Training & Nutrition - Help to train for a 5 day tour

Hello all, I need some tips/help.
I am going on a recreational tour that consist of 5-6 50+ mile stages.

I think I can do the ride but I am not sure as to I usually only ride about 20 miles but do so often.
What can I do or do I need to do till then to be sure I can make the rides besides the obvious ride 60 miles a day. Or is that what I need saddle time?

Please give advice.

Thank you.

A lot depends... How much time you have to train, acclimate; expected weather, usually not a problem on bike tours but if at altitude you will have to pack some wind jackets or an extra layer of insulation as it begins to cool off above 4-5000 feet.
You really need to do at least two back to back 50 milers. Main problem you need to look into from a comfort POV is will your crotch tolerate this and feet sometimes have problems at 40+ miles that weren't apparent on shorter rides. Longer rides can result in skin chafing or abrasions at the crotch from clothing friction or pressure pain from long saddle time. Noxzema liberally spread about will reduce skin irritation so have it or a similar cream (Bag balm, Udder cream, Chamois butter are other options) with you just in case. I suspect the fitness part will not be that much of a problem. You may start out with sore legs on the 2d-3d day but after awhile the muscle aches will go away. Count on consuming close to an ounce of fluid per mile of ride and eating a substantial snack between 30 and 40 miles. Most people risk the bonk by 50miles and dehydration and running out of calories can kill the last 5miles.
Steve

Thanks for the advice, I am ok in the altitude dept. I currently live at 5100ft the almanac says it should be ok weather. The lube sounds good you never know. I have about a month so I think I have time to train up. Do you think I should just jump straight to a 50-60 mile ride now and see what happens and then build up or down if neccessary or just slowly build up by say 10 miles a week??

my advice would be to work on your core strength. by this i mean ride for longer periods of time at a heart rate in the 60 to 70 percent range. these tours do not make you ride very fast but you are expected to be able to make the distance . start by going 30 to 40 rides right away, but make sure to keep your heart rate in the correct range. this will allow you to increase your distance and time on the bike without becoming exhausted. after a few rides in the 30 to 40 mile range increase your distance to 50 and then 60 miles. by slowly building up your core strength in the next month you should be fine. make sure you do these distances on back to back days when possible. hope this helps have fun
bob

A bike tour of 50 miles aday is usually not done at race pace and usually there are stops for food water etc... the main thing is to know you can handle a 50 mile ride. My first tour I was so unprepared and ended up pulling off a decent week of cycling. the main thing is replemishing lost calories, adequate sleep and 5 pairs of bike pants! Massage can be a great advantage to. So in the month leading up to the tour I would pull off a few 50 milers to get into a comfort zone and food that works best take ear plugs and your favourite pillow! it will help get quality sleep!! Good Luck Suzy.