How Long Should a 10 Mile Bike Ride Take for a New Rider Over 60?
With aging comes a bigger need to focus on staying active and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
I found cycling to be a great way to help with this.
The first time that I headed out on my bike, I had no idea how much I would enjoy it.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that I actually looked forward to hopping on my bike in the mornings and just riding on down the road.
I found that it helps to clear my mind and prepares me for the day ahead.
For me it’s like my morning meditation!
Since I hadn’t touched a bike in years, I had to start slow.
I started with a shorter ride of just 5-mile three times a week.
They were just nice easy rides.
After a while, I felt stronger and wanted to go for longer rides – I wanted to conquer a 10 mile ride.
But like many people I had time constraints.
So, the big question – how long does a 10-mile bike ride take a 60-year-old beginner?
The answer to this question can vary depending on several factors, such as fitness level, terrain, the type and weight of your bike, and weather conditions.
However, according to a few advanced cyclists, a beginner rider over 60 should aim to complete a 10-mile bike ride in about an hour and a half to two hours.
With this tidbit of information I was able to allow myself plenty of time for my rides.
But then after getting a few 10 mile rides under my belt I was able to decrease my time to 50-60 minutes.
So, just remember everyone’s ride time will be different so it’s best if you just get out there for a time trial to see where you’re at.
In this article, I’ll explore the different factors that can affect how long it takes a beginner to ride 10 miles, the benefits of cycling 10 miles a day, and share my personal experience with bike riding.
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Ride Duration Factors
When it comes to estimating the time, it will take to complete a 10-mile bike ride, there are several things that can affect your cycling times.
Fitness Level
If you are just getting off the couch and starting a cycling program, you may need to start out a bit slower than someone that’s more physically fit.
The total time for your ride could take 90-120 minutes to complete.
You will find that your time and distance will be different than someone that works out and/or is a more advanced cyclist.
For them a 10-mile bike ride may only take 30-45 minutes to complete.
Don’t compare your journey with someone else. This will only cause you to fail.
Just embrace the journey and accept that you will need to build up your endurance to ride as fast as someone more fit.
Maybe you can make increasing your ride time one of your cycling goals.
If you ride on a regular basis and build up your strength you will be able to keep up with any experienced cyclist in no time!
Physical Wellness
Are you well rested?
If you’re tired and sluggish your ride will show it.
However, if you had a good night sleep and are well rested you will find that you ride better, faster and stronger.
If you are suffering from an injury, illness or allergies this will also affect your riding time.
It’s okay!
A ride of any kind is better than not doing anything at all.
Just accept that the ride may not be your best.
However, if you are really feeling bad you may want to just avoid the ride all together and just make it one of your rest days.
This may be the best thing that you can do for yourself!
Terrain and Route
The terrain and route of the ride can have a huge impact on how long it takes you to complete a ride.
If you are riding on smooth flat terrain your time will be much better than if you’re riding on hills and slopes.
So, if you’re on a time crunch like me, you may want to map out your actual route and terrain before you get out on the open road.
This will give you an accurate estimate of how long your ride will take.
But don’t just always stay on the flat roads.
Challenge yourself with doing hills also – don’t avoid them!
At first you may need to walk your bike up some of the hill but remember what goes up must come down – so, the decline will be much better.
The hills will challenge you and work your body harder increasing your aerobic fitness level.
This is a good thing!
You may just need to schedule the hills as one of your weekend rides or just any day that you have more time.
Weathers Impact on Ride Time
The weather can also play a huge role in how long it takes to complete a 10-mile bike ride.
If it’s hot and humid, it will take longer to complete the ride than if it’s cool and dry.
On these days make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated! Be sure to take water or a sport drink with you.
A windy day will definitely change your ride time. A few days ago, I was out for a bike ride, and it was extremely windy I really didn’t feel that I was even moving forward at times – it just felt like I was sitting still.
That ride took forever!
However, if it is a tailwind than it’s your lucky day that ride will be much easier because it will just keep pushing you forward.
Believe it or not rainy days can actually make you ride faster.
The tires tend to glide more on the surface, this can decrease your ride time.
Not to mention you may pedal faster just to get out of the rain!
It may be a good idea to take a minute to check the weather forecast before starting the ride and plan accordingly.
Pacing and Breaks
Finally, pacing and breaks can also affect the duration of the ride.
If you take frequent breaks or ride at a slower pace, it obviously will take you longer to complete the ride.
On the other hand, if you maintain a steady pace and take fewer breaks, the ride will be much quicker.
But remember that it is important to find a comfortable pace and take breaks as needed to avoid exhaustion.
Just know that it will affect your ride time.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s fitness level is different, and it’s okay to take breaks and go at your own pace.
