lootcorp

So I have read, and been referred to, several training guides for brevets and centuries. They all seem to indicate that one:

1) shouldn't try and increase distance too quickly, most recommending something like 10% increase per week

2) undertake shorter rides most days during the week, aim for longer rides 1-2 days a week, and eventually work up to at least 75% of your targeted event's distance

My question - as a newcomer, I don't have a "base mileage" I've been riding regularly that I can use to base my training distances off of. I have a 14 mile loop I've done with relative ease. I took a 20 mile trip and felt great afterwards - I only went home due to time constraints.

So - what do I use as my "add 10% to this every week" mileage? Just ride as much as I can for awhile and take my average weekly mileage? Head out riding until I can't go comfortably anymore? Knowing i can do 20 miles, do I try 40? 60?

Opinions and advice are, as always, welcome and appreciated!

Carbonfiberboy 

When I was starting out, I'd ride out until I thought I was exhausted, then ride back.

10 Wheels

Just ride. If you are a young person it won't kill you.

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ide-Ends-in-LA

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...mileage-thread.

Barrettscv 

During my first year of training, I rode a 36 mile loop, 3 times a week.

I now ride a one 36 to 44 mile loop once a week, a 55 mile loop once a week and then ride two 100 mile or 200k rides per month.

Bacciagalupe

Most training guides are based on the premise that you haven't done a lot of extensive riding before.

A schedule that starts with a "long ride" of 20-25 miles should be well within your reach.

kk27

I agree with Bacciagalupe, before I was introduced to Brevets, I was into cycling for almost 3 yrs & 100kms was not a big deal. Max I had done was a 150km before my first 200km brevet. I didn't have to do any specific training as such just kept my regular riding.

But after getting a knee injury from a recent brevet, I stopped for atleast 2weeks, then slowly I've been increasing my distance by 20k each time I head out or on the trainer. when I ride out side I simply do Out & Back rides so that return is always the only & the fastest way home.

Machka 

If you can do 20 miles all right, do your 14 mile loop 4 days this week, and then ride 25 on the weekend (Week 1)
Next week, do your 14 mile loop 4 days, and then try a 30 mile ride on the weekend (Week 2)
Next week, do your 14 mile loop 4 days, and then try a 35 mile ride on the weekend (Week 3)

Now assess how you feel. Was the 35 mile ride a bit of a stretch for you? If so, then you might want to take the 4th week a little easier ... keep your 14 mile loops, but go back to 25 miles on the weekend. If you felt pretty good with 35 miles, do it again on the 4th week.

Then on the 5th week try changing it up a bit by doing your 14 mile loop 3 days a week, and a 16 or 17 mile loop on the 4th day, then a 30 mile ride (if you returned to 25 miles in Week 4), or 40 miles (if you did a 35 mile ride in Week 4).

Week 6 might be your 14 mile loop 3 days a week and a 16 or 17 mile loop on the 4th day, then either 35 miles or 45 miles depending where you were in Week 4.

And keep building up that way. On the 8th week, assess how you feel again. If you're really tired out, you might have to take a step back, and that's OK. If you're feeling good, do a repeat of Week 7 and then keep building up. For Weeks 9-11 you might want to increase your week-day distance to 16 or 17 miles 4 days a week. Week 12 might be another assessment (and possible rest) week. In Weeks 13-15 you might try doing 16 or 17 miles 2 days during the week, and 20 miles 2 days during the week.

Before you know it, you'll be riding a century!

Remember that rest is important ... only ride 5-6 days a week, and about every 3-4 weeks assess the situation and see if you need to take a step back to rest or if you're feeling good to keep going.


** These distances can vary ... they are examples only **

lootcorp

Thanks for the detailed responses, guys! Looks like sound advice, and I'll start off as Machka recommends. I'll let you know how it goes!