dash of chutmeg

I'm applying for a Bike and Build tour in the summer of 2010, which means I'm looking to prepare for a cross-country bike trip. I'm a 24 year old guy, 5'9" 145 lbs in decent shape, but I know it's going to take a regimen to get into "riding-3800-miles-in-three months" shape. I don't need to lose weight, obviously, but cardiovascularly, I'm not ready yet.

Some questions:

-Is weight training effective for biking? Squats, leg press, etc.? I've read that increasing one's strength for low-rep sets does very little for the long-distance cyclist because of how little force is used with each pedal stroke. Any thoughts? Any personal experience?

-Interval training: does it work?

-Recovery time after a 60-mile ride: how long is too short?

-Carb intake: how much is too much?

Thanks!

theschwinnman

Weight training- From what I've read, it is of no real benefit for cycling (unless your a sprinter), it is a decidedly anaerobic activity, whereas cycling is aerobic, and you use different muscle fibers for each.

Interval Training- I use it, I'm almost certain it works better than just riding.

Recovery Time after a 60 mile ride- During the summer I do that every other day during the summer, and the other days I do 40 miles, I take weekends off. So I don't really have any recovery time.

Carb Intake- I eat as much as I think I should (I'm not much of a help on this issue).

Good luck on your tour, I'd love to do something like that.