Welcome to Long distance Cycling

I have created LDC for one simple reason. To bring practical information to the normal person. People that have jobs and family and everything else that goes with it.

I also want to help show people that they can achieve more than they thought possible. Ok, so that’s two reasons.

How is LDC different?

There are lots of sites out there that will tell you how to become the best cyclist you can be, how the get faster, leaner, meaner,…. you get the idea. The only thing is, for most of us, we don’t have time for all of that.

Yeah sure we’d love to be a faster cyclist and to be in better shape but when I looked at it, that’s not why I cycle. I cycle because it sets me free. It takes me places that I didn’t even know existed and see things that are simply breathtaking.

It shouldn’t be that you need to get fit so you can then go for a cycle. Anyone can enjoy a bike ride. Being fit is a byproduct of cycling, not the other way round.

In this site you will find practical information for normal people who just love cycling and want to venture that little bit farther than they did the day before. I also cover topics that are less spoken about, such as, trying to balance cycling, work and family. There will also be products reviews of products that I have used myself and give some tips about prepare for cycling events that are longer in nature.

You can also follow my personal blog were I give you updates on my (limited) training and also give event reviews as well.

Check out my Race Bucket List. There are some big ones in there that I have no idea how I will ever be able to do but I don’t pretend to know the future. I just want to do them.

However, with all my best efforts I simply can’t do all the cycling events I could ever want to do. So, if you would like to tell me about an event that you have done recently then why not fill in a race report so that others can decide if the event is for them or not .  All you need is a few pictures and a few hundred words about the event. You will have full recognition for your post.

What is a long distance cycle?

I often get asked “How long is a long distance cycle”. There is no straight answer to this as it will be different for everyone. And that it can change as you progress through your cycling journey.

If you had asked me 10 years ago to ride to the local shop, I would have thought it was a pretty long distance. It’s 2km.

Today I consider anything over 4 hours on the bike to be a long way.

I use time here because cycling 100km on a road bike can take the same amount of time as riding 50km on a mountain bike. Both a equally long distances within their disciplines.

So what makes me qualified give advice?

Back in 2007 I was a smoker, overweight and I didn’t even own a bike. In an attempt to kick the habit and loss some weight, I bought my first mountain bike, however my first outing did not go well.

I was not able to cycle 2km without having to stop for a break. Not wanting to give up without a fight, I kept at it and after 2 weeks a was able to cycle 6km and after that I started cycling on the mountain.

With each passing month it became easier and I could up my miles a little each time. I stuck at it until one day I realised I could cycle for hours and enjoy every minute of it.

After a few years I decided to try road cycling. I couldn’t believe the distances you could cover for the same amount of effort of mountain biking. I was instantly hooked.

Over those same years I met the woman of my dreams, got married, built a house and had 3 kids. I also have a full-time job. It’s not easy finding time for the bike these days. Most people I know in my situation have simply given up cycling.

For me, I had to change things around a bit to minimise to time I spent away from my family. I now cycle to work which only takes about 30 min but I do them at a higher intensity. At the weekend I still get my long cycle in but I begin very early so that I am home to have a full day with my family. It’s  all about balance.

I have worked my way up from the bottom so if you are new then I know how you feel. Just trust me. Keep at it and you wont regret it.

If you would like to contact me directly for any queries you might have on cycling then please don’t hesitate to ask. I will do my best to help you.

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