Touring for a tour
01-08-15 | 04:40 PM
#26
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,423
Likes: 55
From: Chapin, SC
Bikes: all steel stable: surly world troller, paris sport fixed, fuji ss
Personally I never equate exercise-bike/trainer-riding/spinning-class with real-riding because they are not, although they are all excellent forms of fitness training for real-riding. The mileage and time mean very little, but the effort applied does.
01-08-15 | 05:01 PM
#27
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 793
Likes: 3
From: Australia
Bikes: A few
more info needed:
where will you be riding? flat land or mountains? short, steep grades or
long grades? riding though forest with canopy cover and wind breaks,
or open grasslands/along the coast?
what altitude? major change? you at fort jackson now, planning to ride
to tibet?
how about weather? heat/cold extremes, dry or humid, monsoon rains?
how much stuff will you be taking? tent, sleeping bag, 6 changes of clothing,
hiking boots, 8-track player, frying pans......have you piled it all together
and weighed it yet?
are your friends first-timers also? will y'all be training together? how
are you planning your route schedule? what about rest days?
you didn't mention what bicycle you'll be on....what gearing?
where will you be riding? flat land or mountains? short, steep grades or
long grades? riding though forest with canopy cover and wind breaks,
or open grasslands/along the coast?
what altitude? major change? you at fort jackson now, planning to ride
to tibet?
how about weather? heat/cold extremes, dry or humid, monsoon rains?
how much stuff will you be taking? tent, sleeping bag, 6 changes of clothing,
hiking boots, 8-track player, frying pans......have you piled it all together
and weighed it yet?
are your friends first-timers also? will y'all be training together? how
are you planning your route schedule? what about rest days?
you didn't mention what bicycle you'll be on....what gearing?
Last edited by azza_333; 01-08-15 at 05:06 PM.
01-08-15 | 05:01 PM
#28
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A spin bike is better than an exercise bike ... as I mentioned earlier, if you can get into spin classes a couple days a week, that'll help get you in shape for a tour. And personally, I find that an hour on a spin bike in a class with other people and an instructor and music, etc. makes the time go by quite quickly.
A trainer or rollers are possibly somewhat better than a spin bike. Do "commercial intervals" ... where you pick a 30-60 minute show you like, ride easy through the show, and ride hard during the commercials ... once or twice a week.
But best of all ... ride outside. Even in bad weather ... maybe especially in bad weather. During a 9 week tour, you'll have a decent chance of encountering bad weather somewhere along the way ... wouldn't hurt to encounter it while preparing so you can make decisions about clothing, mud guards, etc. Ride on a variety of terrain. Ride with bags on your bicycle ... at least some of the ones you'll be using. And ride ever-increasing distances.
The thing is ... riding ever-increasing distances on the bicycle you intend to use for the tour will help you identify fit issues and saddle issues and whatever other issues there may be ... and you'll have time to fix them.
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01-08-15 | 05:04 PM
#29
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 793
Likes: 3
From: Australia
Bikes: A few
more info needed:
where will you be riding? flat land or mountains? short, steep grades or
long grades? riding though forest with canopy cover and wind breaks,
or open grasslands/along the coast?
what altitude? major change? you at fort jackson now, planning to ride
to tibet?
how about weather? heat/cold extremes, dry or humid, monsoon rains?
how much stuff will you be taking? tent, sleeping bag, 6 changes of clothing,
hiking boots, 8-track player, frying pans......have you piled it all together
and weighed it yet?
are your friends first-timers also? will y'all be training together? how
are you planning your route schedule? what about rest days?
you didn't mention what bicycle you'll be on....what gearing?
where will you be riding? flat land or mountains? short, steep grades or
long grades? riding though forest with canopy cover and wind breaks,
or open grasslands/along the coast?
what altitude? major change? you at fort jackson now, planning to ride
to tibet?
how about weather? heat/cold extremes, dry or humid, monsoon rains?
how much stuff will you be taking? tent, sleeping bag, 6 changes of clothing,
hiking boots, 8-track player, frying pans......have you piled it all together
and weighed it yet?
are your friends first-timers also? will y'all be training together? how
are you planning your route schedule? what about rest days?
you didn't mention what bicycle you'll be on....what gearing?
Altitude from sea level to about 2500m
Temp range fom 25 to -3 celcius (my currently climate is 25-45 celcius)
The gear I will be taking is 25-30kg (here i a link the the post where I have listed my gear, look at the last post) https://www.bikeforums.net/touring/98...l#post17428850
My friends are also first timers, except they dont commute, they are also my age though and very fit. we are planning one restday a week (only about 20km on the rest days)
I ride a Kona Sutra 2015 the gearing is 28/36/48 and 11-32 (9 speed) I also commute on this bike.
01-08-15 | 06:18 PM
#30
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,912
Likes: 1,242
From: Montreal Canada
Hadn't seen your posts about your trip, sounds neat. The sutra is a good solid bike, you should be able to change out the 28t granny to a 24 with no issues at all (most likely wont even have to touch the FD) This is a very easy and cheap way to get your gearing lower.
