How Long Is a Double Metric?

Recreational long-distance cyclists have a progression of goals. The first aspiration may be a metric century ride. Then they graduate to a huge accomplishment—a 100-mile century ride.

If cyclists want to go one step beyond that, a double metric is the way to go.

More: 12 Training Tips for an Ultra-Distance Ride

"Most people don't realize that a double metric is not really that much of a reach from an organized century," said Steve Phillips, an avid cyclist who frequently covers double-metric distances and beyond.

Featured Events

So... just exactly how far is a double metric?

The answer is that a double metric is a 200K event, which equates to about 124 miles. The distance is popular in brevets, which are self-sustaining rides that fall under the discipline of randonneuring. A 200K is the shortest distance for a brevet (distances of 300K, 400K, 600K and 1,200K are also common).

More: An Introduction to Randonneuring

Whether you do a self-sustaining brevet or take part in an organized double metric with lots of support along the route, tackling a 124-mile bike ride is a giant accomplishment that will probably take at least nine hours to complete. By the time you finish up, you will have traveled a distance equivalent to:

• A ride from Los Angeles to San Diego.
• A ride from Cincinnati to Columbus, Ohio.
• A ride from the Gulf coast of Florida to the Atlantic coast of Florida, such as Naples to Fort Lauderdale.

More: How to Prepare for an Ultra-Distance Event

Putting it in context of well-known cities, it's plain to see that a double-metric ride covers A LOT of ground--and is a tremendous accomplishment as a result.

As the popular saying goes, "If it were easy, everybody would do it."

More: 10 Tips to Get You Through a Long Ride