First long ride: Too much/what to bring?
 

http://veloroutes.org/bikemaps/?route=49769#

I've ridden up to 11 miles in a clip already and wanted to go on a much more scenic route. I figure I can bring a small lunch and water and be good for the ride. Distance is 32.68 miles with elevation gain of 969ft ( ouch ) but the second half of the ride should be mostly downhill.

Is it too much or a good start?

Not too much. Take your time and enjoy the ride.

Water bottle. Pump and patch kit. You probably don't need lunch, maybe a banana or a few cookies.

How many hours to you expect to be out? I'd take a half-litre per hour. Food never hurts. Easilly digestible stuff just for fun. You're not going to get hungry in 32 miles but it makes a nice outing to stop and have a snack. Sunscreen?

Sunscreen's probably not a bad idea. Have pump and patch kit and can refill water along the way if needed. I was thinking of hitting the road after the morning rush and taking a break for a light lunch after the hump. Should get home well before traffic picks up again.

Good suggestions from everyone so far. As a newish rider, you should take some time experimenting with how much food/drink you need for longer rides. You'll also want to try different foods like 'natural' foods vs. energy gels/drinks. It takes time to understand what your individual needs are. As you start out on longer rides, its better to pack more than you need and see what you can eliminate as you gain more experience.

I would suggest taking a cell phone if you happen to need someone to come bail you out. I doubt that you will need it. But it is nice to know that you have a lifeline if one is necessary. The important thing about longer rides is pacing yourself. If anything, ride a bit slower than normal. On your 30 mile ride, stop every 10 miles or so briefly. Walk around and get your sore rear a rest. Drink some water. Eat a small snack. Take a pit stop if necessary. Then hop on and continue. Have fun. Let us know how it turns out.

Well I went, was feeling so good I stayed on the path nearly 30 miles and doubled back. When I got picked up I had gone 53.6 over 4:30 bike time / 6 hours wall time with an average of 11.8 and a max of 31.5.

By butt is sore and a little shaky, but I'm getting some watered down juice and ibuprofen while I cool off.

Here are a few images from the ride. After a full meal I'm feeling much better and I'll keep taking the ibuprofen until things are less sore. Is there anything to be done about my butt falling asleep every 10 miles or so?

http://ericwarnke.smugmug.com/Nature..._rBgkG-M-1.jpg

http://ericwarnke.smugmug.com/Nature...52_xxCWL-M.jpg

http://ericwarnke.smugmug.com/Nature...85_qgRS8-M.jpg

Check the fit on your bike with your LBS. Maybe change seats. I have an '08 Trek 7100 and now that I changed from its standard seat to an E3-FG I can go a lot longer without pain/numbness.

I'm due for a tune-up and I will talk with the LBS about it.

So far 253 miles since starting to ride, 48 in the past 2 days. Had my first hypoglycemic attack in a while, that wasn't fun.

Ride standing occasionally. Coast standing downhill. Whenever your butt feels sore or tired, stand.

Eat a tiny bit every 15 minutes on the bike, a rate of 1 Clif bar/hr. or a little less, or equivalent in cookies, bananas, etc. Fig Newtons are very good. Don't try to go so calorie negative on the bike. On the bike, you want to eat at a rate of about half what you burn. If you lose energy, you burn fewer calories.

OTOH, you can go more negative in the first two hours, then increase your food. If you feel faint, eat. Sometimes you can get hungry, not get faint, and the hunger will pass.