I have. My best advice is to enjoy the ride and not stare at the bike computer. It made the ride easier when enjoying the scenery than when tracking every second and every meter.
SNACKS ! like energy bars. Other than that, don't push yourself to the limit on first ride ! It will go better and smoother eventually after a few rides. Oh and water !
My first longer ride was a 77 km loop. After getting home I was lying on the kitchen floor in agony, thinking I would never go near my bike ever. Next day I found myself browsing the map, looking for new routes😃
@@morganrowe Congrats, keep it up! For me it was several years ago. As I lay on the floor I was thinking, 'ok, it was hard, but it took only a couple of hours! Jesus, what distance can i do in a day?' That was the point that hooked me into cycling. My current longest ride is 200 km, and this year Im training for a 300 km/24h adventure!
@@stevencroat wow! Epic efforts there, good luck on the 300 👍 yeh I think I'm going to try and get comfortable at 75km before bumping up to 100. Started to properly read into fueling now so 🤞
5:50 Best point made: there is always someone faster than you and, conversely, there is always someone slower than you. They may be training, they may be cruising. Screw it. Don't compare. You do you.
@@SwiCyc I agree, some new cyclists don't know about the wave, or sometimes they often are distracted in working stuff out in their head, that they miss a fellow cyclist on their ride.
Started cycling 3 years ago, did 20km and then tried 25km. Wow. Next thing you know, not worthwhile getting out the door for anything less than 50km. Now it's Grand Fondos, local Cycling Classics and a bike rack for the car. Great days indeed 😁😁😁
@@jasonmcgrody9472 well it depends. You can either push yourself just as hard but go further, or keep going the same distance but not push yourself as hard and thus gets easier
LOL, yes, I too have discovered that the right gear really can make a huge difference. I swore I'd never go "full roadie", but almost every piece of kit has some sort of advantage that helps with comfort or speed.
@@BigDSProductions last season my avg speed was 13mph (still new, I know that's not that good) I added new tires over the winter, and changed nothing else. I did a ride yesterday, and my avg was 16.5mph. The right gear makes a huge difference
Yes, it does help to wear appropriate clothing for cycling. However back in the day I cycled literally thousands of miles per year while wearing very ordinary clothing.
@@gf5137 untrue, First of all everyone except americans use km for a reason, also 100cm is 1 meter and a 1000 meters is a km its way easier and was actually thought about.
My longest ride was 118 km (74mi). This as Saturday I’ll be doing a 200 km (125mi) ride around Florida. I recommend getting good sleep before long rides.
Hacing a good sleep is very important, not only the night before, but several days in advance. I suddenly could do 160kms (100 miles) with ease, as I begun sleeping 7-8hrs a night. Get rid of your phone as you go to sleep. It worked for me.
I did my first 50k this weekend and it felt amazing! I’ve only been cycling since July and never thought I’d make it longer than a quick sprint around the block. I blame all of you amazing souls at GCN for inspiring me to ride further and harder every day. 🙏🏼 I’m forever grateful
@@Misterobozo1 i was 76 kilos 1.5 years ago but i had an accident and after 3 operations and alot of medication including alot of cortisone and imobolised in bed i went to 114 kilos, now I am 109 kilos and going down once more, today 24/3/2021 i went on a ride of 70 kilometers. not bad i think .
Indeed, don’t set such high targets, you won’t achieve them. What’s wrong with getting killed every now and then. I’ve not tried it yet but I have never heard anything bad from people who did.
This was a good video. I have accomplished 50K already and now aiming for 100. Your tips are very helpful. Hank and Manon are great presenters. Keep up the great work all of you!
I’ve recently started doing 50k + rides and it’s very satisfying. One thing I have learned is to plan the route carefully to avoid a massive headwind and big hill on the last 10k as that can be a bit discouraging. That said, no matter which way I go I live at the top of a hill so that treat is waiting for me at the end of every ride 😂
100%. Water limits my range in summer. Like others have said here, I run out of water before anything else in summer. 2x water bottles are good for about 50km and not much more. Good old 'Straya.
After 4 months on a road bike and watching all the GCN videos, I finally rode 100km (62 miles) today on a 2009 Felt z25! Thanks for all the tips GCN. Can't wait to hit 100 miles. Not bad for 6'3" 235#
Just purchased my first road bike approximately a month ago. Rode 25 miles already. Love it. Thanks for the information in your videos. The scenery is also amazing 😎
Thank you for acknowledging that it’s ok if you’re only going 25k. That’s my go to ride but I always feel guilty for not going further. Planning a 75k this summer!! Super excited and thanks for the tips.
My longest so far, after starting road cycling seriuosly 6 months ago, is 85km, but I would say distance is not always the most relevant thing to look at: elevation gain can make a 40k ride much harder than a 76k ride!
