Quote Originally Posted by emily_in_nc View Post
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)