Another question for long distance cyclists...

How far is far to you? I recommend chamois short for padding and chaffing. Possibly a body lubricant like Chamois Butter.
Other then that just work your way up to the distance you want to ride. I start out with water in my bottles but replace it with a sports drink by the first rest stop. Let someone know where your going and around when you expect to return.

I always bring 2 tubes and 3 co2 cartridges. If your riding very far it's probably better to patch tubes and bring a small pump rather then cartridges. And don't forget to close your brakes when you put the rim back on.

If you are not familiar with changing tubes do it at home a few times for practice. Make sure the tube is seated correctly. If it's not you can have all kinds of troubles.

Just got in from a 65 mile ride which brings me to 250miles this week... thus pardon my brevity.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Complete-Book-Long-Distance-Cycling/dp/1579541992 <-- I refer to this book a lot!
www.rusa.org <-- lots of good reading and links. My goal is to start the Brevet series next year to earn my randonneuring ticket.
www.ultracycling.com --> especially this link http://www.ultracycling.com/sections/articles/
http://www.cptips.com/index.htm <-- a bunch of good reading

Set informed and realistic goals, evaluate the sensibility of those goals by having steps at which to re-evaluate along the way.


I just bought a Garmin with a HRM and it is really, really aiding me in my training. So I say get a HRM and learn to train your HR Zones rather than concentrating on just speed. I was overtraining focusing just on speed and didn't know how to slow down and enjoy the ride. I slowed down and concentrated on not going anaerobic on today's ride and still achieved a 16.9mph average moving speed. (http://ridewithgps.com/trips/792152)

Aside from the things that you've already assumed (correctly) and other recommendations, the key to riding longer distances is to build up to riding longer distances. Increase by a few miles every week and it won't take long for you to really start to rack up the miles. Cycling is so gentle that you can progress faster than you would with something like running (which I also love doing, but it took me a lot longer to work up to running "long distances" than it took me to cycling long miles).

I just bought my bike this month, but i love it. My longest ride so far is 46 miles.

1. What do you do to prepare for a long distance ride?
I pack a cooler with fruit and water for eating when I finish my ride. I look over the bike, especially the tires for any signs of eminent doom. I pump up the tires to the recommended pressure, and make any brake or deraileur adjustments as needed. I let someone know where I'm going.

2. Are there certain things you always make sure to bring on a ride? Aside from the obvious food, water and probably a cell phone for emergencies lol
Beside tire tools and a patch kit, I stuff a new tube in my bike bag, and i have a tire pump strapped to the frame. I take a small took kit and spare tire, but i leave them in my car.

3. Any good tips, advice, or maybe books you can recommend?
My first ride was 22 miles. I felt like my legs had been slapped all over by cactus. I had to rest for an hour before I could walk. It got better after that. I just bought a good gel seat, but it doesn't completely eliminate soreness, just makes it a little better.

4. What are some things I should know about bikes to ensure I'd be able to actually MAKE the distance I'm set out for? Changing a tire/tube might be one, I reckon? lol Practice changing a tire at home, if you've never done it. If your wheels come off by hand, you won't need any tools...if they have nuts, you will probably need a suitable wrench.

You are going to love it...much better than staring at a TV set while you pump away on an elipitcal machine in a smelly gym.