Came at perfect time , been building up distance since Jan and now up to 35-40km, next step is to go 50km so good tips and slowly learning how massive fuelling is ...especially as a type 1 diabetic
@@tigerv88 I feel your pain (been there lying by the side of a hill having eaten all the snacks I took with me [lots!], feeling rather sick and hoping they would kick in and be enough to get me home!) I now aim to run high before I head out (above 10mmol/l or going that way ideally, but below 15mmol/l) - I eat something (30g of cookies or similar) and don't take much insulin (~1/3 bolus dosing) to ensure I have some energy + insulin in the system. Basal alone will do if you are already a bit high and don't want to eat, but keep an eye on it as I certainly tend to come down in a hurry and the flash sensors have a lag so I've certainly ended up needing to stop to eat and then let the carbs "soak in" once I've realised I'm dropping like a stone. If I have a long break (couple of weeks or more) and have therefore had to up my basal, I'll be more careful re continuous fuelling along the way, otherwise I tend to have something medium acting (say 15g) every ~45min after the first hour or so and keep an eye on the trend (keeping ahead of the flash sensor lag). I reduce basal by 2 or 3 units (10-20% of total) for the first couple of nights post reasonable duration/intensity exercise (so say 2.5h+ of hard work!), then bring it back up a unit at a time every few days over the course of a week if I don't manage to get out due to work/weather/childcare. First ~18h after some significant exercise I'll tend to only do 50% bolus dosing (vs normal), especially important if you have a decent sized evening meal, and then correct if I've got it wrong, but it usually works out ok. With all that said, we're all different. Keep at it and you're not alone! :)
I still remember my then longest ride when I was a skinny 20 yo in 1973, 50 miles. Had lunch, got on my too big antique c1950s SS Rudge, rode to a town at 25 miles, ate an O'Henry chocolate bar and coke, then hurried home thru rush hour traffic to not be late for supper at 5:30. LOL. I was 7 minutes late I think. There is a big valley dip and town 7 miles out. It did help that there were few stop lights back then. Food during a 30 mile ride?? LOL. Barely need 2 bottles of water for me, might not finish 1 on a 15C day. I don't even consider the Gatorade for less than 50 miles. 60 mile+ rides I stop in the middle at a fast food place or cafe in small towns. My PB 133 mile ride last year was on a 73 lb bike with a SA XL-RD5w, 12.4 hours, avg. 14.1. I didn't even take a snack, had an hour lunch after 59 miles, where my avg. was at 16.08 mph. Puttered for an hour rest ride/ sightseeing, then headed home. At 97 miles I had a big ice-cream cone. I do stop a lot more often when tired/ maybe crampy coming home. Those rides I take a GA and 3 water bottles. I've never used bike clothes or hellmet in my life. LOL.
Some people on here will go ‘50k!? Pah! Just get on your bike and ride for 2 hours’. But people are getting into cycling all the time, and 50k can seem like a hurdle to achieve. These videos are great encouragement for new riders🙌🙌🙌
This is very inspirational stuff GCN for the new cyclist we are trying to encourage into this great sport . Well presented by Hank and Manon who work really well together. Always a great edit and full of proper cycling advice.
Little late to the party. Furthest I've cycled is 30km, so nervous about going for that 50km, this vid has given me some confidence, looking forward to my cycle tomorrow
Started cycling a year ago and 15km is how far I can only get. Then I started watching this channel and with a cycling buddy I started to ride a successful 30km and then adding 10km each ride until I got a 50km. Will try to get 70km next time the lockdown is over. Even better, a 100km. Hopefully my average speed increases as well to save me more time in doing long rides. Currently sutcked at 22km/h.
My longest ride (so far) has been 240 km but I still have a 300 km goal to accomplish. As someone who has ridden for a long time, I think it is great that there are videos like this one--entertaining and with excellent advice--for those getting into (or back into) this excellent sport we all enjoy so much. I recommend the GCN book on endurance cycling, an excellent primer even if you are not planning to ride around the world, as most of us will want to ride distance and finish feeling in good shape rather than race. 50 kms is good, then comes the Metric Century and Full Century for feelings of real accomplishment!
About 2 years ago I (then 16years of age) started to commute to school, next thing I know is me doing 245 km on a 28.2 km/h average. Cycling is the best! And GCN supports with amazing maintenance hacks and other cool stuff.
I've just completed my 1st 200kms ride a few days back on my single speed roadbike and I've to thank GCN's videos and Manon's energy ball recipe; they are lifesaver! Thankyou !!
I did it 2 months back, on a mtb that weighs a freaking lot, and the most important tip is to take water and something to chew on, it didn't take anything with me and suffered like hell.
Great video. Planning is key - know your route, and check the ascents. Being confident in what you can manage and what your bike can do is essential. Once you know you can cope with any hill that might crop up, I reckon a 50km is not going to take too much out of you. Once you can do a 50km, a 100km isn't that much of an uplift. This advice from a 50+ bloke who hadn't cycled in 20 years and was seriously out of shape, started again during Lockdown #1 and lives in an area where you can't cycle 10km without 500 metres ascent. Also agree with the comments section remarks about weather and in particular, headwind - headwind out/tailwind back, avoid the opposite.
If you live in the tropics, remember to carry how much water you can carry with you (2 x 600/700ml bottles + 1,2 liter bladder). And if possible, a high calorie candy (if possible homemade and/or from natural ingredients) to boost you up.
I did my first century 3 months ago in a singlet and converse chucks. I have since upgraded my pedals, shoes and now wearing a jersey. I look forward to my next century ride.
As an American, I think and work in Imperial units. But I like the metric system. Easy to work with. And my weight is numerically lower and my distance is numerically longer. Want to weight less and ride longer? Go metric!
Bought my first bike these I was a teenager at the end of August 2020. Took it on a tour of Co.Kerry in Ireland, so an 80km there and back trip from Killarney to Inch Strand was one of my first proper rides.
Have since done a 102km ride as my longest but struggle finding the time to do more 100km rides or longer ones at the moment. Roll on the summer and longer days and more daylight
I did my first ever 50km yesterday! Avocado toast with 2 fried eggs and coffee for breakfast. Plenty of water throughout. an orange, half a bar, and a good stretch when I stopped at my halfway point. Felt great. I feel like I could have done way more. Maybe I am getting better at this.
Funny they make this video....this is my goal this year I completed 41km and was completely drained after but with these tips I feel I’ll hit the 50 km mark and more this year.....thanks GCN!!
I've only been riding for 3 years now. So I can vividly remember when I thought I would never be able to ride 50km. Now I'm doing about that several times a week and I've done a few 100km rides. -My advice is to definitely train up to any new distance. If 50km is your goal, you should be able to do at least 30km comfortably. My first attempt at a 100-mile ride turned into a 100km (about 65 miles) because I didn't do that and my legs couldn't go the distance. -Try to find an event ride (charity, bike tour, etc) with lots of casual riders, bike support, and stocked rest stops. -Real food can be better than gels because most gels (except isotonic gels) need a lot of water (nearly a whole water bottle full) to properly absorb. That's a lot of water in your belly all at once. I like dried figs, nuts, berries, and chocolate for longer rides. -Don't go too slow. You don't want to push hard, but if you go really slow, that's just more time in the saddle. I did a 50km charity group ride last year with a group of new riders. I rode with them the whole time to provide bike and moral support. But it literally became painfully slow for me as they rode a good deal slower than I ride and they stopped frequently. By the end of the ride, I had spent more time in the saddle than probably any other ride I've done and I hurt for days. BTW, this year I will complete that first 100 mile (about 160km) ride.
