Well as some of you may know I haven't been able to ride (lack of bike for one) since January. Anyways I'm going back home for the summer and am probably going to purchase a new bike. Now if I wanna start riding long distances, do you think I'll have a problem doing so? I actually never really had experience on "real" bikes but I used to log many hours on my stationary bike. I know it's not the same which is why I am asking. Will the layoff from riding make it tougher? Will lack of experience outdoors make riding longer distances tougher? Thanks in advance!

bump

Maybe start with an hour's ride and see how you feel. Go from there.

The answer to your question is "Yes". Yes, you will very likely find long distances tougher because of your lack of outdoor experience.

However, that's not to say you can't build up to them by the end of summer.

First, what do you consider "long distances"? To some that means a 50 mile ride, to me that means 24 hours a day.

Second, what kind of exercise have you been doing lately? If nothing, get going! Even walking regularly will help.

Third, build up gradually - aim for a distance increase of 10 to 15% per week.

I would consider 40-50 miles in a day long journeys. yes I have been exercising but it has been jogging and lifting weights. So the jogging helps with cardio but the weights won't help my endurance will they? I plan to ride my bike to work (guess I gotta get a job first huh?) and it could be as far as 20 miles in one direction. I doubt it will be but I need to prepare