Have you done 50 miles before? What would your top tip be for those giving it a go? 🚴 Let us know how it’s going in the comment section below! 💬

Many thanks to Hank's dad to volunteer for this effort, and also to Hank's dad's son to help him.

January 2022 I had not exercised for a decade and weighed in at 107 kg. My inlaws had given me a cheap mountain bike as a christmas present, so I set my myself the goal of "enjoy the view". My first ride, I managed to do 5 km in an hour, and felt smashed. But I enjoyed the nature around me, so I kept at it. As I started seeing results, I tried an actual training plan, I tried journaling, all the things you're told to do. It just made me hate riding instead. So after gaining back a few kg from not riding, I went back to simply enjoying being outside, seeing new places around where I live, and just take it easy. Three days ago, I completed my first 115 km ride on my mountain bike in 7 hours, and I'm down to 98 kg. It might not be quick, but it's definitely a win in my book. So if setting a training goal doesn't work for you, consider just simplifying: just enjoy being outside.

Well, wifey and I did 53 miles last year. My goal this year is a century. Years ago that wasn’t a big deal, but now at the ripe age of 71, it sounds like a heck of a challenge.

62 here, lost a year of workouts and 30 lbs to stage 4(ish) cancer, but gradually pounding myself back into shape and ideal weight. Back on the couch typing this after a 38k ride in the mountains with a motivational stop halfway at a local distillery tasting room. Dad, you should really go for this, I can't think of anything more satisfying than rolling the years back fitness-wise.

First 10m out the door is the hardest.

I did it I did it I did it, yesterday 50.1 miles in just under 4 hours. And I'm 59 years old!!!!! It rained so hard, I couldn't have been any wetter but who cares. I started training couple of months ago .... I got a new touring bike Cube Touring EXC,which I love, put some Ergon 5 grips on it and worked hard .... consequently I'm just watching videos today! But thank you all for all your help and advice, I would not have been able to do it without all the advice I've found in your videos. My tip would be take it steady, especially in the first half, conserve energy so you have it for the end.

Totally doable with the right mindset! Last year I was nearly 50kg overweight and with a few weeks of training, proper calorie management on the bike and sheer willpower I rode the Leeds-Liverpool canal from Burnley to Liverpool (around 125km) in one day. The key is to get yourself out there, the thought is harder than the reality :)

Went from couch to 100k in 2020, aged 65. Took me 8 months, building up very slowly -- having hardly cycled for 20+ years, I was in no hurry. I've lost 20kg and am still slowly working my way up. Last Sunday I did the Struggle Dales sportive -- 108 miles, 10,000 ft climbing, and my longest ride ever. Go for it, Hank's Dad -- onwards and upwards!

I’m 54 and only got into cycling properly last year after being cajoled by my 78 year old cycling dad! We did 52 miles last month together and he dragged me round! We absolutely loved it

My sister did 'Couch to 50 kms' in a year. She had a 1963 Raleigh Trent Tourist with a Sturmey Archer AW3. I set-up the middle gear to 54". She was 62 when she started. Now, she is Lady President of the reformed Earlswood Road and Path CC. I am Chairman ( there's only us two ). I'm a year younger. At latest count, she has 5 bikes now.

Hank's Dad!!! Of course we want to see the next installment! I'm getting ready for my first 100m after having my babies , it's been ten years... All of your videos have been so helpful and motivating. If Hank's Dad can do it, so can I?

I basically went from sofa in July 2022 (albeit having rode mtb for a while) to entering the Fred Whitton Challenge this year in less than 10 months. Goal was to finish with no dabs. Mission accomplished. First century ride too. Decided to try road riding after wondering what the f@#& the appeal was. Especially with climbing, wondered what was wrong with the people who like pedaling up big hills. Didn't understand it at all having always hated dragging an mtb up the hills. Seems I've become one of them nutters myself 🙈 👍🏼 My advice is do NOT do too much too soon or you will very likely get injured or burnt out. This will only put you off wanting to ride at all. Be patient with yourself and set realistic goals, however small. Also don't be too hard on yourself if you dont stick to every one. You can always set others. Finally, don't fall into the trap of comparing yourself to eveyone else and what they are all doing. You do you and just keep pedaling.

