Is it reasonable for a person who usually bikes short distances recreationally to sign up for a 20 mile bike for charity?

If it is for charity, why not? Unless you are very competitive, there is no rule to say that you must finish the 20 mile course. You can always stop half way if you feel that it is too much for you.



The most important thing is to have fun and feel good that you are doing something good.

Just make sure that the bicycle you will be cycling on is of the right fit for you. Even if you do not plan to ride to win, it is best that you learn how to prepare for it and to build up your stamina for the long distance ride.

You will find some of the information I shared in the following articles useful.

What are some good rules of thumb for starting out long-distance biking?
How can you ride a bicycle without getting tired?
Which is the best bicycle for long distance ride?
How many miles should I bicycle per day on a world tour?

Need winter wear? Use your long cyclist pants.

If you plan to travel to places where the climate is colder, make sure that you include thermal wear in your luggage. Thermal wear is made of synthetic material, such as, polyester that will wick away moisture, like your perspiration, from your skin. So, avoid wearing cotton as it will absorb your perspiration or water from the rain or snow and that will make you feel colder.

When the temperature drops, it is not the cold weather you should be wary of but the wind. You will feel the chill as the cold wind blows over your exposed skin. So, wear long sleeves and pants, make sure that your head is covered and your scarf is on to keep your neck and nose warm. Wear gloves and thick socks to keep your limps warm and mufflers to protect your ears from the wind. Don’t forget your lips. Apply lip balm to prevent them from becoming dry and chapped.

Though wool can help trap heat and keep you warm, several layers of lightweight clothing are preferable to one thick layer. Wearing tight jeans over your thermal wear can constrict your blood vessels and make movements difficult. Lycra spandex is a lightweight synthetic fiber fabric which stretches well. So, Lycra spandex clothing is best worn over your thermal wear. You can add more layers as the temperature drops.

For the outer shell layer, you can decide if you prefer to wear a parka, coat or jacket. How waterproof, padded and insulated you want it to be depends on what the weather is like where you are going. Google “cold weather light waterproof jacket” and you will find a wide variety in the market.
I wonder if you noticed that most sportswear are made of Lycra spandex. So, before you head off to buy your winter clothing you may want check out if you can pack any of your sportwear with you.
Don’t miss out the padded long cyclist pants. I encourage my customers to wear them for their winter holiday overseas. The padding will not show as it will be covered by your long winter jacket and it provides some comfort during the long ride in the plane, train or car.



The leggings of Lycra spandex pants are close fitting and usually with zip enclosures so you can easily wear boots over them.



Do you know that you should buy boots that are one or two size larger than your regular size?



Bring along your woolen winter socks when you are out choosing your boots. Remember too that you plan to wear them over your thermal wear and Lycra spandex pants.

What are some good rules of thumb for starting out long-distance biking?

Before you start out on a long distance ride, you must ensure that the bicycle you plan to ride on is of the right fit for you. If you want to have an enjoyable ride, read up about the kind of touring bicycles that are good for long distance ride as you will be required to carry a pannier for tools, spare tubes, food, drinks and other stuff that you may need on the journey.

If you expect that it will rain at places that you will be cycling to, be prepared for it. Make sure that you properly dressed for your ride.

However, if you plan to travel overseas on your bicycle, it maybe a good idea to consider getting a folding bike for ease of moving it on public transport. Find out how you can ship it internationally.
Do you have the stamina for it? Learn how you can build it up. You should also learn how to ride so that you will not tire yourself out sooner than you should. Cycling in bicycle-friendly countries can also reduce the stress of long distance rides.

Learn how to service your bicycle regularly and how to figure out what is wrong with it so that it can be maintained to run efficiently. The very basic that you must know is how to change your tyres and tubes.

For your own safety, make the following checks before you start your ride.
Checklist before going on a bike ride

Padded long cyclist pants as winter wear

Plan to travel to somewhere cold for a holiday?

Though wool can help trap heat and keep you warm, several layers of lightweight clothing are preferable to one thick layer. Wearing tight jeans over your thermal wear can constrict your blood vessels and make movements difficult. Lycra spandex is a lightweight synthetic fiber fabric which stretches well. So, Lycra spandex clothing is best worn over your thermal wear. You can add more layers as the temperature drops.

I wonder if you noticed that most sportswear are made of Lycra spandex. So, before you head off to buy your winter clothing you may want check out if you can pack any of your sportwear with you.

Don’t miss out the padded long cyclist pants. 

I encourage my customers to wear them for their winter holiday overseas. The padding will not show as it will be covered by their long winter jacket and it provides some comfort during the long ride in the plane, train or car.

The leggings of Lycra spandex pants are close fitting and usually with zip enclosures so you can easily wear boots over them.

Do you know that you should buy boots that are one or two size larger than your regular size? 

Bring along your woolen winter socks when you are out choosing your boots. Remember too that you plan to wear them over your thermal wear and Lycra spandex pants.