Going From 0 to Touring in 2 Summers --

[shootingstar]

I've never been on a paid organized multi-day, multi-week group bike ride.

Instead only 1 group ride with 10 family members and friends ..300 kms.

All other weight loaded touring rides ranging from 300 kms. to 1,200 kms. have been with my partner, who is a touring, long-distance rider, cycling advocate, etc. He leads , I follow along carrying my own weight on the bike. Southern Ontario, Quebec, Maritime Provinces and here in Northwest Pacific Region. We did some loaded touring rides in Europe recently last month.

He makes up the routes by connecting bike routes, roads, etc. He has a serious collection of bike maps...internationally by now.

For time being just ride happily and far with food for energy for 4-6 hrs. with rest stops per day at least 1-2 times per wk.

Keep a cumulative log of your riding mileage. That was a real motivator for me during the first few years of returning to cycling.

Note: Several of my jobs, I had to start work at 8 am. I wanted to start early and end the work day early. So it meant I was cycling to work starting at 6:00 am to give myself time change at work, have a coffee/snack before work.