Originally Posted by
WonderMonkey
I am considering adding a long ride to the start of my commute once a week, as long as the weather holds. Right now to get started I'm talking about doing 40-50 miles to begin the day. I would have to get up extra early, obviously. I can probably only sustain commuting three days a week and if on my middle day I do a longer ride that would add some miles for sure. I wonder if I could accomplish that consistently. Anybody ever do something like that?
I have a direct one-way 14 mile commute in the morning (commuter train home with bike at night). During the nice weather, I try to follow a training program with daily, increasing mileage quotas. By about week three, the weekday mileage exceeds 14 miles, eventually up to most days 25 miles, occasionally up to 30. Fortunately, my routes can be extended into the best bicycling regions in Metro Boston.
On Saturdays scheduled for the long ride, 40 to 70 miles, I usually go into work for few hours at my convenience, so my commute is further extended. Having a mileage schedule, and keeping track, is very motivating to get me out on the Road during the nice weather, besides commuting, far more in my busy life than I would go for recreation.
Besides the schedule, good routes, and nice weather, I have a great road bike, and I am a super-early riser.