Originally Posted by
divtag
As far as the other posters, they may not be fully understanding the shape one needs to be in. "Just get out and start." Sure that works if you can ride for 30+ miles already. However, let's say you are done at 10? Then you really can't just get out and go. Riding 3 miles (one way) to work or doing 10 miles on the weekend is a far cry from a week of 40+ per day with hills and gear. On the other hand, I am encouraged that I do not have to be Lance Armstrong and can be a regular rider and be able to do it.
Read Post #16 again:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.p...9&postcount=16
Whether you're going to tour or not, it is a good idea to get into shape and lose weight. Our bodies are designed to work at their optimum when we're in shape. If you teach physical education or health classes, you know that.
And the best way to get into shape is to "just get out and start". When I first started cycling "seriously" 19 years ago, I rode 2 miles on my first ride and had to take a break after the first mile. But that didn't discourage me at all ... I continued to ride, and to build up my distances.
So you're starting with 6 miles a day and 10 miles a day on the weekend. Great. Next week, ride your usual 6 miles on 3 days, and then ride 7 miles on 2 of the days ... take the "scenic" route home. On the weekend, go for 11 or 12 mile rides. Keep some days shorter, you need those for rest days, but gradually build up the rest of the days over a period of about 4 weeks, then cut back a little on your 4th or 5th week to give your body a chance to rest a bit, and then start building up again for another 4 weeks or so.
Have a look at what the clubs in your area are doing and see if there's a century ride going in August or September. Many century rides offer 3 distances: 50 km, 100 km, and 100 miles. By August 50 km (30 miles) should be too easy, so you'll consider the 100 km (60 miles) or possibly even the 100 mile ride. These kinds of events are great as a goal, and for getting out and meeting other cyclists etc. They are often put on by cycletouring clubs, or are at least well attended by cycletourists.
You might also consider a weekend tour in August or September too. Weekend tours are great ways to figure out your gear needs - do you need to pack this or that, or not, etc. They are also a good way to help determine if cycletouring is really for you.
As you're building up, ride in all sorts of terrain and in various weather conditions. If it is a bit windy, go out and ride. If it is threatening rain, go out and ride. When you're on a tour, you don't get to pick just nice warm sunny days with no wind. So it's good to ride in a variety of conditions to see how you and your gear handle the situation.
So go ... start riding!