What's a BIG mountain bike ride for you?

What’s a BIG mountain bike ride for you?

From local trail laps to backcountry epics, we're polling riders to find out how much time on the bike qualifies as a big day.

By Jeff Barber
September 13, 2026

7 comments

Singletracks may earn commissions from affiliate links and/or receive products from manufacturers for review. Read our editorial guidelines here.

There are many ways to measure a mountain bike ride, and everyone has a different definition of what a BIG one looks like. Miles matter, and so does elevation gain. Often, fitness or comfort limits how much we can ride, or other obligations dictate our time on the bike. With that in mind, we want to know what a big (long) ride looks like for you right now.

Tell us what your BIG rides look like in the comments: Are they mostly multiple laps around the local trail system, all-day backcountry epics, or something else?

The news stinks. Why not follow Singletracks on Google News to bring more joy to your day?

A close-up view of a mountain bike secured to a rear-mounted bike rack on a vehicle. The bike, featuring a bright orange frame and black tires with visible tread, is positioned upright with the rear wheel held in place by the rack. The scene includes part of the vehicle's rear, showcasing its modern design against a natural background.

Community

How long is your typical weekday ride?

Lubes & Cleaners

How often do you apply mountain bike chain lube?

A group of four mountain bikers stopped on a gravel trail, with one cyclist crouching to inspect a bike tire. The others are standing nearby, wearing casual cycling attire. Trees and natural surroundings are visible in the background, suggesting an outdoor biking adventure.

Mountain Bikes and Gear

What's the most common mechanical issue you face on the trail?

A cyclist triumphantly raises their mountain bike overhead at the finish line of a race, celebrating the achievement. The backdrop features a lush green landscape with trees, and a large "FINISH" banner hangs above. The cyclist is wearing a helmet and a race outfit, showing signs of mud from the trail.

Community

Have you ever traveled overnight to participate in a mountain bike race?

7 Comments

Please log in or create a free account to join the discussion.

Stabone33 2010
Sep 13, 2026

It's not the time, it's the distance and elevation change. 15 miles with 5,000 feet of elevation change might be far harder than a century on flat gravel.

6 reply

bikejoy Georgia // 2023
Sep 13, 2026

This in part depends on effort, but yeah anything north of 4 hours riding time is a serious effort after which the couch is tempting and yardwork usually doesnt get done.

3 reply

bmied31 Indiana // 2017
Sep 14, 2026

3+ hours and/or 25+ miles and/or 3000+ feet of climbing.

I think if you check off 2 of those 3 categories it's a big ride.

1 reply

Nickelsonx1 Georgia // 2007
Sep 14, 2026

Have to base it on time. 4+ hrs for me and closing in on 6hrs I guess.

Namdoog Maine // 2025
Sep 14, 2026

I typically ride longer the further I have to travel to get there. It's not always the case because driving time does cut into riding time. For example just a couple days ago I did 20 miles at my local trail system which is a 10 minute drive from my house. I had all afternoon so I set a goal to ride all the named trails in both directions. It took me about three hours total (2.5 hrs actual riding time) which was one of the longest rides I've done at that park. I considered it a big ride but not huge. I felt satisfied but not wiped out afterwards. An actual big ride for me is more of an an all day affair.

OhioFatBiker Ohio // 2016
Sep 14, 2026

I wish I had more time to get big rides, but if I can get in more than two hours, that is a pretty good day. Usually my schedule limits the time I get on a bike. I can ride regularly, but bookend travel to and from the trailhead, other schedule commitments, usually it is less than two hours. If I am on vacation, 3 hours or more is not unusual. Of course it varies based on how challenging the trail is.

tuffguppy Utah // 2022
Sep 18, 2026

1 hour is a short ride for me. My goal is to do around 2 to 2 1/2 hours on every ride. I often do 4 to 6 hour rides. My two biggest mountain bike rides are 80 mi in about 10 hours climbing over 10,000 ft each ride.
These are not rides I loop multiple times. They are big cross country loops or point-to-point rides on many different trails. I live where I can connect over 500 miles of connected singletrack trails.
Doing long rides is easier when you're retired, but I still rode 1.5 to 2 hrs 4 to 5 days a week when I was working full-time.

0 reply

Featured Articles

7 Comments