Re year weight, it will only come with trying out your list , but try to keep the weight down. Given the colder temps you'll be riding in, you will have to have warm tops and bottoms (fleece stuff perhaps) and good rain gear that can double as wind shells, jacket and pants. Being wet in cool temps really sucks, and layering stuff under good rain jacket and pants is very flexible for diff temps.
When are you thinking of doing the trip?
Re year weight, it will only come with trying out your list , but try to keep the weight down. Given the colder temps you'll be riding in, you will have to have warm tops and bottoms (fleece stuff perhaps) and good rain gear that can double as wind shells, jacket and pants. Being wet in cool temps really sucks, and layering stuff under good rain jacket and pants is very flexible for diff temps.
When are you thinking of doing the trip?
Last edited by djb; 01-08-15 at 06:22 PM.
01-08-15 | 07:13 PM
#31
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 786
Likes: 48
Age & fitness count huge. You could probably leave today, doing 120km/day for first three tour days and be fine, with only maybe a little soreness. By the fourth tour day you can open up 
If you have time & desire to train I'd recommend working up to doing back-to-back days of 80km/day. When you feel great after doing back-to-backs your ready to go.
No matter what you'll achieve a zen-like-oneness with your bicycle after two weeks on the road.
If you have time & desire to train I'd recommend working up to doing back-to-back days of 80km/day. When you feel great after doing back-to-backs your ready to go.
No matter what you'll achieve a zen-like-oneness with your bicycle after two weeks on the road.
You ass and your hands will dictate when to get off the bike for the first few days. It's easy to cover this distance if you have all day. Don't worry about being in great shape. You can do it given enough hours.
01-08-15 | 08:59 PM
#32
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,423
Likes: 55
From: Chapin, SC
Bikes: all steel stable: surly world troller, paris sport fixed, fuji ss
I will be riding the length of Japan and Korea, I'm expecting flat and mountains, through Forest and Ocean roads.
Altitude from sea level to about 2500m
Temp range fom 25 to -3 celcius (my currently climate is 25-45 celcius)
The gear I will be taking is 25-30kg (here i a link the the post where I have listed my gear, look at the last post) https://www.bikeforums.net/touring/98...l#post17428850
My friends are also first timers, except they dont commute, they are also my age though and very fit. we are planning one restday a week (only about 20km on the rest days)
I ride a Kona Sutra 2015 the gearing is 28/36/48 and 11-32 (9 speed) I also commute on this bike.
Altitude from sea level to about 2500m
Temp range fom 25 to -3 celcius (my currently climate is 25-45 celcius)
The gear I will be taking is 25-30kg (here i a link the the post where I have listed my gear, look at the last post) https://www.bikeforums.net/touring/98...l#post17428850
My friends are also first timers, except they dont commute, they are also my age though and very fit. we are planning one restday a week (only about 20km on the rest days)
I ride a Kona Sutra 2015 the gearing is 28/36/48 and 11-32 (9 speed) I also commute on this bike.
01-08-15 | 10:41 PM
#33
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 793
Likes: 3
From: Australia
Bikes: A few
Hadn't seen your posts about your trip, sounds neat. The sutra is a good solid bike, you should be able to change out the 28t granny to a 24 with no issues at all (most likely wont even have to touch the FD) This is a very easy and cheap way to get your gearing lower.
Re year weight, it will only come with trying out your list , but try to keep the weight down. Given the colder temps you'll be riding in, you will have to have warm tops and bottoms (fleece stuff perhaps) and good rain gear that can double as wind shells, jacket and pants. Being wet in cool temps really sucks, and layering stuff under good rain jacket and pants is very flexible for diff temps.
When are you thinking of doing the trip?
Re year weight, it will only come with trying out your list , but try to keep the weight down. Given the colder temps you'll be riding in, you will have to have warm tops and bottoms (fleece stuff perhaps) and good rain gear that can double as wind shells, jacket and pants. Being wet in cool temps really sucks, and layering stuff under good rain jacket and pants is very flexible for diff temps.
When are you thinking of doing the trip?
01-08-15 | 10:46 PM
#34
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,912
Likes: 1,242
From: Montreal Canada
sorry to hear, but that will certainly give you lots of time to perhaps try an overnighter, or a weekend trip, or whatever, to see if its something you enjoy. not to mention lots of opportunity to figure out what to take, what fits in your bags, what is too much, yada yada yada....
01-08-15 | 10:54 PM
#35
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 793
Likes: 3
From: Australia
Bikes: A few
sorry to hear, but that will certainly give you lots of time to perhaps try an overnighter, or a weekend trip, or whatever, to see if its something you enjoy. not to mention lots of opportunity to figure out what to take, what fits in your bags, what is too much, yada yada yada....
