chrisrook

Well, right now I have a 1998 Cannondale R200 with stock RSX components and toe clips, and I bike between 5 and 6 miles a day. I would like to get to 10 miles a day without having to buy a lot of stuff to cut weight on the bike. Is there any exercises or tips/tricks that will help me reach my goal? I am trying to get as close to 10 as possible by next Saturday if that helps.

bengreen79

Go 1 mile farther every day. If you can do 6 miles now, you can probably do 10 without issue right now.

OldTryGuy

Eat a banana before you head out.

Machka 

Go ride 10 miles tomorrow. Simple as that.



How long have you been riding between 5 and 6 miles a day?

Tel0004

For 10 miles, you really don't need anything. On a super hot day, a water bottle is nice, but other than that, just head out, and don't stop pedaling.

Machka 

I started cycling regularly on Sunday 29 April, 1990.

That day, I rode 2 miles and had to rest after the first mile.

After gradually building up, on June 6, I rode my first 10 mile ride.

chrisrook

I started really biking about 2 weeks ago, and did 5 miles day one and havent done less since. The first week was only 3 days, this past week has been about 5, this new week will be 5 days minimum.

ursle

Hopefully you carry a water bottle, just ride 5 miles, take a break, eat a banana then ride another 5 miles, try pedaling 5 revolutions and then straightening one knee for a count, alternate legs, take your time, there's no hurry, in no time at all you'll be riding distances.
Ah, proper seat height is important...

Machka 

Why?

pgjackson

What is holding you back from riding farther? When I first started it was butt pain. After about 5 miles my "taint" couldn't take it any more. Over the course of the next two weeks it went away and within a few months I rode my first century. Just do it.

chrisrook

The biggest thing is nerve damage in my arms. When I got rid of my cheap bike with straight bars, and went to the Cannondale with drops, the tingling takes a lot longer to show up. But, if I don't keep my hands moving, they will go numb. Also, I guess fear of being caught 5+ miles from home and something breaking. Decided that, since tomorrow is one of my 2 days off this week, that i'm just gonna take the bike out, bring along tools and supplies, and just ride for at least 2 hours, with breaks tomorrow. See how far I go, and go from there. As for water bottle, always have one with me. But, it is getting warmer in the mornings here, so i'll probably pick up another.

ahsposo 

I think you are on to the right mindset for a beginner. Don't worry about distance so much a time in the saddle.

I don't know what your neighborhood is like for riding around in but just riding around exploring, taking it easy and enjoying the breeze in your face is how you'll start building a base.

Some lightly padded gloves may help with the tingling but a really proper fit is the best way to combat hand pain. When your weight is correctly distributed you will put less on the bars.

Here's a link to Sheldon Brown's Beginner page. Good Stuff! https://sheldonbrown.com/beginners/index.html

hhnngg1

You can jump right to 10 right now. You'll be fine. You will NOT get injured or overtrained. Go for it.

(Lots of folks like myself RUN a lot more than that.)

Homebrew01

Plenty of hand positions on drop bars, so keep moving around as you are doing. 99.9% of bike problems are flat tires. Bring a couple of spare tubes, pump or CO2, tire levers and knowledge of how to replace a tube. You can patch the hole later at home.

sreten

Hi,

That will be loads more than 10 miles, and probably too far for you at the moment.

A leisurely 1 hour ride should easily surpass 10 miles.

I've been riding for six months and have never done a 2 hour stint in the saddle.
My longest ride is 35 miles, ~2.5 hours in the saddle, but takes 3.5 hours with a
couple of half hour breaks at a couple of watering holes, aka as public houses.


rgds, sreten.

chrisrook

That's why I said taking breaks as need be. Right now, it takes about 30 minutes to travel 5-5.5 miles for me, which is why I would like to go for a longer ride. I live outside a decent sized towns (about 5 miles out) so there are plenty of places to rest and grab water if I run out. Plan to do 30 minute stints with 5-10 minutes of rest in between if need be.

Element GT

Be like a nike ad and just do it.

Soon you'll knock out 10 miles in 30 minutes and count it as the warm up before your ride really starts. If you're nervous about being so far just carry a small pump, patch kit, tire levers, spare tube, and cell phone/wallet. The only thing to really be worried about is a flat tire. Sure other stuff can happen or break, but it's really such a small chance you shouldn't be worried. Also get a little mechanical know how so you can do simple repairs, such as putting a chain back on if it comes off.

Have fun and enjoy it.

pdedes

my 8 year old daughter rides 20 km with me. we don't go fast, but keep it steady. and then there's ice cream.

chrisrook

Repair has never been my worry, parts have been. If something breaks, I may not be able to buy parts for a while and i'll be SOL. I have 3 spare tubes, 2 spare tires and tools. But if somethinv serious breaks, then it'll be weeks bwfore I can afford replacement parts.

pdedes

stuff doesn't usually spontaneously break. but stuff wears out. you're not riding enough to wear out stuff.

chrisrook

The bike I have sat dormant in the previous owners garage for 13 years first few times out had a few things that had to be addressed and maintained. So, it's not the wear from use, but the wear from non-use that worries me.

lenA

I love optimism

rcracin

I was wrong with my post. never mind

Makel

I'm with the just go ride 10 miles. If you start to wear out slow down a little but keep at it. Heck shoot for 12 miles!

JasonCarp

Ride laps around your block/neighborhood, town whatever if you are afraid of being caught away from home. Seriously 10 miles is nothing if you can do 5.