Advice: I want to increase fitness for touring in 3-4 months' time

[Nicolato]

Hello Cycle Chatters.

Is there anyone out there with good ideas for starting to get cycle fit again? I am 49 years old and pretty good shape - just not fit enough for a european touring holiday later in the year, which is my objective. The only slight complaint I experience in my body when I ride at the moment (mostly commuting over short distances) is a slight ache in my knees sometimes.

If you have some relevant experience and advice, and you would like to pitch in - I would be very happy to hear from you.

Many thanks, Nick.

 

[raleighnut]

Is your saddle high enough?

 

[vickster]

Get out and ride your bike as much as you can. Build up the distances gradually

 

[ianrauk]

Get out and ride your bike as much as you can. Build up the distances gradually

This^^ nothing beats just riding your bike.

 

[snorri]

I am 49 years old and pretty good shape - just not fit enough for a european touring holiday later in the year,

You will get fitter as your tour progresses, so might not need to undertake any extra fitness programme, much depends on the mileage you are covering at present.
Just enjoy your holiday and don't put unneccessary pressure on yourself by setting unreasonable targets and I think you will be pleasantly surprised at what you manage to achieve on tour.

 

[Debade]

I have done a lot of touring. I would do a few things. 1) Ride more often and further distances, perhaps 3 to 4 days per week. I do not think you need to ride fast. Not sure how far you are planning to tour per day but 25 miles or so for training would be a great and you do not need to have a loaded bike. You can work up to the distance if 25 miles is too far to start 2) For your knees, it might be worth a bike fitting which should help analyze seat height, hand position, back position, etc. As someone pointed out, you simply may not be in the right position which could cause knee pain. Perhaps your LBS can help with this 3) The following is simply my feeling but nothing really to support it. I think doing other exercise is great but perhaps more important is some form of stretching. Stretching position is critical so you get the proper stretch and you do not hurt yourself. I think many people do not effectively stretch so you might need to get some help. I know I did. Hope this helps.

 

[toffee]

Hello Cycle Chatters.

Is there anyone out there with good ideas for starting to get cycle fit again? I am 49 years old and pretty good shape - just not fit enough for a european touring holiday later in the year, which is my objective. The only slight complaint I experience in my body when I ride at the moment (mostly commuting over short distances) is a slight ache in my knees sometimes.

If you have some relevant experience and advice, and you would like to pitch in - I would be very happy to hear from you.

Many thanks, Nick.

As well as what everyone else has said I would get used to the extra weight of the luggage you will be carrying.

Mrs T and I have been out every weekend we can with panniers on with the approximate weight we will be carrying on our tours this year. Nothing worse than thinking you are ok at the distance then get caught out with the extra weight.

Derek

 

[steveindenmark]

As for your knees. Cycle a bit over spinning speed. Dont try grinding away in high gears. Take your time, its not a race. Have short days. I started a post about how far people rode a day while touring. You should read it.

 

[screenman]

Read French Revolution by Tim Moore