5 Things You Must Know About Long Distance Cycling

“Long distance cycling can give you the most thrilling experiences of life.”

These are the words of the senior cyclists who have influenced beginners for long distance cycling. But the cyclists don’t see the other side of the coin. This puts a lot of challenges before you. And if you are not well-prepared for those, you may face any odd situations.

That’s why we came up with 5 such things about long distance cycling that you may not have heard of.

5 Must-know Things About Long Distance Cycling

It’s a Test of Your Mental Strength

Some medical professionals suggest long distance cycling because it can be considered low intensity cardio. Mental strength plays a huge role here–probably bigger than physical strength! Because when you are just behind a few miles from your destination, you will feel like stopping. You will have to find enough mental strength to reach your destination.

You Have to Adjust To All Kinds of Weather

You will face various weather conditions on your way when you cycle long distances. Sometimes you may face hot, sunny weather, but you may have heavy rainfall in the next few hours. So be prepared for any situation because the weather can be your biggest enemy in this journey. That’s why if your body is not strong enough to compete with the weather, avoid long distance cycling for now until you feel better!

Forget High Protein Foods

If you are fond of eggs, meats, or other high protein foods, you will have to skip them when preparing for a long distance cycling trip. Your body will need more instant energy. High protein food takes a lot of time to digest. They don’t generally provide energy instantly. So you will have to skip them, and instead, you will need more glucose-based foods. Because glucose can provide you with instant energy. (1)

Carbohydrates are the fuel that power your rides. So eat healthy meals prior to your ride, but make sure it includes plenty of complex carbs. Here are some super healthy foods that are great prior to any workout:

• Whole Wheat Bread
• Quinoa
• Oatmeal
• Brown Rice
• Fiber One cereal (General Mills) 

Be Prepared for Uphills and Downhills

You can’t avoid uphills or downhills when you are going on a long distance cycling trip. Because off-road cycling tracks are full of them. Now the thing is, you will love to ride through those downhills. But riding uphill won’t be very enjoyable. You may get exhausted also. So you will have to handle things wisely.

Get Ready to Buy a Lot of Cycling Gear

For a thrilling long distance cycling experience, you may have to invest in some cycling gear. But the most important thing is the bike itself. You will have to buy a good quality MTB bike for long trips. You will surely get a good quality road bike that fits in your budget. Don’t forget other things like a helmet, gloves, knee guard, bottle holder, etc. These kits are also necessary for good riding.

You will indeed face many challenges, many new experiences while you are on a long distance ride. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do it. If you have proper preparation and knowledge, you can overcome any challenging situation before you. And for that, always keep a positive attitude. You can do it!

Click to return to low intensity cardio.