How Long Does it Take to Bike 20 Miles?

Biking is a great way to get some exercise, explore your surroundings, and get some fresh air. Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, it's always good to know how long it takes to bike a certain distance. In this post, we will explore the question, "How long does it take to bike 20 miles?"

To answer this question, we first need to consider a few factors that can affect how long it takes to bike 20 miles. These factors include the terrain, the type of bike you are using, your level of fitness, and your speed.

Terrain: The terrain you are biking on can have a significant impact on how long it takes to bike 20 miles. If you are biking on a flat road, you will likely be able to bike faster than if you are biking up a steep hill. Similarly, if you are biking on a smooth road, you will likely be able to bike faster than if you are biking on a bumpy dirt road.

Type of bike: The type of bike you are using can also affect how long it takes to bike 20 miles. If you are using a road bike, you will likely be able to bike faster than if you are using a mountain bike or a hybrid bike. Road bikes are designed for speed and efficiency on smooth roads, while mountain bikes and hybrid bikes are designed for rougher terrain.

Level of fitness: Your level of fitness can also impact how long it takes to bike 20 miles. If you are in good shape and have been biking regularly, you will likely be able to bike faster than if you are just starting out or have not been biking regularly.

Speed: Finally, your speed will obviously impact how long it takes to bike 20 miles. The faster you bike, the less time it will take to cover the distance.

So, how long does it take to bike 20 miles? The answer to this question will vary depending on the factors we just discussed. However, as a general rule of thumb, an average cyclist on a road bike can bike 20 miles in about one hour. This assumes a relatively flat terrain and a steady pace of about 15 miles per hour.

Of course, this is just an estimate. If you are biking on a hilly terrain or using a different type of bike, it may take you longer to bike 20 miles. Similarly, if you are not in great shape or are just starting out, it may take you longer to cover the distance.

One thing to keep in mind is that biking 20 miles is a significant distance for many people, especially those who are just starting out. If you are new to biking or are not in great shape, it's important to start slowly and work your way up to longer distances. This will help you avoid injury and build up your fitness gradually.

The answer to the question "How long does it take to bike 20 miles?" depends on several factors, including terrain, type of bike, level of fitness, and speed. However, as a general rule of thumb, an average cyclist on a road bike can bike 20 miles in about one hour. Remember to start slowly if you are new to biking and build up your fitness gradually to avoid injury. Happy biking!

Which Muscles Work The Hardest When Cycling, And How Do I Make Them Stronger?

Cycling is a great way to improve cardiovascular fitness and burn calories, but it also involves a lot of muscular effort. When you cycle, several muscles are working together to power your pedaling motion. Some muscles are working harder than others, depending on the type of cycling you're doing and the terrain you're riding on. In this blog post, we'll explore which muscles work the hardest when cycling and provide some tips on how to make them stronger.

Which muscles work the hardest when cycling?

Quadriceps

The quadriceps, located at the front of your thigh, are the main muscles responsible for powering your pedal stroke. As you push down on the pedals, your quadriceps contract to extend your knee and propel you forward. The harder you push, the more work your quadriceps have to do.

Glutes

Your glutes, or butt muscles, are also heavily involved in cycling. They help to extend your hip as you push down on the pedal and provide stability to your pelvis.

Hamstrings

The hamstrings, located at the back of your thigh, are the opposing muscle group to your quadriceps. They help to flex your knee and pull your foot back up towards your butt as you complete your pedal stroke.

Calves

Your calf muscles are also involved in cycling, especially when you're riding uphill or at high speeds. They help to push down on the pedal and provide stability to your ankle.

Core

Your core muscles, including your abdominals and lower back, are also working hard when you cycle. They help to stabilize your spine and pelvis, which is especially important when you're riding in a low, aerodynamic position.

How to make these muscles stronger?

