Stepping up the milage

Lefire

I did the Essex Castle Ride yesterday which was 70 miles.(furthest I have riden in one go)
Really enjoyed it but from about 55 miles found my legs were tired.
Had plenty of food and drink with me so didn't bonk but was slowing down.
I've only ben cycling about 6 months or so and have been building up the milage with the intention of doing a 100 miler later in the year.

Any tips for making that step from 60 to 100 miles without my legs wanting to fall off.

I currently ride 50-60 miles on a saturday and a couple of 10 mile rides in the week. Should I concentrate on doing longer rides at the weekend or being more constructive on my mid week rides ?

piedwagtail91

i'd try a few more 70's at weekend, when it gets a bit easier push it to 80.don't try to rush it though. i'd also increase one of your midweek rides to 20-30 if you have the time. from that and when you're feeling comfortable for most of the 70-80 miles just go for the 100, it's only a number!( though a quite intimidating one the first time), you should be able to do it.
if you can find others to ride with it'll make it much easier.
one teenager who had been doing 60 - 80 mile rides on his own turned up at our club 100 mile standard ride and finished comfortably in the group.

Brian B

Lefire I am not an expert but I ride anything between 60 and 100 miles when doing 'big' runs have done the occassional 100+ efforts. I only do about 30 miles max when doing small local/training runs but do them at a much higher intensity than when I do bigger runs and I dont eat anything and only drink water. I find this helps me build stamina so that when I do bigger runs and when doing so eat and drink energy bars,gel etc I never feel that I am digging too deep into my natural reserves.

Get more miles in when you can and remember than even an hour here and there can only do you good. Most people go through a low point during a big run and no amount of food consumed will help but you usually can feel better again.

I think you have done very good so far and can only get better. Good luck with your first century ride.



Brian B.

Bagonabike

Doing a few hilly 60's then trying a flatter 70/75 might also help.

Agree that when you're comfortable with doing 70's that it's worth just going for the 100, but there's no point in rushing, you're doing pretty well for someone who's only been cycling for 6 months....

paul_bhoy

I've only recently being doing some longer rides, but what worked for me is not getting hung up about mileage, I usually base my rides on time. Cycling an hour/hour an a half couple of times during the week with 4 or 5 hours on a Sat or Sunday. As I got used to handing the bike and my confidence grew, the mileage steadily increased. Good advice from above riding with others makes it a lot easier

The beer always wins