Long-distance Bicycle Training

[Cyclefrance]

Hi Grant - Always seem to start these things late at night.

Your a tad bigger than me (160 lbs and 5'10"), but I suspect that most reputable bike makers will increase the overall strength of their models as they climb up in frame size - at 6'8" you are definitely going to want a large-frame!

I don't know much about the Transamerica Trail (bugger-all if I'm truthfull!), but if it's like most American routes then you'll have long stretches without much need for navigation so you should increase your average mph and thereby miles per day. A bit different over here - if the World Tour materialises, make sure you make contact when in the SE UK and I'll treat you to some Surrey lanes and hills!

Common-sense stuff, but I'll repeat it all the same - take a few inner tubes - better to change a tube than try to loacte a puncture when on the road and up against time – you can repair the puncture overnight when you have more time. Tyre levers, puncture kit and a good pump (I use a Cyclaire now), plus a selection of allen keys and spanners plus a combo-screwdriver should cover most on-the-road repairs. Good waterproofs ( including boot/shoe covers - rainwater drips nicely off leg-ins straight on to your shoes and socks), and a few bottles of water/energy drink and energy bars to keep you going when the route is devoid of any means to buy food and drink (happens more often that you’d think).

May be worth talking to a few other tourers on the British CTC (Cycle Touring Club) forum, for more tips and ideas.