[TABLE="class: cms_table, width: 555"]
[TR]
[TD]Riders Gear[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]1 Riding long-sleeve top[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]1 pair pants & Shorts for cycling & padded underwear[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]1 pair runners (for riding in)[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]1 pairs of socks[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]1 Watch[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]1 pair sunglasses(field gear)[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]1 bike helmet[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]1 helmet mirror[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]1 warm weather riding gloves[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]On Bike[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Front and Rear Light[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]2X 1L Water bottles[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Bike Lock[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Garmin touring GPS[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Rear/Front Panniers(Water Proof)[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Rain/wind Jacket [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Rain/wind Pants [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Hootchie/Tarp[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]1 pair waterproof socks[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]thermal bottom and top[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]1 skull cap/balaclava[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]shower caps x2 (waterproof helmet and also for leather seat)[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]2 t-shirts[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Riding suit[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]1 pair pants for off the bike[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]1 pairs of socks[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]2 pairs of underwear[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Trash Bags[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Mirco Fiber towel/or hand towel[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]casual shoes (for clubbing and off ride excurions)[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Long sleeve over shirt[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]1 toiletry bag with shampoo, toothbrush, etc[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]sleeping bag[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]poof mat[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Tent[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Top Tube Bag[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]camera[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Mobile Phone & Headphones/ Ipod/ phone with data plan or portable wifi[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]sunscreen[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Passport/wallet[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Common[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]3 Cutlery[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]GSI - Bugaboo Camper[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]knives, peeler[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Cooking Stove/and butane conversion head[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Laptop[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]zip ties[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]hoochie cord[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Pump[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Tyre Leavers/Patch Kit[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Spare Tubes (one for each bike)[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Bike multi tool W/ allen key set. Whrenches, screw drivers[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Spoke Wrench/spokes[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Fiberfix kit[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Adjustable Wrench[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Lube & Rag (for chain)[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]spare folded tyre (one spare for the group)[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
01-08-15 | 11:00 PM
#36
In Real Life
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 52,159
Likes: 773
From: Down under down under
Bikes: Lots
sorry to hear, but that will certainly give you lots of time to perhaps try an overnighter, or a weekend trip, or whatever, to see if its something you enjoy. not to mention lots of opportunity to figure out what to take, what fits in your bags, what is too much, yada yada yada....
I would suggest you do exactly what you've written in your title: "Touring to Tour" this coming summer. Load everything up and go for several weekend tours ... maybe even a 1-week or 2-week tour ... in your local area or perhaps slightly further afield. Have fun with it. Experiment with various gear. Determine where you're at with regard to fitness.
__________________
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01-08-15 | 11:03 PM
#37
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Joined: Jan 2003
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Have you toured with all that?
Try going on some short tours with it this year. Your list might be fine, but you might discover some changes you want to make.
Since you're not doing your big tour in 2015, here's a suggestion ... join Audax Australia and do some of the rides in your local area. Check out the Online Ride Calendar.
Audax Australia Cycling Club
They've got rides as short as 50 km, and of course, they go up from there. Randonneuring/Audax isn't touring, but since you're hoping to do long days on the bicycle, those rides would make for decent training.
Try going on some short tours with it this year. Your list might be fine, but you might discover some changes you want to make.
Since you're not doing your big tour in 2015, here's a suggestion ... join Audax Australia and do some of the rides in your local area. Check out the Online Ride Calendar.
Audax Australia Cycling Club
They've got rides as short as 50 km, and of course, they go up from there. Randonneuring/Audax isn't touring, but since you're hoping to do long days on the bicycle, those rides would make for decent training.
__________________
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Last edited by Machka; 01-08-15 at 11:28 PM.
01-08-15 | 11:34 PM
#38
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,912
Likes: 1,242
From: Montreal Canada
Re a list and what you actually use/dont use on a trip--I still try to remember when I get back from a bike trip to jot down on my list of what I really didnt see, what I would have liked to have had, stuff I had that saved my keester comfort wise...or whatever, just so next time by the time I've forgotten these things, they're on paper.
01-09-15 | 01:18 AM
#39
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,814
Likes: 434
From: Thailand..........currently Nakhon Ricefield, moving to the beach soon.
Bikes: inferior steel....alas....noodly aluminium assploded
broken arm delay will work to your advantage. doing this as your first tour could easily
be disasterful (or not....). do as the others advise, load up and take some short tours.
overnighters, 3-4 days, then a full week.
you prolly will want to change your gearing. i'd go with a 22-32-44.
being 'fit' doesn't necessarily equate to an ability to do a long-distance loaded cycle tour.
i doubt arnold (i'll be back!) could have pedaled a loaded bike more'n half a mile. train
for what you gonna do.
get your buddies to train as well.
and think about actually, you know, resting on your rest days. get off the freakin' bike
and do something different. go hiking. go swimming. stay in a hotel and sleep.
be disasterful (or not....). do as the others advise, load up and take some short tours.
overnighters, 3-4 days, then a full week.
you prolly will want to change your gearing. i'd go with a 22-32-44.
being 'fit' doesn't necessarily equate to an ability to do a long-distance loaded cycle tour.
i doubt arnold (i'll be back!) could have pedaled a loaded bike more'n half a mile. train
for what you gonna do.
get your buddies to train as well.
and think about actually, you know, resting on your rest days. get off the freakin' bike
and do something different. go hiking. go swimming. stay in a hotel and sleep.
