If the open road and the thrill of the wind in your hair are calling to you, it may be time to learn how to prepare for a long bike ride. Whether planning a solo ride or joining a group of cycling buddies, proper preparation is the key to smashing your long-distance cycling goals.
In this article, we’ll explore the essential aspects of long-distance riding, including route planning, bike maintenance, nutrition, and safety. So grab your helmet and tighten those cycling shoes because it’s time to race into this handy guide on long-distance rides.
Key Takeaways: How to Prepare for a Long Bike Ride
- Plan your route carefully, considering factors like distance and safety. Have alternative routes in mind.
- Conduct a thorough bike check before your ride to ensure it’s in optimal condition.
- Dress appropriately so that you can stay comfortable for long periods.
- Stay hydrated before, during, and after your ride. Don’t forget to fuel up on snacks as well.
- Pace yourself and listen to your body to find a sustainable rhythm
Plan Your Route
Preparation is key when planning your route for a long-distance bike ride. You’ll want to start by researching maps, online resources, and cycling apps offering bike-friendly route information. Komoot is a good choice for finding new routes.
Pick a route that suits your experience and fitness level, and plot your route using a combination of main roads and scenic paths. That way, you can combine enjoyment and safety.
Want an idea of a route’s difficulty and how long it may take to ride? We can use Komoot’s statistics to check the ride’s Difficulty (Easy, Intermediate, or Expert), Duration, Distance, and Elevation. Here’s an example of a ride in Gran Canaria.
Since you’re going for a long-distance ride, it may be worthwhile to consider whether your route has rest stops and other “facilities” – a coffee and cake stop is essential!
You may also want to consider the distance of your route, elevations, and road conditions to ensure it’s the best route.
Of course, it’s always good to be prepared! So make sure to have an alternate route “in your jersey pocket” in case of unexpected changes.
Check Your Bike
Before embarking on a long bike ride, it’s crucial to check your bike to make sure everything is functioning correctly. A key step in this process is examining your tires for any signs of wear or potential damage, and then making sure they’re inflated to the right pressure.
Personally, I find a good bike pump stand indispensable for this. I have my eye on the Silca floor pump for its superior quality, but the price is a bit steep for my budget.
That’s why I use the Vibrelli bike floor pump. It’s reliable, easy to use, and gets the job done without breaking the bank, ensuring my tires are perfectly prepped for the long ride ahead.
Then, you can check the brakes to ensure they’re engaging smoothly and that the brake pads have sufficient life left.
Next, you’ll want to examine the chain for proper lubrication and tension.
Remember to inspect the gears for smooth shifting; you may have to charge your electronic shift batteries these days!
Make any necessary adjustments to your gravel or road bike before you leave. You may also want to take a short test ride to make sure that everything feels comfortable and functions well.
Dress Appropriately
Selecting the right clothing for long-distance cycling can make a significant difference in both comfort and performance. I tend to wear a base layer no matter the weather, as it’s great for moisture management and helps keep my body temperature stable.
While I’m not overly particular about base layers, I often opt for something like the Castelli base layer. It’s a reliable choice that wicks away sweat and keeps me feeling comfortable throughout my ride.
When you’re gearing up for long-distance riding, comfort is key, so choosing the right pair of padded bib shorts is essential. While Rapha is my usual go-to brand for their quality and comfort, I’ve also got some Castelli bibs that serve me well.
Both brands provide the extra cushioning needed for those extended hours in the saddle. Alongside a good pair of bibs, you should pair it with a lightweight, breathable cycling jersey to help keep you cool and dry as you rack up the miles.
These two pieces of gear are crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable long ride.
You don’t want your feet to ache midway through your long ride, so try to pick out a pair of comfortable cycling shoes with decent cycling shoe insoles and ones that deliver efficient power transfer (clipless is best if you are used to them). You can pair them with cycling socks for extra moisture control, too.
Lastly, a well-fitting helmet and cycling gloves (if they are your thing) can make your experience much more comfortable. So be sure to pick those up before hopping on your bike.
Hydrate and Fuel Up
Proper nutrition and hydration are key for maintaining energy levels during long bike rides. Ideally, you’ll want to begin by drinking enough water well before your ride and continue to drink water throughout. Add an electrolyte tab to the bottle if it’s a warm day, and you will likely sweat.
