My usual ride is 35 miles. When the weather is good, I try to ride that 2 - 3 times a week on a mildly loaded touring bike (front bag full of tools, etc and 1 pannier holding clothes).

As a tour approaches, I slowly add full weight to the bike and increase my frequency to 3 - 4 times a week and my distance to 50 miles. I also do back to back days to accustom my legs to riding that often.

If possible I try to plan a short day on the first one or two tour days, but generally I'm ready to go at full pace and distance when I start.

If I am flying to my starting point, I am generally off the bike for a week before a tour due to maintaining, uncoupling (S&S), and packing the bike.

Ray