americanrecluse

Hot damn, you're awesome! I haven't done 20 yet, but you've inspired me. Earlier this year a 4 mile ride would be promptly followed by a 3 hour nap, and the day would be basically wasted. Today I rode 8 and am barely tired. So I think it's time to do my 20-miler. Thanks for the accidental nudge, Staypuft!

jeff556

Well done! A 30mph wind makes the achievement that much more impressive.

Staypuft1652

Thank-you all, your support means alot to me. Going to take road bike out a little later, since weathers nicer.

travbikeman

Congrats! I remember doing my first 20 mile ride last year. It really felt great! It keeps feeling better with every new accomplishment that you go through. I recently redid that 20 mile ride that I did last year and found it was much easier this year.

Some people, including myself write a journal of their rides. I do this after each ride on a spreadsheet that I created. I input my miles and put in comments on how I did. This way I can look back at it later and compare to how much I've changed. Might be an interesting idea for you as well so you can continue to compare how well you do.

Staypuft1652

Thanks @travbikeman , thats a good idea. Have been using strava simply to log the miles but it doesent always work great. It would be nice to keep a log to compare progress. Now I again have a use for my computer!

Staypuft1652

Used the look delta clone pedals today, I got spoiled to double sided spd lol.

Milton Keynes

I did my 20 today. Rode the back roads to the next town over, down to the river bridge, and then back home.

Staypuft1652

Nice to hear @Milton Keynes ! I settled for 20.6. Went by missouri river, next outing will be at a less busy time of day.

PatrickR400

It sure isn't nothing! First you have to have the will to ride, then the will to go through some pain, then the will to push yourself forever further. Sure, you are getting fit but you are building up your will power and that helps with everything in life.

Good on you.

Staypuft1652

@PatrickR400 Thankyou! I have noticed, my brain is the more limiting factor. It doesen't seem to be as difficult physically, especially if I try to pace myself and bring enough water, but its harder to mentally go out of my comfort zone. That seems to be the gap for me to bridge, Thankyou for helping me realise that.

PatrickR400

@Staypuft1652 We are all the same, we have to fight with ourselves. One of my tricks is to do a loop that cannot be shortened. Once I commit, I'm all in and there is no backing down.

If you are on Strava, look me up (https://www.strava.com/athletes/10251802). If you are not, what are you waiting for?

GerryinHouston

Well done! Achieving a milestone is great!

Willbird

I agree on strava, I did not join right away but when I did I went back and entered in everything, it is not "perfect" but it is nice to be able to go back and look at past history :-)

deapee

20 miles is no joke.

obed7

my first ride after about a 50 year layoff was a total of 7 miles...3-1/2 out and back...with a 20 minute rest in the middle...and I was exhausted when i got home...my first 20 mile ride sure made me feel good...and I was only averaging 9 to 10 mph...then the speed starting picking up and then the distance...none of which would have been possible without that first 7 mile ride, then the first 20... enjoy every accomplishment along the way to what ever it is you want to do.

Staypuft1652

Added you @PatrickR400 , thanks.

WonderMonkey

20 is awesome! I started at zero so wherever you are is great!

PatrickR400

@Staypuft1652 I added you too. Thanks!

Milton Keynes

One of my routes is riding north from town on a paved country road. To the highway and back is around 13 1/2 miles. Friday evening I rode up to the highway, and then a mile north. Got some good pictures of rural country scenes. My next goal is to head up to the tiny town on that road (not really a town any more, just a group of houses where the RR tracks cross the road) which is 11 miles from home. That will make a nice 22 mile trip, but my further goal is to follow that road all the way to the end and then head east to another small town, which will be 14 miles one way, for a nice 28 mile round trip. So I guess from doing 20 mile long rides, my next goal is 30.

Sunday my 20 mile ride was wearing me down, partially because of the 17 I did on Friday night and another 13 1/2 I did Saturday evening, and the wind out of the SE I faced on my way back home. I could still feel it in my legs today. No riding tonight though, since there's a threat of bad weather. But I did surpass my goal of 100 miles for the month. I may have to up that goal. The only thing I'm limited by is family time.

Staypuft1652

That is a great achievement @Milton Keynes ! I am facing a similar issue. My legs are protesting. I did 13 today, I am new to this town, but my wife said my destination only had 2 hills. I lost count after a while, but I am hopeful if I am a little nicer to my legs for a day or two maybe they will strengthen. Let me know how goes it for you.

Heathpack 

@Staypuft1652, that is awesome, keep at it. Now I don't think twice about riding 100 miles and I even race my bike some. But I still remember when 9 miles on a bike was a huge deal to me and I told my husband I would be happy if I could just ride 10 mph. It really is all very do-able if you start with something achievable & constantly push yourself from there.

Staypuft1652

Thanks @Heathpack ! I was just a little bit ago reading some of your advice over in the training & nutrition subforum, helpful stuff.

Staypuft1652

And yeah, that was my long term plan, is to take it somewhat slowly, and increase by 5 or so miles, maybe 10 each new goal. Probably need to start thinking about getting actual cycling clothing some time also. Got shoes and pedals at least lol. Too many pedals actually.

Willbird

I sort of settled on a new idea for this season, ride 9 days be it live in road or on resistance rollers with a fork stand. Then one day off the bike, then bump miles 10% for the next go around. There might be a few rides here and there that come up more miles than the 10% bump but on average I'm going to try that. Last year I struggled some and it may have been due to ramping up too fast.

breadbin

Well done on getting out in the first place!! 20 miles is nothing to be sneezed at too. Keep it up!! Make sure it's not a once off! I have a habit of doing too much and then nothing. Better to keep it up regularly!