You should always carry water and hydration packs on long rides to avoid dehydration. But be sure to have easy access to them!
When you’re planning a long-distance bike ride, it’s important to map out your route with plenty of breaks for food and water. I always pack snacks that will keep my energy up, like bananas and trail mix.
And for a handy on-the-go boost, I swear by CLIF Energy Bars. They’re a personal go to because they’re easy to carry and they give me that quick energy replenishment I need to keep pedalling.
With these bars in my pack, I can stay energized and concentrate on enjoying the journey.
Pace Yourself
A successful (and enjoyable) ride starts with knowing how to pace yourself. You should already have a good understanding of your current fitness level. This will give you a good base to work from when you’re setting your long-distance riding goals.
No matter your fitness level, it’s always best to start slowly and gradually build the intensity as your body warms up. You should also avoid going all-out in the early stages to avoid wearing yourself out too quickly.
Long-distance rides are all about maintaining a steady pace at moderate intensity, so take it easy on yourself!
Stay Safe
Your safety should always be your top priority when you’re preparing to ride long distances. Of course, basic safety always starts with wearing a helmet to protect your head. You can also make your clothes more visible to others by wearing bright, reflective clothing.
If you’re driving on any main roads, obey traffic rules and signals and drive in the same direction as traffic. Be vigilant of your surroundings, identifying any potential hazards in your path.
If you’re planning a long-distance ride by yourself, it’s a good idea to carry some form of identification and let a friend or family member know your intended route and when you expect to return.
For added safety and convenience, you can use a GPS device to share your location. I personally use the Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt bike computer because it allows for easy tracking and offers peace of mind, both for me and for those waiting at home.
It’s a straightforward way to stay connected and safe during your ride.
Train for the Ride
Training properly before a long ride is essential for building endurance. Remember to start slowly when you train, and increase the duration and length of your rides over time. It may be helpful to include interval workouts and cross-training activities like yoga, swimming, and strength training to boost your overall fitness.
Remember to listen to your body and give yourself time off for rest days. This will help your body to recover and lessen the risk of injuries or overtraining. It’s also important to be consistent if you want to see results, so establish a training schedule and stick to it.
Here’s our guide on training for a Century Ride.
Reflect on the Experience
Once you’ve completed your ride, take some time to reflect on the experience and celebrate your accomplishments. You can use this time to think about what went well on your ride and areas of improvement for your next one.
You can also evaluate your strategies and use your experience to adjust your methods to keep leveling up your skills! For this reason, having a journal or tracking app can come in handy.
FAQs
What to eat before a long bike ride?
For sustained energy release, go for complex carbohydrates such as whole-grain bread or oatmeal. Fruits, particularly bananas, are an excellent choice due to their fast-acting carbohydrates and potassium content, which help maintain muscle function.
It’s essential not to neglect hydration, so drink plenty of water or consider a sports drink to replenish electrolytes. Aim to consume your meal 2-3 hours before the ride to allow for digestion, or if eating immediately before, opt for something light and easy to digest.
How can I prevent injuries on a long bike ride?
Before your ride, you should always ensure a proper bike fit and practice good riding techniques. Of course, you can prevent injuries by taking breaks and stretching, but training beforehand is crucial to lower the likelihood of getting hurt.
How do I recover after a long bike ride?
After a long bike ride, you ensure you’re hydrated and eat a balanced meal within an hour of ending. You’ll also want to get enough sleep and stretch your muscles to help speed the recovery process up.
What essential gear should I pack for a long bike ride?
The most important gear you should take with you on a long ride includes:
- Food and water
- Spare tubes, a tire pump, and a multitool
- A patch kit
- Sunscreen
- A first-aid kit
- A cell phone and money (in case of emergencies)
Reference
https://www.reidbikes.com/2021/06/09/how-to-train-and-prepare-for-long-distance-cycling/
https://bicyclewarehouse.com/blogs/news/how-to-prepare-for-a-long-bike-ride
https://cycletorch.com/blogs/news/how-to-prepare-for-long-bike-rides
https://www.livestrong.com/article/175281-how-to-train-for-a-long-bike-ride/
