Physical conditioning for LD rides?

[Max Wedge]

Are there any known 'training' rituals (it is winter here in Mi) to prepare for or help with LD rides? I know the better physical condition you are in the easier it will be, but does anyone have specific conditioning they do? I am going to pick Mrs. Wedges brain on this (she is an Occupational Therapist) a little more as she warms to the idea a little bit. (Her first advice was to increase my life insurance).

[KLRchickie]

Running (I run outside down to-20'C)
Cycling (We have a trainer to ride our bicycles inside)

Really, these thing are more for overall fitness ... But being more fit is remarkably helpful to enduring long days in the saddle.

We also weight train with the free weights in our basement as time permits - in recent winters our home renovations have precluded managing to weight train a whole lot.

[squeezer]

Well, the only real physical task for LD riding is supporting your body in roughly the same position for several hours.  So, core work to support your back and stretching to avoid cramps should be near the top of the list.

You don't really need aerobic fitness for LD riding. Given the benefits it brings to the rest of our life, we should be doing it anyway.  

[Nodaclu]

Running (I run outside down to-20'C)

 
You're officially a badass, and my new hero.  

[JReazor]

Yoga. Seriously. It'll improve flexibility, core strength and endurance. The meditative aspect can improve focus and help you push through any discomfort that does creep up.

[Cablebandit]

Ride.

[Max Wedge]

Ride.

I would do this, but Tourances+ice=bent handlebars.

I will have to look into yoga, I haven't thought of that. Right now the treadmill is all I do until spring usually.

[squeezer]

Yoga. Seriously. It'll improve flexibility, core strength and endurance. The meditative aspect can improve focus and help you push through any discomfort that does creep up.

That's a great idea.

[blakebird]

Ride.

it helps to be in shape....but seat time is the biggie IMO

[Cablebandit]

I would do this, but Tourances+ice=bent handlebars.

I will have to look into yoga, I haven't thought of that. Right now the treadmill is all I do until spring usually.

Try the Tourance EXP's.  

[Justin]

it helps to be in shape....but seat time is the biggie IMO

I'm in terrible shape..    But I can do big miles because I ride a lot.

[wibornz]

Ride alot, and work on long days in the saddle.  See if you can ride gas tank to gas tank to gas tank.  It will give you a good idea.  

[Max Wedge]

Ride alot, and work on long days in the saddle.  See if you can ride gas tank to gas tank to gas tank.  It will give you a good idea.  

I have no problem going tank to tank to tank, but I am looking to try and keep that stamina and reduce my spring break-in time, and make it easier to go tank to tank X10.

[Cablebandit]

... and reduce my spring break-in time, and make it easier to go tank to tank X10.

Ride year round as much as possible.

[sleazy rider]

   My first day on the bike come early spring usually sucks.  After that, it's ride, rinse, repeat.  It usually takes 250-400 miles to work the winter muscle aches out.  Take a couple vitamin I afterwards and get back on the next morning.  

[KLRchickie]

Ride year round as much as possible.

Conditions like these make riding long enough to use up a full tank of gas in one stretch of time pretty challenging.

[wibornz]

I also take an advil before I leave, then one mid day, then one at the end.  

[Max Wedge]

Conditions like these make riding long enough to use up a full tank of gas in one stretch of time pretty challenging.

Exactly. Or until I finally get that Ural.

[Windblown]

Practice sitting for long periods and load up on the carbs to help increase the natural cushioning for your rear.  

[Bounce]

PT Routine: start drinking heavily