Am I ready to ride 30+ miles?

Contributed by Zo Rusch

Taking on bigger rides and new terrain can feel like a lot. Here are some tips to get you on your way…

Do I need to be a serious cyclist to participate?

Nope! The Lil Chile is a great starting point for anyone who’s been riding their bike regularly. If you commit a few hours a week to having fun on a bike, you’ll be amazed at what you’re capable of.

How hard should I go? 

Focus on riding at a pace that is not too difficult but not too easy – you should feel like you are trying but still be able to hold a conversation. You should not be completely exhausted after a ride!

What do I eat? 

Rides are fueled by carbs – if you are riding for over an hour you’ll need some food.  It’s easiest for your body to digest simple carbs (AKA sugar) during rides.  Meals of whole foods like veggies and protein are perfect for after your rides!

How do I plan for longer rides?

This 8-week training plan is a great place to start training for 30+ mile ride

---

Getting comfortable

How do I start?

For the first few weeks, focus on getting familiar with riding your bike and increasing the amount of time you can comfortably ride

My butt hurts!

At first, your butt is going to hurt. This is normal as your sit bones become accustomed to riding. This does not mean you need a super padded seat! Super padded seats can make problems worse because they don’t allow you to use your sit bones (the two points at the bottom of your pelvic bone) and all of the pressure ends up on your “soft tissues”

I’m worried my bike doesn’t fit right.

You might need to make adjustments to your bike fit when you start riding and as you gain fitness. This article from REI is a good starting point