5 Mistakes Cyclists Make That Ruin Long Rides

Nothing beats the satisfaction of finishing a long ride – whether it’s a challenging century or an all-day adventure. But certain blunders can derail your day and turn a promising ride into a miserable slog. Don’t let avoidable mistakes ruin your long rides! Here are five common pitfalls cyclists encounter on big rides, and how to avoid them for a smoother, happier journey. We cover everything from poor pacing and hydration to skipping a premium chamois cream like Velovaere.

1. Blasting Off at the Start (Poor Pacing)

The Mistake: You feel fresh and excited at the start of a long ride, so you hammer out of the gates – only to fizzle out far from the finish. Going out too fast is a classic error. Early enthusiasm leads to pushing beyond your sustainable pace, and a few hours later, you’re running on empty with leaden legs (a.k.a. the dreaded “bonk”). This can turn those last miles into pure agony or even force you to abandon the ride.

How to Fix It: Pace yourself, especially in the first half of the ride. For endurance rides, discipline is key – keep your heart rate and power output in check. If you’re not monitoring heart rate or power meters for pacing, a good rule of thumb is to ride the first half slightly slower than you think you can, and if you feel good, increase the effort in the second half. If you are targeting that golden zone 2 pace an easy check is if you can hold a conversation. Remember, a long ride is like a marathon, not a sprint. Many riders have learned this the hard way. It’s better to finish strong thinking “I could have gone a bit harder” than to crawl home utterly spent and cramping. So check that ego, let the eager beavers speed off if they must, and ride your pace – your future self will thank you a few hours down the road.

2. Neglecting Fuel and Hydration

The Mistake: “Oops, I haven’t eaten or taken a sip in two hours.” Some cyclists get so caught up in the ride (or keeping a fast pace) that they forget to eat and drink regularly. The result? Energy reserves plummet (hello, bonk), dehydration sets in, and you hit the wall hard. Under-fueling and dehydration are perhaps the number one cause of long-ride meltdowns. Even a well-paced ride can fall apart if the engine runs out of gas.

How to Fix It: Treat your body like a car on a road trip – you need to refuel often. A common guideline on long rides is to consume about 30–60 grams of carbohydrates per hour on long rides (that’s roughly 120–240 calories, depending on intensity). In practical terms, that could be a gel and half an energy bar, or a banana and a serving of your favorite carbohydrate/electrolyte drink. Note, in recent yearly many pros and high-level amateurs have been pushing more towards the level of 90-120 grams of carbohydrates per hour (this will take your gut some training). Also, drink before you’re thirsty. Aim for at least one bottle (about 20–24 oz) of water (with electrolytes) or sports drink per hour – more if it’s hot. Don’t wait for hunger or thirst, because by then you’re already behind. Pro tip: set a timer on your cycling computer or watch that beeps every 15–20 minutes as a reminder to sip, and every 30–45 minutes to nibble on some food. During event rest stops, eat something substantial (peanut butter sandwich, trail mix, etc.) to top off your tank for the next leg. And never start a century on an empty stomach – a solid pre-ride breakfast (primarily carbs with a bit of protein) is crucial to top of your glycogen stores. The bottom line: eat before you’re hungry, drink before you’re dry. By maintaining a steady intake, you’ll keep your energy stable and avoid the dreaded bonk that can ruin a long ride.

3. Wearing the Wrong Gear (and Skipping Chamois Cream)

The Mistake: Uncomfortable clothing choices can torpedo a long ride. Common faux pas include wearing brand-new shorts or a new saddle on a big ride without testing them, or choosing the wrong outfit for the weather (overdressing and overheating, or underdressing and freezing). A related mistake is neglecting your contact point comfort – for example, not using chamois cream, or wearing underwear under cycling shorts (a big no-no that can cause seams to chafe your skin). These might seem minor at first, but 50 miles later, that new jersey’s rough collar could rub your neck raw, or your cotton base layer could be soaked and chilling you. Similarly, an unbroken-in pair of shorts or a saddle you haven’t adjusted properly can lead to painful saddle sores or chafing that make every mile torment.

How to Fix It: Test and perfect your gear before the big ride. Follow the mantra: nothing new on long rides or race day. Do a dress rehearsal on a shorter ride to ensure your kit is comfy. Always wear high-quality cycling shorts with a proven chamois for long distances – they are worth the investment. And absolutely ditch the underwear; cycling shorts are designed to be worn alone, to minimize seams against your skin. If you’re going over ~2 hours, strongly consider applying chamois cream to prevent chafing (inner thighs, groin, and buttocks). A small bit of cream, like Velovaere’s all-natural chamois cream, can keep your skin lubricated and happy for hours. Think of it as cheap insurance against saddle sores. Also, dress in layers appropriate for the weather and know how to manage them: arm warmers, a vest, or a light rain jacket can be lifesavers if conditions change. Pay attention to seemingly little things: are your socks going to stay dry? Do your gloves rub in a weird way after 3 hours? Address these in advance. The lesson: never experiment with new gear on a long ride. Comfort is king. By wearing tried-and-true clothing and taking care of your skin, you’ll prevent the kinds of aches and pains that can cut a ride short.

