How To Easily Ride Your First 50km

[@gcn]

How did your first 50km ride go? Do you have any more tips? Let us know in the comments👇

[@shaggy4344]

Can you do a coming back from injuries series? I was hit by a car 12 months ago and next week I go in for further surgery.I was fairly accomplished before but when I come back,in 9-12 months,I'll have to start again from scratch

[@jeffbiker457]

I always ride solo so plan a route with railway stations within a short distance so if you have to bail you can get yourself and your bike a ride home.

[@hoebertrabeck1621]

when i was an apprentice like 15 years ago, everyday i rode to work with my old holland bike. 20km each way. with working 8-9 hours inbetween. i have never ever reached that level of fitness again.

[@erlendsteren9466]

A couple of weeks ago i went 55 km. Didnt bring food because I went to a deliciuos forest cafe (Kikutstua). Their waffles tastes very well, and they also make a very good sandwich on bread they bake themselves. The cafe-stop with benches outside in the sun with view over the lake I really like and I will go there the next sunny day I can. I had one waterbottle that I refilled at the cafe. Any tech tips? It was loose gravel on some parts of the road and 2,2 inch tyres felt good. And I have a pacing tip. On the first half of the distance; go so slow on light gears that you breathe so light that its easy to talk. Then you will have power to spend on the last half.

[@chrisnumnuts8671]

50k easy to do after a months training it the drivers thats the problem. get use to your bike and the roads off you go and enjoy

[@RicMazer]

Started with 25km 5 years ago, now I'm at 180km. Give yourself time to progress, have fun and most importantly enjoy your ride.

[@gcn]

Nice work! Are you looking to push things even further?

[@RicMazer]

@@gcn Definitely. There's a 250km ride along the Danube river coming up in June.

[@tonyg3091]

yes

[@PingoloPangolo]

Five years to cover 155 km? That's quite a lot :)

[@tonyg3091]

@@PingoloPangolo 😅😂😂😂

[@johnbecker6058]

I'm 71 years old. I got back into cycling last year after being away from cycling for 29 years, I have worked up to riding the Frisco High line trail from the trail head at Kearney to Walnut Grove and back. That is a 32 mile ride. I finally made it the whole distances this past Saturday, June first 2024.

[@terrybriggs3289]

Way to go !

[@PingoloPangolo]

I agree with most of the advices, apart from the last one. Riding solo is the best thing in the world -especially if you happen to be an introvert already overwhelmed by modern life social expectations.

[@Liofa73]

I agree, I always ride solo. You can set your own pace and go where you want.

[@OllyKilo]

It's like meditation.

[@ahmadfahmy9292]

Really depends I did 500km ounce in 2 days and whenever I encountered cyclists would stick behind them to draft and rest for a while 🤣

[@PingoloPangolo]

@@ahmadfahmy9292 yep, that's something I also do sometimes. But it's up to me to choose, I'm still around by myself, when I want to leave I do so.

[@sidRo2024]

​@charlesmansplaining Why it's more dangerous? For me is more safety.

[@intelektuelleserdbeben3722]

i recently did 315 km in around 20 hours (with a gravelbike). From Berlin to Hannover. This was by far my longest distance in under 24 hours and im very proud. Some tips: Get a friend with you, its a lot more fun. Eat enough and always have snax with you. If you run out of energy its game over (and this can happen a lot faster than most people think). Take breaks whenever your body tells you to

[@togfanatic3781]

carbs carbs carbs

[@Toster_M]

a while ago my friend had a 304 km ride from Kyiv to Vinnytsia region in around 16 hours on MTB bike (gravels were not invented yet). It is weird, how 11 km can become 4 hours ride...

[@boyinapeatbog]

My favourite ride I ever recorded on Strava is where I crashed, fractured my pelvis, and continued to record as I went up and down the hospital corridors. It's hilarious to look at.

[@Sm1thyX]

I am not even joking, please share that link PAHAHHAAH. I had something similar happen to me just a few weeks ago, bike's totaled, I am fine.

[@GemingB2]

😂😂😂

[@darrin2382]

I did my first 50km last year after getting into cycling post covid. Looking back, hills were tough and my pace was slow - but those 50kms ride have become the foundation of my training. I am now two weeks away from doing my first 100 mile (160km) and completed 85 miles on Monday. Although I had ridden 50 mile plus rides before I bonked at 50 and had to ride between 50 and 60 with painful thighs before the energy gels and Haribo's kicked in. A lesson learnt. 50km is the gateway to longer distances - so start thinking about drink and fuel strategy, It might not seem like it but, with a bit of practice 50km will seem like a doddle!

