5 TIPS for Cycling Your First 100 Miles

[@333wheeler]

Treat your first 100 as a longer leisure ride . Do not try and break any records . As a guide the old CTC standard rides were 100 in 8 hours that used to include 3 stops. Maybe visit some places of interest on the way round as focal point goals.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thats a great bit of additional info thank you!

[@phoffen3829]

I think that is amazingly fast for me. I can do long distances, but not at +20 kmh including stops. I did 135 km once, and didn't make it back in daylight, pedalling the whole 9 hours, with very very little gliding. It is hard, no matter what anybody says.

[@ShawnIsBatman]

I anxiously await your spirited debate with Francis & Jimmy regarding base layers!

[@ChrisHallRides]

😂

[@VictorElGreco]

Sound advice. 👍🏻 I would add some basic skincare depending on the weather, sunscreen, lip balm and the like.

[@ChrisHallRides]

great shout there :)

[@mumm-ratheeverliving3138]

Great info. I’d just add the importance of bringing a waterproof zipper bag for your phone, some cash, emergency contact info, and your ID.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Great point! Thank you!

[@tmayberry7559]

Yes and pace yourself going into a headwind, a wind gust or cross wind . It not about how far you go or how fast you go: or how long it takes to get there. For me it's about being there in the moment. STOP WASTING TIME AND MAKE EACH DAY COUNT

[@ChrisHallRides]

🙏🙏

[@CustomGamer]

Pro tip if you live in London - Stone henge is bang on 100 miles and it's a beautiful and relatively flat ride.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Great shout!!

[@gedheaton1415]

Ummm so 200 miles to get back home 🙂

[@redauwg911]

Thank you for the video. I also take a tiny battery pack i can attach to my rear light if needed or to top up my phone, And i have a friend on call that day that can pick me up if i can't make it back lol

[@ChrisHallRides]

They are great extra points to mention ]

[@dsonyay]

Regarding nutrition- I eat purely carnivore, so my body runs on body fat stores. I take in zero carbs on my rides.. even to rides to 80 to 100 miles. I only carry water and electrolytes. I can literally pedal all day on zero carbs. Quite a few pro athletes have started switching over to this. Good video- 100 miles is a challenge- dressing properly is important.. as well breaking the ride down into manageable segments.. I try to stop at the 30 mile points … 30/60 and maybe 90. If I’m feeling really good, I skip the 90 mile break. Also- keep breaks very short.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Interesting. I know more people racing world tour level who are vegan than carnivore and there’s a huge amount of science backing the use of carbs for endurance sports. It sounds like you’re effectively being in ketogenic which there’s some science behind that. It’s why we are seeing ketone shots appearing (which I’ll be honest taste like petrol). Whatever works for you is the best thing to do of course.

[@marcdaniels9079]

You can pedal all day on zero carbs - good for you but why ? There are literally zero successful Keto pro peloton riders. As pointed out in the maker’s comment there are more vegans… Dylan Johnson is a vegan and very successful in the US MTB and gravel racing scene. It’s much easier for the body to generate energy from carbs and Keto has a lot of significant health consequences.

[@phoffen3829]

I tried this and got sick. EAT!

[@jonpoon3896]

Actually, for route planning, I’d go for something with a couple of climbs. Not too steep, something you can pace and get over easily. Because then, you get big descents. Pan flat 100 miles means you’re pedaling a lot more

[@ChrisHallRides]

That’s a great point. As long as they’re not steep climbs

[@heidijarvis777]

I did the flat 100 in Doncaster and it was a killer so exactly this

[@fatmanonabike238]

Really useful doing my first 100 mile ride on June 15th I’m up to 54 miles in training going plus 60 for the first time on Sunday

[@ChrisHallRides]

Good luck! You’ll do amazing I’m sure!

[@FurySpyder]

For me the question is how to build up to doing 100miles. I could jump on my bike right now, with little prep, and ride say 50 miles quite easily, but over that distance I start to get fatigued. Its rarely my legs, but other parts of my body that start to complain! I guess its all about gradually building up the distance but in my head I now think anything over 50 miles is going to hurt, so it does!

[@ChrisHallRides]

You have summed it up well. Gradually building up helps too, like what you hear people doing marathons say. Also making sure the bike fits you well helps a lot with random aches and pains too

[@CycleXplorer]

Really like the figure of 8 loop as long as you don't get too tempted to stop, maybe a couple of nice cafe stops en route. Or a train out 100 miles so you have no choice but to keep on going 😂

[@ChrisHallRides]

That's a great idea!

[@cd66061]

Great psychologically this, because as soon as you set off you are already heading back home, unlike an out and back.

