120 mile biking trip?

Question

I have been thinking about riding my bike across Washington, starting in Spokane and ending up in Moses Lake. I believe the distance is about about 120 miles, which is much farther than any other biking trip I've been on. I'm not sure exactly how I should plan it out, exactly.

As for specifics,i have a crappy wal-mart bike, but it rides good, I'm going to make the trip with a couple buddies, and I don't plan on spending my nights at motels.

How long do you think this trip will take? Only stops would be at maybe McDonalds or something like that. Might sleep in a tent one night. Any advice would help also.

Answer 1

You didn't say whether you have a road bike, mountain bike or hybrid. If it's a mountain bike, make sure you trade the knobby tires for something more road-worthy. Also, bring the bike into a shop to have it checked out. You don't want to be stuck out on the road with broken spokes or a snapped derailleur cable.

Answer 2

If youve got decent endurance you should be able to do it in 2 days.  I could probably do it in 3.  Take along a spare tube and bike tools or things could really turn sour.  Put extra air in the tires for fast road riding.  Good luck.

Answer 3

On a crappy, wal mart bike, it would take at least 2 days and you'd suffer every inch of the trip.......prepare to feel the pain

Answer 4

About 60 miles a day would be reasonable and not be too demanding if you're physically fit so it would take a couple of days.

Answer 5

Keep in mind that 120 miles is if you are driving a car on Interstate 90 between Spokane and Moses Lake.

When doing the trip by bike, you need to go through local roads which is not quite as direct, and that will probably extend your trip to 140 miles or more.

You need to scout out a safe route to ride first--  Roads that have wide shoulders and/or have light motor traffic.  Then you need to plan out where you can stop to replenish your fluids, and where to stay at night.

Can be done in 2 days, one way.

Answer 6

As Silverbullet says, one day for a serious rider.  As Andy says, a couple for a recreational rider.  I am thinking 2 or perhaps 3 days.

If you were doing a pure credit card tour, where you eat at restaurants and stay in hotels, this would be a pretty easy two day ride if you spend a bit of time prior to the trip doing some riding.  (Keep in mind, your bottom is going to be pretty sore on the 2nd day.)

The biggest issues I see for you are carrying a tent and a sleeping bag.  Are you going to buy a rack for your bike to mount these items on?  If so, this should be pretty doable in two days.  

If you are going to carry these items in a backpack, the trip is going to take longer.  It is difficult and painful to carry bulky, heavy items in a backpack.  It puts much more weight on your bottom as well as your hands, arms and shoulders.  I suspect you will much more rapidly fatigue trying to carry this stuff on your back.

Hope this helps.

Answer 7

For most serious cyclists, that's a one day trip.

Answer 8

Definetly get cycling shorts for a ride that long. A walmart bike is most likely not going to last on a ride like that. Bring a healthy set of tools, and make a map of bike shops close to your route.

I would bet you could do 120 miles in 12-14 hours on a mountain bike, so that would make it one very long day, or 2 shorter days.