looking for tips on beginning bike training

[Frannyk]

I am a fairly new biker who started to ride last year on a tri-bike for my long distant rides (32 miles once a week) but realized that was not good for my back. I am in the process of buying a new bike at my local bike shop but I don't know how much to ride weekly to train for a 6 day (50 mile a day) bike trip I am taking in August. Any advice? I am fairly fit and love to ride. Also, should I cross train? Speed Walk too?

[alpinerabbit]

I'd do

some yoga for the back - you will get enough endurance from cycling.
switch to a comfortable racing or touring geometry
make sure you ride back-to-back, to get your butt and legs used to it.
Start with riding 2-3 days back to back
up long rides to 50 mi.

and when you do the ride, stay conservative on the speed so you don't trash yourself.

[tulip]

Everything alpinerabbit said plus Pilates for me. I do more Pilates than yoga, although I do both.

Welcome to the great world of cycling. Have fun!

[solobiker]

I was doing a lot of riding back in 2000 and at the end of the season my back was not happy at all. I could not ride more the 6-7 miles without significant pain. I really focused on my core strenght, yoga and had my bike fitted by a professional. Actually the person who fitted it to me was a PT and a bike racer so she was quite knowledgeable. Good luck and have fun