Check the wind direction before leaving and plan to finish with a tail wind, and try to do the part against the wind somewhere a bit more sheltered such as in a valley or in town - avoid windswept plateaux unless with a tail-wind !
Best tip that I've learned you'll need to bring lots of water some food money too and a kit with you, You certainly don't want to run out of water or walk 50km back home. I've learned that the hard way. Also be sure to rest when you need to, You don't want to push yourself.
Good advice. My first ever road bike ride was quite a few years ago where a friend said we would do a wee charity ride. It was only when I agreed to go with him that he told me it was a ride around Arran. Which is just over 50 miles!
The Route and Weather conditions are two of the main things to get right if you are taking out a Newbie for the first 50km.. Calm day and deff no monster climbs.. Nice easy and flowing
My longest ride was roughly 75 miles. I had just got a computer in the mail and was invited to, what I thought was, a 75km ride. He really said 75 miles. I didn't charge it all the way, so it died at just over 80km in. I got it hooked up to my power brick and had it going again after about 15-20km unlogged. I logged 50km 2 days prior to this ride. All this with less than a month of experience. Also, great video!
my advised to make it possible, and I am saying this as someone that is 142kg myself.... take it easy and plan to actually stop and do cyclist yoga for 5-10 min every 90 minutes... and I'd be aiming to complete in 3hours in a moderate pace...
You can do it. Last year I did 58km accidently on gravel/trail as 136kg. Just take it easy, hydrate and enjoy the scenery. I would also avoid long straigth roads but that is personal opinion.
A few years back I wanted a challenge and signed myself for London to Paris in 24 hours. I had 9 months to go from having ridden about 25 miles to doing 280 miles. Eating plenty and going out steady were the most useful things. With regular riding it's not hard to gradually up the distance. I was doing yoga at the time too and that definitely helped the core and so not suffering with being stuck on the bike for long periods.
Getting out every other day at the moment, rode a 43 miler with a mate last week, that has been my longest so far. I'm trying desperately to get out as much as I can before I have to go back to work again next month and won't have the time. Great video again ♥️
Awsome post! Only thing I'd add - Wind. If you're a leisure rider, 50k ride might take more than 2 hours. Check the wind before you go, plan your ride and pace yourself accordingly. Otherwise your first 35k would be a breeze (See what I did there) but the last 15 would be impossible.
I started about years ago - regular 30km to 50km no problem. Few weeks ago done my first 100km , when was 0 degrees:) good breakfast is essential before I go, then some energy bars during the ride. Can’t wait for a Sunday - planning to do about 120km ;)
Check a weather app before you go out. 50km is likely to take long enough that if there’s a cloud burst half way round and you don’t have a waterproof layer, or have to ride the return leg into a raging headwind then you’re less likely to want to do it again in the future. Don’t let the weather put you off, just be prepared for it with the right clothing / pace for your ride
Just did a 110k ride yesterday after eating 500 calories for the day and taking no food with me. Felt pretty good for most of the ride, but ended up getting dehydrated because I only took two bottles with me. I wouldn't recommend the no-food approach to most riders, but I've been eating keto for the last three months to lose weight and am fat-adapted. There's really no need for food on a longer ride when you're in ketosis because your body can efficiently burn fat for fuel. Definitely keep up on the hydration, pace yourself, switch up your hand position, and get up out of the saddle every once in a while.
If you're going to plan a ride on Komoot remember to check the elevation profile, planned an easy ride last Sunday, ended going up Alexandra palace and Swains Lane which I hadn't heard of :( just two of the toughest climbs in London. Good ride food could be Japanese mochi which are rice balls with a filling not too sweet if you don't have a sweet tooth. If you do, snickers are all the way :)
Started riding late summer last year, longest so far is 60km but as the weather improves I'm planning to add more and also gain endurance ready for a bikepacking holiday later in the year. Most important thing for me is to enjoy what i do!
When Hank said "see that house over there? Unfortunately it's not mine." I started thinking. How much do GCN presenters make? p.s. I know Hanks family owns a castle or maybe a mansion. 😂😂😂
I use the ISM touring noseless bike seat. Absolutely no pain in the groin so I can go longer. I ride in a hot and humid tropical country (Philippines) with 30 degrees Celsius at 70 percent humidity so I drink coconut water or Gatorade regularly along the way. I carbo load before the ride with chia seeds and waxy maize, the carbohydrate of choice of Kenyan marathon runners. I also drink Yakult for the added probiotics. I also eat about five large bananas to avoid cramps. I sometimes went on a 75km ride with the above preparation and didn't bonk. Still have lots of energy left after the ride. You simply can't go wrong with waxy maize, the Kenyan carb fuel for elite performance
My longest ride was roughly 120km. I like to do 50km rides during the summer and the hardest thing about them is finding 2-3 hours of spare time to plan them into.
I skipped the 50 k and went straight to the hundred. I did it with a fully loaded backpack and fully loaded rear rack of caping gear. It actually wasnt bad. I figured if it was easy enough to do my daily rides of 20 k or so and jogs, and I didnt feel tired, then just go big. I paced myself thorough the city and pushed in the countryside, minus 40 min for lunch. Was a good trip. Second day though I was in the mountains and managed to break a chain ring about 70 k in. Live and learn, but have fun with it. I was lucky that japan had good trains and courier trucks to get me and my bike home.
I am working on my endurance for the summer. Planning on bikepacking to North Cape (Norway) from where I live (southish Norway). The distance around 2500-2700km. So I am aiming to manage 150km per day. RIght now I am feeling good doing 80-85km per day, so I am getting closer :) And the weather is helping for sure, now it's a pleasure to leave the house in dry non windy conditions.
I find the title of this video very funny 😂😂. My first ride ever was approximately 50km long with a lot of climbs(for me). And with no one's suprise, I was literally dying the whole ride 😭 didn't knew how I survived. A good sleep, maybe atleast 7 hours is something I'd recommend.
