Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Touring
Reload this Page >

Longest gap between training and touring?

Notices
Touring Have a dream to ride a bike across your state, across the country, or around the world? Self-contained or fully supported? Trade ideas, adventures, and more in our bicycle touring forum.

Longest gap between training and touring?

Old 04-05-19, 10:12 AM
  #1  
raybo
Bike touring webrarian
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 2,068

Bikes: I tour on a Waterford Adventurecycle. It is a fabulous touring bike.

Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 119 Post(s)
Liked 91 Times in 50 Posts
Longest gap between training and touring?

I've planned a tour starting in Florence, Italy to Bern, Switzerland (touring plans here) leaving on May 10. Before then, I have family obligations in the UK and 10 days with the wife in Tuscany with very little chance for any bike riding. I have been training hard and am in bike touring shape. But, I've never gone a month of little to no bike riding before starting out on tour.

How long have you gone between training and touring? Did the lay-off cause any problems?

I purposely have a couple short days to start the tour, though north of Florence is quite hilly, so even short days will be a bit challenging.
raybo is offline  
Old 04-05-19, 10:48 AM
  #2  
alan s 
Senior Member
 
alan s's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 6,977
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1496 Post(s)
Liked 189 Times in 128 Posts
I don’t train for touring, as my 30 mile rt commute and weekend riding is enough to keep my fitness level up. However, in the winter there can be prolonged stretches where I don’t ride due to the weather and other obligations. I’ve probably never taken a full month off, but even a week or longer is a good opportunity to rest and recuperate. You will likely benefit if you’ve been training hard, letting your body fully recover. A couple easy days getting back into it will be enough. Pro cyclists require rest periods after a few hard weeks of racing on a grand tour, or they will lose fitness.
alan s is offline  
Old 04-05-19, 11:02 AM
  #3  
MixedRider
Full Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Seattle
Posts: 206
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 37 Post(s)
Liked 7 Times in 5 Posts
As long as you are somewhat "active" and don't eat/drink too much, the time off should not dramatically decrease your performance. After three to four days in the saddle, you will start to feel like yourself again. The key is not to treat the time off as though it is Christmas.

I have taken 3 weeks off for a beach trip and did not have much issue. That included some swimming, beach walks, and eating somewhat healthy.
On the other hand, I have taken 2 weeks off during the holidays (big meals, desert, and beer!) and when I got back on the bike I felt like a pudge...
MixedRider is offline  
Old 04-05-19, 11:57 AM
  #4  
mev
bicycle tourist
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Austin, Texas, USA
Posts: 2,278

Bikes: Trek 520, Lightfoot Ranger, Trek 4500

Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 461 Post(s)
Liked 249 Times in 171 Posts
I expect part of the answer may be age related.

I have always been active and riding my bike anyways, so there hasn't been as much of an explicit "training" phase. The past 18 years I haven't owned an automobile and have lived in places (CO, OR, TX) where I've been fortunate to bike to work, errands and otherwise use my bike as a primary vehicle. Prior to that I did live in places (e.g. MA) where the roads were icy enough that I would do most my commuting in the months with daylight savings and drive to work over the winter months. So there was an occasion or two when I wouldn't have bicycled for a month+ - and then flew to a warm destination for a winter bike trip. I was younger and also active so it wasn't a big deal.
mev is offline  
Old 04-05-19, 12:46 PM
  #5  
alan s 
Senior Member
 
alan s's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 6,977
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1496 Post(s)
Liked 189 Times in 128 Posts

If you want a little more climbing, the route from Vevey to Montbovon is very nice. Also, if you have time, the historic train from Blonay to Chamby is a great experience. I didn’t ride it, but saw the train in Chamby.


alan s is offline  
Old 04-05-19, 02:17 PM
  #6  
seeker333
-
 
seeker333's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,865

Bikes: yes!

Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 282 Post(s)
Liked 38 Times in 36 Posts
Originally Posted by raybo
I've planned...
I suspect this varies significantly by individual, so bear in mind relative to my following comment.

Back when I was bicycling >25 miles a day 5-6 days per week, I definitely noticed a decline/loss of fitness after only a one week break. It was not like starting over from nothing, but I think my pace/time was down 10-20% from taking a week off, and required another week or so of bicycling to recover and get back up to speed. I think your concern about a month-long break is certainly valid. If there's nothing you can do about it (substitute walking/running), then there's no point in worrying. Try to not gain weight during the break, since it'll probably make the situation worse.
seeker333 is offline  
Old 04-05-19, 04:56 PM
  #7  
djb
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Montreal Canada
Posts: 13,191
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2731 Post(s)
Liked 952 Times in 783 Posts
Ive certainly gone out of my way to keep cycling before a trip, even to the point of riding in winter to keep the legs moving.
The times I have gone 3 weeks or whatever before riding, its been tough to a certain extent, especially with one of my knees that can be cantankerous ,and so I figure the wisest thing would be to plan the first bunch of days to be short distances km's wise, so at least you can take it easy ish and get ye ol bode back into the groove.

if it were me, that would be a priority, to be conservative for the first 2 or 3 days (or more) and not have to push too much.

