Touring - Day trips

I am planning and dreaming of when and where I will be able to bicycle tour. In the meantime-I take Sunday rides. For example-today I did 62km round trip. I am also entered for the local MS Tour in early August-which will be around 120km round trip in two days. I just Love it out there! I find these small steps towards a larger trip help keep me motivated-and help train me for the long days that will come. Does anyone else here train by doing short day jaunts like this?

I know exactly what you mean. Due to the nature of the small businesses I own and operate, I am limited to taking only short local juants up the coast, mountain, or desert for the time being. But I am learning a great deal from these micro-mini tours....... very useful when time comes when I'm able to take off for weeks at a time. I did a short overnight tour over the Fourth of July weekend up in the local mountains just a short distance from where I live in L.A. Here's that link from a couple weeks ago...

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=56824&highlight=bikepacking

JLD that is exactlt how I prepared for both of my long distance tours. The closer you get to take off, ride everyday.

Fixer -those are great pics!

If you have a campground nearby, you can load up and take a 2 day weekend trip. It's a good way to get used to the weight and handling of a loaded bike and it helps you refine your packing list.