Originally Posted by
The Historian
So folks, if I get a 'bent, say, at the end of January or February, do you think I'd be acclimated enough to it to use it on Spinnaker's 390 mile GAP/C & O tour in June? I live in PA, so riding in the winter is problematic.
> Spinnaker's 390 mile GAP/C & O
Is this a supported tour? What are the daily mileages and expected pace? I presume if it is canal path, the climbs will be moderate. What is your current cycling experience and fitness?
Sometimes people with the most biking experience find adjusting to riding a recumbent more difficult than more casual riders. Some of this is expectations.
There are several issues regarding recumbent acclimation:
0) bike selection and adjustment (leg extension, handlebar reach, seat recline)
1) different muscles (more quadricepts)
2) different technique (spin, faster cadence helps)
3) handling (knowing how the bike reacts to steering input and road surfaces)
4) confidence (relaxed comfort on the bike)
It's tough to generalize, but I think if you feel confident that you could make this ride on an upright, your should be able to prepare for riding it on a recumbent in the time frame you mention.
Good luck,
Jon