Every Rider Needs These 6 Long-Distance Cycling Tips

If you’re relatively new to the sport, or have yet to attempt a ride longer than two hours, then you might be hesitant to take on your first long-distance ride. But seriously, there’s no need to feel intimidated! Successful, long-distance cycling often comes down to strategy and planning, and not just fitness. Dialing in your preride preparation goes a long way in the having fun department. And this rule applies to more experienced cyclists, too. Alex Stieda knows just what it takes to make it through a long bike ride: He was the first North American to wear the yellow jersey of the Tour de France, with team 7-Eleven in 1986, and has taught skills camps since then. Of course, long bike rides do require a certain level of endurance, and it’s best to work on gradually building the distance and intensity of your rides. “Say your weekend ride is two hours. Over a period of eight weeks, add about a half hour to each ride; in two months you’ll be ready for a century ride,” Stieda says. He also advises adding more time in the saddle. “Be sure to sneak in another ride or two of at least an hour during the week,” he says. When you’re training for long-distance cycling, not every ride has to be a quad-killer. Recovery rides are just as important for building your fitness base. So whether you want to go for your longest ride yet or tackle a full century, use these tips from Stieda to feel strong through the final mile. [View in Browser]( [Bicycling]( [SHOP]( [EXCLUSIVE]( [SUBSCRIBE]( [Every Rider Needs These 6 Long-Distance Cycling Tips]( [Every Rider Needs These 6 Long-Distance Cycling Tips]( [Every Rider Needs These 6 Long-Distance Cycling Tips]( If you’re relatively new to the sport, or have yet to attempt a ride longer than two hours, then you might be hesitant to take on your first long-distance ride. But seriously, there’s no need to feel intimidated! Successful, long-distance cycling often comes down to strategy and planning, and not just fitness. Dialing in your preride preparation goes a long way in the having fun department. And this rule applies to more experienced cyclists, too. Alex Stieda knows just what it takes to make it through a long bike ride: He was the first North American to wear the yellow jersey of the Tour de France, with team 7-Eleven in 1986, and has taught skills camps since then. Of course, long bike rides do require a certain level of endurance, and it’s best to work on gradually building the distance and intensity of your rides. “Say your weekend ride is two hours. Over a period of eight weeks, add about a half hour to each ride; in two months you’ll be ready for a century ride,” Stieda says. He also advises adding more time in the saddle. “Be sure to sneak in another ride or two of at least an hour during the week,” he says. When you’re training for long-distance cycling, not every ride has to be a quad-killer. Recovery rides are just as important for building your fitness base. So whether you want to go for your longest ride yet or tackle a full century, use these tips from Stieda to feel strong through the final mile. If you’re relatively new to the sport, or have yet to attempt a ride longer than two hours, then you might be hesitant to take on your first long-distance ride. But seriously, there’s no need to feel intimidated! Successful, long-distance cycling often comes down to strategy and planning, and not just fitness. Dialing in your preride preparation goes a long way in the having fun department. And this rule applies to more experienced cyclists, too. Alex Stieda knows just what it takes to make it through a long bike ride: He was the first North American to wear the yellow jersey of the Tour de France, with team 7-Eleven in 1986, and has taught skills camps since then. Of course, long bike rides do require a certain level of endurance, and it’s best to work on gradually building the distance and intensity of your rides. “Say your weekend ride is two hours. Over a period of eight weeks, add about a half hour to each ride; in two months you’ll be ready for a century ride,” Stieda says. He also advises adding more time in the saddle. “Be sure to sneak in another ride or two of at least an hour during the week,” he says. When you’re training for long-distance cycling, not every ride has to be a quad-killer. Recovery rides are just as important for building your fitness base. So whether you want to go for your longest ride yet or tackle a full century, use these tips from Stieda to feel strong through the final mile. 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