300km too far for newish rider?

**zmlam** · 20th October 2011, 13:18

Hi all,

Just trying to get some advice from you all experienced riders.

Am considering doing a ride that is ~300km in one day, and am wondering if I am biting off too much than I can chew? Hopefully its not one of those 'how far is the string' questions too as I assume its how much experience/tolerance, etc I have.

But have been on my bike for just under a year, and have done a number of 100km rides (open road of course), but nothing like 300km. I'm certainly aware of the fatigue, especially with wind/rain factor. I will be following a car, driver I know drives slower - which can play to my advantage (or not).

Will be planning on taking many breaks (and have to possible start planning towns where I can top up tank).

Any advice, thoughts? Thanks in advance.

**nzspokes** · 20th October 2011, 13:25

Just do it. Not that far. Would have thought you would have got 300 out of a tank.

Ive been riding 4 months, done a couple of 200+ and a 300. Not that bad at all.

**nathanwhite** · 20th October 2011, 13:27

If you have decent stops along the way including lunch, you should be fine.

3 weeks into riding, I went on a 200km ride. I was pretty exhausted by the end, and couldn't properly focus, but I made it. Since then ~200k rides haven't really bothered me.

**Usarka** · 20th October 2011, 13:27

Originally Posted by zmlam

I I'm certainly aware of the fatigue, especially with wind/rain factor.

Will be planning on taking many breaks (and have to possible start planning towns where I can top up tank).

Sounds like you have it covered bro.

Edit: be careful following cars when your fatigued that you don't think all's ok la-de-la-la then they suddenly turn a corner and you go bang into a bank.

**BuzzardNZ** · 20th October 2011, 13:29

depends on how comfy your ride is. I can't stay too long on the SV as the stock seat is as hard as a rock and my (__!__) gets numb after too long on it!

**oneofsix** · 20th October 2011, 13:34

Originally Posted by BuzzardNZ

depends on how comfy your ride is. I can't stay too long on the SV as the stock seat is as hard as a rock and my (__!__) gets numb after too long on it!

same issue with the GSXF, hourly coffee breaks help keep the (bum) fatigue at bay

**BoristheBiter** · 20th October 2011, 13:40

Originally Posted by oneofsix

same issue with the GSXF, hourly coffee breaks help keep the (bum) fatigue at bay

I think the same goes with most bikes, and some cars for that matter.

**Ender EnZed** · 20th October 2011, 13:40

You'll be fine.

**dogsnbikes** · 20th October 2011, 14:01

Originally Posted by zmlam

Any advice, thoughts?

As the signs say "enjoy the ride not the race"

If your worried about being bike fit?here's a tip for you, ride for 30 minutes and then turn around and ride home,tomorrow ride for 40 minutes before turning around for home and so on until you get too a level where you are comfortable before stopping

If you use your bike for commuting take the long way too work...

**george formby** · 20th October 2011, 14:43

Yup, go for it. Allow plenty of time for stops & butt rubbing. Then you can bask in the glow of a day well spent when you arrive.

I used to ride silly distances on small bikes when I was a yoof &, in hindsight, loved every minute of it..

**EJK** · 20th October 2011, 14:48

If you ride it at 300kph then it only takes an hour

in theory ofcourse

**Stirts** · 20th October 2011, 15:05

Originally Posted by zmlam

Hi all,

Just trying to get some advice from you all experienced riders.

Am considering doing a ride that is ~300km in one day, and am wondering if I am biting off too much than I can chew?

I don't think it is all about the distance either...depends on how "technical" the roads that you will be riding. More challenging roads take it out of you quicker. I would plan my stops around that.

**buggsubique** · 20th October 2011, 15:29

300km on a small low-powered bike will be harder than a heavier more powerful bike, especially with a bit of wind. But what i found was i loved riding my new 250 that much that it was worth every minute of getting blown around the road at 90km/h.

Just did 840 k's last sunday, and thats taxing, no matter what ya ride!

Make a mission of it and you'll be fine. Just stay focussed.

**Flip** · 20th October 2011, 15:42

You will be fine. Don't push it. If you want to stop, do so. I stop every hour, it just what seems to work for me. Don't follow too close behind the car, I find riding in the turbulance behind cars tiring.

Oh and have fun.

**bogan** · 20th October 2011, 16:04

Originally Posted by Flip

You will be fine. Don't push it. If you want to stop, do so. I stop every hour, it just what seems to work for me. Don't follow too close behind the car, I find riding in the turbulance behind cars tiring.

Oh and have fun.

+1

I'd say get the car to follow you instead, you set the pace, and decide when to stop for breaks.