How Far Can You Bike in a Day?

Cycling is a fun activity that most people undertake during their leisure time. Over the years, however, cycling has become more than an activity to participle in during free times. While many people are going green by cycling every day to and from work, others have embraced it as part of their work out routine or taken up bicycle touring.

On average, an individual can cycle between 40 to 60-miles daily. However, shorter or longer distances are still achievable. The distance an individual can bike in a day will be dependent on several factors. Their fitness levels, geography, and equipment quality will greatly affect the total distance one can cover in a day. Let’s find out more in detail here.

Factors Affecting Daily Cycling Distance​

1. Your Fitness Levels

Your level of fitness will greatly affect how far you can cycle. It’s easier for the avid cyclist, who spends most of the time on their bike to clock more than 90-miles daily. It’ll be more difficult for one to achieve such a milestone if they're used to riding only in their leisure times. You can greatly maximize your riding potential by starting small.

Set daily or weekly distances to achieve and slowly increase the distance you cover after achieving a milestone. You can start with 5-miles daily or higher if you consider yourself very fit. Purpose to ride at least five times every week and rest for two days since your body will need to recover. Avoid cycling with an injury since it may make it worse and increase the recovery time.

2. Cycling Terrain

It's easier to cover great distances on flatter terrain than on a hilly one in a day. Moreover, riding on hilly terrains is more tasking than cycling on flat terrain. Avoid cycling on hilly roads if you’ve not been cycling or working out for a while. Covering 60-miles on a flat terrain won’t feel the same on a hilly course. Always be aware of how your body is reacting while cycling on courses in different terrains.

3. Your Cycling Goals

Everyone has a particular goal that they want to achieve when they start cycling. Some may be looking to only get fit, lose weight, or prepare for an upcoming triathlon. Your goal combined with other key factors will determine the distance you’ll need to cover daily.

Fitness

Those looking to get fit by cycling don’t need to cover great distances. It's easy for them to start with 5-miles daily and build as they get more comfortable. They can achieve 10 to 12-miles by cycling at a moderate pace every day. Cycling should be combined with other work out activities to help you achieve your goal of becoming more fit.

Endurance Competitions​

Individuals preparing for a triathlon or decathlon will have to cover more distances as they prepare their bodies for endurance. You can start with 10-miles daily if you've been out of the game for some time. This will help you get back in shape so that you can start clocking distances of up to 100-miles. Remember to always take breaks every week to help your body recover.

Weight Loss

Once you know the number of calories you need to burn for you to lose weight, then cycling won’t be difficult for you. However, the cycling intensity is more important in the weight loss journey rather than the miles covered. Also, check your diet if you want better results.

4. Your Health and Age

Your age and overall health will affect how far you can cycle. Assuming that everyone’s healthy, younger people can ride for greater distances compared to older people. Emphasis is placed on gradually building the distance you cover depending on your age. Consult your doctor if you have a serious condition. Besides, don’t push yourself too much when cycling if have any medical condition.

Conclusion

There’s no specific rule that’ll bind you to a certain number of miles that you should cover daily while cycling. Your fitness levels, reasons for cycling, terrain, and your health and age will affect the distance you can cover in a day. You should start with shorter distances and increase it as your body gets more used to cycling. Above all, you must enjoy your cycling.