[@Liofa73]

50km is my usual ride. I try to do it every other day, weather permitting. Even in winter. Takes me between 1hr 50 and 2hrs most days depending on the terrain. It’s a nice length of ride to fit into your daily life. 99% of my rides are solo. I can go where I want and set my own pace. Clear my mind of everything and relax.

[@khchan8341]

When i did my first 50km, i didn't know that i was going to do that when we started out in the morning. Went with a bunch of more experienced/ regular riders. Have only been doing 10-15km in my housing estate ... At easy speeds. Long story short, finished the ride ... It was actually 52km ... When i got home, could hardly walk. Just lost all strength in them legs. This was back in Mar 2020, before pandemic lockdown. Glad to say that 50km is a comfortable distance now.

[@jytl]

Gradually built up in 10km chunks and reached 50km a month or so ago, then kept doing that until I reached 100Km last week :-)

[@dejanrancic7409]

All the tips are valid, but what really helps is planning riding routes as destinations you want to get to rather than distances you want to cover. It's far more motivating getting to that settlement, junction, or the top of a climb than simply clocking 50km of riding. I never went out to ride 50km, but then discovered that by simply riding around Belgrade on cycling lanes I can cover over 60km! Crossed 90km by not wanting to ride the same route back, but instead cycled up River Sava until the "next" bridge (in Obrenovac). Also, regularly cycling 20-30km will allow you to push yourself for longer distances, proper route planning not withstanding. My longest route to date is 132km, which was a team ride with terrible planning and execution, but fun in its own way!

[@Flix-f6q]

Beginners: start with a clean groupset and an oiled chain, it makes a bigger difference than you think. Also, check rain radar app and weather forecast in general.

[@gcn]

Great point! Start the maintenance early and it'll pay later on 🙌

[@chrisdelaplante5515]

I oiled myself too, it's making a difference !

[@nicon502]

@@chrisdelaplante5515You oiled yourself? How does that work buddy?

[@hoebertrabeck1621]

weather, especially wind is a big factor. i visit a friend of mine, who lives exactly 25.2km away from me. best thing about it? he lives west of me, which means, that usually i have to go into the wind on my way there and when i get back i ride with the wind. dont underestimate the power of air xD

[@maxsievers8251]

​@nicon502 If it's cold use lotion on your face and hands.

[@johnwoodard8717]

One last tip: Your state of mind is key. Decide that you're spending the next few hours riding. Don't worry about what comes after. It's about the ride, so make it about the ride, not the finish. If you're a bit disappointed at the end that it's over (not your legs, but your brain), you did it right. My first 100 mile ride I went in with that attitude and it was one of my most enjoyable days on the bike in my life.

[@HighFell]

Many many years since I did my first 50km 😁 This is all sound advice, I’d encourage people to eat real food rather than the sports stuff, eat what you are used to, a 50 is going to be a 2 1/2 - 3 hr ride for a beginner so be kind to yourself! Take stuff you like and start having something 20-30 mins in, nice snacks encourage you to actually eat and to get the benefit later on, you should start early on rather than after an hour or so. Hydration tabs are a good idea in the water rather than just plain water though, regular sips rather than stop and chug half a bottle in one go! Ordnance Survey do a super map and tracking app for phones, no extra kit, not just UK covered although we do have the best mapping in the world 😁

[@tonyg3091]

Strongly disagree on the food part. I cannot tolerate “normal” food on long rides-sandwiches and suchlike are a big no. Good proper sports food-gels and bars is where it’s at for me.

[@HighFell]

@@tonyg3091 but this is about someone’s First 50. By comparison I can’t do gels, lots of people don’t respond well to ultra processed sports food, best not to find out on your first big ride.

[@tonyg3091]

@@HighFell Yep, here I agree. The less variables during the first long ride-the better.

