It’s not a secret, but if you want to go somewhere, you obviously have to put in the legwork, more so if you are going to travel on a bicycle.
From kids to teens and even young adults, everyone has the ability to cycle over long distances. But how long does it take to bike 12 miles?
Depending on several factors such as a person’s endurance and equipment, a 12-miles ride can take approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour for both beginner and experienced cyclists.
If you are thinking of a new way to burn off calories, read this article first before going on a trip!
Table of Contents
What to Know About the 12 Mile Bike Ride Time
Long-distance biking has always been a popular sport for active people and biking enthusiasts. It is a great way to stay fit and break a sweat while enjoying the scenery and traveling from place to place.
The average speed for biking as a beginner is about 12 miles per hour. If this is the pace you cycle at, your 20 minute bike ride distance will be at least 4 miles.
Not bad for a beginner right?
But if you are determined to ride fast, with time and experience, you can shorten your cycling time and just finish 4 miles in minutes. Once you are able to cover the 12-mile ride comfortably, you can even increase your distance little by little.
Keep the following tips in mind before starting your 12-mile ride:
- Wear appropriate cycling clothes – Try padded cycling shorts to protect your backside and get comfortable with your bike’s saddle.
- Wear safety equipment – Do not forget to put on your cycling helmet, gloves, knee pads, and even sunglasses to protect your vision.
- Check your bicycle’s condition – To avoid any mishaps, make sure your bicycle is properly maintained and you have some tools prepared in case of emergency.
- Food and beverage – If you are riding to a place with fewer to no stores available, it is a good idea to bring your own refreshments to take during breaks. Stay hydrated, since you will sweat a lot during travel.
- Research your route – If you are a total beginner, research first the path that you wish to go on. Learn the traffic rules and follow guides for cyclists.
- Don’t push yourself – Riding is not always easy. But if you push yourself too hard, your body might give out. Know when to take a break and pause to catch your breath.
- Pro-tip: Try setting a cycling goal. You can increase your distance to 15 miles as a novice, then 26 miles and even 100 miles once you’re experienced. Just remember to plan ahead when trying long-distance cycling.
Factors That Affect How Long It Takes to Bike 12 Miles
When you ride your bike, you want to know how long it will take to get to your destination. There are a lot of factors that can affect the average miles per hour biking 12 miles a day, but here are some of the main ones:
1. Rider’s stamina
Biking can be a pretty easy way to exercise, but you should take your body’s condition into account.
A good rule of thumb is that if you can run about 2 miles, you should be able to bike 5 miles.
If you are unfit and out of shape, you will have a difficult time cycling at high speeds or for longer distances than someone else who is physically fit.
- Pro tip: When you start your workout, make sure that you warm up first by walking or doing low-intensity exercises for 15-20 minutes. Then, bike at a moderate pace for at least the first 10 minutes.
2. Equipment
Not only your body but also your equipment should be in tip-top shape if you want to go for a 12-mile ride. Apart from regular maintenance, you must also choose a bike that is appropriate for the type of road you will be traveling on.
If you have a heavy bike, it will take longer to get to where you want to go; that is why lightweight frames are all the rage in cycling.
3. Road condition
The road surface can also affect how long it takes to bike 12 miles. When you bike, you’re going to encounter all sorts of obstacles.
You’re going to have to deal with traffic, stop signs, and other cars. And if you live in the countryside, there may be hills, mud, and uneven terrain.
Even if you are in good condition, a bumpy road will surely slow down your pace.
- Important Tip: If there are potholes or cracks in the street, avoid them as much as possible by taking alternate routes around them. Doing so helps you avoid road accidents.
4. Weather condition
Bad weather, such as rain or snow, can be dangerous for bikers because of slippery roads and poor visibility due to fog/haze.
If a biker still insists on riding despite the bad weather, they may do so by cycling slowly and seeking shelter from time to time, though the trip will be longer as a result.
FAQs
Is Biking 12 Miles Hard For A Beginner?
12 miles is doable by most people who have the right equipment and know how to use it effectively. As long as a beginner is prepared physically and has trained to ride at least 10 miles before, challenging 12 miles shouldn’t be complicated.
Is Biking 12 Miles A Lot?
It may be a lot for those who are not physically fit, but 12 miles are not too long of a distance to be strenuous, even for reasonably new riders.
If you compare this length to the Tour de France, for example, in which a stage can extend over 100 miles, 12 miles are insignificant.
You may not have a professional cyclist average speed of 25 to 28 miles per hour, but biking takes practice, and you can ride faster and farther with frequent practice.
What is a good time to bike 12 miles?
Sunny or cloudy weather is a great time to challenge 12 miles. Check traffic apps to decide your preferred path and make sure that there are no obstacles or problems on the road.
On the off chance that your road has problems, make a plan B or look for alternate routes, so you can still ride as planned.
Is 12 miles on a bike in an hour good?
That is totally fine! For newbies, an hour or so is a good finish time for 12 miles. Once you have grasped long-distance cycling and have a great day, you can eventually finish in 30 minutes.
Conclusion
If you’re done with your 10 kilometers or 6-mile trips, learning how long does it take to bike 12 miles can help you set your next cycling goal.
Getting comfortable with biking may take days, but it’s so worth it once you get to that wonderful feeling of accomplishment.
“I ride my bike to work for years, but is that enough? Our carelessness towards our surroundings has taken a toll on the environment. And now, everyone is responsible for changes; even the most minor contribution is counted. With this hope and spirit, I started with my partner to establish Biketoworkday to help more individuals commute to their work sites on their bikes.”