Conquering a 250-Mile Bike Ride: 6 Powerful Lessons from Failure

The Thrill of Pushing Your Cycling Limits

A few months back, you chose to challenge yourself, signing up for a grueling cycling event that you knew would push your physical and mental boundaries. Starting tomorrow morning, you’ll be covering around 250 miles of gravel, climbing nearly 25,000 feet in the Endless Mountains 250. This endurance test will see you cycling without sleep, self-supporting, and at times, without cellphone reception.

The Allure of Challenging Bike Rides

As the event looms, you’ve found yourself reflecting on the allure of these challenging rides. You could always opt for a leisurely day ride, grab some food and a drink afterwards with friends, and then get a good night’s sleep. However, you crave the thrill of pushing your bike up a hill in the dark after riding a hundred miles or enduring freezing temperatures for miles on end through snow. These exhilarating experiences are what truly push your boundaries.

Key to Success: Planning and Resilience

Having worked in the fitness industry for a decade, managed bike shops, coached cyclists, and participated in such rides yourself, you’re convinced that most people capable of riding 100km on a bike can ride 100 miles. The keys to success lie in planning around hydration and fueling, and in becoming comfortable with discomfort. Embracing these challenges unlocks magical boundaries.

Lessons from “Failure”

Doing hard things sometimes means failing. Remember the 200-mile ride you attempted one of the hottest days of the year? Temperatures hovered above 100 degrees and the humidity was stifling. You had to stop at mile 140, but you learned valuable lessons about cooling strategies, fueling for distances over 100 miles, and pacing techniques when you start to crack. These lessons have paid dividends in both shorter and longer rides since then.

Planning for the Unexpected

Part of taking on challenges beyond your comfort zone is anticipating potential problems and having backup plans. Resources and knowledge to fix your bike, an exit route, and a friend or family member aware that you may need a lift, can all contribute to a safer ride.

The Question of “Why?”

Doing hard things is, well, hard. Perhaps you’ve hit a wall halfway through a route or struggled through miles of sandy track. These are the moments that allow you to push through and find the light at the end of the tunnel. Those challenges that force you to question your ability are the same challenges that bring you back to this sport.

Getting Ready for Your Big Push

Pushing your boundaries on the bike doesn’t simply mean going for your longest ride. You could strive for riding two straight hours, a road rider’s first ride on singletrack, or attempting to set a fastest known time on the Tour Divide. These are all ways to expand your boundaries.

Exploring New Distances

Consider going beyond the incremental and make a jump. Distances like 20 miles, 100km, or 100 miles can be used as benchmarks for progress. Signing up for an event that makes you feel both excited and a little nervous is a good starting point.

The Climb Challenge

Pushing the amount of climbing on a ride can be another way to challenge yourself. Hitting 10,000 feet of climbing, an Everest challenge or a ride with the golden ratio (100 feet of climbing per one mile) can help push your boundaries further.

Longest Time in the Saddle

Timing your rides is a great approach for both new and seasoned riders. You might be new to riding and challenge yourself to ride for two hours. Or if you’re accustomed to centuries, consider an overnight or multiday event like Black Friday at Fifth Street Cyclocross or DOOM.

Experimenting with New Types of Riding

If you’re typically a road rider, try mountain biking. Conversely, if you’re a mountain biker, try a gravel bikepacking trip. Don’t hesitate to ask friends or acquaintances who have attempted the type of new riding you’re interested in for advice or possible gear loans.

Signing Up for an Event

Registering for an event can provide the motivation to push beyond your limits. Distances, climbs, and even aid stations are pre-set, allowing you to focus on the ride. Participating in an event like Unpaved or Unbound can be a powerful motivator. For an even greater cause, consider charity rides like MS City to Shore, Pan-Mass Challenge, or Monkey Knife Fight.

Finding Your “Why”

Knowing your internal motivation, or your “why,” is crucial before undertaking a big effort. Whether it’s the sheer love of cycling, seeking clarity, or an unexpected revelation during a ride, your internal drive is what will push you through the hard moments.