My longest ride was 250km over a week (about ~50km, 30km, 50km, 30km, 50km, 40km, Sunday off!) on my Canyon trail bike with a full camelbak (~4-5kg) on my back! It was for a school charity project, through plenty of forests, hills, and little villages. My route ended up being a circle shape covering three countries (Germany, The Netherlands, and Belgium)! It was thoroughly tiring and I was very sore during that week, but man was it one of the best adventures I’ve ever been on!! I can only recommend others to try as well! ...and if you do... let me know I might join in! :)
If me, a fat man on a single speed can do 50km. Theirs no reason anyone with a atleast a little training can do 50km. Just gotta keep at it and keep your heat up.
First I wanted to comment something like ,,Just do it!" or ,,If you can't get through 50km without food don't even try". But considering the fact that when I come home even after a 40km ride my first thoughts are about food, I think maybe I should be more humble and consider fueling through smaller rides. Anyway, good video guys. Cycling is wonderful.
Great tips there, longest ride to date is 127 miles, 8hrs 41 mins. Next year 350 miles across France for Help for Heroes on the big battle rides BBBR22 in June. Thanks again for the useful tips 🚴♀️💨
50k starts to be a distance where comfort on the bike is fundamental: a good pair of shorts and glasses can make the difference between feeling uncomfortable after a 90 minutes ride and wanting to go for longer
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Have you ever ridden 50km? What are your top tips?
I have
My tip is take some snacks and water and a good bike
Yes , eat breakfast before you ride a 50km ride😂
Plan a route that is an overall 3% downhill with cafe stops.
I have. My best advice is to enjoy the ride and not stare at the bike computer. It made the ride easier when enjoying the scenery than when tracking every second and every meter.
SNACKS ! like energy bars. Other than that, don't push yourself to the limit on first ride ! It will go better and smoother eventually after a few rides. Oh and water !
I just watched this video twice, so I can do a 100k now
Watched Lands End to John O Groats twice, sadly it's not challenge anymore!
wait, that works? 🤣
I'm a lazy ass, so I only watched half of it. I'm okey with doing just 25k
@@hmm8602 It's about fun, you won't understand it.
@@hmm8602 Told you so!
it's refreshing to see content aimed at leisure riders, rather than competitive ones.
nice one.
Glad you enjoyed it!
@@gcn FWIW, I really appreciate this reminder that smalls goals are okay and worth celebrating.
Yeah this channel should be for the people. I think 80 percent of the viewers are complete amateurs
Agreed!
@@asdasd01 I don't even have a road bike.
My first longer ride was a 77 km loop. After getting home I was lying on the kitchen floor in agony, thinking I would never go near my bike ever. Next day I found myself browsing the map, looking for new routes😃
The pain dissipates but the joy remains.
Yes! 🤗 Mine is 77 too, completed just 3 days ago 🙌 I felt like death for hours after as I'm struggling to fuel correctly 🤦🏼♂️
@@morganrowe Congrats, keep it up! For me it was several years ago. As I lay on the floor I was thinking, 'ok, it was hard, but it took only a couple of hours! Jesus, what distance can i do in a day?' That was the point that hooked me into cycling. My current longest ride is 200 km, and this year Im training for a 300 km/24h adventure!
@@stevencroat wow! Epic efforts there, good luck on the 300 👍 yeh I think I'm going to try and get comfortable at 75km before bumping up to 100. Started to properly read into fueling now so 🤞
That's cycling for you lol
5:50 Best point made: there is always someone faster than you and, conversely, there is always someone slower than you. They may be training, they may be cruising. Screw it. Don't compare. You do you.
And be friendly to other cyclists no matter if they wave back or not! You may be the one who makes the difference if someone finishes his ride or not!
@@SwiCyc I agree, some new cyclists don't know about the wave, or sometimes they often are distracted in working stuff out in their head, that they miss a fellow cyclist on their ride.
Started cycling 3 years ago, did 20km and then tried 25km. Wow. Next thing you know, not worthwhile getting out the door for anything less than 50km. Now it's Grand Fondos, local Cycling Classics and a bike rack for the car. Great days indeed 😁😁😁
It doesn't get easier. You just go faster (or farther, in this case).
I won't leave the house unless I'm doing 50k (unless it has lots of hills)
@@jasonmcgrody9472 it gets easier
I always aim for 50km. But if time is tight and I want to get a quick ride in, a 20km ride will do for me.
@@jasonmcgrody9472 well it depends. You can either push yourself just as hard but go further, or keep going the same distance but not push yourself as hard and thus gets easier
Years ago, I instantly doubled my longest ride ever from 10 miles to 20 miles with my discovery of bike shorts.
LOL, yes, I too have discovered that the right gear really can make a huge difference. I swore I'd never go "full roadie", but almost every piece of kit has some sort of advantage that helps with comfort or speed.
I ride in blue jeans is that bad?
@@BigDSProductions last season my avg speed was 13mph (still new, I know that's not that good) I added new tires over the winter, and changed nothing else. I did a ride yesterday, and my avg was 16.5mph. The right gear makes a huge difference
Similar for me, First ride was 15km I felt like I was dying, my dad helped me adjust my seat and my next ride was 25km and felt really pleasant.
Yes, it does help to wear appropriate clothing for cycling. However back in the day I cycled literally thousands of miles per year while wearing very ordinary clothing.
My longest ride so far is 60 miles, but is aiming for the century mark this year.
If you can do 60 you can do a flat 100! Just eat and hydrate lots, take your time, take a few breaks and you'll be fine!
You must be American. Its 2021 everyone says kms instead of miles.
@@kp-dr7tt no, miles is superior
@@kp-dr7tt not true, I use both kms and miles in training data. We still use miles on road signs, speed limits etc
@@gf5137 untrue, First of all everyone except americans use km for a reason, also 100cm is 1 meter and a 1000 meters is a km its way easier and was actually thought about.
My longest ride was 118 km (74mi). This as Saturday I’ll be doing a 200 km (125mi) ride around Florida. I recommend getting good sleep before long rides.