Just started basically this challenge. My first goal was to do the 10 mile loop around the lake by my house and back without stopping by the end of the month. Not the most challenging goal, but felt like a mountain two months ago. I'm down to 45 minutes and about to set my next goal as I see the results. Looking at a proper roadbike as the reward for hitting the goals! Thanks for the video and folks keep up the positive vibes for us newbies!

I was 305 lbs in November (2022) and I weigh 238 today (of course still a ways to go, but I am tall with a stocky build). Almost all of this weight loss has been done through cycling, and a bit of running, but way more cycling! A couple weeks ago I did a metric century (62 miles). I'm going to be doing 100 really soon. Trust me, if I can do this then anyone can! If you're reading this and wondering if you can do it too, then I believe in you!

I did couch to 5K running age 36 after 15 years of partying. Got up to 10k. Achilles gave me issues so went the cycling route. Did my first sportive 30 miles in trainers with bmx pedals! Eased on up 30, 40, 50, 64 (100k). Did the Lochness Etape, brutal 4 mile climb. I’ve done a few sportives. Got a 70 miler this year. Great for motivation entering and event. In my 40’s now, loving it. Train on turbo once a week with GCN, then cycle on a Sunday. Good luck all 👍🏻

I am started on trainer about 5 months ago with no power and condition at all. Now i have lost about 30kg and last saturday I made with friends 150km route on subcarpathia in Poland!

I took on your 30/30 challenge in January 2023. My aim was to cycle from Bognor Regis to Brighton and back, just over 56 miles round trip, which I did on Easter Friday this year. It felt absolutely brilliant. To celebrate, I bought myself a new bike!

I just did my first 50 mi ride today with my mom! I'm training for a 100 mi ride in late June, a.k.a. the hottest part of the year 😮 I started riding almost 2 years ago. I could barely go 5 miles at that time, had no idea what any of the bike parts were... now I'm prepping to wax my chain, I changed my own tubeless tire, and a short ride is 15-20 miles. I owe A LOT of that to GCN (as well as my super supportive bike-riding family) If you told me 2 years ago that *I* would be the one pushing for a 100-miler, I would've told you that you're nuts and that I don't even like bikes. 😂

Let's go Hank's dad! Out of the support van and on two wheels

This is great advice thanks! I'm 60 and had 2 strokes, decided to get a bike 2 months ago. It's working out nicely. I set goals but I don't put a time limit on them, except to ride 4 times a week minimum and always push a bit further than last time. I'm good for about 9 miles up and down the steep local mountains already

This video has come at the perfect time! I’m doing the London to Brighton for the first time this year and have just managed my first 40 miler yesterday! Rest day today and back out on the bike tomorrow… I’m not going to fail achieving my goal!

I’m a runner and I was talked into 40 mile ride while holidaying in wales so hired a bike bought some shorts. I enjoyed it so much I now own a bike and I have fond memories of how soar my backside was for the remainder of my holiday 😂

I have always ridden a normal bicycle and did 2000 to 3000 km per year. The longest distance I have ridden with that bike is 130km. 3 months ago I bought my first gravel bike on my 68. The longest distance I've done with the gravel bike so far is 175km. It's all a matter of building up slowly. Do not try to break speed records, the speed at which you drive automatically increases when the strength in your legs increases. Above all, enjoy every ride.

I would like this video over and over if it means we see Hank and Hank's dad do couch to 50 miles on a bike , can't wait :)

I literally just woke up and did 100km in one. It was more of a backpacking tempo and 50% on gravel but did it.

I'm 60, and looking to do a 50m before the end of the month. First year back into cycling after a long break, post kids - and loving' it! Let's get Hank's dad over the 50m finish line 👍

Great tips Hank! I would love to see your dad do it! He has such great spirit! I have found that planning out rail trails and fun fuel stops makes all the difference!

I completed 100km coincidentally wearing a sandal. Granted I bonked so hard, but the thought you have to get home kept my legs pedaling albeit at snail pace.

It is possible for everyone! Four years ago I quit smoking after 30 years of massive tobacco abuse, now I ride 300 k in one ride. Just do it!

Thank you! Starting from scratch since 2021 -- even though I can probably ride 50 right now, I don't want to hate life while I'm doing it.