[@davidroberts6766]

In my thirties, I used to cycle 30km, each way, on my work commute. 50km rides on the weekends, were the minimum. However, 30 years later, and after some serious health issues stopped me riding, I am back on the proverbial horse. I bought a new Shimano 105 equipped hybrid this spring, and the goal for my wife and I is to edge towards 50km rides by end of summer. A lovely 25km to celebrate world bicycle day today. Us Canadians have to cherish the warm seasons, and there is really nothing better than taking in the natural beauty around us while on a bicycle! Thanks for the tips, Manon!

[@anthonyR13]

Great tips Manon, and all relevant. I did the London Ride 100 on Sunday, and prior to that I had done quite a lot of solo rides of about 30 to 50 miles. So obviously a bit of an anxious jump up and thoughts of not finishing abound, I cracked on and did it. Really chuffed. I ate some gels/bars/dried fruit and bananas. Kept me going ok. Where I made a mistake, and this could apply anywhere was that I forgot to take some electrolytes to put in my drinks. I got a thigh cramp twice around the 80 mile mark and had to dismount for a bit. Got some powdered electrolytes at the feed stop, and was ok after that. Mistake made and lesson learnt.😅

[@Bikey_McBeardface]

I know it sounds clichéd but believe in yourself a bit and don't overthink it. When you start out, these benchmark numbers (distances being one of many we cyclists impose on ourselves) seem so unobtainable, but they're not, I can't remember the last time I did a ride under 50km (except on zwift) that's not a boast it's just a fact, you will get there too and much sooner than you think. To quote one of my favourite cycling KZbinrs Katie Kookaburra, "at the end of the day, it's just riding a bike"

[@gcn]

That's a great point! it's often just a mental game 👀

[@CleatSurfer]

All great tips. I would suggest finding a charity or other supported ride. The stops with a restroom, snacks, great volunteers and other cyclists will really power you through that distance goal. No matter what it is.

[@tarikberair9562]

Timely video, I am going for my first 50 km in 2 years, this weekend. Thanks Manon

[@macharlaprakash2706]

Hi ma’am , I am inspired with this video and bought my first road bike and in less than 35 days I completed 50km single ride. I truly love your video . Love you so much GCN.

[@ianbudden8798]

Just finished by first 50k ride with a cafe stop after 16 miles for focaccia and salad, went very well for a me a 65 year old

[@syedkabeerahmed9211]

Hi Manon, I am a great fan of GCN. Liked your 50 k video. I have done 40 k and it was a pleasant ride. The weather was good no head winds in both directions so kept a normal pace and had a coffee break with a cake.

[@RickZuure-e1g]

Just got my first roadbike 2 weeks ago and did 65 km last weekend. Together with a friend, grat fun and ... piece of cake.

[@SnowyPe]

I started cycling 4 months ago and I"ve done two 50k's..The 1st I took my time and enjoyed the ride and views along the country side. Time was 2h43 . My 2nd 50k I had wind so only achieved a time of 2h35. I always take a banana with even if I dont eat it. Hunger can make you turn around and head back home. Great episode. Tks

[@hugodanslanature]

Hi overseas! I'am writing from Montréal ! I did three 50 km since this spring and your advises are absolutely right! If you come here, you will see that we have great riding areas on the Saint-Lawrence River coastlines and in the mountains of the Laurentides! Hope I will see you one day!

[@matthewmorrison7412]

I just did my first 50km this week. Mtb for 15 years never did more than 30km, picked up a gravel/road bike 2 weeks ago and I’m hooked! 😂

[@ArunK-fv7pr]

Great tips. I was bit sceptical during my first 50+ km whether i could complete that. So rather than going solo, i went for a group ride, and the ride turned to be superb

[@a12i9]

That's the content for me,very much appreciated 🙏🏻

[@Toster_M]

Oh! These were applicable for 50 km... this week I've done first 100 km using tips from the video. Thank you for it! I'm a novice and it is better to apply experience of other people and save own time))

[@Lyclah]

Hopefully I'll do my first 50k this week. This video encouraged me to do that distance. I ride 20-30k 's every other day but never tried 50k before. Thanks Manon!

[@TallMidwestCyclist]

I've now done 4 50km (~30 mile) rides. I started riding again after a 30+ year hiatus, last year. Biggest things I've learned, especially if you live in hotter, humid areas, is to Hydrate (water and Nuun electrolyte replacement tablets) and fuel properly especially as the temps go up. Gear up appropriately (riding jerseys and shorts), UV sleeves (helps cool down too!). Inflate those tires too. Looking to do a 40 and 50 mile ride this year. 20-25 miles is now my go to ride distance.