Have a good ride. Hope you get some Pinellas Trail. I imagine a ride around Florida would be more like 1,200 miles.
I'll wave if you're going on A1A by Palm Beach
Rode a century last Saturday that included 3000 ft. of elevation, you're right get plenty of sleep.
Hacing a good sleep is very important, not only the night before, but several days in advance. I suddenly could do 160kms (100 miles) with ease, as I begun sleeping 7-8hrs a night. Get rid of your phone as you go to sleep. It worked for me.
Of course in Florida you have those huge climbs. 2-3 meters of elevation change and .0013% grades!
I did my first 50k this weekend and it felt amazing! I’ve only been cycling since July and never thought I’d make it longer than a quick sprint around the block. I blame all of you amazing souls at GCN for inspiring me to ride further and harder every day. 🙏🏼 I’m forever grateful
in my first 50k I was 145 kilos! 4 hours to complete.and now I have done 200+ kilometers in one ride.dont forget no pain no gain.!
And what is your current weight? Iv'e gone from 105kg to 87kg in little over 1 year thanks mostly to picking up the bike hobby :)
@@Misterobozo1 i was 76 kilos 1.5 years ago but i had an accident and after 3 operations and alot of medication including alot of cortisone and imobolised in bed i went to 114 kilos, now I am 109 kilos and going down once more, today 24/3/2021 i went on a ride of 70 kilometers. not bad i think .
@@nikolaosstavrou5327 well done and keep it up, inspiring stuff👍
@@nikolaosstavrou5327 Sorry to hear from your accident.. Keep riding!
Same! The last 15-20 kilometers were so brutal because I'm so tired and I was barely pedalling anymore lmao
My challenge in cycling while living in London is not to get killed. I know, very ambitious.
I used to do 20 miles a day in London, safety was never an issue, I just never left Hyde Park.
@@Munkenba exactly. Just get CycloCross bike. Don't have to worry about road safety if your never on the road to begin with.
Indeed, don’t set such high targets, you won’t achieve them. What’s wrong with getting killed every now and then. I’ve not tried it yet but I have never heard anything bad from people who did.
Trust me it’s not that bad after a little :)
I biked in London for a few years. I felt safer there than in New Zealand.
This was a good video. I have accomplished 50K already and now aiming for 100. Your tips are very helpful. Hank and Manon are great presenters. Keep up the great work all of you!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the support, David!
@@gcnhow to deal with backpain?
@@gcnand neckpain
Hank and Manon. Best pairing since Si and Dan!
I’ve recently started doing 50k + rides and it’s very satisfying. One thing I have learned is to plan the route carefully to avoid a massive headwind and big hill on the last 10k as that can be a bit discouraging. That said, no matter which way I go I live at the top of a hill so that treat is waiting for me at the end of every ride 😂
Same here. I live on a 8% grade. I knew I was making progress my first year when I didn't have to get off and walk anymore.
Tip. Water is essential even in our Australian winter. Drink at EVERY the tap and fill up your bottleS after.
Living in Perth, I now have two bottle cages. Even on a 50 km ride I get through 2 x 700 ml bottles if 30C+.
I remember the first time I rode a bigger distance, I f*cked up my water management so massively, that I had recurring nightmares of it for months
As an aussie, i ride with a 2L camelbak and usually finish it in an hour even in the cold haha, water is a non-stop thing in Aud
100%. Water limits my range in summer. Like others have said here, I run out of water before anything else in summer. 2x water bottles are good for about 50km and not much more. Good old 'Straya.
After 4 months on a road bike and watching all the GCN videos, I finally rode 100km (62 miles) today on a 2009 Felt z25! Thanks for all the tips GCN. Can't wait to hit 100 miles. Not bad for 6'3" 235#
Started cycling a year ago, only did 5km on my first ride but last month I did my longest ride 75km and about to get my first grand fondos this month
Just purchased my first road bike approximately a month ago. Rode 25 miles already. Love it.
Thanks for the information in your videos. The scenery is also amazing 😎
Thank you for acknowledging that it’s ok if you’re only going 25k. That’s my go to ride but I always feel guilty for not going further. Planning a 75k this summer!! Super excited and thanks for the tips.
Hank asking Manon for her saddle bag while not having one himself
It’s almost as if they had a support car! Also... he had stuff in his jersey
My longest so far, after starting road cycling seriuosly 6 months ago, is 85km, but I would say distance is not always the most relevant thing to look at: elevation gain can make a 40k ride much harder than a 76k ride!
Don't forget a strong headwind
@@brianluck84 absolutely !
THIS. Did my first 40km and had a max elevation of 333m and I was wrecked so bad that I was cramping up on the descents
My current longest rides is 74 km 2 months ago. Hopefully I'm doing my first 100 km ride this easter.
Good luck, have fun and stay safe! Also, do not think, the same fuel for 70kms is enough for 100kms... I had to learn it the hard way.
Came at perfect time , been building up distance since Jan and now up to 35-40km, next step is to go 50km so good tips and slowly learning how massive fuelling is ...especially as a type 1 diabetic
you dont need to fuel yourself for this little distance
@@rcs2003 you do in my case and my flash glucose monitor clearly demonstrates this. 25-30 mins into a ride and my glucose levels start to tumble
@@tigerv88 Now you answered your own question
@@tigerv88 I feel your pain (been there lying by the side of a hill having eaten all the snacks I took with me [lots!], feeling rather sick and hoping they would kick in and be enough to get me home!) I now aim to run high before I head out (above 10mmol/l or going that way ideally, but below 15mmol/l) - I eat something (30g of cookies or similar) and don't take much insulin (~1/3 bolus dosing) to ensure I have some energy + insulin in the system. Basal alone will do if you are already a bit high and don't want to eat, but keep an eye on it as I certainly tend to come down in a hurry and the flash sensors have a lag so I've certainly ended up needing to stop to eat and then let the carbs "soak in" once I've realised I'm dropping like a stone. If I have a long break (couple of weeks or more) and have therefore had to up my basal, I'll be more careful re continuous fuelling along the way, otherwise I tend to have something medium acting (say 15g) every ~45min after the first hour or so and keep an eye on the trend (keeping ahead of the flash sensor lag). I reduce basal by 2 or 3 units (10-20% of total) for the first couple of nights post reasonable duration/intensity exercise (so say 2.5h+ of hard work!), then bring it back up a unit at a time every few days over the course of a week if I don't manage to get out due to work/weather/childcare. First ~18h after some significant exercise I'll tend to only do 50% bolus dosing (vs normal), especially important if you have a decent sized evening meal, and then correct if I've got it wrong, but it usually works out ok. With all that said, we're all different. Keep at it and you're not alone! :)
@@SimonPickering thanks for the tips, much appreciated.👍
Just did my first 100km. Can’t wait to get to 200km. 🙏
If there was coffee in those cups I’ll eat my casquette - Hank was throwing them around like a crazy man.
