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Secrets for riding longer.

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rec.sport.unicycling
Published
18 September 2007
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28 November 2007
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legtod2
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  1. Looking for hints and suggestions that will enable me to ride longer and
    further.

    I'm sure there's plenty of long distance folks here that can pass along
    some wisdom to an eager ear.

    I have in the past gone 2.5 hrs on my 20" wheel, but would love to hear
    from the experts how to do it right.

    Looking forward input from the community.

    Thanks.

    --
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  2. Well im sure you'll be told to get a bigger wheel if you want to go
    further!

    Such as...
    http://tinyurl.com/4m68w
    http://tinyurl.com/4xbu

    Bigger wheel=longer distance, more speed, less tiredness

    --
    jamessd

    My videos:
    http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=WpBvnO6wVG0#GU5U2spHI_4


    http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=mtnedg1YS8c
    Add me: [email hidden]
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  3. I'm still learning, but I don't particularly think there are right or
    wrong ways to ride long distances...

    ...there are more or less painful ways to ride long distances, though.
    Everyone seems to have their own ideal setup for distance riding.
    Sounds like you need to find yours.

    Fiddle with your seat: adjust its height and/or angle (using a rail
    adapter, or otherwise). Try cutting down the foam in places where the
    seat irritates you... or try different types of foam / gel / cushion /
    etc.

    Experiment with a handle... for some it provides a means to relieve
    pressure from the crotch. For others, a handle allows comfort in a
    more aerodynamic posture. It can also be used to produce more torque
    on hill climbs / descents.

    Crank length can also make a difference... longer cranks mean the legs
    move more. This can increase chafing / irritation in the crotch and/or
    inner legs. Try shorter cranks, if you don't need the long ones for
    climbing hills.

    Even simple adjustments to clothing can make a world of difference.
    Wearing a cycling jersey means you won't have to soak in your own
    sweat. Cycling shorts come with numerous styles of padding... try a
    couple different pairs to see what is most comfortable.

    Let us know what you find out... perhaps we can learn a "secret" from
    your experiences!

    --
    maestro8

    Those are my principles. If you don't like those, I have others. --
    Groucho Marx

    The only way to comprehend what mathematicians mean by Infinity is to
    contemplate the extent of human stupidity. -- François-Marie Arouet de
    Voltaire
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  4. I know i have heard of people setting there watch to beep every so often
    so they get up off the seat for a minute while riding to get the blood
    circulating again.

    --
    qhxakg

    If somebody tells you your tricks are gay, ask them if they are an
    expert in gay trickery.
    -Ivan-
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  5. So far...

    The single greatest gain in saddle time was to change the stock seat.

    Presently I have a KH seat, cost me nearly $50.00 but worth it.

    What would be nice is if I could change the pitch of the seat.

    --
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  6. I am not a huge fan of rider faster or riding further, but I also like
    option of riding longer. I used a customized KH Air Seat that I use
    sometimes. I start the seat at about the same softness as the Freeride
    seat and let some air out slowly to soften the seat as needed.

    --
    puresyn

    Billy thinks I am a wimp, so then it must be true!
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  7. http://www.unicyclist.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63182

    --
    mouse

    Quoted message said:

    Originally Posted by johnfoss
    Yes, being old makes you stupid.


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  8. legtod2 said:

    What would be nice is if I could change the pitch of the seat.

    That's the primary benefit of the rail-adapter seatpost, although as in
    all things enhancement-related, you pay more for it. After getting a
    rail-adapter, I'd never go back to a stock seatpost. It's nice to be
    able to tilt the seat up so you're resting on the wider part near the
    rear.

    This may sound too simplistic, but the best way (in my view) to
    increase distance is to practice for it. Set some goals that help add
    up to longer distance. If your current average "long ride" is 10
    miles, as an example, set a goal of getting to a comfortable 20 miler
    in a month, then work up to it by doing some 12s, then 15s, then an 18
    or two, then the 20. I'll sometimes set smaller goals within a single
    ride, for example I'm going to do a 20 miler, and I'll shoot for doing
    the first 5 before I take a standing saddle break, and the first 10
    before I have a dismount. As I got further into the training, I'd up
    that to something like all 20 without a dismount, and maximum of 4
    standing breaks, with the first hour being complete in under X minutes.
    Stuff like that that just helps you build up your endurance in
    specific areas, i.e. saddle time, pace, muscle endurance, length of
    breaks (recovery) you allow yourself, etc.

    And don't forget the hydration...easiest way to hit the wall on longer
    rides is to forget to eat and drink as you go.

    HTH,

    Tom

    --
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    Tailgate at your own risk...
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  9. My level of respect for you is through the roof 2.5 hours on a 20"
    wheel. WOW! out of curiousity how far did you go?
    First thing is, if you are serious about any distance get a bigger
    wheel. I have a 20 and bought a 26" then a 36". I think a 29 would be
    minimum. Also look at the thread mouse told you about. I used it and
    the advice advice was good. I am using riding for exercise. I was doing
    5-8 3 days a week with a 10-13 mile ride on the weekend. I did a 21
    miler within a month of starting and I finished in 2:25. I am looking
    forward to seeing how this thread goes so I can train for some longer
    rides too.

