Want to take 1st bicycle tour

[maximumrob]

Gents (and ladies),


I've been bitten by the bicycle bug, but with a demanding job and 2 young kids, I daydream about cycling more than I actually pedal. I'm lucky to get out twice a week for 10-15 miles each time and generally sit completely idle at an office job. Used to be athletic, still think of myself as athletic, but mid-30's have caught up with me.

I've picked a couple long distance rides I wish to tackle. 1st choice is a ride from the McDonald Observatory in Alpine, TX down to Big Bend. 2nd choice is Pig Trail in Arkansas. #2 will probably win because of proximity alone. I'd like to try the Katy Trail in Missouri but they prohibit camping along the trail.

What do I need to know? I wish to camp along the way and probably haul a trailer behind the bike. Used to tour by motorcycle and assume many of the same principles apply. Please commence knowledge sharing...

...now!


Thanks!

 

[haven]

I helped friends prepare for an organized coast-to-coast ride. The key was a gradual increase in time in the saddle. Overall speed isn't important, but your body needs time to adjust to the bike.

Work with a bike shop to get the bike properly fitted to your body dimensions. Getting your bum conditioned will take many miles in the saddle. Hand grip positions need to be carefully evaluated. It's real easy to develop hand numbness and carpal tunnel-like injuries in your hands.

I'd recommend some weekend rides with sag wagon support (or with a friend on standby, waiting for your cell phone call) so you can stop if you're feeling an injury developing.

Good luck with your preparations!

 

[frgtwn]

I visited a friend in Fort Davis, TX (where the observatory is), and then did the Fall Folliage Tour in Arkansas a few weeks later. (In my Tacoma.)

Far west Texas is new to me, but, man what a great place for two-wheeling. (Motor, or self-propelled.) I would chose Texas in a heartbeat for a first tour. Although it is a much higher altitude, the grades are not going to be as steep. And the views can be described in miles, not yards. Nothing like it.

Of course, I love Arkansas as well, so there's no loss by choosing it.

I would, however, not take a trailer. You can get along quite well with front and rear panniers. If it won't fit, don't take it. If it will fit, and it is not necessary, don't take it.

All the advise given so far is spot on. Often, I find that it is easier to condition with a group doing organized rides. Later, you will want to add weight to your bike so that the experience is not a total surprise. And, the rule of thumb, as true in running as well, regularly train at half "race day" distance, and you can make it fine on the big day. However, for bicycling multiple days, it is good to train multiple days as well. Saturday, Sunday perhaps, if that is the best you can do.

One thing that I have learned, and can now count on it is this: Conditioning after a hiatus can hurt, but I know that that pain is temporary, and leads to a responsive body.

And mid-30s seems young.
Dale

 

[preacherman]

I live in west Texas and have been a lfe long cyclist. I would be hesitant to recommend the Ft Davis ride as your first long ride. It's hard, long, lonely, and remote. There are very few places to bail if something goes wrong and some parts would be a long way from anything. What some people also forget is that some of it is at altitude. It may be better to start with something a little shorter and in closer proximity to civilization if anything happens.

Just my .02

 

[Miatch]

I know this thread is a few months old but nevertheless, http://www.bikekatytrail.com/ has great resources to plan your trip on the Katy trail