Training Tips for Cycle India
Here's some useful tips to help with you with planning a training programme for Cycle India. The event is 341 km over 5 days of cycling which is manageable for all reasonably fit people, although there are a few hils to deal with so we recommend all cyclists to ensure that they are fully prepared:
1. If you haven't cycled for a while, start with a 30 minute ride every second day. After 2 weeks increase the length of the ride to about 45 minutes. A month into your training build up to at least an hour 2 - 3 times a week.
2. Find stretches of hilly terrain in order to experience the difficulties of cycling uphill and changing gears.
3. Learn to use your gears properly. You should not be in too low a gear on flat or slightly rising terrain otherwise your pedalling rate is too frequent and you will be expending unnecessary energy.
4. Your training programme should include some “off road” cycling. This is more difficult than normal riding on a tarmac surface - particularly the use of gears and when cycling downhill where the weight of the body should be on the pedals rather than the seat.
5. By a month before departure find time to cycle 2 full days i.e. 6 - 7 hours per day to allow your body to acclimatise to the idea of non stop cycling. Remember to take regular breaks and drink plenty of water. Depending on the terrain, you should aim to cycle at least 50 miles a day.
6. Spinning and working out on a bike in the gym is also useful to get your body used to cycling.
Please be aware that Cycle India is not a race, and there will be assistance for anybody who finds any of the days too tiring.