training for 260mile trek for charity

chazfirth

hi
i am about to start training for a huddersfield to brighton bike ride taking place at the end of april, i am currently a mtb'r but and chaning to road for this as its for the yorkshire air ablulance charity, maybe one day i might need them but hopefully not, i can manage about 25 miles off road riding at the minute but i was wanting to get fitter for the ride as its 260 miles taken over 3 days and i dont want to be suffering too much each night, i was wondering whats the best training to do in the gym as well as been out on the bike, i am 6'2" and weigh around 17 stone, hoping to drop to at least 15 for the ride any tips?

Wooliferkins

Cross training, cardio and upper body work really. Your legs will get the work they need on the bike. I rowed and used the cross trainer with some additional core strength work which has kept me much more stable on the bike.

Karl2010

You'll be alright Chaz..
It sounds like a long distance but once you've done it you'll think "wasnt so bad"

As an example:

I did my first 100 mile in May 2010 after 80 miles i was suffering and didnt want to carry on, but i did carry on. 2 Hours after the ride had finished i was thinking, "actualy its not that bad"
1 Week later i did 280miles in a week and it was easy. Although i did have a bit of saddle sore..

You might want to make sure your saddle is setup comfy and get some Chammios cream.

Just get some 50 > 70 mile rides twice a month or so and you'll be alright.
Good luck with it.