To train, or not to train? That is the question.

[oldfatfool]

I
If you look on my bikeroutetoaster link and go on the summary page .Between 10-20k I did the Capsacosta up to to 870 meters - that had me blowing I can tell you. Between 20 and 40km it was a gradual incline until I reached the 40km mark. I then 10km of switchbacks to the summit, walking the last few KM's..... cursing the weight I was carrying. I was stopping on every switchback, constant eating and fluid intake.

That's quite worrying.

Out of interest what gearing where you running?

This was my route last Sunday http://www.brytonsport.com/mapTrackView?id=446003 how would you say it compares in terms of required fitness, if bike and everything else equal. Slightly less height gain, a little longer and the ascents are shorter but probably steeper.

On that ride it was same bike and carrying approx 17kg less than I will on tour. I appreciate that a loaded bike will require more effort but in terms of gearing on that ride the lowest I dropped to was 38 x 34, If I drop to granny I have 22 X 34 available.

Thanks Andrew

 

[alans]

When I was planning my E2E I sought advice from various individuals who had gone before me wrt training.
I was advised by a very much respected,by me, 3(IIRC)xE2E veteran that pre-ride training beyond a few miles regularly with the touring kit on the bike would get me fit enough.**
This low key approach appealed to the lazy aspect of my character & so I did even less than this.
On day 4 I was buzzing
At the end I was fit for nothing
hth

ETA your proposed training pre-tour riding regime seems good enough to my mind.
bon voyage
** the theory being that I would ride into fitness

 

[oldfatfool]

I was advised by a very much respected,by me, 3(IIRC)xE2E veteran that pre-ride training beyond a few miles regularly with the touring kit on the bike would get me fit enough.
This low key approach appealed to the lazy aspect of my character & so I did even less than this.
On day 4 I was buzzing
At the end I was fit for nothing
hth

ETA your proposed training pre-tour riding regime seems good enough to my mind.
bon voyage

Yup I can see the appeal of that

et merci monsieur

 

[ufkacbln]

Depends on what you call training.
A couple of weekends with overnights would enable you to refine the kit you are using and give yu a feel of how you are packing and carrying the gear. You will also get an idea over how you are managing with the bike when loaded

May be more beneficial than clocking miles.