So I'm planning a biking trip down to Maryland in a few days, about 250 miles from where I am. I need some advice. My friend and I have thought of some of the things we'll need; scouted out campsites, planned mileage per day and general route (we're planning to do the trip in 4 days)- we're borrowing panniers to help things along. But, there's still a lot we don't know. For instance, if we're used to biking 50 miles in 4 hours once a week, how much harder will biking 60 miles per day for 4 days be? We're not in any special hurry. We'll probably spend 8 hours a day covering those sixty miles, stopping along the way to check out sites, eat, etc. But how much of a difference will the slower pace make in terms of fatigue? Also, is there anything in particular you eat- besides just generic grains- to help you recover from rides like this? I have a pretty good sense of in-ride food, but it seems to me that the recovery diet is way more important for something like thi.

If anyone could answer these questions (and offer any general advice) it'd be really great. Anyway, thanks in advance.

60/day for 4 days will be considerably harder than 50 for one day a week. How much harder depends a lot on terrain and winds. You're right in allowing plenty of time each day to make the mileage. I've found fatigue to be lessened by maintaining a high spin rate, say above 70 rpm. Staying well hydrated and maintaining your blood sugar level is critical. In addition to regular meals, I rely on Snicker bars to stave off bonking. Maybe two or more on a 60 mile ride.

As for nutrition, I try to include a heavy dose of protein in my daily diet. This in the form of peanut butter, cheese, and meat. Post ride each day is often a pasta dish with vegetables and protein. Tuna, chicken, sausage. There is no "recovery" other than a good night's sleep.

The important thing is that you're in generally good shape (I assume) and that you have quite a bit of experience going those distances, even if it's only once a week. You know not to push it, to drink before you get thirsty, and so on. Other than that, the main thing is to take care of the minor problems before they become major (make sure the bike is in good shape before you go, avoid sunburn, treat chafing and saddle sores with Bag Balm, eat well, sleep well, wash up when you can, and so on). Also remember not to stress out if things don't go according to plan; you can almost always work it out with some thought and persistence (and maybe a little help now and again). You might be a little sore after four days, but that's about it. Good luck.

It all depends on how much weight you're going to carry and how many hills you have to climb.

I found that once I could ride 50 miles in four hours, that I could ride pretty much all day for as many days as I wanted... on an unloaded bicycle. But when you tie 50lbs of camping gear to the bike and then throw in some hills things start to get pretty difficult again! Especially true if you're trying to make your regular road or commute bike do double-duty as a touring bike and it doesn't have the right (read: low) gearing. My first rides on my loaded touring bike were pretty darn tough, and I was only carrying about 20lbs of gear for my credit card tour. Glad those rides were 6 weeks before leaving and I had time to sort out both fitness and the bike (read: gearing). Being in shape makes touring much more fun, I'd say...

I think it will be tough. If you're in shape it will be do-able but hard. If you've only been riding on weekends you'll probably suffer. The first day will probably be glorious, but the second day will be difficult and the third might be an ordeal. At least, that's the way it is for me. Taking lots of stops helps you not suffer so much, although it certainly impedes your progress. During the first three days of a tour I stop a lot. Later on I don't stop much because I want to get to where I'm going - especially if I'm worried about a campground being full.

I've taken quite a few longer tours - two weeks or more - and I don't really get into the groove until about the 4th or 5th day. Before that I'm pretty wimpy. The weight will change things a lot, especially if you have to climb a lot of hills. If it was me I'd add a day or two and lessen my daily mileage for the first 2 or 3 days. I'd also keep a day in reserve in case I felt I needed a rest day. I'm not one who schedules a rest day at regular intervals (one every X days). However, when I find a nice spot and when I feel like I could use a day with no pedaling, just relaxing, I take one and love it!

As far as eating goes, my only advice is to count on eating way more than you do at home. I almost always eat two breakfasts - oatmeal or a bagel in camp and a stop at a restaurant for "2nd breakfast". I have several snacks during the day and a big lunch, and my dinner is usually as big as I can manage.

I met a guy in Glacier on his first big bike trip - from Buffalo, NY to Portland, OR. He remarked to me something like, "Do you find yourself eating all the time? It seems like I'm always hungry. I can't believe how much I've eaten on this trip!" I smiled and said, "Yup," as I spooned the first course of that night's dinner into my mouth.

If you can ride 50 now unloaded.. You can ride 50 miles loaded. It's just going to take you quite a bit longer if you have hills and or wind to deal with. You have at least 14 hours of daylight. Start early and break often. Suggest something like 10 miles between breaks. Make them longer than a few minutes. Eat and drink before you're hungry. Repeat.

Also.... You will soon find out

Thanks for everyone's responses. I leave tomorrow!