[@carlosuertefelipe2308]

A learning experience for me is that practice helps. Learned it the hard way when I joined a very long ride and bonked, took more than 12 hours to get home. Realized that I lacked both endurance and technique so I decided to pick a location where I can ride around at my current pace on low gears and on a continuous effort... and then gradually increasing speed and gears on clear sections. Probably did this weekly for about 3 to 4 months. Paid off when I joined a long ride (shorter that the previous one) maybe around 100km total and I didn't bonked. One fellow cyclist was surprised that I was just right behind them most of the time unlike before.

[@dougstump2520]

Mechanicals. YES! New to longer distance cycling, I live in a area prone to thorns. I have sealant filled tubes, went out for a 50km ride. 20km out I had flat...and no pump. If I had a pump, I'd have pumped in some air, spun the tube, it would have sealed and I'd have been on my way. Instead, I start the long walk back home. Thankfully a fellow cyclist on his way back from a ride picked me up and gave me and my bike a lift back into town. Now I have a pump fastened under the bottle cage, as well as everything else I need. Went out for another 50km two days later and had a lovely ride, lots of elevation gain and zero flats.

[@aemiliadelroba4022]

I do 50 k twice a wk ( when it is nice out), refuel frequently and hydration ( every 30min) is essential , taking a 10 min rest or dividing 50 k into 4 will help too , Recovering takes time ( 48 hrs min )

[@FreddyEnergizer]

Not done 50k in like 28 years. My bike got stolen back in the days , and until just a few weeks ago I never used a bike for real again :) But soon my new Canyon bike will arrive and I intent to use it seriously to improve my VO2 Max and Stamina what also will benefit me on my Long distance hikes. wen i do that 50k ill report back

[@patrickwatters6629]

Great Tips 4 People Starting Of I Started Of 50 Km Years Ago Now My Most 200Km Takes Time 2 Build Up Eat & Drink Aswell Love Your Video Here In 🇮🇪

[@taniacruz5080]

I’ll report back, about to head off on my first multi day bike tour from Vienna to Budapest, on a Brompton! There’s a couple 50km days in there- thanks for these tips! ❤ 🚲

[@jamesdubben3687]

I'd say check the weather. And be a little fussy. Nice weather will make the first ride go better.

[@jareddanaraj9017]

Did my first 50k today…went slow and easy but I should have taken some electrolytes after the 2nd hour when my quads started cramping. Haha…still feeling good and definitely know what to do on the next 50km ride. Also, I did this solo….what a great detox from all the emails and social media.

[@Igloovonzoo]

I’m hoping to manage a 100km ride this summer 😬 I’ll have these tips in the back of my mind 🙏

[@paulgordon7526]

Good advice Manon have done a few now I'm up to 120km need to push for the 100 mile one next (Before I get too old!!)

[@Maxfahrer]

The first time, I broke the 50 km barrier was just packing a few things, prepare for bad weather, some food and I started. Just to notice, my tires weren't inflated enough and after getting a puncture in my rear tire when I hit a stone on the road, noticing, that I forgot my tubeless repair kit because it was in another bag. Fortunately it happened 500 m away from a bike shop. After 74 km I reached my destination. It was a great experience.

[@torymoody4078]

My first 50km (30 mile) ride was over 10 years ago when i got my first road bike; i rode5 - 6 out 7 days a week yhanks to group rides and a rideable neighborhood, and i had been doing a lot of 20'ish range bike events at the time. To celebrate my first ever rode bike i said i would do my first 50km on the Tour de Cahaba here in Birmingham, Alabama; at this time in my life I knew the most BASIC of basic knowledge of cycling, so i didn't know anything about Grade and Elevation. Whoch is why my first 50km was a NIGHTMARE; the majority of the route was hill climbing, and (at the time) grade 5% and up hill felt like climbing Everest. I never did THAT particularly 50km ride again, but i have since gone on to do 70 and 80km rides.

[@Chris-ht5ng]

50km is super doable if you ride regular chunks. I went from 60km a week to 60km in a day and wasn’t totally blasted. Make sure you pace yourself! Make sure you clean your bike beforehand. Make super sure the chain is clean! Take at least 2 drink bottles. Take some food. Make sure your tyres are pumped up. Take stuff for a puncture. Plan a good route! Makes all the difference. Wear some proper cycling shorts. Trust me. You’ll appreciate them after 20km. Have fun! 🤩

[@gcn]

Thanks for sharing your tips!

