i need help

ok, now there are personal reasons behind this ride that i would rather not go into. but heres the thing. i have been riding bikes just like everyone else for my whole life pretty much, NEVER anything serious tho like max 20 miles in a day. but i have a drive for this trip that makes me feel like there is nothing that could stop me. well here it is. i want to ride from san fransisco to chico california. google maps for biking says it should take 14 hours and is a 180 mile ride..... i do not have that much time to train seeing as how this ride will be taking place within 3 weeks. i need advice, tips, tell, me im crazy if you have to. i am 6'4, 220 pounds and ride my bike everyday to work, i have a GT 4 mountain bike, i knw not the best for this trip. anything is appreciated please respond thank you all

ckaspar

Can you rent a car?

i need help

not 25 years old yet. and even if i could i need to do it this way

chefisaac

go for it. There is an awesome book about an author who did a trans American trip. He never biked before, was heavy and smoked. He made it.

You can too!

This is a great question for the touring section. But to be frank, you can do it. Pace yourself and have fun!

chefisaac

I would also look at the Adventure Cyclist website. They have cycling specific maps for all over the USA.

i need help

thank you so much man, your encouragement was really appreciated.

jbiddenback

What was the name of the book and/or author?

10 Wheels

Go out tomorrow and see how long you can maintain 13 mph.

Commodus

You can do it. Check these guys out: https://sfrandonneurs.org/

They do this kind of thing every weekend and hardly even break a sweat. Okay just kidding about the sweat part, but the point is it's not weird or crazy or impossible.

chefisaac

Over the Hills by David Lamb

Link: https://www.amazon.com/Over-Hills-Mid...+by+david+lamb

You got this bro. Just think it out before going. Preparation is key!

Commodus

Oh and another thing: I'm riding my bike 800+ kms round trip two weekends from now. I'm going to visit some friends half a province or so away. I'm not special or super strong or anything, you just keep going at a steady pace and you get there. Ignore the naysayers.

Lycc825

There's a yearly event here in Western Washington from Seattle to Portland. It's just over 200 miles. It's a two-day event, but many riders complete it in one day. Some people just go w/o training with their city bikes.
For you, riding it should not be a problem given that you have tools and backup in case the unexpected happens. Google Maps may not always be the best tool to find routes; make sure each road you ride fit for a cyclist to ride through.

tjspiel

Does it have to be done all in the same day? Can you swap the tires?

I've found that google maps for biking tries to find put you on bike paths and may make you go farther out of your way than really necessary.

Realistically you've got 2 or 2 1/2 weeks to train. You should basically rest and recover the last several days before a trip like this.

ckaspar

I thought you said "Chino" and that is way down south by me. I guess I glazed over the 180 miles part. A drive from San Fran to Chino would be like 16 hours so and must be why I suggested a car. I suppose it is doable just make sure you are comfy and don't take any part too hard. I would factor in time to rest and eat somewhere so expect more than 14 hours.

i need help

thank you all for all the support so far. really encouraging. all i will be taking with me on this trip is what can fit in my back pack besides 2 of my ipods (so that when one dies i have another.) my cell phone and charger just incase, my wallet, and 4 water bottles. i also might get a hydrationpack from my work (big 5) but other than that, goo, and other things will be packed. i dont think people are remembering tho i am on a MOUNTAIN bike. its not top of the line it was $650 and less than a month old.

10 Wheels

Do you have Lights?

jbiddenback

Replacing the knobby tires with slicks will make a substantial difference on its own. All those bumps get a good grab against uneven surfaces, but not so much on good smooth pavement. It costs you more energy to get 'em rolling, and you lose more speed coasting which will hurt your ability to take rest breaks without stopping.

i need help

@10 wheels yes i have lights ill be leaving around 3am or 4am

chefisaac

I am stoked for your trip bro. If I was around there I would go with you for sure.

i need help

thanks man, im just worried about the route. i need the solid shortest route i can take,thats the part im most worried about. if i know i have the best route possible that is 100% solid. i can put my head down and just go. im also going to start doing little 50 mile rides to train. 25 miles out and then back.

Commodus

Doesn't matter that you're on a mountain bike. You'll just go a bit slower, that's all.

tjspiel

It helps me psychologically to break seemingly big things into smaller ones. So don't think about the 180 miles. Think about 20 at a time if that seems more manageable. 30 would be even better because after the first 30 miles you're already 1/6 of the way there. That's not so bad.

Remembering myself at an age under 25 I would caution that if there is a woman behind your drive to do this, be careful that it won't be a wasted effort.

groovestew

180 miles is a long way. I've done a few rides this year that long, and they each took me less than 14 hours. These were done on a road bike with slick tires, and I was pretty beat by the end. Given the short time you have for training, I would suggest finding time to do a 60 mile ride this weekend, and see how you feel by the end. If you can do 60 miles this weekend, do at least that many (more if you have time) the next weekend.

I also recommend having a bailout plan for the actual ride.

i need help

some people on this forum are pretty smart not going to lie. but i still need help with the maps

groovestew

+1. Long rides are largely mental - finishing is a much about determination as physical endurance. I tend to get myself in trouble sometimes though...on a 300 km ride, I'll ride 3 km and think, "woohoo! 1% done! I can do 100 of these, no problem!" By the time I hit 150 km, I start thinking, "I'm only 50% done?!?!"