Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - First ride 73 miles. New member

Hey guys/gals.

I am a bit of an adventurist and never like to do something half way which led me to this ride. I am getting a little sick of doing the same old exercise and have been thinking about bike riding. I travel up to West Ossipee NH from my hometown in Hampton NH quite a bit and thought that it would be a great adventure and feeling of accomplishment if I could ride it. It would be 73 miles all backroads with relatively little elevation change.

Now the background. I have never ridden a bike, ok I have ridden a bike many times but only recreationally and when I was younger and did not drive. I am former military and currently fairly fit running around 24 miles or so per week. I am 26 years old. As far as the aerobic level to hack it I think I could do it but of course there are the variables of using muscles I never use. I would be trying to set no records and probably leave at sunup and ride at a 10-15MPH pace for the 6 or 7 hours it would take while taking breaks if needed.

I do not own a bike and would start with something simple by going to my local bikeshop or shopping around on craigslist to find a nice used bike in need of a good home. A mountain bike would be most versatile for me and get the most use but a road bike would probably be best suited for this ride and future fitness rides. I do not want to spend more than $300-$500 on a bike because I am just beginning but I am hoping to find a decent setup for that money on a used bike.

Now..can this be done as a leisurely ride with little workups or should I buy a bike and start training and working up to the distance? Any tips tricks or hints on what I should do to make this happen or on the type of bike that you would reccomend?

I thought about even putting this off until next year for the reason that I may be able to turn this into a good cause and raise money per mile through pledges on my ride to the lakes region trying to earn money for a charitable orgainization. Putting it off till next spring would give me time to train and raise the funds if need be.

What do you think?

-is this even in the right forum? Is 73 miles even a long ride or just a warmup to you salty veterans of the road?

It sounds like you're in great shape. 73 flat miles is not that hard physically for you.

I think your biggest adjustment will be your butt, shoulders and neck - from holding the riding position for about 5 hours (riding time). Secondarily, you'll need to learn to fuel and hydrate well enough for this mileage, but you may already be pretty familiar with that from your running.

If you think a mountain bike is more versatile for you, you can always just get some thinner, slick tires for it. The weight penalty with a MTB is not that big a deal on flats, however, knobby tires will sap your energy significantly. Oh, also make sure you lock out the shocks when you ride on the road.

I think you'll be ready in 3 or 4 weeks of gradually increased riding distances.

Thank you for that information. I think a few weeks training to at least condition my shoulders and back to leaning over the bars for hours on end would be a certain necessity. Havent gotten a chance to go bike shopping yet since I am on the road more than I am home with my job but will start poking around when I get home.

I am also a former Marine who has recently taken up cycling. More just commuting right now but I will be racing and touring in the future. I bought a used road bike off craigslist for $50 (great deal) and basically stripped it completely except the wheels. I rebuilt it as a single speed and did a 60 miler after just a couple weeks of commuting. It really isn't that hard, and I only have one gear. Just do it.

It sounds like you're in great shape. 73 flat miles is not that hard physically for you.

I think your biggest adjustment will be your butt, shoulders and neck - from holding the riding position for about 5 hours (riding time). Secondarily, you'll need to learn to fuel and hydrate well enough for this mileage, but you may already be pretty familiar with that from your running.

If you think a mountain bike is more versatile for you, you can always just get some thinner, slick tires for it. The weight penalty with a MTB is not that big a deal on flats, however, knobby tires will sap your energy significantly. Oh, also make sure you lock out the shocks when you ride on the road.

I think you'll be ready in 3 or 4 weeks of gradually increased riding distances.


So true. Great response. A hardtail with front fork lockout would be best with slicks. Your running discipline should have you tuned in to hydration and fuel. Just make sure you have the requisite amount of time between fueling and actually working out on the bicycle...

Unless you plan on real off-road riding I don't see how an MTB will be more versatile than a cyclocross or touring bike (which can handle light offroad even).

Thanks again guys/gals. The only reason I was thinking mountain bike is because I live in extremely close proximity to decomissioned train tracks that track from my home on the seacoast for many miles in either direction and may be a good place for some riding. But then again I also live in close proximity to roads which also provide miles of riding.

I suppose its off to craigs list to try to find a bike.