Resistance training

To make your cycling muscles stronger, you need to challenge them with resistance training. This could involve lifting weights, using resistance bands, or doing bodyweight exercises like squats and lunges. Focus on exercises that target your quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, and calves, and aim to increase the weight or resistance over time as your muscles adapt.

Plyometrics

Plyometrics, also known as jump training, can also help to improve your cycling muscles' power and explosiveness. Exercises like box jumps, jump squats, and jumping lunges can help to improve your leg strength and power, which will translate to improved cycling performance.

Cycling-specific training

While resistance training and plyometrics can help to improve your cycling muscles' strength and power, there's no substitute for cycling-specific training. Make sure to include regular cycling sessions in your training program, focusing on intervals, hills, and high-intensity efforts to challenge your muscles and improve your endurance.

Stretching and mobility work

Finally, don't forget the importance of stretching and mobility work to keep your cycling muscles healthy and flexible. Tight muscles can limit your range of motion and lead to imbalances and injuries. Make sure to include dynamic stretches and mobility drills in your warm-up, as well as static stretching and foam rolling in your cool-down.

Cycling involves a lot of muscular effort, with several muscles working together to power your pedal stroke. To make these muscles stronger, focus on resistance training, plyometrics, cycling-specific training, and stretching and mobility work. By incorporating these strategies into your training program, you can improve your cycling performance and enjoy all the benefits of this great sport.

Review of the Big Agnes Blacktail 2 Bikepacking Tent

The Big Agnes Blacktail 2 Hotel Bikepack is a two-person tent specifically designed for bikepacking. As a bikepacking tent, the Blacktail 2 Hotel Bikepack is designed to be lightweight, compact, and easy to set up. It is built with high-quality materials and features a unique "hotel" feature that makes it a comfortable and convenient option for two people on a bikepacking trip.

Design and Construction

The Blacktail 2 Hotel Bikepack has a freestanding dome structure, making it easy to set up and take down. The tent's poles are color-coded, making it easy to match them to the appropriate clips and corners. The fly and floor of the tent are made from durable polyester material, providing reliable protection against rain, wind, and other elements.

One unique feature of the Blacktail 2 Hotel Bikepack is the "hotel" feature. This feature allows you to create a separate sleeping area within the tent. The tent has a removable divider that can be placed inside the tent, separating the sleeping area from the rest of the tent. This provides an added level of privacy for couples or friends sharing the tent.

The tent also has two doors and vestibules, providing ample storage space for gear. The vestibules are spacious enough to store panniers or other gear, while still providing enough space to enter and exit the tent easily. The doors are designed with mesh panels, providing ventilation while keeping insects out.

Interior Space and Comfort

The Blacktail 2 Hotel Bikepack has a spacious interior, with a floor area of 31 square feet and a peak height of 44 inches. This provides enough space for two people to sleep comfortably, with enough headroom to sit up inside the tent. The tent also has plenty of storage space, with two large vestibules that can store gear and other items.

The tent's "hotel" feature also adds an extra layer of comfort and privacy. The removable divider creates a separate sleeping area, providing a little more privacy for couples or friends sharing the tent. The sleeping area is spacious enough to accommodate two people comfortably, with enough room for sleeping bags and other gear.

Ventilation

The Blacktail 2 Hotel Bikepack has good ventilation, thanks to the mesh panels on the tent's ceiling and doors. The tent's fly also has a vent that can be opened to allow air to flow through the tent. This helps to prevent condensation buildup inside the tent, keeping the interior dry and comfortable.

Weight and Packed Size

The Blacktail 2 Hotel Bikepack is designed to be lightweight and compact, making it an excellent option for bikepacking. The tent weighs in at just 5 pounds 1 ounce, which is relatively lightweight for a two-person tent. The tent's packed size is also quite compact, making it easy to carry on your bike. The tent's packed dimensions are 10 x 15 x 7.5 inches, making it easy to fit in your panniers or other gear bags.

