Coolpick87

Hey! I'm going to take my new road bike out for ride tomorrow, I'm hoping for a solid 20miles. I've been lallygagging around town around 15miles the last couple of days, and I just installed some clipless, so I decided to go and hit some country roads. I know I can make it, but I'm just looking for some tips.

Thanks

sooprvylyn

You dont really need tips for a 20 mile ride.

Just remember to wiggle your toes every once in a while so they dont go numb.
Also a good idea to move your arms and head about after several miles so they dont cramp up, ya know keep the blood flowing to all parts of your body.

Dont wear any tight cotton garments against your skin or you will chaffe

Bring some water, it's nice to have if you get thirsty, but its only 20 miles.

magohn

"You dont really need tips for a 20 mile ride." - I respectfully disagree.

My first 20+ mile ride (25 mile) I almost collapsed. I did not take enough water, food or rests. I tipped the scales at 315lb (now 299) and that ride was by far the hardest thing I have "accomplished" in years. I arrived home and slept solidly until the next day I was under-trained and over-confident, a bad combination.

I would suggest taking a 10 minute break at miles 7, 14, 21. Have lots of fluids on hand and a few snacks. Make it easier on yourself and don't under-estimate.

BTW - My incident happened a month+ ago - with great advice from the forum I "easily" completed a 35 mile ride last week - trying a 40 miler tomorrow...

Good luck and report back!

bikelifetv

1. Water
2. Protein Bar, or Gel
3. Bike Shorts
4. Sports Glasses
5. Sunscreen
6. Chapstick
7. Camera

Shevonne
https://www.youtube.com/user/bikelivi.../1/Uk-rpnICxC4

Bone Head

The first thing that comes to mind is:
Practice clipping out!?? I know it has been said countless times but: Try to remember to clip out long before you come to a stop. Otherwise, you join the " Zero MPH Crash" club.

Other tips: Ride safe and have fun!

Enjoy!!

Coolpick87

First thing I did when I got them, almost fell over. Thanks for the advice everyone. I'm kinda pumped for tomorrow.

Kneez

If you are already doing 15 miles, I don't think 20 miles will be too much harder.

Tell us how it goes!

Area_Man

Hydrate 24 hours before your ride. Chugging a bottle of water on the way out the door isn't gonna do you much good.

I would also advise you to drink a beer every three miles. It's MUCH more entertaining that way.

cyclist2000

LSD, Long Slow Distance. don't push too hard, take it easy, it'll be no problem.

breadbin

be sure to let us know how you get on i can empathise with most, if you're not used to doing the mileage it comes as a bit of a shock so keep up the good work!!

Coolpick87

Well I'm going to have to delay, its pouring down rain this morning, and I have to go to a BBQ tomorrow. But, I have Tuesday afternoon off from work, so I'll do it then.

EDIT: the weather broke for alittle bit, so I decided to go for it, and I made it! barely, a storm rolled in on my way back(gotta love kansas weather) so I got a shower. Everything was good except for my stance, I really need to go in and get fitted on my bike, and get a shorter stem. Hopefully this is the start of something good.

youcoming

Have fun, take water, take food if you will be more than 1 1/2h. I recommend a grainola bar, I don't like heavy protein when I ride but that's just me.

cyclist2000

well it was a good ride for you. sometimes I like to ride in the rain just as long as there's no lightning.