Getting Ready
The Michigander Bicycle Tour suggests that you and your bike come prepared for a challenge. The best ways to get your body ready for the challenge is to ride, ride, and ride. Start riding in spring or early summer riding 1-2 times a week gradually increasing to 2-3 times a week and increasing your time and distance each week. Close to the ride, do back-to-back days of approximately 40 miles each day. An important thing is to get what we call seat time. Spend time on the bike to get your seat in condition for sitting long periods of time on a bicycle seat.
The following is a suggested training schedule. Depending on your condition and ability you may have to adjust to what works for you. Ride unpaved as well as paved surfaces to better simulate Michigander.
A mountain bike or a hybrid (mountain/road) bike is recommended.. The trails surfaces can be anywhere from unimproved, gravel or paved, and the road surface can be gravel or paved. Check at your local bike shop for recommendations on tires.
Most of the trails we ride this year are either paved or crushed limestone. For Road Bikes, one of our veteran riders shares:
"I have ridden this year's route a number of times with the Michigander. The sections of dirt roads and crushed limestone are manageable on a road bike and not too long. I have done it with 23s on my road bike and found the ride to be quite rideable. Riding with 25s does make an improvement.." ~Brian
MAY
Week 1: Day 1 Ride 10 miles, Day 2 - Ride 12 miles
Week 2: Day 1 Ride 12 mi., Day 2 - Ride 15 miles
Week 3: Day 1 Ride 15 miles, Day 2 - Ride 18 miles
Week 4: Day 1 Ride 20 miles, Day 3 - Ride 30 miles
JUNE
Every Week:
Day 1 Ride 15 miles
Day 2 Ride 15 miles
Day 3 Ride 15 miles
Day 4 Ride 40 miles (week 1)
Day 4 Ride 45 miles (week 2)
Day 4 Ride 50 miles (weeks 3 & 4
JULY
Repeat the method from June, but on the 3rd and 4th day to back to back 40-50 mile days.