[@Chris-ht5ng]

@@gcn spreading the love! 🚲

[@TheMacwilliam24]

Shorts with padding were a real game changer!

[@valerian_rides]

Comfy bibs and chamois are sooo helpful for longer rides. Stretch after the ride so you limit your DOMS. Go neighbor to neighbor and brag about your MEGA achievement. Or at least post it on all of your social media :)

[@kimpedersen]

This is my summergoal! I got my roadbike 2 weeks ago and longest ride is 30K so far - on my MTB its 24K outside and 42K on Zwift. 50K should be doable :)

[@gcn]

You've got this! 24K MTB ride is pretty impressive 💪

[@kimpedersen]

@@gcn I DID IT!! 52.9km today in 2:30 hours :) My legs hate me but I freaking did it! Wohooo! :)

[@debbean6637]

Great tips. I’m coming back from inactivity and a good reminder for comeback shorter rides.

[@gtak1439]

6/16/2024 I was able to do my first 50km today. Wish I watched this before they are all great tips.

[@bobbybobman3073]

Finally one of these distance goals I've actually done a few times

[@zsoltkovacs5681]

I bought my first road bike 2 months ago and I will ride 50 km today. Useful video because it will be the first time I ride 50 km.

[@aliancemd]

It should be a good ride if you keep it in Zone 2(you can speak easily, without getting out of breath) and eat a little bit every 20-30min.

[@Go3tt3rbot3]

Firstly, it's just 50km... that's 2 hours of relaxed riding Forget food, pack 2 bottles, one with water, the other one with electrolytes. I hardly pack any food for anything less then 100km...

[@cardsfan2397]

I did my first Metric Ride on Memorial Day. I went 65 miles or 104.5 kilometers. Despite of me recovering from an ankle injury, I was able to do it which is insane.

[@yoann0490]

Just completed my first 50 km ride last sunday. I've been riding for 3 years, more or less on and off for the first 2 years (bike wasn't fitted properly). I had done a 40 km ride a year ago, but then didn't go further. And I did not ride last winter at all. Started up again in march and have been riding regularly since then, starting out at around 20-25 km per ride, and slowly working my way back up. Now I do regular 30kish rides during the week on my lunch break when I work from home, and I had been doing around 40kish on sundays. But last sunday, I decided it was time to step up my game a bit. Took a snickers bar with me, and completed my first 50 km ride 2h15 minutes.

[@KB-Riderwithabeard]

Did my 1st 50km 2 months ago. Had 2l water on the bike and 1 extra in a little backpack, just in case. Drank 1l every hour. Stopped twice, 1 time to drink more and a 2nd time to eat (corn-chocolate bar). Paced myself to about 25km/h not allowing myself to shift down and speed up. Made it back home 30 min faster then I originally planned. The route was mostly flat, 1 hill (15%) after 20km. I remember I let out a little victory shout and oh boy did it feel good. Mind you I didn't ride a bike for 15y prior. Now I'm planning for 60+ and aiming to do a century 100km in summer.

[@lostinature]

Great tips! I don't remember my first 50. but I remember a 50km where I was fresh off winter break at my bottom was severely unfit for being mounted for 2 hours on a less then great saddle. turned ugly about 10K from home... It was the worst... Now I set out for 100k if I need a challenge. Planning to attempt 200k in one go at some point When I fuel, my experience is of I wait too long and get hungry, its too late. Not going to bonk from it, but if I stretch it for 90minutes before the first snack, there's going to be a serious energy dip. Eating and drinking little and often is my favourite strategy (I mostly bikepack and do endurance rides)

[@michaelplantarich3375]

My wife and I just recently did our first 50 mile bike for ms event after riding no longer than 15 at once. It was great except for the saddle discomfort that usually comes over time 😂. But I'm now hooked. Signed up for 75 miles in September (another bike ms) and a 30 miler in October

[@bubblesezblonde]

Always enjoy the Dragon Queen's content thanks

[@linuxstork]

I remember my first 60km, it was few weeks ago. I'm unfit 110kg. I did first 50km and it was great but 10km more to get home was so bad, my legs started cramping... My tip is if you think that you can't do it, try it I did it even though I thought I can't do it :)

[@gcn]

Ooof it's always that bit before home when you start feeling it 👀

[@arp_909]

Cramp can be related to eating and hydration so make sure you keep topped up!

