Training program recommendations

[Howard Levitt]

I'm planning to ride the Northern Tier, west to east, starting in late May/early June of this year.  I currently ride around 130 mi/week.  Can anyone recommend a 4 month training program to get me into shape for 350-400 miles per week?  I will be riding a relatively light bike, with sag support for my gear.  Any advice appreciated.   

[indyfabz]

I'd probably up the mileage some as the start draws closer. But more importantly, you should work up to being able to tolerate long days in the saddle. 130 miles/week could 5 rides of less than 30 miles/week or it could be two 65 mile rides/week. Being able to do the latter would be more helpful, especially if they are back to back rides.

And get used to hills. The NT smacks you in the face early. Assuming you are camping, you will have this climb around day 3:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18434028

If you will be staying indoors, the day will be even longer and feature more climbing in the "foothills" between Newhalem and the above, which starts at Colonial Creek Campground, the last development before Washington Pass.

[DaveB]

Another consideration is to get used to riding your bike when it's loaded with the weight and distribution of your touring luggage.   It will feel and handle quite differently from your regular unloaded rides. 

[RussSeaton]

I'm planning to ride the Northern Tier, west to east, starting in late May/early June of this year.  I currently ride around 130 mi/week.  Can anyone recommend a 4 month training program to get me into shape for 350-400 miles per week?  I will be riding a relatively light bike, with sag support for my gear.  Any advice appreciated.

Training for bicycling?  Bicycling provides its own training.  The more you do, the better you get.  In your last four months, lose as much weight as you possibly can.  Off your body.  Get fit!  Get healthy!  400 miles a week is an easy 60 miles per day.  You can ride that starting at 3-4 PM and have an easy evening bike ride.  Or start early in the morning and be done by mid morning.

[canalligators]

I really like Brian Martindale's article from years back.  It's complete, customizable and no nonsense.  On this site go to Resources / How To Department / Bike Travel Basics / Getting in Shape for Touring.

It sounds like you've already done the first step. Next will be some strength training, then distance, then loaded distance.

[Howard Levitt]

Thanks, everyone - appreciate the advice.  I especially appreciate the recommendation to the older article, Cannaligator.  I'll be ready for this tour by the end of May.

Another question - recognizing that saddle comfort is highly individual, can anyone point me to a saddle that you really love for a long tour (6 hrs per day on the bike)?   

[John Nelson]

Asking for saddle recommendations is fraught with peril, but I'll jump in anyway. It may or may not be for you, but the Brooks B-17 is at least worth a try. About half of touring cyclists swear by it, so it clearly warrants your consideration.

[Howard Levitt]

Thanks, John.  I had a Brooks years (decades) ago, and it was comfortable - I'll check out the model you suggested.  Howard

[staehpj1]

Another question - recognizing that saddle comfort is highly individual, can anyone point me to a saddle that you really love for a long tour (6 hrs per day on the bike)?

I really like the WTB Volt series of saddles.  That said I am not very fussy about saddles and would happily ride another coast to coast trip on any of the saddles that came with my bikes.  I used to like my Prologo Kappa the best, but find the Volt nicer.  I usually stick with the saddles that are on my bikes, but if I were to bother to switch saddles for a long tour, I'd put the Volt on.

I think that by allowing myself to do some long mileage on any saddle that I have on my bike I generally find that it is okay once I adjust to it.  I rode the Trans America with the cheap saddle that came with my Windsor Touring and was okay with it.  I thought it was terrible when I first tried it, but after a few hundred miles of adjustment period I decided I would stick with it and it has been fine.

On Brooks saddles...  The one B17 that I have owned was my least favorite saddle of any that I have owned.  It was just okay when new and got worse as it broke in.  It eventually got pretty uncomfortable when fully broken in.

[indyfabz]

Terry Men's Liberator Gel for me.

[Ddanny]

I will have to be getting on one of these training programs soon. It's good to know what they have instore for me.