So I'm planning a biking trip down to Maryland in a few weeks, about 250 miles from where I am. I need some advice. My friend and I have thought of some of the things we'll need; scouted out campsites, planned mileage per day and general route (we're planning to do the trip in 4 days)- we're borrowing those sidepack gear to help things along. But, there's still a lot we don't know. For instance, if we're used to biking 50-60 miles in 4-5 hours once a week, how much harder will biking 60 miles per day for 4 days be? We're not in any special hurry. We'll probably spend 8 hours a day covering those sixty miles, stopping along the way to check out sites, eat, etc. But how much of a difference will the slower pace make in terms of fatigue? Also, is there anything in particular you eat- besides just generic grains- to help you recover from rides like this?
If anyone could answer these questions (and offer any general advice) it'd be really great. Anyway, thanks in advance.
If you're 60 or 70 years old there might be a question of recovering from 60 miles day after day. But otherwise I don't think so. I wondered about that before getting back into touring in my early 50's. I've stayed in shape and ride frequently but would there be a cumulative effect after several days? Not in my case. I got stronger and more fit as the days went on.
As someone who has done a lot of touring, my take is that you've got the right approach and that you're going to be fine. The key is to ride at a sauntering pace. If you were to hammer the hills for example, you could burn yourselves out early--sort of like someone who decides to run 15 miles a day as opposed to walking 15 miles a day. Enjoy your ride!