I think Hanks dad is a legend! Hope you get him convinced to do the 50k.

Me with chrons disease and chronic anemia and still training for a 2 weeks biketrip this summer motivate my friends who not going longer than to the shop. A good bike is first point.

Thanks for this guys, I think its given me an aim for the summer. Gravel 50 miles to Ullapool for chips 😆

Great video! I misread the title at first, I thought it said "how to go from the couch to cycling in 50 minutes". That's the video I need! It takes me so long to get ready every time

I do 40-50 mile rides most Saturdays with my 12 year old son and wife. Love it. Have a 100 mile charity cycle on Saturday and I am bricking it!

I'm a 52 year old woman and i srated cycling 9 months ago. I recently managed 43km and I'm keen to double that soon snd do 80km. I'm aiming for a century soon and my fisrt gravel race next year. All the GCN training and nutrition tips are invaluable and I'm lucky to have three cycling buddies. Im loving it.

I used to cycle a lot in my teens and 20s. I haven’t been on a bike in years. Now I’m 40 and starting over. I was severely out of shape a few months ago. I just completed 30 miles last night! Hopefully I’ll hit 50 soon!

I'm 55 and every year I set a goal for 2-3 Metric Century rides and if possible 1 Century ride. Training is the key and hank's dad can do it over time. I'm on Team Hank's Dad!.

Couple tips from someone who did this very thing years ago...get a good nights rest especially before longer rides. I ride early in mornings and i am a night owl...so that can be tough but it helps. Riding early for my area accomplishes two important things. Less traffic and better weather. The more sun and heat...the harder it will be

Just did my causal bike ride that most times under 5 miles then bam London to Brighton, didn't plan how to pace but 3 hours 40 minutes for first go was good, I will train more for next time

Reaching a goal of 50 miles can be achieved by the following: Consistent efforts of 45-60 min during the week to keep your legs turning the pedals. Starting from the couch, make your initial weekend goal to be 10-12 miles with no time limit. Once that's accomplished, add 5-10 miles weekly until you arrive at your goal date, then using this progression, eclipsing 50 miles/80 Km should be reachable. Lastly, make sure you celebrate all of your wins along the way to and including the goal distance. Consider planning 51-52 miles just to ensure you ride past the 50-mile distance.

Looking forward to the Hank's dad video. Dew it!

Yes, I want to see dad do the 50 miles!

Just got back into cycling after 15 years. Even then I never did a 50 mile bike ride. I have been at this for about 45 days. I ride 17 to 26 miles every other day, sometimes I will do back to back days. Thanks for the tips! Oh I forgot to mention I'm 64 and love being on the bike!

Somehow it feels right that Hank does this episode 😄. Good tips!

I got my 65 year old mother to ride 5 miles with me after very little ridding and practice. For me this was a recovery ride after my 103 mile ride I did the day before. Keep up the great rides and videos!

Exactly the challenge ive been building for on june 4th. Im going for my 40 miles this weekend. Biggest trouble im having so far is bum ache! 😂 makes me not want to go on. I am 3 stone overweight, which im sure isint helping. Looking forward to seeing you and your dad smashing the 50 miler!

Currently trying to do this, ish, the target at the minute is work and back without dying. 30 years since i last rode my bike, biggest problem so far is geometry; what was ok at 14 years old isn't at 44, after a load of back trouble

My Dad is 80 and still rides his carbon road bike. We knocked out a 50 mile ride and a few 25 milers, back to back in Florida last month! Go old dudes!

Ongoing usefulness is what i use the 👍 button for. I can go back and search up a GCN work out or a race to rewatch while i spin up. I've been working out with the 🚴2023 Tour Of Flanders Men most recently. "Show me your friends, I'll show you your future"

I'm 62 and did a hilly 97 mile ride just a couple of days ago as part of my training for RideLondon 100 on 28th May. Given that Essex will be snooker table flat compared to downland Kent, it should be a walk in the park compared. I find the last 20 miles or so the hardest. The actual event will be my third century. I've been cycling for forty years and 50 miles seems quite easy now. It's all relative and something you gradually build up to with consistent training. Gym work and spin classes have helped me tremendously.

We need a GCN video on recovering from a major health setback. Major surgery. Covid, especially the long version. A big crash. And so on.

