How Fit Do You Need to Be for a Beginner Cycling Tour?
You do not need to be an athlete to join beginner cycling tours in India. Most itineraries are designed for people with average fitness levels. Preparing a few weeks before departure can make the experience more enjoyable.
Instead of focusing on speed, prioritize time in the saddle. The goal is to build cardiovascular conditioning so you can ride day after day without extreme exhaustion.
Recommended preparation includes:
Weekly Volume: Aim for 3 to 4 rides per week, totaling 4 to 6 hours.
Pace: Keep most of your rides at a conversational "Zone 2" pace- an effort level where you can speak in full sentences. This builds aerobic endurance without burning you out.
The "Long Ride": Build up to completing a ride that is about 75% of your tour's average daily distance on the weekends.
Cross-Training: Add strength training (focusing on your core, legs, and back) and yoga to improve flexibility and balance, which helps prevent saddle soreness and back pain.
Consistency is more important than intensity when preparing for your first cycling holiday. India is one of the most rewarding destinations for cycling enthusiasts. From peaceful mountain roads and scenic valleys to charming villages and cultural landmarks, the country offers routes that are ideal for riders who are new to cycle touring.
Beginners often look for journeys that combine manageable distances, comfortable accommodation, good road conditions, and memorable landscapes. Fortunately, there are several excellent options that provide exactly that.