How to prepare for a long bike trip?

[vocalheiress]

I'm planning on bicycling up the northeast coast for 2 weeks. What are some good ways to physically prepare for this? Also any tips? Thanks in advance =)

[InquisitiveMale]

I love bike trips! So much fun. Do you plan on camping out or renting a room for sleeping? I recommended camping out. I tend to plan accordingly so that at the end of the day I always end up at a location where I can pitch a site in cover of forest. It enhances the experience.

Best tip would be to make sure you legs are used to hard work. If you're not an avid biker, you're going to have some discomfort after the first day, no matter how much physical training you commit to doing. You're legs will be sore but after continuing on they will eventually go numb. Same thing works with butt. Sure you can get a comfortable seat like Hyrule recommended but after a couple days your ass is still going to hurt. Like your legs eventually you'll be numbed and won't feel it anymore.

Also pack light but don't skimp out. Bring everything you need or you think you'll need and also some things for comfort. Things like your ipod with a battery powered charger and especially toilet paper! Nothing sucks more then having to go in the brush and cleaning yourself with poison ivy. Been there. Done that.

One other thing, depending on the conditions of your trip you may not need it, but I always find it handy to bring a water purification kit, and some electrolyte fluids. Water is your most precious resource and you're going to use up allot of it along your trip. It's also heavy.

p.s. Get a good backpack with an internal frame and harness for comfort and stability. Definitely a wise investment.

[vocalheiress]

This is really good advice lol thank you! Def camping out...it's my first biking trip ever. I am very active already but this was extremely helpful. Now I'm even more exciteedddddd :D!

[InquisitiveMale]

If it turns out its something your into I would really recommend you go check out some parts of the Trans Canada Trail at least once. Over 16,000km with some of the best landscapes you'll ever see. Portions of the trail up in British Columbia that go through the Rocky Mountains are really something special in my opinion.

[martyfellow]

Do weight work for your quadriceps, first of all, and your other long leg muscles. You'll need these for long bike treks. Watch for knee pain! At the first sign of that stop and rest.

Have an instructor with experience at working out core muscles, deep leg and hip muscles like the sartorius.

[countrybelle]

I did a ninety mile cycling challenge back in the summer and I recommend you shave wax your bikini area it makes things a lot easier and comfortable. Drink plenty of water preferably with electrolytes you'll need tons of energy also def pack light and pace yourself just like you would in running

[vocalheiress]

thank you! the whole shaving issue hadn't even crossed my mind, waxing would be a lifesaver lol

[rachiee]

Dress warm, its cold over there. But you want to prepare your legs as much as possible. Don't just ride on your bike to prepare yourself but run and do other cardio as well.

[Hyrule]

Ehh, bike a lot :P also make sure you have a comfortable seat/cushion since it is a long ride.