Return of Hank's Dad..... Epic, and what we've all been waiting for! 😊

Like the video so that we can see him do it. I am not a cyclist, but just starting as it’s a great way to build leg strength and I broke my leg 2 years ago and had to have massive surgery, so now that I have relearned to walk, I want some strength. Found this channel and it has helped me learn a ton. Thanks!

@GCN you forgot the tip of ..... if you have access to a tandom and a friend/partner/family member who is a stronger rider, then you could ride with them to build up to your goal. #look forward to seeing you and dad on the tandom soon 😊

Did the Manchester to Blackpool last year, at 53, with no serious cycling for years. Started training about 8 weeks before, but having that goal in sight and commitment was a driver. 50 miles is eminently doable, I look forward to doing it again with my daughter when she turns 13, and I'll be 57!

I do that every Spring, and always swear that I'm going to use the Trainer next Winter. Getting past the Seat Pain seems to be the worst aspect of Spring Training.

My goals look more like "ride 5 hours a week" instead of "ride 100Km once". That is, the path itself is the goal. It's a great way to avoid procrastination and the sad feeling you sometimes get after you achieve a goal.

First week cycling for real. Its been 6 days and Im absolutely addicted. From 12miles on the 1st day at an avg. speed of 20kmh to 45miles at an avg speed of 25kmh. Im so freaking proud of myself and I feel as energized as ever. Some points my cyclists tell me to take days off but I just cant keep myself on my ass all day😂

I rode the Granite State Grand Tour when I was 14 yrs old. Central New Hampshire, Starting with a climb up and over the Kank... 114 miles total, including 5 mountain passes. Now that I'm 52 and a leukemia survivor.. I'm thinkin about doing it again 40 yrs later. Got some REAL miles to do in the next 2 seasons.

just did the 100km ride a week ago, bonked after 80km.. have to get better and faster, because otherwise it takes too long :)

I cycled a 86mile gran Fondo in Cambridge back in 15, now I'm 9 years older and fatter. But I'm going for it. Gonna build up to a 50k Brighton to Chichester!

I'm sitting on the couch while watching this. Of course I'm also eating a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast before I go hop on my bike and knock out a 50+ mile ride. And it's a work day. Up early to ride, come home for a nap and shower, then off to a 3pm-11:30pm shift at the grocery store. The other day was hitting the trails on my mtb. Road, full sus, and hardtail, I'm ready for time on my bike. No excuses.

Yes let's get pop out on the bike.

Uhh, I just did it last year. I don't have some kit or even a road bike. I just grabbed my bike and joined a recreational ride with mostly hybrid bikes. Slow and nice. I only intended to go one way, but it was so much fun and had so much energy left after the half way, I tried the way back as well. The relevant part was going slow and easy and having enough food and water. And nice company.

I was like # 9,9 - - and something. So close to 10,000. Cheering for your dad. I turn 55 this year and my goal is to do 55 miles by end of summer.

Yes Do It! but go easy on Dad. I'm 60 and spent the last 40 years riding hybrid mountain/commuter bikes quite a bit compared my friends at maybe 5 to 25 mile rides 1 to 5 times a week or there abouts. Then covid shut that down, my knees started hurting when I started riding after a year off, so I converted my bike to an e-bike. After a few months got used to pedaling and put in about 12000 miles the next year on that and I was so impressed with the road bikes people young and old were riding on the trails I had to get me one. Welcome the Specialized Roubaix. Next came four different stems as I had to improve my flexibility for the more aggressive position. Working on stretching to improve that and thinking about more walking too, I injured my Achilles tendon and was off the bike for a few months recovering from that. Now I'm doing a 50 mile river loop here at least once a week and use it as my bench mark on how I'm doing and even though speed is what's fun, focusing on power is my primary measure of ride performance. Learning what a zone 2 kind of effort is helps not burning out from the start. Don't torture him with an FTP test. Get a power meter, establish what power fits with a "Z2 talk test" on the bike and try to pace off that. Strava is also cool to see how you are doing on different segments of the ride for all levels interested in their performance. Go crazy with FTP test's and the like when/if he feels like a "cyclist" and not a couch potato. Yay Hank's Dad for being such a sport!

