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Biking is an excellent cardio workout that can work wonders for your fitness quotient. It is an easy exercise that requires you to sit on your cycle, step on the pedal, and get started. Indeed, this activity sounds achievable and seven miles should be doable.
But the real question is, how long does it take to bike seven miles? Beginners can cover this distance in about 30 to 45 minutes, at a comfortable speed of 10mph. On the other hand, professional bikers can finish the same lapse in half the time.
While speed is an essential aspect of the exercise, there are other factors that you must take into account. Think of the terrain you are riding on and your fitness level that will help you finish the ride quickly.
If the duration of your ride varies, it’s because there are other factors you are missing out on. So, let’s quickly jump into the various factors that can decide your time on the cycle.
6 Factors That Determine How Long Your 7 Mile Ride Takes
The 45-minute duration is a general estimate of how long it would take to complete your seven miles milestones. However, other essential factors will decide your biking speed and, consequently, the duration of your ride.
1. Your Fitness Level
Whether you follow an active or passive lifestyle will decide how long it will take you to cross the seven-mile mark.
Do not worry if you do not see yourself as an active person. You will still be able to complete your cycling goals without much struggle. However, give yourself some time to get familiar with this new routine before clocking your rides.
Regular cyclists will be able to cover this distance much quicker as they are used to biking mechanics. Meanwhile, seven miles is an easy commute for professionals. They will finish the rounds without as much as breaking a sweat.
2. The Terrain You Are Pedalling On
It’s also important to consider the terrain you are riding on. If you are biking on a flat route, you will likely have lesser disturbances in your pathway. So, you can expect to have a happy, regular bike ride.
However, if you are traveling in a slippery, bumpy, or gravel-filled area, you will need to be more careful. Extra care while riding means spare time. So, you will be slowed down by rough terrain.
Additionally, note if you are riding uphill or downhill. Thanks to gravity, you do not have to exert a lot of pressure when pedaling down the hill. But alternatively, you must push hard to reach up a mountain. Subsequently, it’ll take more time to ride a bike uphill than downhill.
3. The Type of Bike You Have
There are different types of bikes available for riders. From road bikes to mountain bikes, you can make your pick. While these cycles are classified based on various purposes, know that they also affect the speed and performance of your rides.
Each bike uses different kinds of materials, influencing the rider’s speed. Say your bike has carbon and aluminum as base elements. You are likely to ride faster than your friend who has a bike made from steel.
Even the tires will help you speed up your pace. A bike with soft tires will work like magic on a flat route. On the other hand, a bike with knobby tires will be fantastic on rough terrain.
4. The Weather
The weather in your location can make or break your riding time. Suppose you are biking on a windy day with the wind blowing from behind you. You can easily pick up speed and finish the seven miles quicker than your average pace.
Conversely, if the wind is blowing at the front, you will face difficulty focusing on the road. That is why biking on windy days is a huge trick.
You might face lesser trouble on sunny days. Because seven miles is not long-distance, you do not have to worry about dehydration. Nevertheless, carry a water bottle with you if you get tired quickly.
Well, the real trouble is when you get hit by unexpected rains. You might have to take breaks in between for cover, which can lower your biking speed.
5. What Gear You Have
The extra gear you have packed with you on your ride will affect the speed and time of your ride. When you pack a bottle, multi-tool kit, and spare clothes for your ride, you end up adding more weight to your bike.
As the bike gets heavier, you need to exert more energy while biking. Naturally, this means your biking speed will be lesser now than when you travel on a gear-free bike.
While you can aim to pack less gear, you cannot avoid it sometimes. So, rely on your skills and efficiency to complete your biking goals.
See Also: 10 Essential Tools To Carry On Road Bike
6. What You Wear
Ever wondered why cyclists wear tightly fitted clothes? Because it helps them pick up a quicker pace while riding.
Aerodynamics is the key concept that drives cyclists to wear tight shorts while riding. It helps prevent the drag and pushes them forward quickly.
Beginners who wear loose, baggy clothes for biking are caught in the way of the aerodynamic drag. So, their speed slows down considerably. The next time you want to increase your cycling speed, do away with flapping tops and wear tight clothes.
Related Questions
1. Do 7 Miles of Biking Equate to 7 Miles of Walking?
No, you cannot compare seven miles of biking with walking the same distance. Although the distance is the same, both are different exercises and require distinct energy levels.
You can cover seven miles on your bike quicker than when you set out on a brisk walk for the same distance. Essentially, this means you will cover seven miles with lesser effort on a bike than on your foot.
Since both exercises require different energy levels from you, do not mistake them to have the same impact on your body.
2. Is 7 Miles on Bikes a Lot of Distance to Cover?
Seven miles is not a lot of distance to cover on the bike. It is considered a good starting point for beginners who are learning to ride the bike regularly. However, this does not mean it is an easy feat.
Your fitness level, the terrain you are riding on, and the type of bike are critical deciding factors. If these aspects are unfavorable, seven miles can seem like a very long distance.
3. How Many Miles of Biking a Day Helps Lose Weight?
Losing weight is a different process for each person. So, there is no specific magic number that will help you figure out how many miles you need to bike daily.
Factors like weight, duration spent on biking, and exercise speed will determine how quickly you lose weight. If you are trying to lose weight, focus on the intensity of the ride rather than the number of miles you cover.
See Also:
How Long Should A Beginner Cyclist Ride
Do You Wear Socks With Cycling Shoes?
How to Clean a Bike Chain with Household Products
What Is a Cycling Marathon Called? (Explained)
Why Does My Bike Chain Slip When I Pedal Hard?