[@CycleXplorer]

@@cd66061 I've planned a long ride in a few weeks with a stop over to sleep somewhere. But it's a loop. I'm not thinking the train option out may have been a better idea. Maybe for the next one I'll do that.

[@InternetGrandpa]

Hi Chris. You have the same name as my older son (first and last)! Enjoyed your video. I have a nice 25 mile loop that I will try to circle 4 times this year. I'll mark this vid and rewatch a couple of times. Regards.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Great name for your older son! Thanks for watching!

[@birkaster]

Some people say = Francis :D

[@ChrisHallRides]

haha

[@mattpeters7884]

Check the weather, yes for clothing but also wind. I just did 110 miles from my home to Cardiff and I had a head wind all the way there. I also had rain and hail which wasnt too bad. But if I had known I would of started at Cardiff and cycled home with the wind helping me.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Yeah a very good point!

[@sjjw43]

I have completed a couple of 100 milers but there's some good tips in this video for me. I'm doing a 200 mile event this summer so I will be using them. Thank you for sharing your experience & expertise.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Good luck with the 200 miler! Thanks for watching!

[@jonathanwithecombe557]

Good tips there Chris... going for my ton this year!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Amazing! I’m sure you’ll nail it!

[@travisreed5965]

Outstanding - I Believe You Nailed It And All Excellent Points - The Biggest For Me , And My Big A$$ , Are Comfortable Bib Shorts - So Glad You Brought This Up For Any Noobies Out There - Now , I Agree About Music Being So Dang Subjective , A Proper Playlist Really Makes A Difference Between The 120km And 153km Range - Again , Brilliant Episode And I Wish Everyone A Happy And Adventurous 100 Mile Ride Stay Strong Brother C , Cheers

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks for watching!

[@moobaz8675]

👍I view 100 mile as 33m ☕🍰, 33m☕ 🥮 and 🏁🍺. It's al about breaking the elephant down 👍

[@ChrisHallRides]

Great way to think about it

[@janwillemkuilenburg7561]

Weather forcast check + tailwind home on the 2nd part of the ride.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Praise the wind gods

[@zbigniewnykiel]

Thank You!

[@ChrisHallRides]

You're welcome!

[@heidijarvis777]

I also take a mini first aid kit or at least some self adhesive patches. I did the flat 100 in Doncaster in 2019, flat all the way for 100 miles is not good, miles 40 to 70 were a killer, turning the pedals with no resting downhill was tough.

[@ChrisHallRides]

In the uk I think it’s almost impossible to do a completely flat route but one that’s got minimal climbing I think works well. Key is not going to hard on climbs and blowing up

[@thisismyname007]

Don’t ride out of the saddle. Century rides are not a race and all that matters is that you finish. If you ride out of the saddle to keep up with some bunch of fellow riders, you need to relax and let them ride on.

[@ChrisHallRides]

On the contrary I’d say do ride out the saddle at points as it’s a great way to stretch

[@andyringrose138]

In your view, does “keep it flat” include that trip up Ivinghoe Beacon in your outdoor clips 😉

[@ChrisHallRides]

😅

[@timtaylor9590]

i used to run a lot, now i bike, 100 miles on the bike is like 15-20 miles run as far as difficulty. on flat terrain its not bad, infact most ppl who dont even ride could do it first try. add some vert. to it and it becomes much more difficult.

[@marcdaniels9079]

No way most non riders could ride 100 miles even pan flat first try … come on please be serious. They would not even last more than a couple of hours due to bum ache 😅

[@timtaylor9590]

@@marcdaniels9079 ppl are more resistant than you think. With a little help or even a little research themselves they could do it. It seems you're holding them to societies standards and not survival standards. Most could do it

[@marcdaniels9079]

@@timtaylor9590 I am not holding them to any standard; perhaps you are comparing them to your own ability. I am simply stating they couldn’t do it. Look at the average ( not least fit and healthy ) person in the Uk for example - obese and taking no exercise. They simply would not have the physical capacity or mental fortitude required. In cycling club circles a 100 mile ride for the first time is something that requires training and preparation. It is seen as a significant achievement and many people struggle first time round. So no most people could not do it and neither could they run 20 miles.. I have done both. Now if you want to change get the proposition to something involving actual personal survival that is a whole different debate. Even then most people couldn’t do it.

