No matter how far you intend to ride. To the next town, across the country or the all day weekend ride there and back .Which ever, you'll need to prepare your bike for long distance bike riding and prepare your muscles (and your bottom) in order to go the distance. Firstly, it is important to have the correct bike, try getting a touring bike. They are designed for touring and you can go long distances at a decent speed and without worrying much about breakdowns and a difficult ride.

Your touring bike should have a strong aluminum or steel frame with sturdy wheels and cantilever or V brakes. You should be able to go into both low and high gears for hills and flat stretches. You should be able to put on pannier packs, especially for very long distance bike riding. Water, Water Water - de-hyradation can kill. Not likely on a normal bike ride, but always be prepared. The last thing you want is to have the last drink from your water bottle and your still 60 klms or so from "civilisation".So ensure you have as many water bottle fixing points are possible . I also suggest you chart the amount of water you drink on your training rides.This will give you a guide as to how much you will need, daily on your adventure.. Drop handle bars allow you to have reduced wind resistance while riding. Make sure it is mechanically simple so there is fewer breakdowns and increased ease of fixing anything that might go wrong.

A fender/ splash guard on your bike might be a better idea than you may think. Tyre guards and water proof clothing are important. The last thing you want is the "skunk Spine" from splash off the tyres. You should also ensure your gears and chain are regularly cleaned.. A touring bike will start at about $1200 and can go higher than $2500 if you buy a high end bike.

Mountain bikes or road bikes are not out of the question for long distance bike riding. Tyre selection depends on your intended route - Cross country tyres don't offer speed, they are for traction. Road tyres, by definition are quick, but ensure you get a road tyre that will "last" .Stronger side walls, wider than normal road tyres but with a finer (less chunky ) tread. So, once you know where you are going ,spend quality time choosing the right tyre.. Remember that, while these may be cheaper bikes, it costs money to modify them for the road so keep that in mind.

For long distance bike riding, you'll need to be able to carry your belongings. The right bike frame is critical. You need to have a frame strong enough to carry panniers. You need a frame that is stronger than the speed merchant road bikes. You also should consider a bike with simple gearing and wheels. Again simple equipment means ( mostly) less weight in parts to carry, means it will be easier to find replacement parts and hopefully less chance of break down..

Don't forget, the heavier the panniers, the more difficult the bike will be to handle.Experiment with the "right" weight.The lighter you can travel the easier the experience will be.. Road bikes often don't even have the rack mounting eyelets you need for putting the panniers on so this makes for a problem in modifying the bike. If a touring bike does not , for whatever reason, suit, a mountain bike is the next best option. A strong frame, with pnuematic and or spring suspension. BUT, ensure you get a road tread..

Recumbent bikes make for good long distance bike riding because they aren't hard on the butt when you ride all day and you're more aerodynamic being so close to the ground. You can't stretch or shift around on a recumbent bike, however, so your joints and muscles may get stiff. Recumbent bikes can be fitted for storage areas so you can hold all the stuff you need on your long distance bike riding tour.

The time you need to prepare for a long distance ride, depends on a couple of factors.Your starting level of fitness ( be honest with your self) is obviously important. Your attention to endeavour is also critical. You have heard this before, I am sure - the harder you work the better you will get, quicker!.. Fitness , as with any sport , should be gradually worked on, Obviously, the training rides should mimic the intended long distance ride, The first thing to do is look at the distance intended to travel, and then work out the daily kilometres /miles needed over the time available.Then once you are feeling up to it, do a test ride of the intended daily distance required.You will soon find out if you are fit enough.. Don't over do the first week or two. If you go too hard too quickly, you run the risk of injury and long periods of muscle soreness.. You know the old saying "uphill, downhill, good weather, bad weather, headwind, and tailwind".

It is important, when preparing for a long distance ride, to practice in all conditions.You will be extremely fortunate, if you have a blue bird day every day with a constant 18 deg temperature. Hail rain sleet and shine - even wind and dusty environments need to be explored. Note that the weight of the panniers will affect the center of gravity and your balance.Thus you need to experience how the bike handles in varying conditions. Practice riding fully loaded so that you can get the hang of how your bike will interact with you and the heavy weight it will carry.

If you're using a trailer instead of panniers, practice with the trailer as much as possible and load it down so you get the muscle strength necessary to ride with a trailer that has all your gear in it.