[@linuxstork]

​@@arp_909 I think I did. I eaten 2 banana in around 2 and a half hours and drunk ~2 liters. That seems ok to me.

[@deDANIEL11609]

You need salt and sugar as well

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

I really like how you split your videos with chapters & markers , I'm learning to script the videos from GCN :) Awesome & Thanks :)

[@gcn]

That's awesome! Glad to hear we're braking the videos down to help the viewers 👌

[@helmutgusten3124]

Thanks for content for us "normal" cyclists

[@jameslee-pevenhull5087]

My first 50km ( 32 miles ) was the weekend after my 12th Birthday. Mum bought me a bike for my birthday, so we rode to Stratford upon Avon on the following Saturday. 19 miles each way following mum's old club routes. In 1972, there were NO McDonalds, NO Burger King, NO Costa Coffee, DEFINITELY NO energy bars. Pop, cakes and ice cream. 50km is one section of a Randonneur. 25 kCals per km. BEFORE the section. 1250 kCals at each stop. Everyday cafe foods.

[@paulgrimshaw8334]

Calorie burn depends on system weight (bike + riding), speed, wind, and elevation change. The need to fuel along the way is, to a certain extent, dependent on these things too. A lot of eating during cycling is done for pleasure. You can see this at work in the poor choices people make at cafe stops… Burgers (too much fat, difficult to process and absorb but tastes good). Chicken (same as burgers but less fat). Salads (healthy and yummy but very low calories and difficult to process and absorb). Sugary treats (yummy, easy to process but causes peaks and valleys in blood sugar). 1200-2000 cal isn’t such a huge burn that it causes a crash. And let’s not get into speed because average speed really sucks when it includes a 30 minute stop to strap on the feed bag. It’s far more efficient to slow down pedalling and eat an oat bar, sweetened with something like natural honey (I.e. something other than a monosaccharide). The bigger issue is hydration because water allows all kinds of metabolic functions to take energy out of body stores. So eat if you really *must* but make smart choices. Otherwise, all you’re doing is turning a 1x50 into a 2x25 (which isn’t really the point).

[@JustMikeH]

Oh hah, I did my first 50km a few days ago. Been building my endurance and didn’t even think of it as a milestone. 🎉

[@brox8538]

last day of school i did 48km, but during all the day, from 6AM to 7PM. i still consider it a good achievement

[@pedro_8240]

It went completely fine. I usually ride a 15km stretch, both ways, 30km total, one weekend decided to do it twice in one go, riding 60km.

[@gcn]

Good stuff!

[@aliancemd]

On the topic of food. I regularly ride 60km without food but got a spanking this weekend. Went on a fuelled 125km ride on Saturday(burned energy reserves) and then on a 60 km non-fuelled ride on Sunday - bonked after ~40 km and had to drag my ass the last 20km, occasionally laughing at myself for the newb move.

[@gcn]

Fueling fueling fueling... it's so important! Better luck this weekend 😉

[@emmabird9745]

Hi Manon. You want to know how my first 50k went. My first 50 was done in 2 stages. That is I rode 14 miles to do some shopping, and a few miles actualy between the shops and then I rode home total about 30 miles aka 50k. As I remember I had no food and no drink and no ill effects! My bike was all steel, including the wheels (well ok the tyres were rubber) with a 3 speed sturmey archer hub and I didn't even feel fatigued. I was 18 at the time and riding a bike was transport. That was over 50 years ago (how time flies). We didn't have mobile pnones and so on (so we really were stranded if something went wrong) and of course no GCN to give us such good advice. I have, obviously, ridden quite a few miles since then even 50 miles without food (but I have had drink). I would add though that I can't produce anything like the powers or speeds that you talk of as routine so that might account for the lower energy usage.

[@StuFromOz99]

I regularly do 50+km on weekends, that is my normal weekend ride these days. I take Muesli bar type things for refueling. I find the Aldi nut bars (I do not know if they have the same in other countries, but they are in Australia) excellent, some sugars, fat and some protein in the one small easily carried hit. They also cope with being carried in warm pockets. (Nothing worse than melted chocolate bars or similar) As you build up your distance working out your refueling strategy is definitely important. I personally find that a snack every hour or so seems to work for me.

