Training advice before first major tour

[RobinS]

We (myself and the wife) did a 3500km tour around France and Northern Spain early summer this year. Everyone kept asking how much training we would do / had done - but, we did a short tour the previous October, then got on our bikes again to cycle into Plymouth to get the ferry to Roscoff as the tour started. The first week was good training for the second week, the first two good training for the next two etc. By the time we got to the Pyrenees we were plenty fit enough! And we are not fit youngsters, so training is not actually needed at all.

 

[RobinS]

And - we found that after the first 1000km any discomfort from sitting on the saddle, or back/neck tension had gone.

 

[Ice2911]

If the saddle on your bike at present is satisfactory, don't change it, similarly if existing trousers/shorts are satisfactory there is no need to change. Padding is optional, if you feel comfortable without, why bother? Stick with toe clips if they have served you well in the past.
Don't allow yourself to become overawed by LEJOG, it's just a series of day trips, but much more enjoyable than day trips around your local area as you pass through new territory every day.

Thank you, seems eminently sensible advice. Like the idea of thinking of it as a series of day trips. Saddle, well I've never repeated a longish ride (for me) several days running so I'll see what happens and then make a decision.

 

[Ice2911]

We (myself and the wife) did a 3500km tour around France and Northern Spain early summer this year. Everyone kept asking how much training we would do / had done - but, we did a short tour the previous October, then got on our bikes again to cycle into Plymouth to get the ferry to Roscoff as the tour started. The first week was good training for the second week, the first two good training for the next two etc. By the time we got to the Pyrenees we were plenty fit enough! And we are not fit youngsters, so training is not actually needed at all.

Thank you, my only concern is most of my cycling is in a flat area and I know the first few days will be lumpy! Want to try and get ready for that but appreciate the advice how you build up as the tour is some of the training

 

[Ice2911]

Make sure you take in some hill training with all your kit on too My first solo tour was a bit of a rude awakening. I'd never ridden with a few days worth of gear on my bike & being flat as a pancake round here, hills were not my strong point. My first hill with a loaded bike felt like I had flat tyre, so stopped & checked, but no, it was just the extra weight. I ended up posting a load of clothes home after day 2

I appreciate the advice and will try and find some hills before hand.

 

[uphillstruggler]

have you got a turbo? if you cant train on hills, ramp up the resistance for seat in climbing but ensure you warm up first.

as mentioned above, the bike will feel different, especially with panniers on but it becomes the norm quite quickly. you could always start doing the shopping with the bike and panniers for that real feel moment. and the missus will think you're doing her a favour, double win

 

[Ice2911]

have you got a turbo? if you cant train on hills, ramp up the resistance for seat in climbing but ensure you warm up first.

as mentioned above, the bike will feel different, especially with panniers on but it becomes the norm quite quickly. you could always start doing the shopping with the bike and panniers for that real feel moment. and the missus will think you're doing her a favour, double win

I like your thinking, a double win is always good. Haven't got a turbo but will see how I go and maybe next investment. Have to admit to being a more fair weather person so with winter coming it may be a sensible option.

 

[uphillstruggler]

I like your thinking, a double win is always good. Haven't got a turbo but will see how I go and maybe next investment. Have to admit to being a more fair weather person so with winter coming it may be a sensible option.

Ah, but what you gonna do if it chucks it down whilst you are on tour. It's part of the training

 

[andrew_s]

The first week was good training for the second week, the first two good training for the next two etc. By the time we got to the Pyrenees we were plenty fit enough! And we are not fit youngsters, so training is not actually needed at all.

A problem that can happen if you take this approach is sore knees, especially if you are younger and/or fairly fit from some other (non-cycling) activity, and dive straight in rather than taking if easy to start with.
Basically the pushing muscles get stronger faster than the knee stabilising muscles, the kneecap gets pulled slightly off straight over the joint, and rubs.
The exercise is straight leg lifts - leg held out horizontally, with or without a modest weight (eg 2-pinter of milk hooked over your big toe).
In some respects it would be better to JOGLE rather than LEJOG - Cornwall/Devon is quite a bit hillier than Scotland, on most routes, so you would be trained up by the time it gets steep.

For training, I'd figure that if you can ride for 2 or 2 1/2 hours without stopping (traffic lights etc excepted) and without any ill effect other than a bit of tiredness, you are good to go. At this point you'd stop and rest in a café, pub or whatever, and refresh yourself for another leg.

 

[Ice2911]

Ah, but what you gonna do if it chucks it down whilst you are on tour. It's part of the training

Riding with an umbrella is challenging. Would you have waterproof trousers or just dry your legs later? Usually do the later but at risk of answering my own question guess it depends on the temperature as well. Obviously have a decent rain jacket.

 

[mjr]

have you got a turbo? if you cant train on hills, ramp up the resistance for seat in climbing but ensure you warm up first.

Or just go out into the bleeding headwind. About 30% speed reduction from that earlier this week - not sure what gradient that equates too.

As for rain, I use rainlegs for longer rides. It's waterproofing for the front of the thighs to stop the muscles getting too cold, without the boil-in-the-bag effect of full trousers.

Shorter rides, I use a cape, but I'd get fed up with that after an hour or two, so it's not a touring option.

 

[uphillstruggler]

Riding with an umbrella is challenging. Would you have waterproof trousers or just dry your legs later? Usually do the later but at risk of answering my own question guess it depends on the temperature as well. Obviously have a decent rain jacket.

Funnily enough, I've just had a promo email from the outdoors. They have a reasonable looking rain jacket for 22 English pool pounds, might be a start.

Then padded shorts with lightweight zip off leg trousers if it gets cold or for evening wear.

http://tenn-outdoors.co.uk/products/unisex-swift-jacket

 

[Ice2911]

Or just go out into the bleeding headwind. About 30% speed reduction from that earlier this week - not sure what gradient that equates too.

As for rain, I use rainlegs for longer rides. It's waterproofing for the front of the thighs to stop the muscles getting too cold, without the boil-in-the-bag effect of full trousers.

Shorter rides, I use a cape, but I'd get fed up with that after an hour or two, so it's not a touring option.

Ah, always headwind it seems when I ride, the trouble riding in The art Anglia I guess. I appreciate your advice.

 

[Ice2911]

Funnily enough, I've just had a promo email from the outdoors. They have a reasonable looking rain jacket for 22 English pool pounds, might be a start.

Then padded shorts with lightweight zip off leg trousers if it gets cold or for evening wear.

http://tenn-outdoors.co.uk/products/unisex-swift-jacket

I appreciate the advice and link. Jacket looks good value.

 

[Ajax Bay]

@uphillstruggler has not got this jacket, not worn this jacket, has had a look at a picture of this jacket. Caveat emptor. If you want a jacket that might keep you warm and doesn't flap like a flappy thing, you'll be well advised to budget for more than £22.