Could/should I aim for it?

[Rach1]

Wondered if I could run this past you experienced cyclists?
Just back into cycling regularly. Only doing short rides up to 6 miles on fairly level going. Female early 60's. Never been very sporty but always enjoyed a cycle.
More time on my hands now and thinking about joining local ladies cycling group.
Considering doing a sponsored fundraising ride in September. It would be 44 miles and offers mechanical support and breaks/feeds every 10 miles.
I think I could probably do it and it would really give me something to aim for. That really excites me.
However I sometimes wonder as I never have been an avid sports person if maybe it's just wishful thinking. Ultimately I guess I am a bit worried I will be the worse of it.
I have a hybrid bike which was got for leisure cycling, would it be good enough for that length of ride? How far would I need my practice runs to be to be sure I was properly prepared for it.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

Plenty of time for you to build up to 44 miles.

A hybrid will be fine over that distance

Slowly build up the distance, once you get to doing 20 mile rides you'll be fine at 44, it will just take longer.

Good luck and go for it.

 

[phantasmagoriana]

Is it Pedal for Scotland? If so, you'll be absolutely fine - loads of people with little (or no!) cycling experience do it every year on all manner of bikes, and it's a pretty flat route.

Assuming you are in Scotland, have a look at the Belles on Bikes groups. @Pat "5mph" might be able to point you in the direction of your local one!

 

[Smokin Joe]

The jump from six to forty four miles is nothing in the time you've got to prepare. If you cycled three times a week and gradually upped the miles you could do that distance in a month.

Go for it.

 

[glasgowcyclist]

My wife and her friends did a 50-mile Edinburgh to Glasgow ride and she'd previously only ridden about 6 miles maximum every few months just for a bit of fresh air. Go for it, you'll cope nae bother!

 

[snorri]

I think I could probably do it and it would really give me something to aim for. That really excites me.
However I sometimes wonder as I never have been an avid sports person if maybe it's just wishful thinking. Ultimately I guess I am a bit worried I will be the worse of it.

I think you could do it too!
Go at your own pace, enjoy the scenery, and don't miss any one of the cake stops every 10 miles.
You might see some of these "avid sports persons" on the day who regard every cycle run as a race, just ignore them and enjoy yourself.

 

[Bazzer]

As said in the previous replies, if you have concerns, build up the distance.
At the moment 6 to 44 may seem a huge leap, so break down your planned progression into smaller chunks. (Say) 6 - 10 miles month 1; 11 - 20 month 2; 21 - 30 month 3 etc. That way the smaller number is mentally easier to handle. You may find that after a few rides if you comfortably handle the distances, your schedule can be revisited so that your progression is better than planned.

 

[lane]

Yes you can do it. Read the attached link - the piece written by Susan - and you will see what can be achieved. That should inspire you.

https://www.cyclinguk.org/case-stud...-cyclists-get-couch-and-cycle-100-miles-coast

 

[tom73]

Go for it build up the miles nice and steady. Have rest day’s if you do too much too soon your badly will soon let you know.
You’ve plenty of time to build up to it. Once you’ve done a few 20 / 30 mile rides 44 will be nothing.

Good luck

 

[Milzy]

I hope you do it. It would be a great achievement & you’d do yourself proud.

 

[simon the viking]

I'm sure you will be able to work up to that distance, good luck and enjoy the experience

 

[Rach1]

Goodness what a lovely supportive bunch you are. It is indeed Pedal for Scotland. I think I may be about to meet Pat "5mph" tomorrow.
Yes I will aim for it and actually do think I could do it.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Absolutely, go for it.

 

[DCBassman]

Yup, did my first ever long ride, London to Brightonm 55 miles, at 64. Using my unmodified Trek 800 sport, old, heavy, steel. Prepared over a similar timescale, and although certainly hard work, I wasn't last, by several 10s of 1000s!

 

[Mrs M]

You can do it!, just build things up then go for it