Last edited by djb; 04-05-19 at 05:11 PM.
djb is offline  
Old 04-05-19, 05:50 PM
  #8  
andrewclaus
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Golden, CO and Tucson, AZ
Posts: 2,821

Bikes: 2016 Fuji Tread, 1983 Trek 520

Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 669 Post(s)
Liked 725 Times in 422 Posts
It probably takes about as much time to lose fitness as it does to gain fitness.

I've heard six weeks is the minimum time needed to really notice a difference, certainly in muscle mass.
andrewclaus is offline  
Old 04-06-19, 07:52 AM
  #9  
John N
Full Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Tulsa, OK
Posts: 451

Bikes: Co-Motion Americano Pinion P18; Co-Motion Americano Rohloff; Thorn Nomad MkII, Robert Beckman Skakkit (FOR SALE), Santana Tandem, ICE Adventure FS

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 169 Post(s)
Liked 64 Times in 48 Posts
You don't HAVE to train. Due to a hectic life schedule, I frequently go months without ANY riding then will "train" for 100-200 miles total before heading out on a month+ long tour. I do short days (20-35 miles) at first then add in 5 mile increments if possible. I'm mid-50s so yes it is a little tiring the first week but after day7-10, I am in good enough shape to ride in the Rockies. I also have very low gears to be gentle on the knees. Of course, I am not a speed demon at first but I get back to a 12mph average by week 2.

Yes, it is much better to train before the ride as much as possible but you don't have to. You just have to choose whether you would rather tour even though out of shape or not tour at all. For me it is the former.
John N is offline  
Old 04-06-19, 12:37 PM
  #10  
ironwood
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Boston area
Posts: 2,039

Bikes: 1984 Bridgestone 400 1985Univega nouevo sport 650b conversion 1993b'stone RBT 1985 Schwinn Tempo

Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 542 Post(s)
Liked 151 Times in 100 Posts
Being completely inactive for ten days might set you back, but if you stay active by walking, running or taking a few long hikes, there shouldn't be any problem. In fact it might help to be off the bike for a while. Besides if you are touring you can always stop whenever you want, and rest up before continuing.
ironwood is offline  
Old 04-08-19, 10:41 PM
  #11  
DropBarFan
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,150

Bikes: 2013 Surly Disc Trucker, 2004 Novara Randonee , old fixie , etc

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 671 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 49 Times in 43 Posts
I've never trained esp much for a tour due to time constraints but OTOH never laid off for a month. Only time the lack of training really hurt was on a loaded mountain tour. Maybe you could find a gym to work out in; run up bleachers or hills, do a lot of knee bends etc?
DropBarFan is offline  
Old 04-09-19, 02:43 AM
  #12  
djb
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Montreal Canada
Posts: 13,191
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2731 Post(s)
Liked 952 Times in 783 Posts
Originally Posted by DropBarFan
I've never trained esp much for a tour due to time constraints but OTOH never laid off for a month. Only time the lack of training really hurt was on a loaded mountain tour. Maybe you could find a gym to work out in; run up bleachers or hills, do a lot of knee bends etc?
The knee bends thing is a good one. I realize this is because of my knee issues, but it's very much my knees that need regular moving and the muscles worked regularly.
The rest (cardio, other leg muscles) catch up fairly well, but my wonky knee gets weak quickly, or hurts when not used enough and then I overdo it a bit too much.
djb is offline  
Old 04-09-19, 07:15 AM
  #13  
Leebo
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: North of Boston
Posts: 5,721

Bikes: Kona Dawg, Surly 1x1, Karate Monkey, Rockhopper, Crosscheck , Burley Runabout,

Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 854 Post(s)
Liked 111 Times in 66 Posts
Training? Hmmm. I just ride my bike? Mt bike, errands, weekend loops etc. 2-3 rides a week is good. 1-4 hours on each.
Leebo is offline  
Old 04-09-19, 08:20 AM
  #14  
revcp 
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA
Posts: 1,298

Bikes: 2017 Salsa Carbon Mukluk frame built with XT, 2018 Kona Rove NRB build with Sram Apex 1,2008 Salsa El Mariachi, 1986 Centurion Ironman

Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 286 Post(s)
Liked 100 Times in 65 Posts
Originally Posted by Leebo
Training? Hmmm. I just ride my bike? Mt bike, errands, weekend loops etc. 2-3 rides a week is good. 1-4 hours on each.
Yep, same here. Stretched my commute this morning for 22. Wasn't able to get on the bike yesterday, but did 5 miles walking the dog. Going home this afternoon will be another 10 on the bike, and I may be able to ride to work and home for a meeting tonight, for another 12, plus another total of 4 or 5 miles walking the beast. We are supposed to get a few feet of snow midweek, so no longer ride on Friday (my day off) or Saturday, so I'll have to get the dog out for longer walks. This is how I'm prepping for a 4K mile tour starting June 9. You get a workout when and where you can.
__________________
Don't complain about the weather and cower in fear. It's all good weather. Just different.
revcp is offline  
Old 04-09-19, 01:05 PM
  #15  
mihlbach
Senior Member
 
mihlbach's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 6,642
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 114 Post(s)
Liked 124 Times in 66 Posts
You don't need to train. Just wear this shirt...

https://www.cafepress.com/mf/1879176...ctId=110717317
mihlbach is offline  
Old 04-10-19, 03:20 PM
  #16  
fietsbob
Banned
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: NW,Oregon Coast
Posts: 43,598

Bikes: 8

Mentioned: 197 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7607 Post(s)
Liked 1,354 Times in 861 Posts
20 years?
fietsbob is offline  
Old 04-10-19, 03:52 PM
  #17  
djb
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Montreal Canada
Posts: 13,191
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2731 Post(s)
Liked 952 Times in 783 Posts
Originally Posted by fietsbob
20 years?
well you better get cracking there young man, no dillydallying!
djb is offline  
Old 04-10-19, 07:07 PM
  #18  
DropBarFan
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,150

Bikes: 2013 Surly Disc Trucker, 2004 Novara Randonee , old fixie , etc

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 671 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 49 Times in 43 Posts
Raybo says he's been training hard which I think is very good considering the hilly tour route. My local fun rides are OK to prepare for easier tours but don't give the extra fitness to make mountain climbing comfortable. It takes a lot of concentration to train hard on flattish areas but the more fitness before the layoff, the better one will be afterward.
DropBarFan is offline  
Old 04-10-19, 07:42 PM
  #19  
djb
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Montreal Canada
Posts: 13,191
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2731 Post(s)
Liked 952 Times in 783 Posts
and from my experience, along with the shorter days for a bunch of days, having gearing low enough to make it easier on your knees is important--again, this is my knees talking, but I figure its got to be a good approach for anyone, just to be easier on all your joints and muscles.
I make a concentrated effort to downshift more often than usual, and all parts appreciate it as they slowly get stronger.
djb is offline  
Old 04-11-19, 01:35 AM
  #20  
3speed
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 3,473
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 363 Post(s)
Liked 28 Times in 22 Posts
Find a gym near the places you'll be staying with a daily or weekly rate. Go hop on an exercise bike for at least an hour, a few times each week. I bet that'll keep you up to speed well enough that you won't notice much difference. Personally, I've never bothered riding enough leading up to a tour to be considered "training" anyway. My legs will get pretty beat the first 3-5 days, but after that it's all good. I actually went on one tour in February after probably not riding at all for a couple months(WI winter and moving to a new apartment). I was a little worried that time, but after the first three days, no big deal. Try to get on an exercise bike if you can, but if you can't, I say don't stress too much about it.
3speed is offline  
Old 04-13-19, 12:51 PM
  #21  
imi
aka Timi
 
imi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Gothenburg, Sweden
Posts: 3,227

Bikes: Bianchi Lupo (touring) Bianchi Volpe (commuter), Miyata On Off Road Runner

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 151 Post(s)
Liked 123 Times in 93 Posts
Spinning classes?
imi is offline  
Old 04-28-19, 10:16 AM
  #22  
Brett A
Word.
 
Brett A's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Rural New England
Posts: 232

Bikes: Surly Disc Trucker, Orbea Oiz XCountry Bike, Specialized Roubaix, Borealis Echo Fat Bike for Winter, many others out in the barn.

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 64 Post(s)
Liked 99 Times in 51 Posts
I have two thoughts: Years ago when I was working closely with a professional trainer for endurance MT bike racing, he had me take a full week off my bike before my "A" race which happened to be in the fall (The Vermont50). It seemed counter intuitive, but the results were solid. The theory being that the body benefits from a full recovery after a season of intense training.

Now skip ahead ten years and arrive at my second thought which is that I started a 1,000 mile tour last fall after putting less than 200 miles on my bike the entire 12 months prior. I was fine. My bike's geared low, I know my body, I was alone and I wasn't in a hurry.

You'll probably find yourself to be very strong and you might even be surprised at your comfort level after the rest. And if not, it shouldn't take too long to get back up to strength on the bike.
Brett A is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
kardar2
Touring
20
03-10-14 01:58 AM
calicodaemon
Touring
3
01-23-13 03:59 AM
madsen
Touring
17
05-11-12 10:49 PM
steve-in-kville
Touring
24
05-04-12 07:30 PM
Road Fan
Touring
18
05-09-10 09:36 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.