Long distance cycling is more than just a physical challenge—it demands time, energy, and meticulous preparation. Every cyclist remembers their first 100km. The feeling of knowing that your legs and bold determination have carried you across such a distance is unmatched. But don’t be discouraged if you haven’t spent more than a few hours in the saddle yet. Long-distance cycling requires not only fitness but also strategy and planning.
Endurance rides demand a level of stamina that must be built over weeks, months, or even years (especially in the case of ultra-distance events). The best approach to improving your endurance is the one that works best for you. Everyone is different, so it’s important to figure out what works for your body and pace yourself accordingly.
What Is Long Distance Cycling?
The definition of a “long ride” is debated. What may be considered a long distance for one person can be relatively short for another. For the purpose of this article, we refer to rides that are longer than 100 km. However, long distance cycling is more than just a number on the bike computer. It’s not only about the distance, but about the experience that comes with this challenge. A long ride can mean testing one’s limits, whether physically or mentally. But it can also reflect the freedom and adventure that cycling in nature offers. For some, a “long ride” is the first step in leaving their comfort zone and seeing the world from a new perspective. For others, it’s the many hours in the saddle that allow them to free themselves from the worries of daily life and enter a meditative state of focus. Long distance cycling is a play with time – it’s an invitation to enjoy the moment and appreciate the journey itself, rather than focusing only on the destination.
How to Increase Your Distance
No one can go from 0 to 1000 km overnight.
Like many other things in life, long-distance cycling requires practice, experimentation, and time. It’s not about jumping straight into long distances, but about steadily building up and learning to deal with your endurance and limits. Beginners should first focus on shorter distances, working on improving their pace and technique. Only through continuous experience can you develop the fitness and understanding needed for longer rides.

Long-distance cycling is also about adapting to the physical demands. In the beginning, the body will likely feel exhausted and perhaps a bit sore after a long ride. However, with every ride, the body becomes more accustomed to the repeated strain and learns to recover faster. Mental strength plays an equally important role: In the early stages, it’s often not just the body that gives up, but the mind as well. This is where breaking the ride into smaller stages, taking regular breaks, and appreciating your progress can help.
Long-distance cycling is about gradually getting familiar with the challenges – from proper nutrition and hydration to dealing with unfavorable weather conditions or unexpected difficulties. Over time, you develop a sense of how to best support your body on long rides. It’s an ongoing learning process, where each ride brings new insights and makes the cyclist stronger.
Step-by-step progress to long distance cycling
Every long journey starts with a single step, and long-distance cycling is no exception. If you can comfortably ride 70 km, the next logical step is to gradually increase your distance to 100 km over the coming weeks. A structured approach allows for steady improvement without overloading your body. It’s important to listen to your own pace and expand your limits at a rate that suits your fitness level. Everyone is different—I personally started increasing my rides in 50 km increments once I reached 100 km.
After a quieter period, such as the winter months, it’s wise to ease back into training and assess your current fitness level realistically. As the weather improves and the days get longer, it often becomes easier to tackle longer rides. A great way to challenge yourself is by participating in organized cycling events or signing up for longer distances. Many cycling clubs and randonneur groups regularly offer rides, providing an excellent opportunity for beginners to gain experience. Riding in a supportive environment allows you to learn from experienced cyclists, refine your pacing, and develop your endurance.
A structured progression is key to handling long distances effectively. During my first brevet season with Audax Randonneurs Allemagne (ARA), I gradually increased my ride lengths—from 200 km to 300 km, then 400 km, and eventually 600 km. To prepare for Paris-Brest-Paris (1,260 km), I mentally and physically trained to complete two consecutive 600 km rides.
Setting clear goals throughout the season can help maintain motivation. For example, you might aim to reach a specific distance milestone or take part in challenging events that push your limits. Every small achievement counts, and each milestone you reach will give you the confidence to take on the next big challenge.
Adjust Your Pace
One of the easiest mistakes to make is starting too fast and then losing steam midway because the pace was too intense. We’ve all learned this the hard way, but you can avoid this mistake from the outset.
If you’re aiming for an 8-hour ride, it’s essential to save some energy for the later part of the day. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the start, but if you focus on maintaining your own pace in the first half, you’ll have more energy for the second half when you’re closer to home.
Planning ahead is crucial when it comes to finding a comfortable pace. Take time to understand how your body reacts to different conditions and adjust accordingly. Often, you’ll find that after a certain distance, your body becomes more accustomed to the exertion, allowing you to push harder. However, being mindful of how you feel throughout the ride is key to maintaining energy levels.
Find Like-Minded Friends
When you’re cycling long distances, you’re often out for hours or even days. Some cyclists prefer riding alone, but for others, having a companion or group can be a huge motivator and support system.
Riding with friends or fellow cyclists creates a sense of camaraderie that makes long rides more manageable. The presence of others, whether in real life or virtually, can provide a huge boost. While riding solo can be meditative for some, there’s something very powerful about knowing you’re part of a larger cycling community, either offline or online. Connecting with people who share your goals and dreams can provide additional support when the going gets tough on the road.

