5 Key Steps When Training For Bike Rides Of More Than 100 Miles
Having just completed another London to Paris ride, 300 miles over 4 days I noticed that many people spend lots of money on a bike and a variety of accessories, however, one area that lots of people seem to neglect is training.
Seldom do people spend much if any time or money on a training programme. This is a vital element for improving your chances of completing long rides successfully.
Of course the equipment you are using is important but just as with a car or a motorbike it’s really “all about the engine”, that’s what makes the real difference. This is even more important on a long ride
This article gives 5 key tips on the training required to complete more than 100 miles on a bike.
1. Preparation
The key to any successful 100 mile bike ride is preparation. You need to get your body into a condition which will enable you to complete the ride. The key to this is having a sensible and comprehensive training plan. It is a mistake to think you can riding as often as you can is enough to get you in the right shape for such an arduous test on the body.
2. Diet
A good diet is essential for 2 reasons a) It helps you train more effectively and b) it’s good for your health generally. A good cycling training diet means you need to balance the right foods so you can achieve the optimum fitness benefits. If you get your training diet right it will mean that you will be in the best condition you plenty of energy for those long arduous rides. Not only that your general health will improve and you will have an abundance of energy.
3. Training Plan
Make sure you are working on areas of fitness that you need to help you with your ride. Make sure you are clear on your goals i.e. you are trying to build strength and stamina to ensure you can comfortably complete the ride.
Hence there is no point focussing on activities which are working on other areas of health e.g. purely losing weight, keep that in mind when you are at the gym or when you are doing some other fitness related exercise. You need to make sure you are getting the best and most appropriate results for your ride.
Ideally what you want is a programme which builds up your strength and stamina.
4. Train smart not hard
It is really all about doing the right things not about doing lots of things. You need understand the best way to train to deliver the desired results. If you do this you will find that you train less than other riders but you will have a greater benefit once on the ride.
5. Measure your progress
Finally, make sure that you regularly monitor whether or not you have achieved your training goals. If you can see you are achieving or exceeding them, this will keep you motivated and push you to stretch yourself further.
Whatever your level it’s a must to have the correct training plan, don’t forget it’s all about the engine and not just about the bike.