Bike to Ride 70 Miles On

[st nick]

What bike would you pick to ride 70 miles?

Some of you probably regularly do that distance.

My regular range is 20 to 40 miles.

It's been a long time since I rode 70 miles and I was a much younger fellow.

I think about any Rivendell model is up to the task.

Of course a lot depends on the rider and if they are up to the task.

Some might choose their lightest and/or fastest bike.

I pose this question to see what people think and there will likely be a lot of different view points about it.

I learned something today.

A bike one wouldn't necessarily think would be a good candidate for that mileage can still work.

My wife and her good friend decided they wanted to make a 70 mile attempt today to celebrate my wife turning 70.

I'm along for the ride and mechanical support if needed.

I admit was a bit skeptical as they haven't been doing a great deal of riding the last few months  perhaps in the range of 30 or so per week.

Heck, I didn't even know if I could make it that far.

Also they have comfort style Electra  Townie and Trek Pure bikes. (Very similar...I think Trek bought Electra) not exactly light weights. They have that pedal forward design in which the bottom bracket and crank are 3 or so inches forward of the seat tube.

This allows a rider to have their saddle at the correct height but put their foot on the ground without getting off the saddle. 

Cool design for certain riders, I think, especially older people of which our group of 3 are getting into that category.

One is geared 1x7 and one a 2x7 and both have grip shifts.

I should have probably taken my Sam Hillbourne but we needed a basket to carry stuff so I grabbed my 1990 Miele mtb I had converted to urban cruiser and grocery getter. It's very comfortable and has a pretty relaxed geometry. 

I think around 40 miles was my previous longest distance on it.

I keep all 3 bicycles pretty well maintained. 

It started out at around 40 degrees and we had to layer up for the start and have somewhere to carry layers we would take off later in the day as well as snacks and extra water.

Well , we made it 73 miles on those bikes.

It took practically all day as we only averaged 10.3 mph ,so around 7 hours ride time and around 2 or a bit more hours down time for lunch and 4 or 5 breaks.

Gosh, this is long.

We are all exhausted and exhilarated and a bit giddy we actually did it being our age and I'm a year older.

I'm feeling blessed to still be able to do it.

Slow riders on not fast bikes and perhaps not optimum bikes can still do it.

Time and determination are key  I think.

Safe riding, 

Paul in Dallas

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[st nick]

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[lucky...@gmail.com]

That’s rad!

Those Electra pedal-forward bikes have kept my in laws able to bike into their 70’s.

My mom finally overcame her personal feelings associated with trikes, and bought one last year (her balance is poor following an injury). Now she rides that trike whenever the weather allows and just loves having the option to bike.

I agree, if you’re comfortable on a bicycle the only limit to how far you can ride it is your own endurance. 

Happy Birthday to your wife!

On Nov 13, 2021, at 20:51, st nick <trueg...@att.net> wrote:



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[Ryan]

Good on you guys! made my day!

I turn 70 next December (2022)...maybe I'll make that a goal! I'm sure your wife and her friend were glad you came along. If I was doing something like this, I'd want company too...and it doesn't matter how long it takes. Ideally I'd do some kind of out-and-back  into the wind in the AM and tailwind for the PM but sometimes it doesn't work out that way. I'd have to work up to it , though

Yes, Rivs are fine bikes. I'd probably use my Road with drop bars...my other ones have moustache and choco; after 50 miles I'm missing drop bars.

But enough about me...congratulations to all of you!

Ryan in Winnipeg

[Philip Barrett]

I've seen your friends on those Townies a number of times at WWL, aways do a smile & a wave.

[Jeffrey Arita]

Congratulations on completing the birthday ride!  I agree, any bicycle will do.  

This:   >>>>>   Time and determination are key  I think   <<<<<

All the Best,

Jeff & Lori

Claremont, CA

[Jason Fuller]

That's awesome!  I have ridden a couple 200km (130 mile?) rides on my Hillborne now and will push as far as I'm physically willing to on that bike - it's not the fastest bike, for sure, but the comfort becomes really welcome on very long rides, along with the stable handling. I have considered a lighter, faster feeling bike for big rides but honestly I don't think I'd like that better overall considering how nicely the Sam rides. 

I think comfort and intuitive handling are the top characteristics for all-day rides to me, and this covers most Rivs thankfully! 

[jeffrey kane]

Great story ... the first thing that came to mind for me was: if you can ride it 30 or 40 you can ride it 70!

[Joseph]

Happy 70th to your wife!