Touring - Looking for advice on 1600 mile trip, thread 2

I've posted a similar thread under the Long Distance forum.

Hi all,
I'm new, but I'm planning to attempt a 1600 mile trip from Houston, Tx to Cimarron, NM and back.
I'm looking for advice on training, gear, equipment and such.
I plan to take the ride in mid July of this year. It should take me about 28-30 days, depending on what physical shape I'm in (I don't have the experience to know how long it should take). I have not worked out an exact itenerary. This will probably be a solo trip, unless I find someone to go with me.
I particularly need advice on training, what styles of bike are best for this, and just the general feaseablility of this idea. Understanding how much this is likely to cost would be great too.

Any and all help I can get on this is appreciated.

Thanks,
Calico Daemon

If you click on my website: www.machka.net (http://www.machka.net) and then look for Packing List in the left sidebar (under Articles), you'll see a potential list of gear.


As for training and how long it should take you ... get a bicycle and go for a ride today and see how you feel. If you're really new to cycling, aim for maybe 5 km. If you're a little more experienced go for something a bit longer. Then do it again the next day. Gradually build up your distance, but don't forget to include a day or two each week for rest.


See also the MEC website: http://www.mec.ca/AST/ContentPrimary/Learn/Cycling/TripChecklists.jsp

Training is basically just lots of local riding, working your way up to confidance that you can ride repetitive 60 mile days. Some load the bike for this, some don't. I don't. Alternantly, you could count on finishing your conditioning on the tour, working your way up to the needed daily avg. You'll have 14 hours of day light to do the mileage. 6 hrs riding or less, 8 hours of down time or more, plenty of time for rest and recovery.

I've transistioned to frequent gym visits to balance the upper with the lower. This could be particularly useful for a df cyclist where upper body strength is more important than for a bent rider. Overall condition will make for a more rewarding tour for either.

Hydration is another important thing to consider, as you'll be touring in the heat of summer. Don't let your pee turn yellow. Always carry more water than you think you'll need to reach the next supply point. 2 liters minimum. Figure on drinking at least 250 ml/pedaling hour, up to as much as a liter/hour, depending on temp.

Don't become calorie deficient or you'll bonk. Snicker bars can be you best friend. Coffee too. Or not, depending on your opinion about such. V-8 is great to balance an often vegetable poor touring diet, and for mineral replacement.

Touring is 90% motivation, 10% physical. Long as you got the motivation, you'll make it to Cimarron, most likely on time. Good luck.

Regarding bike, your first priority should be finding a bike that fits you. People tour all over the world riding all kinds of bikes, so any bike can be used for touring. But if what you're riding isn't comfortable for you, you'll not enjoy the tour. Or even not finish.

If you haven't ridden for a while, you could use some help from a good bike shop for fitting. They'll get you in the ballpark at least, you can make adjustments before the tour if/when you feel necessary. You'll have to do a bit of riding anyway, so you can use that to fine tune the ergonomics.

--J