How Realistic is 125 miles daily mileage?

[AriveeII]

I plan to ride from Astoria, OR to Los Angeles, CA in July.  I am looking to average about 125 miles a day.  I will not have a trailer or bags, just me, my road bike, food in my jersey pockets.  I have homes I'll be staying in at every 125 miles (or close).  I plan to stop at stores for extra powerbars, fruit, nuts, water, etc. throughout the day.  I have done the Seattle to Portland ride a few times (200 miles in 10 hours) in one day and felt great. 

I'm wondering if anyone has done this before (solo riding) and if this seems realistic.  I plan to ride everyday on the road 6-6:30am every day, 12.5-17mph, 7-10 riding hours with breaks every 1.5-2 hours.  I know this won't be a 'tour', but more burning through the day, though I appreciate any honest advice or input on how realistic this is by those who have done this route or similar mileage.

Thanks so much. 

[CastAStone]

I sure hope it isn't windy. 125 miles with 20MPH headwinds is gonna take a looong time.

[velo]

If you've done STP you can clearly do the miles for one day, I guess the real question is how will your body hold up doing it day after day. The only real way to find out is to try it of course. I haven't covered that many miles in a speed tour context but I can imagine self care will become super important. Blisters on your hands and feet or saddle sores could make it go from doable to terrible really fast.

I can average ~75 miles per day fully loaded, I know people who have averaged 80-90 miles per day fully loaded. If you are basically unloaded that might not be all that much harder. Give it a try and report back! Before launching in you might try doing a couple 125+ mile rides back to back to see how you recover. It's never any one day that does you in, it's the cumulative effect.

[Bikearound]

Do you ride at this rate now? Some people can do this kind of mileage but they are generally trained professional riders. In the Tour De France, they cover this kind of mileage daily but c'mon were talking about Lance here. AND...a peloton moves much faster than a single rider because of the aerodynamics of pack riding. I don't know anyone personally that can ride this kind of pace by them self and I ride with some pretty fast riders in my riding club. I'm the last one to ever use the word impossible but what you're asking is very difficult and highly unlikely to happen. Unless your name is Lance....

[DaveB]

According to Mapquest, the distance from Astoria to LA is 1051 miles by the most direct route.  I assume using roads open to bicycles (i.e. not Interstate 5) will make the distance at least this long or longer.  So you are planning on riding 8 or 9 125-mile day in a row. 

Riding 200 miles in one day is admirable but it's not the same as that many back-to-back 125 mile rides.  This sounds VERY ambitious.   

[whittierider]

I sure hope it isn't windy.  125 miles with 20MPH headwinds is gonna take a looong time.

That route in July normally gives great tailwinds, assuming you'll stick to the coast.

[Jason]

No question, you can do this.  Based on your previous 200 miles in 10 hours, seems you're well on your way.

So, yeah, have at it...  100+ days (fully loaded, unloaded, single speed or whatever) are a blast.

Sounds like fun, enjoy it...


j

[johnsondasw]

I agree with movershaker.  With no load and the summer tailwinds on the coast, I think you'll be OK.

[MrBent]

Yep, summer tailwinds.  You're good.  Not a ride I would be interested in doing, but if that's your thing, dig in.  Report back!

Scott

[dubovsmj]

if you're not carrying any gear then you'll be fine, assuming no major mechincal issues.

i did the TransAm and averaged 110.5 miles/day for 39 days riding with 30 lbs of gear strapped to bicycle.

your body will adapt and get used to routine, esp if you're already in decent shape, which it sounds like.

good luck, eh?

[ride4life]

You can totally do this, and you will probably have tailwinds.  You will suffer a bit at some point, undoubtedly, but you'll be fine.    I am >50 woman who has done this kind of distance for 4 days in a row (520 miles), obviously your trip is longer.  It will be important to eat well, take some vitamins (particularly adaptogens like shizandra and cordyceps), you'll need some motrin or alieve!, and if you can swing it, take an ice bath at motels.  Maybe bring some Traumeel or Arnica gel for muscles.  This will really help with wear and tear on body.  Don't underestimate the 'eat well' part, vegetables and salads at dinner!

[Tourista829]

Doable, but I always give myself a margin for error based on the variables you will encounter. It will be a push and not much time to enjoy things along the way. I would be curious to how you made out and your trip statistics.

[EnduroDoug]

You can do it. If you just take your time and don't try to race it, you'll be fine. Spend 7 to 10 hours on the road, unloaded, with your fitness, and you probably can't help but hit at least 110 miles per day, and probably closer to 125 like you're shooting for.

Enjoy!

[bike42]

Very realistic, especially if you remember you have all day to ride. I have done an average like this before carrying a bit more gear but still found it possible. Be sure you are fit, or else your knees and achilles will start to complain. Good luck and have fun.