Single espressos - a small puddle in the bottom of the cup
They had already drank them at this stage..... Took Hank 2 dozen takes to get his lines right.... 🤣
I've just started training for my first 60km sportive. This video was perfectly timed! Thanks GCN!
I like to remember to check the route for type of terrain, a first 50k on paved roads differs quite a bit to the first gravel 50k
I still remember my then longest ride when I was a skinny 20 yo in 1973, 50 miles. Had lunch, got on my too big antique c1950s SS Rudge, rode to a town at 25 miles, ate an O'Henry chocolate bar and coke, then hurried home thru rush hour traffic to not be late for supper at 5:30. LOL. I was 7 minutes late I think. There is a big valley dip and town 7 miles out. It did help that there were few stop lights back then.
Food during a 30 mile ride?? LOL. Barely need 2 bottles of water for me, might not finish 1 on a 15C day. I don't even consider the Gatorade for less than 50 miles. 60 mile+ rides I stop in the middle at a fast food place or cafe in small towns. My PB 133 mile ride last year was on a 73 lb bike with a SA XL-RD5w, 12.4 hours, avg. 14.1. I didn't even take a snack, had an hour lunch after 59 miles, where my avg. was at 16.08 mph. Puttered for an hour rest ride/ sightseeing, then headed home. At 97 miles I had a big ice-cream cone. I do stop a lot more often when tired/ maybe crampy coming home. Those rides I take a GA and 3 water bottles. I've never used bike clothes or hellmet in my life. LOL.
I just did my first 50 km last weeekend. It was amazing and I will be going for more.
Thanks GCN for having all these tips for rookies like me.
Some people on here will go ‘50k!? Pah! Just get on your bike and ride for 2 hours’. But people are getting into cycling all the time, and 50k can seem like a hurdle to achieve. These videos are great encouragement for new riders🙌🙌🙌
This is very inspirational stuff GCN for the new cyclist we are trying to encourage into this great sport . Well presented by Hank and Manon who work really well together. Always a great edit and full of proper cycling advice.
I did and do 50 km anyday just with one cup of coffee. Early morning ride.
Little late to the party. Furthest I've cycled is 30km, so nervous about going for that 50km, this vid has given me some confidence, looking forward to my cycle tomorrow
Started cycling a year ago and 15km is how far I can only get. Then I started watching this channel and with a cycling buddy I started to ride a successful 30km and then adding 10km each ride until I got a 50km. Will try to get 70km next time the lockdown is over. Even better, a 100km. Hopefully my average speed increases as well to save me more time in doing long rides. Currently sutcked at 22km/h.
My longest ride (so far) has been 240 km but I still have a 300 km goal to accomplish. As someone who has ridden for a long time, I think it is great that there are videos like this one--entertaining and with excellent advice--for those getting into (or back into) this excellent sport we all enjoy so much. I recommend the GCN book on endurance cycling, an excellent primer even if you are not planning to ride around the world, as most of us will want to ride distance and finish feeling in good shape rather than race. 50 kms is good, then comes the Metric Century and Full Century for feelings of real accomplishment!
About 2 years ago I (then 16years of age) started to commute to school, next thing I know is me doing 245 km on a 28.2 km/h average. Cycling is the best! And GCN supports with amazing maintenance hacks and other cool stuff.
I've just completed my 1st 200kms ride a few days back on my single speed roadbike and I've to thank GCN's videos and Manon's energy ball recipe; they are lifesaver! Thankyou !!
I just did 37 miles (roughly 60k) this past weekend and am going for 70-75k this weekend. Hopefully I can get to 100k this summer. Great video!
I'm planning to do my first 50km ride in about 40 years this year.
Good luck, Scot!
Good luck!
Enough food and water is the key. Go as slow as you need to be able to finish it! Have great fun!
I did a couple of 60 mile rides when I was in my teens. Now I'm in my late thirties and I'm planning my first 60 mile ride since then! Wish me well!
Started cycling again on January 1st, completed my first 50km ride on Saturday. My target is a 100km ride by August 🤞🏻
I'm doing my first 50k next month on a bikepacking trip...never ridden that far before! I'm probably going to die but I'm excited anyway.
My normal training ride is just under 50 km but it is full of nice, steep hills and fantastic scenery👍
I did it 2 months back, on a mtb that weighs a freaking lot, and the most important tip is to take water and something to chew on, it didn't take anything with me and suffered like hell.
Great video. Planning is key - know your route, and check the ascents. Being confident in what you can manage and what your bike can do is essential. Once you know you can cope with any hill that might crop up, I reckon a 50km is not going to take too much out of you. Once you can do a 50km, a 100km isn't that much of an uplift. This advice from a 50+ bloke who hadn't cycled in 20 years and was seriously out of shape, started again during Lockdown #1 and lives in an area where you can't cycle 10km without 500 metres ascent. Also agree with the comments section remarks about weather and in particular, headwind - headwind out/tailwind back, avoid the opposite.
If you live in the tropics, remember to carry how much water you can carry with you (2 x 600/700ml bottles + 1,2 liter bladder).
And if possible, a high calorie candy (if possible homemade and/or from natural ingredients) to boost you up.
