my boss didn't believe me at 4AM when I wanted to go home, when I threw up later, he changed his mind. I was going to try and get in a nice ride today, but canceled that plan.

So why do I take the winter off, it's simple, I live in Toronto, as soon as they forecast snow, out go the salters, and salt water + bike frame do not make a good combination. So the bike takes the winter off, besides many parts of the country do not have the drivers we do, like the guy last winter who was driving his SUV at 75km/h in a 40km/h zone, in the middle of a mixed precipitation day (freezing rain, then ice pellets, then snow, then back to ice pellets with a nice layer of freezing rain on top. Did a nice job on his fender when he hit the glacier like snowbank, left me :roflmao2: It was one of those SUVs where the replacement fender would leave his insurance rising faster then the price of gas ($1.32 a litre right now:eek:, thats $5/US Gallon and a blistering $5.94 per Imperial gallon) yeah that big 8MPG SUV that was such a good deal a couple of years ago, yeah right :bang:

In most places like Manitoba, you just install a set of these: http://www.suomityres.fi/image/w240.jpg
and keep riding.... It's not the cold, it's the drivers and city process.....

[Mr. Beanz]

You missed my point, for those of us who stop riding for the winter, do we include that as a break from riding, or not?


It's up to you Man!:D I just started the thread for the sake of conversation. Post what you feel is fair, just for fun anyway! Not like I'm gonna take your bike away!:lol:

Next time I'll throw in the '6 month lay off' clause for Manitopians!:roflmao2:

[noteon]

I used to do around 4000/year, all weather. I've got a set of those Nokians.

When my twins were born, it threw a monkey wrench in there, but I still commuted. Six months of three-hour sleep, I'm still on the bike.

Then they started preschool and brought everybody's illnesses home, and I've never been as consistently nasty-wicked dog-sick in my life. I've always toughed through just a cold or flu, but I ended up on steroids, antibiotics, and narcotics all at the same time.

That went six months straight and I could barely walk and think, let alone commute by bike. I gained 10 pounds, 20 of which was fat.

That all said, I figure "this time" is probably this side of 500 miles. Now I'm starting to get my jawline and my calf notch back. Hopefully I can stay in the saddle this time. My commute's longer now, too, so there's an outside chance I could juuuuust make that 4000 by year's end.

[Mr. Beanz]

I hear ya on the kids Noteon! I guess that's one of the upsides of getting old. Our kids now 27,26,25 and 22. All on theirown and we get to see the 6 grandkids all the time. But when it's time to go, you got to go! Time to ride Baby!:D

Kids take a whole lotta time!;)

[Wogsterca]

It's up to you Man!:D I just started the thread for the sake of conversation. Post what you feel is fair, just for fun anyway! Not like I'm gonna take your bike away!:lol:

Next time I'll throw in the '6 month lay off' clause for Manitopians!:roflmao2:

Okay, 2006 = around 500km (300 miles no computer or log)
2007 2057km or 1278 miles would have been more except I threw my back out in April and then broke my Arm in October...
2008 488km or 303 miles SO FAR. so maybe 1900 miles total this time.

I'm about 64km/40 miles ahead of last year, and plan on doing more distance rides, so I expect to beat last year by a nice margin. Now I start the big switch, from riding in the late afternoon to mid-morning, when I get home from work. :D

[George]

When I started riding, I was 2 months short of 66 years old. I did 3340 miles last year and this year should be pretty close to the same. I started riding July first, so that's when I keep my log from, but I'll probably start another one from January 1st. I wish I started earlier, but better late than never.:D

[Mr. Beanz]

When I started riding, I was 2 months short of 66 years old. I did 3340 miles last year and this year should be pretty close to the same. I started riding July first, so that's when I keep my log from, but I'll probably start another one from January 1st. I wish I started earlier, but better late than never.:D

Wow! That's DERN GOOD Georgie Boy!:thumb:

[Ranger63]

7years of consecutive cycling and I'm above 6K (club miles) 11K overall.
That said: there's a slight caveat.
I'm in Buffalo NY.
two seasons..winter and the 4th of july.
I don't tally the indoor miles (even tho they're done on a set of rollers)

[Argus]

I've been doing about 1500 km /year for the last 3 years, trying to double the average this year. But I stop in late December, this year I gonna convert one on my bikes for winter duties and try like mad to commute by bike all year round. Might be certifiable in mid Feb when it's -40C.

