We recommend starting your training as soon as you can. Indoors, putting your bike on a trainer or spinning classes, can always get you off to a great start. We understand that life happens and maybe your family obligations get in the way or you have snow on the ground (sorry), well don't worry. You can still get the training that you need to be ready.
But what does it really take to get ready? Well get out your calender and answer these 5 simple questions.
1. What is the start date of the event you are preparing for?
2. How much time do you have between now and the event to train?
3. Can you ride during the week or do you only have time on the weekends?
4. How many miles can you bike comfortably now? (Comfortably means that you can bike the mileage and feel great the next day versus feeling like you are sooooo sore).
5. What is the average daily miles you will be doing on the event?
So for example, if the bicycle event you have registered for is an average of 60 miles a day, and right now you can comfortably bike 40 miles a day, you know that you need to increase your training so you can comfortably ride 20 more miles in a day. How do you do that?
Just gradually increase your training ride by 5 miles a week. In just 4 - 6 weeks you will be able to bike comfortably another 20 miles and woohoo you will be ready for the tour! The key to enjoying any bicycle tour is the the amount of time that you spend in the saddle (for recumbent riders in the seat) in preparation.
Remember tours are not a race, you generally cycle 30 miles before lunch and 30 miles after.
If you are looking for a training program:
Try the Official Bike Wisconsin® Training Program. It is our partnership with Specialists in Sports Performance.
There are also tons of resources on the web, apps and books galore.
- Cycling Past 50 by Joe Friel. Don't let the title fool you, it's a great training guide for a week- long tour no matter what age you are. It has been highly recommended by many of our customers (and we have used it too).
- Bicycling Magazine's Guide to Bike Touring: Everything You Need to Know to Travel Anywhere on a Bike by Doug Donaldson. See sample 8 or 10 week training programs here.
-Outside Magazine's "How Do I Prepare For a Cycling Tour?" (this is a 16 week long training program, perfect for the SAGBRAW bicycle tour).
- Sun Cycle Center has a century and a 9 week training program.
- Sun Cycle Center has a century and a 9 week training program.
So have fun training and reach your training goal. You can do it!!!
Come join us on a Bike Wisconsin® tour!
You are ready to ride, and you're going to have a great time.
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| Popeye and the crew put in the saddle-time and are really enjoying the ride! |