[@AnishRocsta]

Did my first 20km today. Took me 1 hr. Will progress to 50 soon. 💪

[@JDP8888]

The most major tip is having the "motivation" to do 50km or more in the first place. Also comfort is another that should have been pointed out when riding 50km or greater. Riding a bike not suited for the task at hand will quickly demotivate you and also cause fatigue mid ride. Choosing the right terrain/path traveled was briefly mentioned but it is also crucial for having the most enjoyable experience. Still good tips for beginners wanting to tackle their first 50km. Yes, being fueled before and refueling at the half way point is the best tip to prevent bonking. I learned that myself the hard way in my first year of riding 50+km in one go...

[@veganpotterthevegan]

I was 320lbs when I got my first road bike. I learned to use clipless pedals on the 3 mile ride home. But the next day, I did a 35mile group ride. It was quite flat other than the last kicker home so it wasn't so bad

[@gohumberto]

Over a period of around 10 years I went from 50km rides to completing Paris-Brest-Paris 1200k. Apart from PBP1200 (where I finished in a bit of a sleep-deprived, hallucinating, wreck), I found that each new boundary left me in a similar condition at the end, i.e. very knackered. I think it's more of a mental challenge to be honest. If you do 50km then you think "100km is now doable". You complete a 100k and you think "100 miles is doable" ... etc. After that you find yourself in some crazy rides, like solo LEJoG, 200, 300, 400, 600 & 1200km Audax rides. So your first 50km may feel every bit as challenging as the 100km ride that follows it, and the 100miler after that ...etc. The main thing you learn along the way is how to eat and hydrate effectively. If you get that wrong then you can get into a whole world of horrid. (I remember every ride I "Bonked" on more vividly than rides where I didn't). Do you ever forget "The Bonk"? It's when you desperately try to change into 1st gear .... only to find you are already in 1st gear.

[@gcn]

Some great tips here! Thanks for commenting, it sounds like you've come a long way 🙌 We agree, its certainly a mental challenge! We sat down with Mark Beaumont to talk about just that 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4qXg4GVbZeHprs

[@kevinkeenan9607]

Taking the fact that 50 km is thirty miles I do that distance in one ride at least once a week but the video was still helpful thanks 😊

[@gcn]

Great to hear that you could still get something from the video 🙌

[@anthonycallery7606]

Finishes a 140km ride on last Sunday it was great. Next day my knees were a bit stiff

[@Bobbleoff]

I'm a mountain biker and I once did 50km all off road riding up since very steep moorland climbs. It hailed most of the ride despite the weather saying sunny 🤣. Took me 4.5 hours and god knows how many rice cakes

[@sprightlyrandom1550]

I vividly remember when I first started to get serious about cycling, I planned a 26 mile route which was double my usual 13 miles, mainly I was trying to locate a big long hill to go down lol. Took me about 2 and a half hours and I was craving food at around the 2 hour mark! It felt like a great achievement though after climbing for awhile and finally getting to the downhill I had anticipated not knowing exactly what it was going to be like, looking at strava it’s about a 1km 7% downhill so no mountain, but definitely a monster 😂compared to my usual routes lol

[@JorisBokkerink]

I clicked on the 'like' button after seeing 15 seconds of this video. It's exactly where I am at this point; Am I going to do a larger run compared to my 20 kilometer training, 3-4 times a week? Thank you @Manon!

[@160sura]

Great information. Thank you!

[@BillP-v9d]

I like the tip about using a water bottle to store your tools

[@sicelombondezi]

I started at 20km nou annually 200+km every 16 December since 2020 cycling for charity raising funds for ECD's

[@duncangraves9472]

Rather than heading to a point 25km away. Try to plan a route in a circular loop around your start point. Then if some thing goes wrong that you cant fix, Several punctures. You are never that far away from where you started.

[@maximraketalife]

Opening summer cycling season 2024 on gravel bike - 75 km: road ride 🛣️, gravel ride 🪨, freeriding (mountain ride) ⛰️, uphill hiking, downhill hiking. It was nice Food Ride to the river 🏞️. Weather +25°C ☀️. Wind 10 m/s 💨.