[@timtaylor9590]

@@marcdaniels9079 have to disagree. And they wouldn't die from riding a bike they may give up or pass out if they didn't eat and drink. It would just take awhile with breaks and what not. On flat moving on a bike is effortless. In fact I know many avg ppl who start with 30 plus mile rides with ease. Times that by 3. Easy

[@malcontent_1]

Great list, Chris. I wish I had received all this excellent advice before I started doing longer rides, many tears ago.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Many tears ago :')

[@malcontent_1]

@@ChrisHallRides haha, yes, an _accurate_ typo! Ohh the leg cramps on my half 1st century - if only I knew about electrolytes at the time.

[@natiator]

Thank you for the tips; I'm hoping to do my first 100 mi. this year. One bit of feedback: the "ding" sound effect when the Styrkr products popped in is too loud for my taste. Cheers!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Noted thanks for the feedback

[@jackdavis8786]

You forgot to mention a tailfin top tube bag to store all your nutrition in 😉

[@ChrisHallRides]

Good call!

[@cb6866]

Thanks Chris...like others , I am planning my first , solo .

[@ChrisHallRides]

Amazing! I'm certain you'll absolutely smash your target :)

[@Ashbridg3s]

Yay! New video

[@ChrisHallRides]

yay!

[@Ashbridg3s]

@@ChrisHallRides I always look forward to these videos. Always 1 or two things you can learn from them if you’ve been riding awhile. Heaps more if you’re new

[@Chris_Rides_Bikes]

Hi Chris (great name!), what do you think about a video addressing bike fit as it pertains to where you started and where you are now.. meaning I assume you did not start in the same position you are in now (of if you did, maybe you shouldn't have).. as someone who was out of cycling for a while and now trying to get back into it and get some higher miles, I'd love to hear your thoughts (I cannot get back in the same position I was in back then at this time).. thanks and great videos!!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Yeah my fit has definitely changed over the years and I have different fits to suit different riding styles too. Great shout I’ll have a chat with Dan

[@poopoo1533]

I just did my first 100mile (780m of elevation gain) ride yesterday in Finland, with a mountain bike😂 went quite well, but I kinda overestimated my fitness level since I had biked long distances last time last year and this year I hadn't gone for no longer rides than 20km, but I managed pretty well ate and drank all the time and that helped a lot, managed with 10hours

[@ChrisHallRides]

Amazing work! Congratulations!

[@poopoo1533]

Thank you! ​@@ChrisHallRides

[@jimpeyton1459]

My route for longer rides usually has a series of loops starting with the longest...let's me stay within a reasoable distance if i need to call a mate for a ride. While I have some purpose designed kit for base layers, I often use a lightweight jersey so i can use the pockets for documentation (ID/Insurance card) and other items I would only need for serious breakdowns. I agree: do NOT skimp on bib shorts! Definitely agree on multiple means of tire inflation. (We all need to be able to do the Pump Action Francis) The Dyna Plug kit is just great....but I bought a few TPU tubes. What I would add to tools/supplies: small packet of chammy cream...comes in single use sizes about ½ the size of a gel pack. Proper chainbreaker tool...mine is on my minitool...sometimes one needs to remove a portion of a chain not on the quick link. SUNSCREEN...I know you may not need it in Britain, but nothing hurts more than a badly burned neck or arms at 80 miles. Lip balm ditto. Bandana and cycling cap to avoid burning the melon (cap) and as neck gaiter (bandana). Picking up that Wolftooth tool...great piece of kit. Already had a few 100 K rides...probably do the tonne when it's warmer. Thanks as always for the great content. PS: Does Nic sell those Backyard shirts?

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks for the comment! Yes you can purchase them from the shop and I think online too

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks for the comment! Yes you can purchase them from the shop and I think online too

[@pphaneuf]

Longest I've cycled is 158km (argh!), so I'm going in for... 266km this weekend? 😅 Thanks for the tips!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Haha so close!! I hope this weekend goes well! Enjoy!

[@hoser7706]

Moving from hills and lakes to flatter lands, I’d have to say 100 miles in flats is harder w constant pedalling. Compared to the variances in up/down hills.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Depends massively on the person right? The point is it’s way easier to end up going way too hard in a hill and that’s way harder to do when it’s flat

[@joekawasaki]

Good list!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you!

[@s3b_Leney]

right now i have to do a 100!

[@ChrisHallRides]

for sure!

[@JamesSmith-ly2ef]

Doing my first 100 miler on Sunday!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Best of luck!

[@JRd941]

Tip 1 stop at 99 miles. Then you don’t need to learn an extra 4 tips. Marginal gains 👌

[@ChrisHallRides]

😅

[@markdeane8385]

Norfolk epic 200 for me...100 miles is just training for me...great tips though 😊

[@ChrisHallRides]

Enjoy the experience! 🤙

[@Roger-tz5sy]

Please show us how to pack the things you need on a hundred mile ride as I think it’s magic trick to carry everything and not look like you’re going bike packing.

