HutchPhoto

I live near Austin Texas and just started riding bikes in july and just made my first 18 mile ride last night and averaged 13.3 MPH on my Talus 29 mountian bike by Raleigh.
I started riding 2.5 miles a day july 11th and progressed too the 18 mile's last night,

I'm getting ready too ride 30 miles this sunday from Christoval to San Angelo Tx with my Nephew Cody on his route.

How should I prepair for this big ride in diet and riding days before???


Thanks in-advance...

Hutch

goldfinch

Hey Hutch! I recently went from a longest ride of 25 miles to one of 37 miles a couple of weeks ago. I did not modify what I ate before hand at all. I didn't ride a long ways the day before but may have done a short ride. For sure I did a brisk walk of two or three miles if I did not ride simply because that is what I do when I don't ride.. I think you will be fine as long as you don't do a super long ride the day before. Bring plenty of water unless there are places to get water along your route. I drank three bottles and it wasn't especially hot, it was nice out. I also brought some nuts and an apple which I snacked on a couple of times during the ride.

Good progress! It took me months to build up to a 30 plus mile ride. But if you can do 18 I think odds are you can do 30. Unless it is too bloody hot!

Oh, I was cycling in the boonies so I made sure that I had my tool kit in case I got a flat.

HutchPhoto

Thanks goldfinch!
I have made 120 miles this month but had 5 days away from riding " WORK" but I was shooting for 200 miles this month but I will get there in september..

I'll bring plenty of hydration and snacks for the trip! I can't wait it will be a blast!! It should be around 70deg when we start and 85ish when we finish..

I know this is a mountian bike, But I hope too have a roady next year!!! I have too lose 30 more lbs before I get it though.

. I've gone from 267 to 233 since july 11th 2011.

Hutch

Rona

Hey!
I suggest at least a banana or power drink. I recently "bonked" and didn't feel to great until I got some potassium in me. Once I had that, I was fine again.

catonec 

since your riding a mountian bike over longer distances I would suggest replacing the knobbies w/ some slicks if you havent already. less rolling resistance, quieter, smoother ride, maybe even a higher pressure threshold depending on the width....

chefisaac

Bring drink... more then what you think you need. For me, I carry 3 or 4 waterbottles usually 2 of gateraid and 2 of water. I overdo the liquid but I drink a lot. Snacks are a great thing... something salt like peanuts or something like this.

The day before, I drink tons of water and usually take the day off from riding. I also usually eat a little pasta the day before for dinner and might have a small amount of left overs in the morning.

Biggest things... make sure your bike is functioning properly and there is air in the tires! Also make sure not to push it right out of the gate. Pace yourself!

Good luck! I got my first 37 miles two weeks ago. It was an awesome awesome feeling!

oh... and also.... if you need to take a break... just do it.

Altair 4

You are getting some good advice here, re hydration and tool kit (I have a spare tube and patch kit with me at all times).

I'll throw out this to you, based on my experience this summer - 30 miles isn't like two 15s. I did a 54 mile ride this summer for the first time and I hit the wall at around 40, despite having a good lunch break and plenty of hydration breaks along the way. It was unexpected and I wished I had had time to prep with longer rides before hand. I was knocking off 25 mile rides with no problem during my prep time.

So watch your pace, watch your drinking and calorie intake (drink before you are thirsty and eat before you are hungry), and enjoy the ride. You'll do fine!

HutchPhoto

Thanks for the input it really helps!!!
I bought this bike new in july and it has 29's on this 2011 Talus 29 by Raleigh, I carry plenty of water and gateraid i'll carry 2 water and 2 gateraid as sugested by "chefisaac" or we will have someone meet us half way with more fluids.... and snacks like honey stinger products.

Take the day off before the big ride....

Tires have 65psi in them small nobs on the tires but may buy slicks today!!!
I have safty lights good one's.front and back..
Heart rate monitor with the GPS by garmin.
Good nutrition......Day before and during ride
gloves helmet, bike shorts & shirt.
spare tube's, patch's and tools with Co2 air.
hydraulic disk brakes.
hi-vis safty vest.
SPD peddles and shoes.
Cellphone..
A good Attitude.
Motivation!!!!
Great Riding partner..


If you are in the area come ride with us!!!!

Hutch

chefisaac

take a camera amd take pics!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HutchPhoto

WOW
Thanks for all the great Advise Amigos... & Amiga...

I will take photos and some video from the GoPro and I know Cody has a GoPro also so we should have some awesome pix...

I got 2 SERFAS 29x 2.0 Drifter MTB for hard packed dirt & pavement.. I road on them tonight just 6 miles & they feel WAY BETTER than the off road tires!! That was a GREAT HEADS UP!!!= catonec!! I was thinking of doing this weeks ago but i just got used too the knobbies.. NOT ANY MORE.. LOL

Thanks Everyone..

Hutch

HutchPhoto

Ok Ok.. We road 33 miles and what an awesome ride it was we made 2 rest stops but not long.. We had a road crew meet us at the half way point too refresh us with drink and snacks.. Awesome..
<iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='https://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/110191283'></iframe>
I hope this link works.. NOPE I don't know how too allow viewing on this forum???HELP.
I'll upload more photos later today. Thanks for looking.

On July the 11th 2011 I started riding bikes and could only ride 3 mile's a day and yesterday I road 33 miles.. Man this has been fun!!!


Count:14 Activities
Distance:172.17 mi
Time:14:13:00 h:m:s
Elevation Gain:2,434 ft
Avg Speed:12.1 mph
Avg HR:156 bpm
Avg Run Cadence:--
Avg Bike Cadence:58 rpm
Calories:9,828 C

Altair 4

Outstanding! Nicely done.

goldfinch

Congratulations on the ride! Cool picture, too.

jr59

Good Job!!!

Next thing you know you will be riding centurys. Maybe the Hotter than Hell in Wichita Falls?

HutchPhoto

Thanks Altair 4, & goldfinch

jr- I dont think I want too try a century untill I get a road bike, This damn MTN bike is way heavy and SLOW...LOL but that is my goal some day down the road? I hope!!!!