Finding the right companions, whether riding alongside you or cheering you on from afar, can make a significant difference in helping you reach your long-term cycling goals.
Plan Your Route
On long rides, you’ll likely be cycling through areas you’ve never explored before, and that’s part of the excitement. Discovering new places keeps the journey fresh and thrilling as your senses are constantly engaged by new sights, sounds, and experiences.
It’s important to plan your route in advance, especially when riding through unfamiliar areas. Researching the terrain, available services, and potential weather conditions will help you prepare better. Make sure to consider that the type of event will influence the route you take. If it’s a race, you might choose the shortest and most direct path. However, if it’s an adventure ride, take the time to explore quieter roads and scenic routes.
There are many apps and tools to help you plan your ride, such as Strava, Komoot, or Ride with GPS. These will help you map your route, track your progress, and ensure you stay on course, whether you’re going for a casual ride or an intense long-distance challenge.
Night Riding – A Unique Challenge
Long-distance rides often involve sections ridden at night, whether during a brevet, an ultracycling event, or a multi-day tour. To prepare for this, it’s essential to practice night riding in advance. Good lighting is crucial—a powerful front light ensures visibility on the road, while a reliable rear light increases safety. Reflective clothing also enhances visibility. Distances can feel different in the dark, obstacles are harder to spot, and adjusting your speed accordingly is important. Fatigue can also become a major challenge at night. Regular breaks, consistent nutrition, and, if necessary, short sleep phases help maintain performance. If you’ve never ridden at night before, you might be surprised by how different it feels. That’s why it’s worth training under real conditions to ensure you stay safe and efficient when it really counts.
What to Wear on a Long Distance Ride
Comfort should be at the top of your priority list when cycling long distances. If you’re not comfortable on your bike, things will quickly become unpleasant. It may take some time to get used to the gear, and it’s important to figure out what works best for you.
Research and advice can only take you so far, as everyone has different body types and riding styles. While indoor training can do wonders for fitness, there’s a good reason to go outdoors when it comes to gear. You need to expose your gear to all the terrible conditions you may encounter during your challenge. As a rule of thumb, always set yourself the deadline not to make any new equipment decisions within a month of the event.

Key pieces of equipment you should test for long rides include cycling shoes, bib shorts, gloves, and outerwear such as jerseys, base layers, vests, and jackets. Find out which combinations work best for you, so you can stay comfortable through rain, sun, and everything in between.
What to Eat to have enough Power
It won’t surprise you that long-distance cycling requires a lot of energy. If you don’t fuel your body properly, you’ll hit the proverbial “wall.” This happens when your body suffers from hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
The most important aspect of fueling up is figuring out what works for you. No two people are the same, and what works for one might not work for another. Eating on long rides can be tough on the body, so it’s important to try different foods at different stages of the ride.
Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins all have their place in the human diet, but there’s a strong case for eating whatever your body craves during long rides. And above all, don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated is vital for your health and helps you stay awake when you’re feeling fatigued.
What to Bring on a Long Ride
Like any bike ride, you’ll need to pack a repair kit, including one or two spare tubes, a pump, and tire levers. If you’re venturing into more remote areas, an extra derailleur hanger and a few spokes won’t weigh you down, but they could save your ride from disaster. A multitool and spoke wrench are essential for roadside repairs. Another useful tool is a chain tool (often included in many multitools) and a few quick links. Chains often break in rugged terrain, so be prepared.

If you’re out for a full day or more, a power bank and charging cables for your lights, GPS computer, and phone are invaluable. The last thing you want is to be stuck in the dark with a dead phone! These items can easily be stashed in a frame bag for quick access, but keep your electronics in a waterproof dry bag, in case the weather turns unexpectedly.
Finally, a credit card can be handy for getting out of tricky situations. Store it separately from your other cash in case you lose your wallet or it gets stolen.
The Best Bikes for Long-Distance Rides
The best bike for long-distance cycling isn’t necessarily determined by the type of bike – whether it’s a mountain bike, gravel bike, road bike, or touring bike. Instead, it’s about which bike is the most practical and comfortable for your intended use. The key factor is how fast you want to go, whether you’re embarking on a relaxed journey or participating in a race. Every bike has its pros and cons, depending on the specific requirements of your ride.
Comfort is the most important factor for long-distance cycling. A Mountain-Bike, for example, offers a more relaxed geometry compared to road bikes, providing a more upright riding position – ideal for long rides to avoid strain and discomfort. A lightweight frame material absorbs vibrations, minimizing the impact on the body. Wider tires, compared to standard road bikes, also contribute to increased comfort, especially on uneven roads or light gravel.

A specific bike type designed for long-distance riders is the Randonneur bike. These bikes are specially designed for randonneur and brevet events, where long distances and often unpaved roads are involved. Randonneur bikes are characterized by an even more relaxed geometry that maximizes comfort for long rides. They typically offer space for wider tires, racks, fenders, and other accessories essential for long-distance travel. The frame is often made of steel, providing high stability and pleasant vibration dampening, which reduces fatigue on long rides.
Another crucial factor is bike fitting, which ensures that the bike is precisely adjusted to your body shape and riding style. A professional bike fitting optimizes your riding position and reduces the risk of pain or injury during the ride. During the fitting process, factors such as saddle height, handlebar position, and pedal alignment are carefully adjusted to ensure the best ergonomics.
For gravel or off-road adventures, a bike designed for long distances on unpaved roads is an excellent choice. These bikes often have enough clearance for wider tires, which provide traction on loose surfaces and make the ride more comfortable. They also offer ample space to attach racks and bags, allowing you to carry your gear securely and comfortably. These bikes are especially suited for adventurous rides off the beaten track, offering the versatility and durability needed for long, unpredictable routes.
Conclusion: It‘s the Journey
Long distance cycling is more than just a physical challenge. It’s a journey within – a reflection of the journey we all undertake in life. It’s not only about reaching the destination, but about what we learn and experience along the way. Every hour in the saddle teaches us patience, endurance, and the art of overcoming obstacles. Perhaps it’s not the speed at which we arrive, but the determination we show on the way that holds the true value of these long rides. In the end, it’s not the success at an event that matters, but the moments of clarity we find along the journey. Long distance cycling reminds us that the road is often more significant than the destination. And much like all great journeys in life, it’s about embracing the challenge – no matter how long or difficult the path may be.
