A 10-miles ride is a relatively easy one for most beginners cyclists.
On average, cyclists of all skill levels agree that an “ideal” 10-mile ride takes between 45 minutes and an hour to complete. Generally speaking, for beginners, it would be anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, at a speed of 10- to 15-mph.
More experienced cyclists can go the distance in 30 minutes because they have been at it over a long time and pedal faster. Keep reading to learn more.
The condition of your bike
In case you haven’t kept up with recent news about bicycle manufacturers, they are upgrading products specifically to assure riders the benefit of covering specific distances in record time simply because the aerodynamic design is emphasized.
For example, “go faster” handlebars angled to increase speed are becoming more popular by the day, as are lighter frames capable of getting you to your 10-mile goal more efficiently.
Accordingly, mountain bike tires will require more energy than road or racing tires because the thinner the tire, the less resistance, adding to the efficiency of your ride.
Cyclists capable of sabotaging themselves by avoiding regular tune-ups and making sure the size of the bike they own is the best fit for an efficient ride are also factors.
Do you have any idea how much your bike weighs?
This seemingly insignificant number can have a significant impact on all of your goals. If you’re relegated to a 37-pound bike, for example, you could shave off an impressive amount of time on your run by piloting a 24-pound bike: the heavier your bike, the slower the go.
Read more: How to Track Miles on a Stationary Bike
The Terrain
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that a long stretch on smooth surfaces are likely to get you to your destination faster than if you covered the same amount of distance on a trail or bumpy terrain, and don’t expect to register your fastest time during your 10-mile jaunt if you compound your ride by going through sticky, muddy territory.
Ask yourself this question: “What do you think would take longer: a straight, 10-mile, nothing-but-uphill climb, or all downhill?” The answer is clear: the more rugged terrain you cover, the slower you go.
As for uphill and downhill runs that are part of a 10-mile ride, some cyclists claim that their time goals can be met even when they encounter both because compensation kicks in.
You’ll go up slower and come down faster, so an average 12- to 16-mph ride could even things out. What else could impact your ride? If you’re laden down with gear for any number of reasons, count on that slowing you down, too.
Your body fitness level
Could you expect to do 10 miles in under an hour when the last time you worked out was in 2018? Probably not.
You need a proper training plan as well as a commitment to start slowly and build up to a 10-mile ride – especially if you’re a beginner and just starting to understand how to navigate on a bike.
Start here. If you intend to tackle two goals, weight loss, and seeking that 10-mile personal best, it’s possible with enough dedication and focus.
Don’t forget to factor in your clothing as you seek to improve your time and speed. Achieving a proper time if you insist on wearing baggy items that act like parachutes when the wind blows are a recipe for frustration.
Tight, form-fitting clothing are ideal, and if you need a clothing guide to launch your wardrobe search, consult this website for good tips.
The Weather
Are you faster when it rains? The answer could surprise you, say scientists writing for Cyclist.co.uk. You weren’t expecting that, right?
Here’s the science: When unsettled or stormy weather result in wet surfaces, “aerodynamic drag makes up 80- to 90-percent of the resistance to a fast-traveling rider.”
Since water creates friction, you may assume that it slows a rider down, but in reality, damp road results in less rolling resistance and that can lead to a faster time.
Need more proof? How about a quote from famous time-triallist Graeme Obree, whose distance records and analytical approach to riding a bike have made him a legend. Setting off just as a downpour was due was always good news for Obree.
“When you’re waiting for a downpour and it’s calm – that’s the sweet spot,” he says, and you can take his advice seriously.
Is cycling 10 miles a day good?
It’s better than good, say folks at FitActiveLiving.com. Not a believer?
You will be once you start reaching your 10-mile goal time because you will feel changes in your body and realize how much better off you are before you adopted this plan.
Among the benefits you could realize from cycling 10 miles a day are:
- Improved mental health can take the form of less anxiety, depression or both
- An easier weight loss journey because you’re consistently burning calories daily
- You’ll build more muscle – and not just leg muscles; just about every muscle in the body benefits
- A 10-mile daily ride helps build your lungs so they are less susceptible to air pollution
- Reduce your risk of heart disease because your heart muscle is regularly engaged
- Your navigational skills will be enhanced by daily 10 mile rides; you may be able to leave your GPS at home
- Even if insomnia has plagued you, a long daily ride practically guarantees a good night’s sleep
- This constant effort can help increase your critical thinking skills so you make better decisions
- Ride your 10 miles daily and expect to see an increase in your spatial awareness
- Your immune system will get a huge boost courtesy of your 10-miler.
It’s fair to say that motivation can be a primary reason this type of goal is reached, so factor it into our list.
In case you haven’t figured out by now that there’s no ideal time frame for biking 10 miles, if you pick a time goal that is reasonable and doable, pay attention to all of these factors and there’s no reason why you can’t achieve your own personal best.
Read more: How Long Does It Take to Bike 30 Miles