[@ChrisHallRides]

A good saddle bag and neatly folded clothing works well in pockets. I often ride with a frame bag too.

[@cneubert28]

This very American, but frozen uncrustables are perfect riding food. Throw them in your pocket frozen, and they are good to go when you need it.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Oooh we don't have them in the UK

[@scottf3456]

I'm from the US and I've never heard of them.

[@cneubert28]

@@scottf3456 Walk into a frozen section of a supermarket. They are not hard to find.

[@zmuzzy101]

Pick a nice downhill route and get the train home. Coast through your first century nice and easy!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Good idea!

[@jimpeyton1459]

😂😂😂

[@robertchandler587]

Number one tip - take friends, preferably strong ones, who you can wheel suck the hell out of and to carry spares, spare clothing and food. Don’t worry, it’s what the pros do!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Great point! Thanks for commenting!

[@DariusRamelis]

I've done 100 miles 6 days in a row. The biggest problems i came up with were knee joint pain and saddle sores. Saddle sores - ok, fair enoug not much can be done. Anything to reduce the knee pain? It was really bad, couldnt even walk properly in the mornings.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Yes there’s things to help with both: -bike fit ( saddle may be too high or low. Cleat position may be wrong. Shoes may be not fitting correctly. Insoles may not be giving enough support.) -saddle pressure mapping (saddle may not suit your body shape. Almost good bike fitters can advise and do this.) -gym work (strengthen muscles around the knees and strengthen core) This is coming from someone who also used to suffer a lot with knee issues.

[@DariusRamelis]

@@ChrisHallRides Awesome! I definitely need to try to check my seat and cleats with insoles. I'm preparing for a 300 miles ride in an under 24h. I'm not a professional, I'm just an ordinary cycling commuter but really love my bikes. Thank you Chris. Appreciate your advise. You're a true inspiration to many including myself.

[@jonpoon3896]

Please, can you add time stamps for each topic on the list? Thank you

[@ChrisHallRides]

Genuinely I have no idea how to do this. I think on some of my older videos it’s just done it automatically

[@losportivosedentario]

Hi Chris, I started traveling by bike in August with a modified gravel mtb, a little heavy but comfortable. I did my first night test this weekend of 500km in 36 hours with 4h driving 1 hour rest 4h driving 1 rest 4h driving 6 rest Hotel 4 driving 1 rest 4 driving 1 rest 4 driving and arriving. But I think I did it many feeding and resting errors. Do you have any advice? I weigh 74kg I am 56 years old and I want to do the EDT in August, in two weeks I will do the non-competitive Venetogravel 720km. I think I'll change to 4-1-4-2-4-8 (hotel) and see if the recovery keeps me constant in the average. 4h 80/90km flat and I'm thinking of increasing from 30 to 80gr carbo x h. Thanks

[@ChrisHallRides]

Definitely sounds like you need to be eating more. 30g an hour isn’t a lot of food. Aiming for 80 would be great. Practice it though as it can take time for your body to adjust to over double the amount of food. Personally if you can stay in hotels more it’ll help with making the recovery better too

[@gei-kekakajurian7007]

Can u patch aerothan innertyre with "normal " patch??

[@ChrisHallRides]

Officially no but unofficially I’ve made it work

[@malcontent_1]

_YES_ most of us would benefit from a bike fit. But the "sit bone" idea seems odd, since most road cyclists engage their pubic arch or perineum (note: pressure relief channels).

[@ChrisHallRides]

I'm also not a bike fitter haha

[@malcontent_1]

@@ChrisHallRides 👍 no worries

[@timtaylor9590]

how bout 100 miles at 20mph average speed

[@ChrisHallRides]

Ouch 🤕

[@blueyhills]

Good tips but didn't you recently say on Cade Media that compressed gas canisters are amongst your most hated products?

[@ChrisHallRides]

They are. I can’t stand them. But I also have some I purchased about 10 years ago and I’m not going to throw them away as that seems even more wasteful

[@dominicbritt]

Miles… meh.

[@ChrisHallRides]

160.934 kilometres isn’t as easy to say

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

OMG. Get your money back from that coach you hired. Your tips apply to all rides: take appropriate clothes, tools, spare tube, pace. Where are the tips for specific training for 100 miles? You got close with pedal efficiency but did not continue with it. Food, of course you got wrong, everyone does. And the only training tip is to pace yourself. WELL....now I know what your tips are to teaching how to swim...throw the person into deep water and let them figure it out.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks for watching

[@fucktheworld1207]

All hail the Miles 👌🏻🤙🏻👌🏻