[Wogsterca]

I've been doing about 1500 km /year for the last 3 years, trying to double the average this year. But I stop in late December, this year I gonna convert one on my bikes for winter duties and try like mad to commute by bike all year round. Might be certifiable in mid Feb when it's -40C.

Cold ain't the issue, you can dress for that, and when it's too cold to dress for it, figure the cagers can't even get their cars started, so it's not unreasonable to call in "Hi Boss, the bike wouldn't start this morning, see ya tomorrow::D" yeah, right those days you take the limo, yeah, the one that says OC Transpo on the side..... :notamused:

[Machka]

It's up to you Man!:D I just started the thread for the sake of conversation. Post what you feel is fair, just for fun anyway! Not like I'm gonna take your bike away!:lol:

Next time I'll throw in the '6 month lay off' clause for Manitopians!:roflmao2:

You don't have to do that for the "Manitopians" ... we keep riding through it all. And without studded tires too. :)

[Argus]

yeah, right those days you take the limo, yeah, the one that says OC Transpo on the side..... :notamused:

Here's the stupid part, it takes 2 buses and 50 min to take the bus. Where as it's 10 -15 min by bike or car. That's why I looking at going year round. I have done it before in Halifax it gets cold and miserable there come winter time.

[Mr. Beanz]

You don't have to do that for the "Manitopians" ... we keep riding through it all. And without studded tires too. :)


Studs don't need studs!:thumb::D.............The 0ne thing that would kill me is the cold in my ears. If it's 50'ish around here, I place tissue in my ears to keep the cold out but not enough to hinder the hearing. Went to play in the snow a couple of times, WOW! instant Slurpee headache!..I would need earplugs to ride in the snow!:twitchy:

Does that affect you snow riders/dwellers? Or do you simply get used to it or earmuffs?

[noteon]

The point of studs isn't necessarily that you NEED them. It's that they're WAY FUN. Start, stop, grip... for playing on ice, they're the greatest.

A flannel (or whatever material that stuff is) skullcap is all I need for ears and head.

[Jtgyk]

So far I've only been averaging 100 miles a month. The last couple I've gone over. Total on my comp that I put on mid Feb is 415 miles.

[RubenX]

I started riding in February this year. Started a miles-log on March 24th. Since then, I've log 1048 miles. I haven't taken more than 3 days off the bike.

[Wogsterca]

Studs don't need studs!:thumb::D.............The 0ne thing that would kill me is the cold in my ears. If it's 50'ish around here, I place tissue in my ears to keep the cold out but not enough to hinder the hearing. Went to play in the snow a couple of times, WOW! instant Slurpee headache!..I would need earplugs to ride in the snow!:twitchy:

Does that affect you snow riders/dwellers? Or do you simply get used to it or earmuffs?

It depends on how cold, above 6℃, I just deal with it, below about 6℃ I use an ear cover, that looks like a sweat band, but is thicker. Below 0℃ I usually use another method of getting around, too many drivers around here, that think 4WD means you can stop faster -- you can't and the tow guys spend most of their winter hauling SUVs out of the ditch, because drivers forget, it ain't the go that's important, it's the stop, and all cars currently on the road have 4 wheel stop. Now for walking, I have a couple of other tricks, toques, balaclavas, neck gaiter, I sometimes gain 10lbs in clothes during the winter.

Ear plugs probably wouldn't help, you need the outside of the ear covered as well. An older helmet, that you can block up the vents on, or a windproof helmet cover will also help.