Introductions - Need a biking goal

Hi,

I'm relatively new to biking and I'd like to become a more serious biker for my health and for recreation.

Currently I can bike about 20 miles of moderate terrain comfortably and about 40 if I'm feeling very inspired.

I want to set a goal for the end of the summer that will help keep me motivated to work out and prepare. It's pretty far off so it needs to be sufficiently difficult ... some sort of race for me to compete in.

Does anyone know of a good race in mid to late summer thats in the mid-Atlantic, D.C.-metro area for me to set my sights on? Alternatively, any suggestions for becoming a more serious biker?

Thanks!
Charlie

Welcome Charlie. How about setting a goal to ride a century a month from say July or August until the century season ends (October?). Or maybe two centuries a month.
If you don't know what a century is it a 100 mile bike ride, usually an organized ride with the "entry fee" funds going to some sort of charity.

Welcome Charlie.

Your goal is to complete a 100 mile bike ride.

You need to complete the century in 5 hours or less.;)

You need to complete the century in 5 hours or less.;)
Geez Ken, is that all? I think 6 or 7 hours for a century is a lot more realistic. Charlie remember to stay off highly traveled roads and I think you might have to drive a bit to get off the main highways. Get with an organized group for better support and encouragement as well as safety. Most importantly have fun!

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys! A century sounds sufficiently intimidating to be a good goal so I'll go with that. I have no real idea how fast I could complete it so once I get out and do some shorter rides I'll set a realistic goal.

Now for the hard part ...

8 to 10 hours on the first century is more realistic.
No need to be fast.

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys! A century sounds sufficiently intimidating to be a good goal so I'll go with that. I have no real idea how fast I could complete it so once I get out and do some shorter rides I'll set a realistic goal.

Now for the hard part ...

And now for some free advice:
1) Increase your mileage gradually (10-15% a week), 'til you can do 100 mi at a shot comfortably.
2) On your long rides, eat and drink lots (2-300 calories an hour is the generally recommended "fueling" rate). Energy bars and drinks are convienient, but can be pricy. Bananas, PBJ, etc work well too. Experiment.
3) Don't pound yourself into the ground - this is supposed to be fun. If it isn't, you probably won't stick with it for long.
Good luck, and keep us updated on your progress.

SP
Bend, OR