The most important thing is to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard.
With a little patience and practice, you’ll be able to enjoy longer and more challenging bike rides in no time.
Type Of Bike
There are several different bikes out there.
Different bikes have different weights and different design which can alter your ride time.
Also, bike fit can be a factor in your ride time so you may want to head to your local bike shop so they can help you get the proper bike and fit.
Road Bikes
Road bikes have the downward-curving or drop handlebars.
They have skinny tires and are usually very lightweight.
The skinny tires allow you to glide on different terrains with very little effort.
They are good for road races, fitness riding, touring, long distance rides as well as daily commuting.
This bike is for a more experienced rider and can be a little advanced for a beginner.
Touring Bike
Touring bikes are most like the road bikes except they can hold more equipment like racks, lights, water bottles and fenders.
They have a much sturdier frame to hold heavier loads.
They also have wide semi knobby tires for gravel roads.
So, they are heavier than the road bike which of course can slow down your ride time.
Hybrid Bike
Hybrid bikes are a mix of road bike, mountain bike and touring bike.
They are more of a do it all bike.
The handlebars on a hybrid are flat and they have large road sized wheels.
They are lighter than a mountain bike but heavier than a road bike.
This is the bike type that I ride.
I found it to be a really good choice as a beginner.
The reason that I choose this bike is because I like to ride the bike trails in my hometown.
Parts of the trail goes through a cemetery (Yes, true story!)
The roads there can be smooth, but some are gravel with rocks and potholes.
This bike seems to travel all of the roads well.
Mountain Bikes
Mountain bikes are made for dealing with steeper terrain.
They have excellent braking and shook absorbing features so they can handle bumps, rocks, dirt trails and ruts.
They have flat handlebars and have wide knobby tires.
They are a heavier bike.
So, they can slow down your ride, but if you like riding on rough terrain it may be the bike for you.
They are the best bikes to ride 10 miles on the dirt trails.
Cruiser Bike
Cruiser bikes are meant for leisurely fun rides.
They are for mostly riding around town or your neighborhood.
They have a wider tire compared to most pavement bikes.
They have only one gear and a comfortable seat.
When I think of this bike it reminds me of the “Wizard of Oz”.
Just a relaxing ride.
Stationary Bike
An indoor exercise bike is probably the best option if you’re looking for a consistent time and mileage option.
Not to mention you will always have ideal weather!
They come in many different styles from recumbent to a spin bike.
Indoor cycling can also be a great option if you live in an area with horrible winter weather or if you have health or physical limitations.
I’m sure that I am missing a few others but as you can see, all bikes are made differently and can have an impact on your ride time.
Is Age a Factor for a 10 Mile Bike Ride?
No! Age is just a number.
Go for the ride!
After turning 60, lean muscle mass decreases considerably if you don’t exercise.
When you stop moving and being active, the rate of muscle loss increases, and you age much faster.
A 10-mile bike ride can actually slow down the aging process.
Bicycling is also easy on the joints so if you have arthritis in your knee or hip, this is probably one of the best cardio exercises that you can do.
So, embrace the ride and work on improving your time and miles.
As you can see being over 60 years old should never stop you from doing a 10-mile bike ride!
Benefits of Cycling 10 Miles A Day
There are so many wonderful benefits of a 10-mile bike ride!
Of course, there is the physical health benefits, but there are also a few other reasons that cycling 10 miles a day is good for you.
Cycling 10 miles a day also benefits your mind.
Studies have shown that regular outdoor exercise promotes good mental health.
By focusing on the road ahead, I am able to clear my mind of other thoughts and it is almost like meditating.
This helps me feel happier and more relaxed.
You may also be able to increase your social circle.
As we age it’s more difficult to find people with common interests.
If you ride in an area with other bike riders or join a club and do some group rides, you could meet a lot of really good people that may even become lifetime friends.
You may even find new places that you didn’t know existed in your area.
Riding a bike takes you places that your car may not.
When we’re driving, we just want the fastest way to get from point A to Point B.
Riding a bike may take you on more back roads to get away from the traffic.
It may be the best experience ever!
Conclusion
How long does it take a 60-year-old beginner to do a 10 mile bike ride?
It all depends on you, your bike and load, the weather and terrain in which you ride.
The best way to determine how long it will take you is to just get out there and do it!
The more often you ride the more you will progress.
It won’t take you long to go from doing a 10 mile bike ride in 60 minutes to 50 minutes, then 45 minutes.
Maybe you will even increase the number of miles that you do.
You may find yourself doing longer rides like 12 miles in 50-60 minutes.
Just get out there and remember the best part is just to have a good time!