This is a kinda general question, and perhaps isn't specific enough. But here goes.

I've been into cycling now for about 9 months. I started on a hybrid cheapo bike, and swapped that out a few months ago for a carbon Look 566 from my LBS. Couldn't be happier with the bike.

Currently I mainly use it for commuting, but not all the time. I usually do 2x cycles a week to work, whcih is a 25 mile round trip. Its at the point where its easy for me and not too much effort (unless I'm really tired from work or have been slacking). I try and get a cycle in at the weekends but with a busy home life and lots of excuses it doesn't happen as often as I like. My wife is also training for a marathon so time is precious with two kids!

Anyhoo, my real question is a transition one. Any advice on how to start moving up to longer rides? I'm volunteered to do a part-tri (Malibu) later in the year, so that will be olympic distance (cycling only) which is OK for me.

I don't see myself getting into actual racing or anything like that. I've got a buddy that I need to pair up with and do some longer weekend rides, but he is training my wife for the marathon at the moment so is otherwise engaged.

Any other tips on people who've moved up from a commuter to something a little more serious?

Thanks

Robert