Touring - Distance

How far do you go on an average day of self-supported touring?

For me, there's a fairly big range. Days of 130 kilometres are usually not a problem, but if I've got a lot of tough climbing, then 90 kilometres is plenty.

Here in the states my distances are longer since towns are more spread out. I like to stick around 50-60 miles/day, though with rest days and such the average is more like 30-40/day.

Touring in France I often had pretty short days, but it ranged from 40-80 km/day. 40km just seems so far to me when i pass through 10 villages to do that distance.

Depends on company, hours of sunlight, terrain, and wind in that order. Between 40 miles and 160 miles 95% of the time.

We usually plan for about 60 kms, which may extend to 80-ish kms on some days. We found that it works the best for us as we like to stop and look around, take pictures, have lunch etc. Any longer becomes a race to get to your destination before sundown, and takes away all the fun.

Two weeks fully loaded in France last year I averaged about 75km. Max. was about 100km I think.

It's got a lot to do with age, fitness level and touring philosophy. For me touring is a holiday/vacation so I take it easy. I'm a not particularly fit 61 year old.

On the few tours that I have done so far, I tend to stick with anywhere from 50-80 miles/day. With rest days and short sight-seeing days, I average about 60 miles per day.
It all depends on your personal strength/endurance though. When I first started riding, I did a few 50 mile days and felt like death afterwards. Now I can do a leisurely 50 mile day and not feel it the next morning at all.

60 miles a day would be a good goal to shoot for though. If you can maintain 8-10mph which most can, you only have 6-7 hours in the saddle.

I get there when I get there.Could be 10 miles,could be 100 miles.I plan trips by using 10 miles an hour as a rule of thumb.

Depends on the conditions... On the TA we averaged 60 miles per day, on the Santa Fe trail I averaged 80 miles per day, and in the Sierras we averaged 50 miles per day.

I have done anywhere from 0 km to 160 km (100 miles).

On the days I ride on a tour, generally I prefer a maximum of about 80 km.

Probably 80 is about an average, though we've spent some weeks averaging 100 a day. Longest days have been 150, through flat areas with a tailwing, on a recumbent :). Longest day on an upright is around 120 I think.

Probably 80 is about an average, though we've spent some weeks averaging 100 a day. Longest days have been 150, through flat areas with a tailwing, on a recumbent :). Longest day on an upright is around 120 I think.
Miles or kilometres?

Miles or kilometres?

miles, sorry.

How far do you go on an average day of self-supported touring?


I've done a range. My first trip across USA averaged 95 miles/day including my rest days. My first trip across Canada was 85 miles/day including rest days. Second trip across USA was 75 miles/day including rest days. Spent 234 days cycling 12111 miles around Australia so 52 miles/day including rest days (including two trips out of the country). Spent 176 days crossing Russia for 7921 miles or 45 miles per day (though if I subtract out the three week layover in St Petersburg it becomes 51 miles/day including my rest days).

Within that range, I often think of 100km as a nice round number to at least exceed most days, though I've been mellowing over time and not pushing way over 100km most days. At that tempo I can usually continue for long periods of time and as necessary have an occasional day that pushes a lot more.

Arlington Hts, IL to Boston avg 145k per day. Flat straight roads (except in western Mass) with neutral to friendly winds and not much to gawk at most days help push the pace.

A trip down the West Coast or goofing off in the UK would put me at ~100k.

The amount of available daylight plays a factor in how far I'll go. I don't really enjoy being on the highways after dark, although I have done that on a few occasions. Also, on overcast, rainy days, I prefer to stop a little earlier in the afternoon because when the sunlight starts to fade, I'll be harder to see.

I am a lazy rider...a long day is going to be 65 miles, average is 45 or so. And I will take a goof off day in a heartbeat. My tours usually have a definite start point, probably a route and seldom have an end point. :D

Aaron :)

On my half-bike I usually go about 100-140 km. On my tandem we tend to average 150-200 km. (the stoker is a beast). The most limiting issue is finding a quality place to stop towards the end of the day. I'll happily ride longer for a hot shower.

On my tours, which are usually from point A to point B, I like to do 115km minimum. If I have a good tail wind and I feel good, I'll do 150km. (on non-mountenours terrain).
I'm thinking of doing some weekend tours out of my Toronto where I live now. I won't care how much I do- maybe 50 or 80km one way max. It will be more about the trip and the camping. Before it was more about the traveling.