[@gcn]

Wow! sounds like you've got a great summer ahead ☀

[@MatthewMabborang]

Thanks Manon for the great advice! I’ll keep this not only in mind but also in heart too as I’m about to prepare the 300-600km South Korea cross country bike trail this summer and fall! 🔥

[@cyclingviking]

I started with 20 Km, my max is now 540 Km (twice) but my hardes one is 430 Km and 4609 elevation. This year I will try something new, trail riding with GPS and 100 Km.

[@jacobzaranik1099]

I'm doing 800km over the month of August, joined great Canadian cycle challenge. raising $ for kids cancer

[@ChrisSpriggs-rj2ys]

I probably did my first when I was ten years old but having just been seriously ill I think I will make 50 k an objective for June 😊

[@vozzen]

I would also say that if you have ridden, e.g., 100k with a group of friends where you shared the time at the front, going out on your own 100k ride is way harder

[@gcn]

Hahahaha that's true!

[@robdrelich8563]

For my 60th birthday I decided to ride my first 100km (~60 miles). Did it with a group of 25 year olds. Suffered but did it 😊. Now I gift myself birthday rides of my age in km. This year I'm planning on a 102km (63 mile ride) weather permitting. It's the nicest thing. Funny story, last year 1kl from home hit road construction with a traffic light. So being sensible cyclist I went around it on the sidewalk only to be pulled over by the police and getting two traffic violations 😮. Red light and sidewalk 😳🤣🤣🤣. No mercy even after explaining was my birthday 🤷‍♂️

[@Cycle9568]

25k out and back to the coffee shop is an easy way to do it. Fill up your bottles and have a coffee and a snack! Ride at 80% aka a comfortable pace. Simple.

[@zedddddful]

Stop the press this is amazing and unprecedented look look everyone a mudguard on GCN WOAH

[@dopamim4131]

Tips already learned, now i need the bikes😂😂

[@Jari1973]

As far as I remember, it's been 34 years... The trip was completed without drinking and eating.. without stopping.. then I decided that I would never ride a bike again.. the decision did not hold 😁 Do runners nowadays eat and drink as much as cyclists? I remember the time in the -80s.. then you didn't even drink during 2-hour training sessions 💪

[@galenkehler]

My tip: get to know the prevailing winds in your area when planning longer trips so you dont end up fighting a headwind in the morning only for the wind to switch direction and offer up a headwind for the afternoon return 😂

[@ElusiveS3NPAI]

My first ride ever was 30 miles and I was done! Next time it beacme easier and almost a year later, just did the 100 RideLondon

[@scoppyeah]

That Pinarello 😍

[@arwinfaber4156]

I get what they are trying to say here, but 50 km is very arbitrary. It made me chuckle. I mean: 50 km is my daily commute. 2x 26,4 km or a little more if a want to change the route for variation. My first challenge/test was 100 km in one ride. I thought my legs or butt would hurt, but I remember the unexpected neck pain the most. The bit about food I don't agree with. 50 km is too short to worry about food too much. Something sugary to drink and replenish waterloss (not soda) is good enough. Tell yourself to take a few sips every 15 minutes or so. You can take some food if you want to, but you don't have to. Just take it easy if it is the first time. Also Strava is not needed imho. You will know what you did. No need to ad extra pressure to perform. Your own goals should be enough. Just try it and see what happens, but bring a phone just in case.

[@jillolsen4135]

Go to a location like Richmond Park for your first 50K. It's about 5 laps and lots of support from other riders.

[@Malyjurek]

A good fitting bike helps, to make the ride more comfortable, the chosen route for starters choose a route with less traffic and not too hilly so you can concentrate on the ride next fuel is king, with the fuel best is to try while training so that thing don't go Txxx Up ;) on the ride.

[@gcn]

Awesome! Glad we could help 🙌 Now go out and smash it!

[@drummerboyharm3078]

No words need: Just do it and listen to your body! Easy!

[@mommamooney]

I just did my first 50k on Saturday! Next up, 50 miles, though 100k is only a little bit more

[@lidge1994]

I used to do 26km almost every day one summer. By the end of summer, I wasn't even exhausted after doing that, I could go for more, but the 26km ends at my door.

[@BradNichols-e1d]

Manon, you are such a star. Thank you for all the tips!