Getting in shape to tour

[Blueberry]

I'm trying to get a few people started on touring and they often ask how many miles should they be able to do before they start off on a tour. I had read somewhere that if a person could ride 40 miles on a ride they wouldn't have trouble doing 70-80 miles a day on a tour.

I think that might depend on how they felt at the end of the 40 miles. If they were comfortable - maybe. If they were dead tired and couldn't go another mile, then maybe not so ready. I also think terrain and whether they'll be loaded makes a huge difference - loaded in the mountains - again, maybe not. Supported tour on flats - probably OK.

[emily_in_nc]

Agree with Blueberry. 40 miles unloaded is not really the same as 70-80 loaded unless the 40 miles is hilly and the tour is flat!

When we were training for our 9-day self-supported tour in very hilly country (Finger Lakes and Adirondacks), we made sure we had ridden several back-to-back long days (each weekend day for a few weeks ahead of the tour). We also took one two-day shakedown tour, which I highly recommend. We loaded up our panniers with a similar load as we'd have on the tour and on a Saturday, rode similar mileage on a relatively hilly route to a town about 60 miles away, spent the night in a hotel, and rode home on Sunday.

To me, the most important things were getting my azz ready to ride in the saddle day after day, making sure I had shorts that worked well for me, and hillwork. I always spin, so didn't worry about my knees.

Good luck! Touring is such fun.

[Sky King]

Agree with Blueberry. 40 miles unloaded is not really the same as 70-80 loaded unless the 40 miles is hilly and the tour is flat!

When we were training for our 9-day self-supported tour in very hilly country (Finger Lakes and Adirondacks), we made sure we had ridden several back-to-back long days (each weekend day for a few weeks ahead of the tour). We also took one two-day shakedown tour, which I highly recommend. We loaded up our panniers with a similar load as we'd have on the tour and on a Saturday, rode similar mileage on a relatively hilly route to a town about 60 miles away, spent the night in a hotel, and rode home on Sunday.

To me, the most important things were getting my azz ready to ride in the saddle day after day, making sure I had shorts that worked well for me, and hillwork. I always spin, so didn't worry about my knees.

Good luck! Touring is such fun.

Couldn't have said it better myself! Of course, I would encourage relax, enjoy and try not to get hung up on miles in the day (okay sometimes that isn't possible but always my goal)

[Crankin]

In retrospect, I should have trained more for my trip to France. Although the mileage was not huge (30-50 miles a day), there was 14,000 ft. of climbing in 5 days, and the heat was unbearable for me. And, I didn't even attempt to ride up Mt. Ventoux. I did it, like I said I would, but I was suffering. Part of it is on these trips to Europe, I am eating and drinking way more than usual, and frankly, that is also an important part of the trip for me. My stomach and whole body, really, are very sensitive, but I think riding in 80-90 degree heat was what pushed me over the edge.

[emily_in_nc]

In retrospect, I should have trained more for my trip to France. Although the mileage was not huge (30-50 miles a day), there was 14,000 ft. of climbing in 5 days, and the heat was unbearable for me. And, I didn't even attempt to ride up Mt. Ventoux. I did it, like I said I would, but I was suffering. Part of it is on these trips to Europe, I am eating and drinking way more than usual, and frankly, that is also an important part of the trip for me. My stomach and whole body, really, are very sensitive, but I think riding in 80-90 degree heat was what pushed me over the edge.

I can imagine! The heat and the intense climbs, coupled with eating rich/more foods than normal and drinking as well...that would do me in as well. And I totally understand! If I were fortunate enough to travel to Europe, you better believe I'd want to enjoy the amazing food and wines even if it meant my cycling would be somewhat compromised!