Advice for first 30mile ride

[jackerjen]

Hi,

So I'm new to this forum and also relatively new to cycling. Me and a friend are planning on attempting our first 30 mile ride next week. We are currently training for a charity ride later on in the year. We tend to go out and cycle around 16 miles on the weekend, so this is going to be my first long ride. I was just wondering if anyone had any good tips or adivce for me, as I am feeling a little daunted at the thought

Where we cycle it is quite hilly, but we are planning on being on quieter roads for the most part.

Jenna x

 

[DCLane]

TBH 16 to 30 miles should be fine. Just take a snack/water with you.

 

[Spinney]

You'll do it.
Assuming you want to manage it without too much pain...
- pace yourselves - don't go too fast at the beginning.
- stop for 5 mins now and then for a snack and a drink.
- Keep hydrated.
- Consider padded shorts (if you don't already) - depending on how comfy your saddle is, approximately doubling the distance could lead to discomfort in the nether regions.

good luck!

 

[helston90]

As said you will probably not notice a lot of difference from 16 to 30.
More food, drink and time and you'll be fine, don't race from the off and try not to think about the distance- just enjoy the ride!

 

[BigonaBianchi]

it's gonna be a cold one....eat well before the off and don't stop and get cold if you sweat.

 

[PpPete]

Jelly Babies !
Edible with cold wet hands, almost instant energy boost.

On the hills alternate between "sitting & spinning" and standing on the pedals. Sitting and spinning is generally thought to be less tiring, but as you move up through the distances the ability to get out of the saddle and change the leg action can be useful on longer rides in the "change is as good as a rest" kind of way.

 

[thegravestoneman]

For some reason I find the ribena carton drink the most satisfying and refreshing on a ride, always have done.

 

[Andy_R]

Plan a route that involves a cake stop in the last third - motivation on the way there, and energy for the last few miles! Works for me whenever I plan to go on a long ride.

 

[Grayduff]

Enjoy

 

[Supersuperleeds]

If you can do 16 miles, you will do 30 miles easily enough, will just take you twice as long.

 

[kedab]

enjoy it - 30 miles is a mini adventure, as it's early in your cycling i'll make a massive assumption and say that you're going to be riding for the best part of 2 hours so as has been said, take a snack or plan a cake stop and take a bottle. set off nice and steady and after 30-45 minutes you'll be wondering what you were worried about...the final 5k might get to your legs a bit if you've not done any such distance before but you'll be fine...you'll be planning a 50 miler before you know it

 

[SWSteve]

Make sure you both have a drink, and some sweets. My friend and I when on a 30miler love fruit pastels, and will have at least one spot where we know we can stop to eat/work out where we're going to go

 

[Nomadski]

Don't just use water, I found High 5 hydration tablets to make a massive difference. Just pop one in a bottle of water and you have yourself a nice electrolyte drink which doesn't cost £2 down the road.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/high-5/zero-hydration-tablets-ec024272

 

[derrick]

If you are going in the morning a good breakfast will help get you through it, i always have a big bowl of porridge and a banana before any ride, plenty to drink on route and a few nibbles will get you through it, wear something to keep hands and feet warm.

 

[vickster]

Take it slow and easy and have a nice cake stop half way round (although perhaps don't have your break just before a big hill). No need to rush it, enjoy. Take some jelly babies if you fancy and water (not sure in the cold weather you'll need an electrolyte drink).

Clothing wise, layer up, warm socks and gloves. I take 2 pairs of gloves in case of rain. Cold hands are horrid and gloves don't dry quickly