Can I ride my bicycle forty miles in one day?

Question

If im seventeen years old and in average health could i handle riding my bicycle 20 miles to a nearby city (maybe resting for awhile along the way) and then stay there for a few hours and then go another 20 miles back home? Could you also give me a rough estimate on how long that might take?

Answer 1

20+20 with several hours between should be OK to do if you are used to riding your bike. If not you will have a very soar butt no doubt. A very easy pace would be 10mph 2 hrs there and 2 hrs back.

Answer 2

It would depend a lot on the bike.  For example, it would be very tough on a BMX bike, but fairly easy on a road bike.   It would also depend on the path taken;  if you have a nice, paved bike trail, it would be much easier than trying to take the highway shoulder and/or gravel.

I have found that if you allow about an hour per every 10 miles, you'll be pretty close.  That allows for rest stops and such.  So for the trip you mention, you'd be looking at minimum of 6 hours if you hung around for about 2 hrs at your destination.

Answer 3

It depends on your level of fitness and what type of terrain you are cycling over. 40 miles is a bit of a slog if you're not used to cycling but if you have lightweight road bike you should manage it okay. Assuming an average speed of about 12 miles an hour it would take you just over 3 hours.

Answer 4

I am 66 years old, and average health for my age.

I have road 70 miles in one day.

I did 34 miles today and thought nothing of it.

The trail is paved and not very hilly.

If you have no big hills or a bad head wind

you will be OK.

I would not try 40 miles the first time riding.

Work up to it, You are young, Make sure to take plenty of water.

Better have more than you need.

I average around 11-12 MPH on a recumbent.

I hope the bicycle is the correct size for you.

I see kids your age riding 20" bikes, thats got to be bad.

Ride SAFE and enjoy.

Answer 5

if you want to do something all you have to do is make up your mind and do it, no matter what anyone tells you. just don't kill yourself in the proses. Drink lots of fluids and in a couple of weeks it wont even feel like a long ride. Enjoy getting in shape, cause that is what will eventually happen.

Answer 6

I used to ride 40-50 miles a day a few times a week, but often would just cruise at slower speeds on the bike trail. Just keep at your own pace, cool thing about riding far is once your out somewhere you have no choice but to ride home :) Sounds like it may take up a good afternoon or full out morning through lunch time.

Answer 7

I rode 70 miles in one day when I was ten, so i'm sure you could do it. My dad once rode 310 miles in a single day when he was in his prime, but then again he was one of the best racers in the country. I'd say each way would take 2.5 to 3 hours.

Answer 8

40 miles is a lot for somebody who doesnt even really know what speed they can comfortably average.  sure youll be able to do it eventually i just dont know how enjoyable your trip would be.

Answer 9

Twenty over and twenty back is within your reach. For your first few times, it will take you somewhere between 90 mins and 2 hrs each way. Eat something about 30-35 min before you set out. Bring along something to drink. Stop half-way for a few minutes if you need the rest or just want to get off the bike. Just time things so that you'll be back home before dark. Riding at night requires more equipment and experience.

HTH