Building up to longer distances

[fossyant]

If you've done a few 40s you can probably handle 50 without too much trouble. But if you're at all nervous why not just ease up to it with a 45 miler or two?

I went from 30 to 50 in one jump and wish I hadn't. Everything was going fine until I passed the 40 mile mark and then the pain kicked in. Unfortunately I was 10 miles from home so just had to tough it out. Great sense of achievement though

Bonjour Greg,

Bernard !

 

[Reefcat]

I haven't ridden anything more than 30k yet, so very much a beginner. Haven't yet felt the need to eat anything on a ride, but do drink water fairly regularly. At what sort of distances or maybe time in the saddle should you consider eating snacks. I guess this will vary hugely from person to person & the conditions on the day. But is there a rule of thumb? Just curious and wondering whether I should start packing a bar or two in my bag, as the distances get a bit longer.

 

[Lemond]

I haven't ridden anything more than 30k yet, so very much a beginner. Haven't yet felt the need to eat anything on a ride, but do drink water fairly regularly. At what sort of distances or maybe time in the saddle should you consider eating snacks. I guess this will vary hugely from person to person & the conditions on the day. But is there a rule of thumb? Just curious and wondering whether I should start packing a bar or two in my bag, as the distances get a bit longer.

Best advice I can give is always take something to eat with you. One day you will need it, and you can be damn sure you'll be miles from the nearest shop or cafe when that day arrives.

As a keen leisure cyclist (no sportives for me at my age), I generally ride anywhere between 30 and 50 miles at a time. Eat right before I set out and carry snacks (dates) and something more substantial unless I'm working in a cafe stop. My favourite ride is 20 miles to a cafe, bite to eat, and then return home.

 

[Ajax Bay]

Start fuelled up eg double porridge (augmented with dried fruit). After an hour, eat every half hour. Mini-flapjacks are good. For rides extending over several hours/'lunchtime' consider a stop for real food, either from cafe or from a village shop.

 

[13 rider]

I haven't ridden anything more than 30k yet, so very much a beginner. Haven't yet felt the need to eat anything on a ride, but do drink water fairly regularly. At what sort of distances or maybe time in the saddle should you consider eating snacks. I guess this will vary hugely from person to person & the conditions on the day. But is there a rule of thumb? Just curious and wondering whether I should start packing a bar or two in my bag, as the distances get a bit longer.

Worth having something like jelly babies or cake on rides over 2 hr just for an energy boost if you start flagging

 

[HLaB]

I can't remember where I first saw it but the general guide is do 75% of the Sportive distance and you'll be fine. The OP has done 80% they'll be more than fine ;-)

 

[Reefcat]

Some good advice there guys thank you. Our favourite rides do tend to take in a cafe stop, but thinking of trying a longer one soon, so will get some snacks in & double porridge before we set off

 

[Citius]

What is 'double porridge' ? If it means twice the amount, then I'm not sure that's necessary, or desirable...

 

[Dogtrousers]

What is 'double porridge' ? If it means twice the amount, then I'm not sure that's necessary, or desirable...

That depends entirely how big a 'single porridge' is...

 

[Ajax Bay]

What is 'double porridge' ? If it means twice the amount, then I'm not sure that's necessary, or desirable...

Works for me, for long rides. Was an example, with the emphasis on starting (well) fuelled. YPMV Mine's just eaten and getting out after sunrise.

 

[Citius]

Works for me, for long rides. Was an example, with the emphasis on starting (well) fuelled. YPMV Mine's just eaten and getting out after sunrise.

I was just querying the term, as I'd not heard it before - is that what you mean though, twice the usual amount?

 

[Dogtrousers]

YPMV

I think we may be over-thinking this.

 

[Ajax Bay]

Let's not over-think it...

+1, while waiting for the temperature to rise.

 

[rugby bloke]

Flapjacks and Jelly Babies work for me, normally start taking regular nibbles after riding for 2 hours. Plus an energy bar in case the legs totally go, which has been known in the past.