This Clyde's Longest Ride to Date.
 

I know that this pales in comparison to some of the Clyde Feats that have been posted this weekend, but until yesterday, my longest ride had been 25 miles. Yesterday, I participated in my first organized ride and rode the entire length of the Tunnel Hill State Trail in Southern Illinois. Yesterday, I put 50.20 miles in the books in 4 hours. Not a land speed record, but not bad for the crushed limestone surface and 26 miles of 2-3% grade (up).

This trail includes several Trestles up to 90 ft high and a Tunnel that is nearly 600 feet long and pitch black.

As far as the ride and my condition, I was surprised how well I did. It was easier, (not EASY) than I thought it would be. Last night my joints tightened up and I could not get comfortable all evening, but after a big Steak Dinner I fell asleep and when I got up this morning I was surprised how good I felt.

Thank you for letting me share.

Jay

Awesome! I did a 26 miles a few months ago and was seeing spots for ten minutes after getting off the bike. I did 24 yesterday in half the time and felt awesome. Thanks for the inspiration, hopefully I can match your ride soon!

Hi Jay,

Congrats on your ride. Turning the crank is all that matters. One turn at a time. Pretty soon the 5 - 10s turn into 25 - 30 miles. And then, you starting thinking about a metric 100. (and you are just around the corner from that!) Just have fun and enjoy riding. Your ride sounds like a great one. An adventure.

I had one like that a few weeks ago. The leader told us there would several cattle guards to cross, gravel roads to ride, several hills to climb and many dogs to outrun. It ended up being a fun ride that I will remember for a while anyway.

Later

Stevo

How's it feel to double your previous best......pretty good, eh?

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There was a time when my longest ride was around the block. Then it was to the grocer. Then downtown. You're doing very well. How many other people do you know personally that have done 50 miles in a week, much less a single ride?

Congratulations!

you sir have inspired me... i keep wanting to push more miles but i dont... right now my best is 36 (not best more like my normal route) but now im planning a 50 mile for this week

Thanks Guys and Thank You Tom for the Honor:)

I did this ride on a Mountian Bike. I overinflated the tires and locked out the fork.

24 hours after, I was ok to ride agian (not that ride, but to ride). That was the best part of this. I was concerned about recovery time, but no big deal.

Jay

Congrats on your 50!! For what it's worth, since I started biking regularly this past spring I struggled to do 13 miles. I have been trying to get out 2-3 times a week since then and can now bang out 35 miles with ease. I was 250 when I started and am now down to 230. The more you ride the easier it gets and your arse doesn't hurt as much as it does at the beginning. I also keep meeting older bikers(60+) that keep telling me bike riding extends your life. I guess it keeps the blood flowing through the main arteries in your legs which usually have problems as you get older and you can't get around as easily. I adopted a new motto "Wear out , don't rust out!" Ride on!!

jboyd,

Great job. 50 miles is a very good milestone. It seems like you recovered quickly which is a good sign of your fitness / fueling and refueling strategy. It is hard to keep from tightening up after the ride. During the summer I would do my long rides Sat. morning when I retuned my wife would have the kids ready to go swimming. We would take them down to the beach and spend the day waist deep in cool water. I did not realize how much this helped my recovery until now as the boat is out of the water and fall is setting in.

chevy57