196 km in a day but i trainned for a month. Started with 30 km a day and slowly went higher. I was knackered 1 day after that ride
I did my first century 3 months ago in a singlet and converse chucks.
I have since upgraded my pedals, shoes and now wearing a jersey.
I look forward to my next century ride.
Finally! Thank you for mentioning kms instead of Miles
Nah miles is better :)
As an American, I think and work in Imperial units. But I like the metric system. Easy to work with. And my weight is numerically lower and my distance is numerically longer. Want to weight less and ride longer? Go metric!
Britain often uses miles for distances though, especially on road signs and railways
I think one day, In the future of course, when we have sufficiently complex technology they will come up with a way to convert KM to Miles.
@@NickShepherd1983 You dreamer.
Bought my first bike these I was a teenager at the end of August 2020. Took it on a tour of Co.Kerry in Ireland, so an 80km there and back trip from Killarney to Inch Strand was one of my first proper rides.
Have since done a 102km ride as my longest but struggle finding the time to do more 100km rides or longer ones at the moment. Roll on the summer and longer days and more daylight
My longest so far is 22km!
Looking forward for my next milestone!
Love how you put the fun back into cycling! 💯🙌🏻
This is roughly my goal this year. Really useful this.
I did my first ever 50km yesterday! Avocado toast with 2 fried eggs and coffee for breakfast. Plenty of water throughout. an orange, half a bar, and a good stretch when I stopped at my halfway point. Felt great. I feel like I could have done way more. Maybe I am getting better at this.
I´m planning an 8-10 hour ride this summer! According to my calculations this equals around 20-28 bars/gels ;-)
Funny they make this video....this is my goal this year I completed 41km and was completely drained after but with these tips I feel I’ll hit the 50 km mark and more this year.....thanks GCN!!
When I started, 50km was forever! Alas, I've not ridden in ages, and I think it is again. Might have a goal for 2021.
I've only been riding for 3 years now. So I can vividly remember when I thought I would never be able to ride 50km. Now I'm doing about that several times a week and I've done a few 100km rides.
-My advice is to definitely train up to any new distance. If 50km is your goal, you should be able to do at least 30km comfortably. My first attempt at a 100-mile ride turned into a 100km (about 65 miles) because I didn't do that and my legs couldn't go the distance.
-Try to find an event ride (charity, bike tour, etc) with lots of casual riders, bike support, and stocked rest stops.
-Real food can be better than gels because most gels (except isotonic gels) need a lot of water (nearly a whole water bottle full) to properly absorb. That's a lot of water in your belly all at once. I like dried figs, nuts, berries, and chocolate for longer rides.
-Don't go too slow. You don't want to push hard, but if you go really slow, that's just more time in the saddle. I did a 50km charity group ride last year with a group of new riders. I rode with them the whole time to provide bike and moral support. But it literally became painfully slow for me as they rode a good deal slower than I ride and they stopped frequently. By the end of the ride, I had spent more time in the saddle than probably any other ride I've done and I hurt for days.
BTW, this year I will complete that first 100 mile (about 160km) ride.
definitely buy a pinarello dogma for your first 50km :)
Check the wind direction before leaving and plan to finish with a tail wind, and try to do the part against the wind somewhere a bit more sheltered such as in a valley or in town - avoid windswept plateaux unless with a tail-wind !
Best tip that I've learned you'll need to bring lots of water some food money too and a kit with you, You certainly don't want to run out of water or walk 50km back home.
I've learned that the hard way.
Also be sure to rest when you need to, You don't want to push yourself.
I suppose that 50km on a road bike is a lot easier than 50km on a MTB, hybrid, Dual-Sport, or any other type of bike.
My longest ride is 56 km. I hope to go at least as far on a ride this year.
Mine is 30.18km off road though.
Bro you can do it it's all about mindset
@@johnanthonytorres1064 thanks sis 😃👍🏻
Good advice. My first ever road bike ride was quite a few years ago where a friend said we would do a wee charity ride. It was only when I agreed to go with him that he told me it was a ride around Arran. Which is just over 50 miles!
Cyclist are quite good about lying to us about the kms 😅
The Route and Weather conditions are two of the main things to get right if you are taking out a Newbie for the first 50km.. Calm day and deff no monster climbs.. Nice easy and flowing
Was so inspired by this I followed your recommendations 2.4 times and pounded out a 120k ride today
My longest ride was roughly 75 miles. I had just got a computer in the mail and was invited to, what I thought was, a 75km ride. He really said 75 miles. I didn't charge it all the way, so it died at just over 80km in. I got it hooked up to my power brick and had it going again after about 15-20km unlogged. I logged 50km 2 days prior to this ride. All this with less than a month of experience.
Also, great video!
Thanks for this. I just got into cycling and the furthest I've done so far is 30km so preparing to do 50km this week 😀. This is helpful!
I am hoping to build up to doing 50 KMs in the next few weeks, but it is tough being in the saddle for that long especially when your 140KGs.
my advised to make it possible, and I am saying this as someone that is 142kg myself.... take it easy and plan to actually stop and do cyclist yoga for 5-10 min every 90 minutes... and I'd be aiming to complete in 3hours in a moderate pace...
You can do it. Last year I did 58km accidently on gravel/trail as 136kg. Just take it easy, hydrate and enjoy the scenery. I would also avoid long straigth roads but that is personal opinion.
A few years back I wanted a challenge and signed myself for London to Paris in 24 hours. I had 9 months to go from having ridden about 25 miles to doing 280 miles. Eating plenty and going out steady were the most useful things. With regular riding it's not hard to gradually up the distance. I was doing yoga at the time too and that definitely helped the core and so not suffering with being stuck on the bike for long periods.
Watching this after (just) finishing first 50k ride. 😊
Great video! Have signed up for my first 100km event in September, so doing 50km will be a nice first milestone.
Getting out every other day at the moment, rode a 43 miler with a mate last week, that has been my longest so far. I'm trying desperately to get out as much as I can before I have to go back to work again next month and won't have the time. Great video again ♥️
I think for the biggest part of the community it's no problem but it's very nice that you also adress beginers or people who aren't that fit 👍
Awsome post!
