What to expect on the first packing tour

[Kirk]

In Sept. I'm going to embark on my first bikepacking tour.  Unfortunately it will be mostly pavement this time.
For some frame of reference http://backcountryjournal.blogspot.com/2012/07/230miles-to-unreal-adventure.html

The question I have is; Not being able to trail a whole lot (super busy at work) I may get 60mi/wk in, and really only having a month left to train, is pushing for 230-250 miles in 4-5 days a foolish idea.  What can a guy like me expect physically from my first trip, not super fit but not out of shape either, 6'1 185lbs.  I know not an easy question to answer, but if you would just share some of you experiences from your first ride.
Thanks.

[AZTtripper]

In the early days by big mistake was bringing too much stuff.

If you can go out for at least one overnighter even if you don't ride far before or after sleeping out. If you don't need something for one night most likely you don't need it for 3-4.

Sounds like your fit enough for an easy pace, remember your going to have all day to ride your 50 miles.

Best of luck have fun

Tim

[Done]

50 miles on the road is probably manageable with your level of training. Assuming, of course, that you don't need to climb many thousands of feet every day, since hills are generally harder than miles.

Like Tim said, you've got all day to do it. Find your "all day" pace and don't blow up by trying to go too fast. As the saying goers: Take it easy, but take it. Eat often and drink lots.

[LiiT]

You're gonna have a great time.  Beware!!! You're gonna get hooked and wonder why you didn't start bikepacking sooner.  On fitness, you'll be fine.  Some core work, grip work, air squats/lunges, pushups and plank holds are nice to do in the few weeks you have left, but sounds like you got it.  For my 1st trip, I did 250 mile/6 day after a year off the bike.  It was an appropriate amount of fun and abuse...Safety first!!!   btw sweet loaner bike, but you know it's a setup right?

[dobovedo]

Not foolish at all. I used to do the week long GOBA (Great Ohio Bike Adventure) which was six days of roughly 50 miles per day. 2000-3000 people do this ride every year and a significant number of them fall into your training description. Some don't train at all. They just hop on a bike because some friend/relative talked them into it. And most have a blast. (Note: on GOBA, riders throw their gear on to trucks each day, so it's not actually bikepacking.)

I've ridden with and talked to a lot of GOBA and other weeklong tour riders and the #1 issue for first timers is developing a sore butt. They simply didn't get conditioned to the saddle time. It's usually a minor issue and most everyone has fun despite a little bit of discomfort in the final days. While it's true that you will be in no hurry and have all day to go 50 miles, the longer you spend on the saddle the more it becomes a factor. If you have limited training time, try to at least make one ride a week as long as possible: 30-40 miles or a full 50. Make sure you have a good pair of padded shorts. I'm conditioned to doing multi-day tours of 100+ miles each day, and don't use chamois creams, but one thing I never leave home without: a travel size Gold Bond Medicated Powder. Feels great to put on after a full day in the saddle.

Also... don't forget to enjoy your surroundings! When riding for hours, sometimes it's easy put your head down and completely miss the world around you.

Best of luck and enjoy!

[Adam Alphabet]

As others have said, take it easy, don't push too hard.
I find riding back to back to back days even if those rides are only 30 minute commutes to work help me get used to how my legs feel on different days. Some days strong, some days flat, some days I just don't feel like pedaling, some days I could ride all day...etc

Also my (and I'm sure many others) rule no.1 for bikepacking: Keep the weight off your back. Happier hands and happier butt if you haven't built up the saddle time to toughen those things up.
Have Fun!

[offroute]

Kirk, I agree with others here that you'll be fine.

Hills and wind can take a toll, so keep your cool if you don't hit projected mileage any day. Expect "orientation" on the initial days and know it gets easier with successive days as long as you eat and drink. And if you do finish a day late? Make up a great story of mechanical triumph, survival, et cetera, for your work superiors if they're company drones who can't understand the needs of adventurers.

With limited training time, I'd max the intensity of every sesh.

Honestly, though, it's about making reasonable preparations and having a good attitude.

Happy trails...

[Kirk]

Thanks guys that helps.  I'm feeling more confident already and, even though I haven't taken the trip yet, the bug has already bitten....I'm hooked.
Now.......how do I get my wife hooked?  Hmmmm....

[offroute]

[sam.pederson]

Do a shakedown ride first. Ideally it would be an overnighter where you camp. But if you can't do that, at least go an a long ass all day ride with all your gear.

You'll figure out quickly what may be taking up too much space, what is critical, and what might fall off your bike. I do a shakedown ride before every bikepacking trip, even overnighters. I take my bike up to the local after work ride and hit up singletrack. It's fun, it gets me pumped for the trip, and it helps me dial my setup.

[Kirk]

I do plan a shakedown ride next weekend, and then I hope to tackle the first leg of the trip, 45 miles mostly uphill but all tarmac.
I did a long road ride 40+ miles last weekend, but on a road bike, mainly to see how my a$$ would do, OUCH!!
It was a horribly uncomfortable saddle and by mile 30 or so, it was done.  I found creative was to ride without sitting for more than a minute or two.