Ease of Setup

The Blacktail 2 Hotel Bikepack is designed to be easy to set up and take down. The tent's poles are color-coded, making it easy to match them to the appropriate clips and corners. The tent also features clips instead of sleeves, making it easy to attach the tent to the poles. The tent's fly is also easy to attach, with buckles that make it easy to adjust the tension and ensure a secure fit.

Durability

The Blacktail 2 Hotel Bikepack is made from high-quality materials, ensuring that it is durable and able to withstand harsh weather conditions. The tent's fly and floor are made from polyester material that is both durable and waterproof. The tent's poles are made from lightweight and durable aluminum, ensuring that they can withstand the rigors of bikepacking. 

Pros

• Lightweight and compact design: The Blacktail 2 Hotel Bikepack is designed to be lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry on your bike. It weighs just 5 pounds 1 ounce and has a packed size of 10 x 15 x 7.5 inches.
• Durable construction: The tent is made from high-quality materials, ensuring that it is durable and able to withstand harsh weather conditions. The fly and floor of the tent are made from polyester material that is both durable and waterproof, while the tent's poles are made from lightweight and durable aluminum.
• Spacious interior: The tent has a floor area of 31 square feet and a peak height of 44 inches, providing enough space for two people to sleep comfortably. The tent also features two large vestibules, providing ample storage space for gear.
• "Hotel" feature: The tent's unique "hotel" feature allows you to create a separate sleeping area within the tent, providing an added level of privacy for couples or friends sharing the tent.
• Good ventilation: The tent has mesh panels on the ceiling and doors, as well as a vent in the fly, providing good ventilation and preventing condensation buildup inside the tent.
• Easy to set up: The tent is designed to be easy to set up and take down, with color-coded poles and clips that make it easy to attach the tent to the poles.

Cons

• Limited color options: The Blacktail 2 Hotel Bikepack is only available in one color option (orange).
• Only suitable for two people: The tent is designed to accommodate two people, so it may not be the best option for larger groups.

Conclusion

The Big Agnes Blacktail 2 Hotel Bikepack is an excellent tent for bikepacking. Its lightweight and compact design make it easy to carry on your bike, while its durable construction ensures that it will withstand harsh weather conditions. The tent's spacious interior and "hotel" feature make it a comfortable and convenient option for two people on a bikepacking trip. Its good ventilation and easy setup are also important features that make it a great choice for outdoor adventures.

The Best Bike Lights for Safe Night Riding

Cycling at night can be a thrilling experience, but it can also be a dangerous one if you don't have the proper equipment. Bike lights are an essential component of night riding, providing visibility and safety for both the rider and surrounding traffic. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best bike lights for safe night riding. In this blog post, we'll go over the top bike lights that will keep you safe on the road.

Cygolite Metro Pro 1100

The Cygolite Metro Pro 1100 is a powerful bike light that provides up to 1100 lumens of brightness. This light has a long-lasting battery life, lasting up to 100 hours on a single charge. It also comes with a variety of modes, including a daytime running mode that makes you more visible during the day. The Metro Pro 1100 is also easy to mount and has a durable construction that can withstand harsh weather conditions.

NiteRider Lumina 1200 Boost

The NiteRider Lumina 1200 Boost is another powerful bike light that provides up to 1200 lumens of brightness. This light has a long battery life, lasting up to 18 hours on a single charge. It also has a variety of modes, including a low-power mode that extends battery life. The Lumina 1200 Boost is also compact and easy to mount, making it a great option for commuters and recreational riders.

Bontrager Ion Pro RT

The Bontrager Ion Pro RT is a versatile bike light that provides up to 1300 lumens of brightness. This light has a long battery life, lasting up to 22 hours on a single charge. It also has a variety of modes, including a high-visibility flash mode that makes you more visible during the day. The Ion Pro RT also comes with a wireless remote that allows you to easily switch between modes without taking your hands off the handlebars.