Only thing I'd add - Wind. If you're a leisure rider, 50k ride might take more than 2 hours. Check the wind before you go, plan your ride and pace yourself accordingly. Otherwise your first 35k would be a breeze (See what I did there) but the last 15 would be impossible.
take your time is the best tip for someone starting out
I started about years ago - regular 30km to 50km no problem. Few weeks ago done my first 100km , when was 0 degrees:) good breakfast is essential before I go, then some energy bars during the ride. Can’t wait for a Sunday - planning to do about 120km ;)
Check a weather app before you go out. 50km is likely to take long enough that if there’s a cloud burst half way round and you don’t have a waterproof layer, or have to ride the return leg into a raging headwind then you’re less likely to want to do it again in the future. Don’t let the weather put you off, just be prepared for it with the right clothing / pace for your ride
My longest ride so far was exactly 31 miles, didn't even know I had done a 50k!
Just did a 110k ride yesterday after eating 500 calories for the day and taking no food with me. Felt pretty good for most of the ride, but ended up getting dehydrated because I only took two bottles with me. I wouldn't recommend the no-food approach to most riders, but I've been eating keto for the last three months to lose weight and am fat-adapted. There's really no need for food on a longer ride when you're in ketosis because your body can efficiently burn fat for fuel. Definitely keep up on the hydration, pace yourself, switch up your hand position, and get up out of the saddle every once in a while.
If you're going to plan a ride on Komoot remember to check the elevation profile, planned an easy ride last Sunday, ended going up Alexandra palace and Swains Lane which I hadn't heard of :( just two of the toughest climbs in London. Good ride food could be Japanese mochi which are rice balls with a filling not too sweet if you don't have a sweet tooth. If you do, snickers are all the way :)
In my area a snickers will end up a gooey mess for most of the cycling season.
You must not have been familiar with north london otherwise you'd already know those hills were steep. They're not so bad though, very short
Started riding late summer last year, longest so far is 60km but as the weather improves I'm planning to add more and also gain endurance ready for a bikepacking holiday later in the year. Most important thing for me is to enjoy what i do!
When Hank said "see that house over there? Unfortunately it's not mine." I started thinking. How much do GCN presenters make?
p.s. I know Hanks family owns a castle or maybe a mansion. 😂😂😂
Watched your video last night and did my first 50k this morning, Thank you!
I completed 50 kms in just 4 days of practice, thanks to GCN 🔥❤️
You guys are the best. Thank you for making videos like this. You know, for us that are not Tour de France competitors.
I use the ISM touring noseless bike seat. Absolutely no pain in the groin so I can go longer.
I ride in a hot and humid tropical country (Philippines) with 30 degrees Celsius at 70 percent humidity so I drink coconut water or Gatorade regularly along the way.
I carbo load before the ride with chia seeds and waxy maize, the carbohydrate of choice of Kenyan marathon runners. I also drink Yakult for the added probiotics.
I also eat about five large bananas to avoid cramps.
I sometimes went on a 75km ride with the above preparation and didn't bonk. Still have lots of energy left after the ride. You simply can't go wrong with waxy maize, the Kenyan carb fuel for elite performance
My longest ride was roughly 120km.
I like to do 50km rides during the summer and the hardest thing about them is finding 2-3 hours of spare time to plan them into.
I really love how you make content for every cyclist!
I skipped the 50 k and went straight to the hundred. I did it with a fully loaded backpack and fully loaded rear rack of caping gear. It actually wasnt bad. I figured if it was easy enough to do my daily rides of 20 k or so and jogs, and I didnt feel tired, then just go big. I paced myself thorough the city and pushed in the countryside, minus 40 min for lunch. Was a good trip. Second day though I was in the mountains and managed to break a chain ring about 70 k in. Live and learn, but have fun with it. I was lucky that japan had good trains and courier trucks to get me and my bike home.
GCN videos are always full of information and fun too
Great video. Manon & Hank are an awesome duo, btw. More of them @GCN!
I am working on my endurance for the summer. Planning on bikepacking to North Cape (Norway) from where I live (southish Norway). The distance around 2500-2700km. So I am aiming to manage 150km per day. RIght now I am feeling good doing 80-85km per day, so I am getting closer :) And the weather is helping for sure, now it's a pleasure to leave the house in dry non windy conditions.
I find the title of this video very funny 😂😂. My first ride ever was approximately 50km long with a lot of climbs(for me). And with no one's suprise, I was literally dying the whole ride 😭 didn't knew how I survived.
A good sleep, maybe atleast 7 hours is something I'd recommend.
Awesome tips. Did my first 50km today in Mumbai!!
Aiming for mine by the same sea in Karachi 💪
My longest ride was 250km over a week (about ~50km, 30km, 50km, 30km, 50km, 40km, Sunday off!) on my Canyon trail bike with a full camelbak (~4-5kg) on my back!
It was for a school charity project, through plenty of forests, hills, and little villages. My route ended up being a circle shape covering three countries (Germany, The Netherlands, and Belgium)! It was thoroughly tiring and I was very sore during that week, but man was it one of the best adventures I’ve ever been on!!
I can only recommend others to try as well! ...and if you do... let me know I might join in! :)
If me, a fat man on a single speed can do 50km. Theirs no reason anyone with a atleast a little training can do 50km. Just gotta keep at it and keep your heat up.
Well said mate 👌👍
First I wanted to comment something like ,,Just do it!" or ,,If you can't get through 50km without food don't even try". But considering the fact that when I come home even after a 40km ride my first thoughts are about food, I think maybe I should be more humble and consider fueling through smaller rides.
Anyway, good video guys. Cycling is wonderful.
Great tips there, longest ride to date is 127 miles, 8hrs 41 mins. Next year 350 miles across France for Help for Heroes on the big battle rides BBBR22 in June. Thanks again for the useful tips 🚴♀️💨
50k starts to be a distance where comfort on the bike is fundamental: a good pair of shorts and glasses can make the difference between feeling uncomfortable after a 90 minutes ride and wanting to go for longer