Russik

I'm planning to cycle 168 miles in a day.. or in 15 hours. I keep fit regulary and have a road bike.. will be my first time. From County Durham to Hamilton West.. Near Glasgow.
Has anyone cycled 160+ miles before ina day??

redtires

Yes, and as long as you keep well hydrated and top up on fuel, you should be fine for a 15 hour timeframe. I'm saying this assuming that you've got some miles in your legs and this is just the first time you've planned this mileage. If you longest ride has been say, 25 miles or the like...you'll probably suffer more than you think.

dieselgoat

Not familiar with the terrain in that area. If you are reasonably fit and have ridden enough miles-shouldn't be a problem, especially in that time frame. I did a double century in 14 hours. I was in no hurry. I stopped to eat lunch and had several other rest stops. Should be doable.

dtrain

Sure people have...just recently in fact...with lots of cobbles...somewhere in northern France.

Russik

I jog 30 miles a week and bike 4.6 miles to work 3 times a week.
This is really helpful thank you))
I'm 100% committed and it will be a lonely ride haha

dtrain

Have you been out for longer (~70-80 mile) rides before? Or just the commuting?

Russik

The longest run I have done recently was 32 miles.. average speed of 14-16 mph.. unfortunately this is my first time. I haven't joined any community or charity.. this is for my own purpose as I have set to achieve

dtrain

32 to 168 is a huge jump. Try to work your way up (assuming you have time)...~55, then 80, etc. At least get a few of those longer ones in. I agree with others that saddle time, fit of the bike, and on-the-bike nutrition will be key.

dave1442397

It's not your fitness that will be an issue, it's lack of saddle time. You may not be able to sit on the bike that long without getting sore.

Russik

I set of on 5th of May and been doing intense training with luck it might pay off. Getting sore is going to be a big issue. Was thinking of getting a cushion. Ill use any means necessary to ensure I'm co.fortable for the long distance.

Elvo

Does not sound like a good idea. Make sure your wife will be a phone call away in case you need help.

Russik

I'm 21 and single lol
At least my organs are donatable if anything happens. Healthy and weight 11 stones xD

dtrain

+1. I'd shoot for 50-60 miles on May 5th. Work up to 100 by late summer. May of next year for the 168.

Russik

I've been planing this for 5 month now. Been biking for 8 years and end of may I'm flying to south korea for work. I want to do it, I would never know till I try. I have to do it.. otherwise ill regret it. I appriciate the concern and will take everyone's advice))

dtrain

Alright. Best wishes and let us know how it goes.

zonatandem

You need to ride a 100 miles comfortably before tackling 168 miles.
Your butt will be tender/sore, muscles will ache/cramp if not properly trained.
Have ridden many 200 mile events. Best time was 12 hours even, and I was 3 times as 'old' as you.

merlinextraligh

Cross Florida. 168 mile. 8 hours 28 minutes.

Dirty Kanza, 224 miles of gravel ( I got lost and added 20 miles) 16 hours.

Cyril 

186 miles (300km) last saturday.
2nd brevet of the season
15 hrs, 2 min total time.

Homebrew01

I was a pretty strong racer in my youth. 100 miles was no big deal. Did 140 1 day, which was tough. 168 might have been too much.
That's with 4-5 solid years of riding & racing up to 90 miles

lkngro

Are you going to be able to do it? Absolutely. Will it be fun? Not in the slightest.

If the longest ride you've done is 30 miles, then you're going to be in for a surprise. You'll get there, but I can't imagine you being a happy person after about mile 80 and for the following 4-5 days.

If this is just a fun ride you want to do with your buddies, I'd say shoot for the end of the summer and train over the summer. You're obviously a fit person from running, so that's not an issue. You can get in shape for 168 miles easily but riding uses different muscles and if you're not prepared, you're going to have a rough time.

If you choose to go ahead with this, just make sure you get chamois shorts with a comfy pad and have plenty of water, food, and cash, and charge your cell phone.

Machka 

Yes, many times.


Build up to it.
Keep eating and drinking regularly.
Get off the bicycle and stretch now and then.

Machka 

You'll want to start increasing your cycling distance ... unless you plan to run the 168 miles.

4.6 miles feels absolutely nothing like 168 miles ... no matter how fit you are from running.

Machka 

+1

datlas 

Too soon. Don't do it. You will not be pleased with your experience.

WhyFi

"Absolutely"? No, not absolutely. I don't think I'd even go so far as to say "likely." 30 miles is a world of difference compared to 168, 100 or even 62. I could do 30 miles riding commando in jeans with a 2x4 instead of a saddle, on an empty stomach and no water bottle - 30 miles at an endurance pace just doesn't stress: fit, contact points (saddle/shoes/hands), nutrition, hydration, muscle fatigue, mental fatigue, etc, etc. IOW, 30 miles is no kind of indicator.