4. Poor Bike Prep and Maintenance

The Mistake: You set out on a 100-mile journey only to be foiled by a mechanical issue that could have been prevented. Perhaps you didn’t check your tire pressure and you get a pinch flat early on. Or your chain hasn’t seen lube in ages and decides to snap on a climb. Maybe those brake pads were paper-thin but you ignored them, and now you’re hearing metal-on-metal squeal down every descent. Mechanical neglect can ruin a long ride fast – either through an accident or simply by stranding you with a problem. Even things like not tightening quick-release skewers or not inspecting your cleats (imagine a cleat bolt falling out at mile 60) can end your ride abruptly.

How to Fix It: Prep your bike like a pro before any big ride. The day (or night) before, go through a quick checklist: Tires inflated to proper pressure (and in good condition – no big cuts or embedded glass). Chain clean and lubed. Brakes functioning and pads not worn past their limit. Gears indexed and shifting cleanly. Bolts (stem, handlebars, seatpost, etc.) appropriately tight. If something has been acting up (that clicking pedal or ghost shifting), address it in advance – don’t wait for it to become a ride-ending issue. It’s also wise to bring basic tools and spares: at least two tubes, a pump or CO2, tire levers, a multi-tool, maybe a quick-link for your chain. This way, if a minor issue arises, you can fix it on the road. Many long-ride mishaps are avoidable with a 5-minute safety check. There’s an old cyclist adage: “Take care of your bike, and it will take care of you.” It holds true. Show up to the start line with a well-maintained machine, and you’ll have far fewer worries on the ride. Conversely, ignoring maintenance is courting disaster – something as small as a loose bolt can lead to a big problem miles from home.

5. Skipping Rest and Pushing Through Serious Pain

The Mistake: Cyclists are a tough bunch, and sometimes that pride can backfire. Ignoring your body’s signals – like a sharp knee pain, severe saddle sore, or an brewing illness – and forcing your way through a long ride can not only ruin that ride, but lay you up for future ones. We’ve all heard of (or been) the rider who, determined to finish, turns a mild ache into a serious injury, or rides themselves into exhaustion under the mantra of “no pain, no gain.” While mental toughness is admirable, blatant disregard for your body’s limits is a mistake.

How to Fix It: Know the difference between normal discomfort and red-flag pain. Endurance rides will make you tired and sore – that’s normal. But acute pains (sharp, stabbing, or worsening steadily) are signals to stop or at least adjust. If your knee suddenly hurts intensely at mile 40, don’t just pop ibuprofen and mash on – stop and evaluate. Is your saddle position off? Do you need to stretch? Sometimes a short break to stretch or a minor bike fit tweak (raise the saddle a few millimeters if knee pain in front, for example) can salvage your ride. In other cases, it’s wiser to cut the ride short than to push through and cause a long-term injury. Also, don’t underestimate the value of rest stops on long rides. Briefly stopping to eat, drink, and give your backside a break can rejuvenate you for the next segment. Pacing yourself includes rest – even Tour de France riders grab moments of recovery (albeit while pedaling). And if you’re feeling the beginnings of a saddle sore (that telltale burning or bump), consider calling it a day or at least take action (more cream, adjust position, etc.) rather than grinding it into an abscess. Long rides should be challenging, yes, but ultimately enjoyable. There’s no shame in shortening a ride or taking an extra break if it means preventing injury or a truly miserable experience. Live to ride another day. Remember, one century does not define you – but one bad injury can set you back for weeks. Listen to your body’s whispers so they don’t have to scream at you.

By avoiding these five mistakes – poor pacing, under-fueling, gear mishaps, lack of bike prep, and ignoring your body – you set yourself up for success on long rides. It’s often said that endurance cycling is an art of management: managing your energy, your equipment, and your comfort. Master that art, and you’ll find even the toughest rides become achievable and satisfying. There’s nothing quite like finishing a long ride strong, knowing you nailed the strategy and avoided the pitfalls that trip up others. So ride smart, take care of the details, and you’ll be on your way to many epic (and fun) long-distance adventures!

Before your next big ride, include Velovaere's all-natural chamois cream in your cycling comfort arsenal. From a tuned-up bike to quality shorts and Velovaere’s chamois cream for chafe-free miles. With the right prep, you can conquer any distance.

About the Author
Alex Meucci — Founder of Velovaere and retired professional cyclist. After years of riding 20–30 hours per week and struggling with ineffective creams, Alex created Velovaere’s all-natural chamois cream to help cyclists (road bike, gravel bike, mountain bike, etc.)  ride longer, stay comfortable, and avoid chafing