Cycling the distance of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, while gaining a massive amount of elevation, through good and bad weather, and loaded with gear seems like quite a challenge. Of course, there are other factors like overall fitness, average pace, and most important (I think) the number of hours in the saddle each and every day.
I got asked if I already have training schedules and how I will train for this adventure. To be honest, I have no schedule at all. I will continue with my regular rides with my bike friends. Considering the fact that I already have good overall fitness, I expect that I mainly need to train my bottom and hands/wrists, the main contact points during daytime riding. My saddle and handlebar will replace my office desk and chair for many weeks.
Together with my son, I had a trip with a couple of nights on free-to-stay small basic campsites, to test some of the bags, tent, and sleeping system. Of course, I will also include additional efforts related to riding the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. For example, additional rides with bags & gear to sort out the best distribution of weight / items, how the setup handles being off-road, etc.
In the end, I will believe most of the body will adapt to daily cycling and will grow stronger. As read on many blogs, days 3-5 may even be amongst the hardest, when your body tries to adapt to the daily routine of cycling.
Update: unfortunately COVID paid me a visit in May. In the first week, I felt a couple of days like having the flu (a bit miserable but not enough the call in sick). After that, I noticed that it did have some impact on my overall fitness. Running upstairs, intervals on the bike, etc. had me exhausted. A couple of weeks later things had improved already although it just did not feel like before. However, my bike computer told me a (much) better story than I actually felt. I do need (even) more sleep compared to pre-COVID. All in all, I am confident (hope) that this will not have an impact on my plans for riding the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route.