    --
    rem48
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  10. John_childs had some advice on electrolyte balance ' here,'
    (http://tinyurl.com/286h2r) for distance riding.

    I'm going to work on eating better on my next long ride. I want to
    break my 15 mile barrier.

    --
    Chrashing

    Regards,
    Ken ... I say it's a great exercise. They say it's a mid-life thing.
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  11. What you need to ask yourself is what is stopping you from riding
    longer?

    If it's comfort, try a different saddle, or rail adapter to angle it.

    If it's your legs giving out, then just ride a little bit more each
    time and build up the muscles.

    If it's motivation, then ask yourself why you want to ride further and
    set yourself some goals.

    Personally, I find circular rides (ie start and finish at home) quite
    boring, and because I feel like I'm riding for ridings sake, and am
    often tempted to take a quicker route back home again. Riding to
    somewhere, however, is a more interesting challenge, as I've got a
    final destination that I need to get to. Or get on a train to have a
    day out in a local town, for example, and ride home. The motivation is
    there to complete the journey, otherwise you're stranded in the middle
    of nowhere! Plus you have the fun of working out a route, which is
    probably quite different to what you'd take if you was driving.

    Other advice that's already been given, such as riding the biggest
    wheel you feel comfortable on, shorter cranks, and plenty of liquids is
    also good.

    STM

    --
    semach.the.monkey
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  12. tomblackwood said:

    the first hour being complete in under X minutes

    it was all good advice but this typo cracked me up

    --
    kington99

    Dave

    - what a thoroughly post-modern subversion of the cycling genre -
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  13. There are some great bike routes in my area (over 70 Kilometers).

    Each enables me to plan circular routes or away and back again routes.
    Also some good hills for those in need of a challenge.
    Some of the routes travel beside the st john river, other through
    woods, etc.

    It is the variety of trails in my area that are inspiring me to travel
    larger distances. All the trails are biking/walking/jogging trails, no
    cars. So they are safe.

    I believe a backback would be a good idea with refreshments, tools
    incase of break down, cell phone incase of problems.

    Does anyone ride with other bikers or are we too slow for bikes on a
    long ride?

    The comments so far have been great. Thanks for the contributions.

    --
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  14. legtod2 said:

    Does anyone ride with other bikers or are we too slow for bikes on a
    long ride?

    The comments so far have been great. Thanks for the contributions.

    BTW can someone post a link to these rail adapters or other accessories
    that allow the angle of the seat to be changed.

    Rail type seatposts;
    http://tinyurl.com/axhga

    Seatpost adapters;
    http://tinyurl.com/2k1o

    (or better adapter - with handles
    http://www.unicycle.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=973 )

    As for riding with people on bikes... I've recently started commuting
    to work with my girlfriend. Speed is a bit of an issue, but only
    because I have to keep stopping and waiting for her 😄 It's only 5
    miles though, so I'm not sure that counts as long distance.

    STM

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  15. If you rode 2.5 hours on a 20"...that amount of time would have carried
    you about 15-18 miles on a 29". I generally average about 7-8 mph on
    my 29" without really working at it.

    Each turn of the wheel carries you about 5 ft on a 20", each turn of
    the wheel on a 29" takes you over 7.5 ft, and a coker is about 9.5'.
    It sounds like you would like to ride for distance and scenery.
    Cokerheads will swear theirs is the answer but many find the 29er more
    to their liking for recreational riding. See the threat "I hate my
    coker" for the opinions of the naysayers.

    You will enjoy a larger unicycle although it will take a bit of getting
    used to.

    Carey

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  16. kington99 said:

    it was all good advice but this typo cracked me up

    That wasn't a typo, it was inserted to indicate a variable. 🙄

    --
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  17. I've always thought that the best way to ride longer is to start earlier
    and finish later.

    --
    harper

    -Greg Harper

    *jc is the only main man. there can be no other.*
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  18. Cary,

    After 2.5 hrs I managed to ride almost 12 kilometers.

    Once I get a new wheel, that time should be shortened.

    My plan for 2008 is to travel to two or more new cities and tour the
    trails there.

    Hopefully meeting other unicyclist.

    To begin with I'll probably do Nova Scotia (During Ride The Lobster)
    and maybe ottawa or Toronto.

    Right now what I do is I pack my unicycle up on my Goldwing motorcycle,
    drive to an interesting bike trail, and go.

    --
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  19. tomblackwood said:

    That wasn't a typo, it was inserted to indicate a variable. 🙄

    I don't think he was talking about the "X"...

    I find handles to help tremendously, I feel I have more control when
    going fast, less wobble, and am able to use it to help me shift
    positions on the saddle.

    As for riding with bikes: you will probably be faster on the uphill if
    you are motivated but if your biker friend keeps up with you up the
    hill he/she will leave you in the dust when it comes to the downhill or
    flat sections.

    My rides with bikes have alwase been slower than my rides alone due to
    us waiting for eachother in difrent situations.

    --
    saskatchewanian

    The Coker isn't elegant, it's majestic
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  20. Todays ride was 6 kilometers, man It was uncomfortable from the start.

    My jeans have an inseam that rides in the wrong place.

    Gonna start singing suprano.

    Guess I need to purchase some riding shorts.

    --
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