This training plan has been designed by Pav Bryan — Olympic cycling coach, TrainingPeaks Level 2 Coach and Amazon #1 Author.
Building towards your first 50-mile ride?
This plan is designed for newer cyclists who can already ride around 25 miles and want a structured route towards completing 50 miles.
Building to 50 miles requires more than simply increasing your distance. You need aerobic endurance, sustainable pacing, good consistency and enough fatigue resistance to stay comfortable as your rides get longer.
This plan develops those qualities progressively so that you arrive fitter, more confident and better prepared for the demands of a longer ride.
Who this plan is for
This version is best suited to riders who are already comfortable completing rides of around 25 miles and want to build progressively towards 50.
If the early long rides are beyond your current ability, reduce them to a duration you're comfortable with and build progressively.
If your current longest ride is closer to 10 miles, the 50-mile plan from a 10-mile base may be a better starting point.
What the plan includes
- One key longer ride progressing towards the 50-mile distance
- Focused sessions developing aerobic fitness and sustainable power
- Supporting endurance and recovery rides
- Core and strength work
- Regular recovery/rest days
The plan also includes guidance around pacing, nutrition, hydration, technique and preparing for a longer day in the saddle.
You can follow the cycling sessions using power, heart rate or perceived exertion. A power meter can provide additional precision, but it is not essential.
Many sessions use TrainingPeaks structured workouts with power, heart rate and cadence targets where appropriate.
Bonus 40-week strength programme
You'll also receive access to a 40-week strength and conditioning programme that you can continue using after your 50-mile preparation is complete.
Planning your taper
This plan does not include a fixed taper. Taper requirements vary between athletes, so allow an appropriate gap before your target ride to reduce training load and arrive fresh.
Want the plan adapted around you?
A pre-built plan is a great option if you're comfortable managing your own training.
But no generic plan can know your exact fitness, available time, recovery, work and family commitments, strengths, weaknesses or how you're responding from week to week.
If you'd like me to build and manage your training personally, you can upgrade to 1:1 coaching at any point.
TrainingPeaks plan customers receive an exclusive coaching upgrade offer.
You'll find details and a link to book a free consultation with me at the start of the plan.
Build steadily, stay consistent — and enjoy your first 50 miles.
Olympic cycling coach, TrainingPeaks Level 2 Coach, Amazon #1 Author and Seven Summits cycling world record holder. I coach riders from first Gran Fondos and amateur races through to ultra-endurance, national and world-class performance. My approach combines proven training principles with your goals, available time, recovery and life outside cycling.