Biking 30 miles is a huge distance and a challenging feat for many cyclists.
Whether you’re planning a long-distance ride or simply want to challenge yourself, knowing how long it takes to bike 30 miles can help you set realistic goals and plan well.
On average, it would take around 2 hours to bike 30 miles. But it depends on a number of things.
In this post, I’ll give you some estimates of the average time it takes to bike 30 miles for different skill levels.
Plus, I’ll also talk about the factors that can affect your biking time, and give you some pointers to help you improve your biking time.
Factors That Affect Biking Speed and Time
Before we dive into the average time it takes to bike 30 miles, it’s important to understand that there are several factors that can impact your biking speed and time.
Some of these factors include:
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Your Fitness Level
Your fitness level is probably the biggest factor that affects your biking speed and time when riding long distances.
Cyclists who are in better shape will generally be able to bike faster and complete longer distances in less time.
So if you’re in good shape and have strong cardiovascular endurance, you’ll be able to maintain a faster pace and ride for longer periods without getting tired.
Terrain
The type of terrain you’re biking on also has a huge impact on the time taken.
Flat, smooth roads and trails are generally easier to ride on and will allow you to maintain a faster pace than hilly or uneven terrain.
For example, biking 30 km on a straight is a lot easier and faster than biking up a steep hill.
Weather, Wind, Temperature And Humidity
The weather conditions can also affect your biking speed and time. Windy or rainy conditions can slow you down and make biking more challenging.
Wind resistance can slow you down significantly, especially if you’re riding against a strong headwind. So the direction and speed of the wind can make a big difference in your biking time.
Extreme temperatures or high humidity levels can also make it more difficult to ride at a fast pace, as your body has to work harder to regulate its temperature.
Bike And Biking Experience
Your level of experience as a cyclist can also play a role in how long it takes you to bike 30 miles.
Beginner cyclists may find it more challenging to maintain a consistent pace, while more experienced cyclists may have better endurance and biking technique.
Plus, a good bike with lightweight components can help you ride faster and more efficiently, while comfortable and well-fitting equipment can reduce fatigue and discomfort.
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Average Time To Bike 30 Miles
Now that we’ve discussed some of the factors that can affect your biking speed and time, let’s take a closer look at how long does it take to bike 30 miles and the average time for different skill levels.
Before that, here’s a comparison with the average speed for a cyclist vs time take to ride 30 miles:
| Average Speed | Time Taken To Cycle 30 Miles |
| 9 mph | 3 hours and 20 minutes |
| 11 mph | 2 hours and 43 minutes |
| 13 mph | 2 hours and 18 minutes |
| 15 mph | 2 hours |
| 17 mph | 1 hour and 46 minutes |
| 19 mph | 1 hour and 34 minutes |
| 21 mph | 1 hour and 26 minutes |
| 23 mph | 1 hour and 18 minutes |
| 25 mph | 1 hour and 12 minutes |
If we calculate the average of all the times in the table, the result is approximately 2 hours and 4 minutes to bike 30 miles on a flat and smooth terrain.
Keep in mind that these are rough estimates and individual biking times can vary depending on the factors mentioned above.
Beginner Cyclists
For a beginner cyclist who is just starting out, biking 30 miles can be a daunting task. However, with the right training and preparation, it’s definitely achievable.
On average, it would take a beginner cyclist around 2.30 – 3.30 hours to bike 30 miles.
This assumes a moderate pace of around 9-12 mph per hour on flat terrain and with no significant headwind.
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Intermediate Cyclists
Intermediate cyclists who have some biking experience and are in reasonably good shape can expect to complete 30 miles in less time than beginners.
On average, it would take an intermediate cyclist around 2 -2.5 hours to bike 30 miles if they are going at 12-16 mph on flat terrain and with no significant headwind.
Advanced Cyclists
For experienced and advanced cyclists, biking long distances is likely a routine distance that can be completed relatively quickly.
On average, it would take an advanced cyclist around 1-1.5 hours to bike 30 miles if they ride at a fast pace of around 20-25 miles per hour on flat terrain.
Tips to Improve Long Distance Biking Time
Wanna bike faster? Here are some tips that might help:
Work on your fitness – The more fit you are, the easier it will be to pedal for longer periods of time. Regular cardio and strength training is the key.
Practice your pedaling technique – Focus on pedaling in a smooth and efficient motion. Use your entire leg, not just your calf muscles, to push down on the pedals.
Shift gears appropriately – Use your bike’s gears to your advantage. Shift to a lower gear when going uphill and a higher gear when going downhill or on flat terrain.
Take advantage of drafting – Drafting is when you ride close behind another cyclist to reduce wind resistance. This can help you save energy and go faster.
Fuel up before and during your ride – Eat a balanced meal before your ride and bring along snacks and water to stay hydrated and maintain energy levels.
Get a lighter bike – The heavier the bike, the more energy you’ll need to move it.
Bottom Line
Knowing how long it takes to bike 30 miles can help you set realistic goals and plan your ride. Keep in mind that there are a ton of factors that can impact this, including the terrain and weather.
Overall, it would take around 2 hours to bike 30 miles if you go at 14mph.
If you want to improve your biking time, focus on building up your endurance and train a lot. Happy biking!
FAQs
How long does it take to bike 60 miles?
It takes about 5-5.30 hours for a moderately fit cyclist to bike 60 miles, assuming he has an average biking speed of 11 mph.
How long does it take to bike 90 miles?
It takes about 8-10 hours for a cyclist to bike 90 miles, assuming they have an average biking speed of 9-11 mph.
