Cycling endurance is essential to long distance riding and an athlete’s fitness in general. Be it traditional Zone two Endurance training or more time efficient Sweet Spot sessions, developing aerobic fitness is paramount to riding successfully on a bicycle.
Improving cycling endurance takes dedication both on the bike and off, including proper preparation such as eating healthy food to fuel you on your ride.
Plan Ahead
Long bike rides require considerable physical strength in order to remain upright and fight the wind, and therefore should not be undertaken quickly or unprepared. Instead, take short trips first in order to build endurance before undertaking anything more ambitious.
When embarking on a ride of 50 miles or more, having the proper equipment is absolutely crucial. Make sure your bike fits you, invest in quality helmet and gloves protection and take several short rides with all of your planned equipment before setting out on your adventure – this will allow you to feel more at ease while giving an idea of exactly how much will be necessary.
There is nothing quite as satisfying as exploring a country by bike. Riding can help take you away from tourist crowds and give you time to truly take in its scenery, not to mention being an eco-friendly way of seeing the world! A long bike journey can also be extremely rewarding with proper planning and preparation – one you might remember forever.
Pack Right
Long rides can be both physically and mentally taxing. To remain motivated, it’s essential to know what lies ahead and plan accordingly.
Before embarking on a longer ride, it’s beneficial to take several shorter excursions and become acquainted with your gear. This will enable you to determine what’s essential and what can wait.
Pack efficiently when packing for an extended journey; items you frequently require should be at the top of your bags or stored in frame bags or saddle bags to allow easy access.
As you become acquainted with your bike, select gear that will minimize leg fatigue. Furthermore, plan for refueling along your journey: don’t leave home with an empty stomach as your body requires fuel for long distance riding.
Stay Motivated
Long-distance rides require staying motivated. Many riders find it challenging to leave the house, but once on their bikes and pedaling away they usually find it enjoyable. A quality pair of cycling shorts featuring proper padding may prove useful for staying on course and having a fantastic adventure!
Establishing goals can also help. Whether your aim is Olympic training, moving up one category next season or organizing your first ever sportive, having something specific in mind can keep you focused and motivated.
Add variety to your riding, too – explore new routes, join club runs or try something completely different (mountain biking is great for increasing endurance!). Just don’t overdo it; build up slowly while staying within your mileage plan so you have more chance of reaching the finish line!
Be Prepared
Long distance cycling is an impressive feat of endurance that anyone can manage with proper preparation and planning. Just make sure to build up gradually to prevent injuries or overtraining.
As part of your journey, it is also crucial that your body is ready by eating a diet rich in carbs and proteins. Without adequate nourishment, energy may quickly run out leading you down the dreaded bonk path of exhausted muscles. To combat this risk, experiment with different food sources until finding one that best supports your individual body type.
Finally, don’t forget to pack clothing suitable for riding in your area’s weather conditions – such as rain jackets. Also make sure that someone carries a cellphone equipped with GPS tracking application so they can keep an eye on you and check in on you as the ride progresses – this will give you peace of mind should anything occur along your route.https://www.youtube.com/embed/maryPEcVt24