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Home / Community / Survey

How long is your average mountain bike ride?

For some, a five mile ride is just the right amount. For others, it's more like 500.

By Jeff Barber
August 18, 2024 Last Updated: August 18, 2024

24 comments

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Everyone has a different idea of how long a mountain bike ride should be. Available time, fitness, ride style, and access to trails all play a role in how far we ride our bikes. While every ride is a little different, we want to know how far you ride, on average, for most rides.

Bonus question for the comments: What’s your average ride time?

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Jeff Barber

Jeff Barber has been mountain biking since 1992 and has tested hundreds of mountain bikes and components. He is the co-founder of Singletracks and serves as Editor in Chief. Contact him at [email protected].

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24 Comments

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Sunspot Colorado // 2019
Aug 18, 2024

Jeff, at this point, much has to do with how I am feeling. Being that I am recovering from cancer treatment, as well as dealing with kidney disease, All revolves around whether I am having a good day or a challenging day. My bike is my therapist as well as physical therapist. A fine, one speed automatic transmission, towing package brakes, i45's wrapped in 3.0h hell yeah rubber. Not too shabby for a punkass bike of 4130 goodness! Today will be interesting... Going out to see how I do. Unfortunately, the kidney disease is flaring and excruciating however, I need my therapy on both levels. Weather is looking to be good. Giving it a go, needless to say.

5 reply

IdahoSJ Idaho // 2018
Aug 20, 2024

0 reply

AUTHOR

Jeff Barber Georgia // 1998
Aug 18, 2024

Get after it!

3 reply

Sunspot Colorado // 2019
Aug 19, 2024

Did so while under chemo, and continuing. Today, I rode out to a local fishing hole to get some street trials under my belt along with some chat with folks fishing. Good times!!

5 reply

Stabone33 2010
Aug 18, 2024

Around 2 hours for 13 miles and 1,500 net feet of climbing

3 reply

C-YABMX Oklahoma // 2017
Aug 22, 2024

10-20 is average with closer to 20 being ideal. I find that time, weather, and daylight are my biggest barriers. Time usually 2-2.5 hours are great!

1 reply

Black-Man West Virginia // 2011
Aug 22, 2024

Due to time constraints and age factors, I try to limit my rides to an hour. The other day, I took the wrong turn on the trail system and ended up riding for over 2 hours. I enjoyed it. It was like running or swimming. I got a second wind and the second hour actually felt better than the first despite the climbs and heat.

1 reply

OhioFatBiker Ohio // 2016
Aug 19, 2024

It’s all about time. If my schedule had bigger openings I would probably have a bigger average. But I am somewhat consoled by the fact I’m in good company. Seems like everyone has similar constraints

1 reply

clueders92 Missouri // 2023
Aug 19, 2024

My average seems lower than the typical voter (probably 5-6 miles). I do a common ride for about 4-5 miles 2-3 days a week (weather permitting) after work, or over lunch. This trail is only a few miles from work/home, so it's an easy way to get in a 30 minute ride while still being home for dinner. When I have more time (weekends, vacations) I tend to ride longer 6-10 miles.

1 reply

UpstateMTBGreg South Carolina // 2020
Aug 19, 2024

My general rule/goal is to ride for at least as long as the total round trip drive time. Plenty of shorter options near to Greenville, SC too for shorter (1 hr) rides too.

1 reply

Schmidt911 England // 2019
Aug 22, 2024

Of course this question should be limited to mountain bikers and not ebikes. It is completely irrelevant to motor bikes.

1 reply

AUTHOR

Jeff Barber Georgia // 1998
Aug 22, 2024

Why, because eMTBs have limited range? 😆 30mi+ could be pushing it depending on where and how you ride one...

0 reply

mtbiz84 Pennsylvania // 2024
Aug 19, 2024

when I'm in shape 10-20 miles, this season 5-10mi lol

1 reply

Timkennedy Georgia // 2015
Aug 22, 2024

1 hour 40 minutes 12 miles

0 reply

m.krupp Kentucky // 2018
3 weeks ago

1-1.5 hours and when I have more time 2 hours. I thought it was odd that this question was based on mileage. Most people I have ever rode planned their rided based on time. Unless of course they are training for an event. I would ride further if I had the time. I experience for me and those I ride with is that we would all ride more and further but responsibilities get in the way and limit time.

0 reply

J.A.M. Colorado // 2017
Aug 19, 2024

1.5 hours

0 reply

The406 Montana // 2024
Aug 20, 2024

1.5-2 hours, 8-12 miles, and +/- 1,500 feet elevation gain

0 reply

JBird Ohio // 2013
Aug 23, 2024

2 hours

0 reply

jstack11 New York // 2007
Aug 23, 2024

2-3 hours at least 1000 feet of climbing

0 reply

Davey Martin Western Australia // 2021
Aug 19, 2024

3 to 4 rides per week , 2 hours depending on weather.

0 reply

abigail613 Virginia // 2024
Aug 19, 2024

The average ride is 10-20 miles, though weekends would skew that more heavily if I didn’t ride nearly every weeknight. LOL.

In July alone, I rode nearly 580 miles, almost all of them mtb. Which is also why I give people a blank stare when they ask what my “other” hobbies are. LOL

0 reply

bthomas101 Colorado // 2012
Aug 22, 2024

Impressive! 580 miles would be a good season for me!

0 reply

Peter Shirley Colorado // 2024
Aug 19, 2024

1:45 for 10-15 miles

-1 reply

JSTootell 2017
Aug 19, 2024

I would literally have to go figure out my average, I don't have a typical ride. But I do feel like anything less than a couple of hours is a waste of time, so I'll jump on my road bike instead (where I can get more time).

For reference, I did an XC race Saturday that was 2.5 hours (Pedalpalooza). Today I did about 4 hours of moving time at Mammoth bike park (50 miles). I don't just do normal MTB rides.

-1 reply

Tagged: survey, community

First published August 18, 2024 @ 3:23:00