Blackburn Dayblazer 1100

The Blackburn Dayblazer 1100 is a powerful bike light that provides up to 1100 lumens of brightness. This light has a long battery life, lasting up to 92 hours on a single charge. It also has a variety of modes, including a daytime running mode that makes you more visible during the day. The Dayblazer 1100 is also compact and easy to mount, making it a great option for commuters and recreational riders.

Lezyne Macro Drive 1300XXL

The Lezyne Macro Drive 1300XXL is a powerful bike light that provides up to 1300 lumens of brightness. This light has a long battery life, lasting up to 63 hours on a single charge. It also has a variety of modes, including a high-visibility flash mode that makes you more visible during the day. The Macro Drive 1300XXL is also lightweight and easy to mount, making it a great option for road cyclists and mountain bikers alike.

Having the best bike lights for safe night riding is essential for your safety and the safety of others on the road. Each of the lights we've listed above is powerful, durable, and easy to mount, making them a great option for any cyclist. Remember, when choosing a bike light, look for one that provides a high level of brightness, has a long battery life, and is easy to mount. Stay safe out there!

How To Improve Your Cycling Speed

Cycling is a fantastic sport for people of all ages and fitness levels. It provides an excellent opportunity to explore the outdoors while also getting a great cardiovascular workout. Whether you are a recreational cyclist or a serious athlete, improving your cycling speed can help you achieve your goals, whether that's finishing your first century ride or winning your next race. In this blog post, we'll take a look at some tips and tricks that will teach you how improve your cycling speed.

1. Get a Proper Bike Fit

One of the most important things you can do to improve your cycling speed is to ensure that you have a proper bike fit. A bike that is set up correctly will help you achieve maximum power output and efficiency, which will translate into faster speeds. You may want to consider getting a professional bike fitting to ensure that your bike is adjusted to your body's specific measurements and needs.

2. Build Your Aerobic Base

Cycling is an aerobic activity, which means that the better your aerobic fitness, the faster you will be able to ride. Building your aerobic base involves doing longer rides at a moderate intensity to increase your endurance and cardiovascular fitness. Try to do at least one long ride per week, gradually increasing the duration over time.

3. Interval Training

Interval training is an effective way to improve your cycling speed. By doing short bursts of high-intensity effort followed by periods of recovery, you can increase your power output and improve your ability to sustain high speeds for longer periods. Try incorporating intervals into your training by doing sprints or hill repeats.

4. Strength Training

Building strength in your legs and core can also help improve your cycling speed. Incorporating strength training into your routine can help you generate more power with each pedal stroke, allowing you to ride faster and more efficiently. Focus on exercises that target your legs, hips, and core, such as squats, lunges, and planks.

5. Practice Good Cycling Technique

Good cycling technique can also help you ride faster. Focus on maintaining a smooth and efficient pedal stroke, using your leg muscles evenly and avoiding bouncing in the saddle. Keep your upper body relaxed and your hands light on the handlebars. Practice riding in a more aerodynamic position by tucking in your elbows and lowering your head and shoulders.

6. Fuel Your Body Properly

Proper nutrition is essential for cycling performance. Make sure you are fueling your body with a balanced diet that includes plenty of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. Eat a small meal or snack before your ride, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. During longer rides, consider bringing along energy gels, bars, or other snacks to keep your energy levels up.

7. Rest and Recovery

Finally, it's essential to give your body time to rest and recover between rides. Cycling is a high-impact activity that can put a lot of strain on your muscles and joints. Make sure you are getting enough sleep and taking rest days to allow your body to recover. Incorporating stretching, foam rolling, and other recovery techniques into your routine can also help prevent injury and improve performance.

Improving your cycling speed takes time and dedication, but by following these tips and incorporating them into your training routine, you can make significant progress. Remember to focus on proper bike fit, building your aerobic base, incorporating interval and strength training, practicing good cycling technique, fueling your body properly, and prioritizing rest and recovery. With consistent effort and hard work, you can achieve your cycling goals and become a faster and more efficient rider.