Just watched the video and came to like. Hanks dad you are awesome 👏🏼

A few friends and I do two 50 mile rides on weekends for coffee and bagels. Just have to pace yourself and make sure you stay hydrated.

Due to illness i wasn't able to do ANY sports since about September '22. now i was able to slowly start again. Of course I'm nowhere near as fast as i was before that (not that i was especially sporty back then!). But I'm working on it, without letting ego take the best of me.

Dad has the voice of a TV presenter. He should narrate some documentaries :D

I jumped on my bike and rode 60 miles to my mums house without any training. It hurt after but was really fun.

I’m sitting on the toilet thinking about riding.

YES - I wanna see the dad ride!!!!!! I'm around his age so if he can do it......

I just got into cycling in March, two months ago and I just completed a 40 mile ride last night which was a personal best for distance. It took me almost 3 hours as I only averaged 13.8mph but it felt great to reach that distance. It was also nice being 2,100 calories lighter than when I started.

you can also do 93km on your sixth-ever road bike ride in Majorca! It's mostly a mental battle friends!!

Im just getting back on my bike after 5 years of very little to no cycling at all. I have done two 14 mile rides recently, which were quite difficult. I used to cycle aporox 20 miles daily to work and gym and 70+miles on either saturday or sundays. Its not a nice feeling knowing I would cycle 14 miles without breaking a sweat years ago. However, thats just motivated even moooore. I will get back to where I was and even surpass it! Im aiming for 15 miles tomorrow. Lets goooooooo!

I’m doing my first half century this Saturday.

Yes. Dad needs to ride 50 miles. 🤘😎

Yes, Hank's Dad is back!! Looking forward to the 50 miler!

Almost at 10K likes! I can't wait for that video 🎉

Last week i decide to start doing some exercise because i was close to the 100kg threshold.. , i choose cycling, my goal was to make 100km (62 miles) per week, last week i did 105km and today alone i did 60km (37 miles) in one go I already feel better overall ! one thing is sure, i already need a bigger goal :D

It has been too long since we've had a Hank's Dad video. It would be great to see the people from the New Bike Riders videos again.

Can't beat new socks ! One of life's little pleasures, not sure about the colours though, should be white.

I sent a link to this video to my younger sister, who is resisting my attempts to get her onto a bike, so that she knows the greatest sport there is. Fingers crossed!

Good video and I want your Pops to do the 50 miles. I'm going to start my training today maybe by the time his video is out, I will have completed 50 miles in a single session!!

I’m giving you the “like” because I need the motivation like what your Dad can do 🤭

Spot on Hank👌

Liked for Hank's Dad! ❤

Let’s go Hank’s Dad. You can do it. I started to ride again at 65 years old.

Hank is my superhero

I wish you the best, start off riding into the wind so you can have it at your back coming home!

Don't listen to whoever was behind the camera, you are a legend, Hank!

Definitely want to see Hanks dad do this training programme :D

Pub stop halfway round? Bad idea, Hank's Dad!! The alcohol will hit your legs and you won't want to do the second half. I would say pub stop 85% of the way round, but I'm sure your personal trainer / son will tell you that. Good luck and I am definitely interested in seeing this next video. (I'm about the same age as Hank's dad)

never had problems training on small miles, however bigger miles like 80+ can sometimes put me off due to running out of new or different routes that have the combination of mountains and flats and so on, don't get me started on the weather as that can be a hard one to pass especially when raining and you have just cleaned you bike again

My first 50 mile ride was a mistake. It was my first week joining a school cycling club, I had just gotten a road bike. We went up this hill a few times on Wednesday, a fun ride on Friday and then a supposed 50km ride on Saturday but since there were only 4 of us, we took an alternate route. Which ended up 80.7 km long. At least 30 of which I had to do alone. The beginning to the meet location, where I got lost and took an extra few kilometers and the end where I was the only one going that far west home. It was 33 degrees Celsius at 90% humidity at that point and then a sudden thunderstorm. My sora brakes weren't even working properly because of that lol, had to use a deep puddle to slow myself down at one point.

Great Videos. Is there a video to set handle bars? I have just started with a Trek Hybrid after not riding in over 43 years. I currently ride about 13-17 miles daily

being a overweight cyclist whos trying to get back into cycling is like anything else. What makes it interesting is doing different types of drills.