Originally Posted By: Steve C
I try to stay in shape with a good workout 3 days a week. Then, leading up to a big hike, I'll bike to work (8 mile RT) often, maybe bike on weekends. And also this:

Before a big day hike: No more than a week ahead, I'll go and hike something nearly as far as the planned hike, but less strenuous: less altitude or distance, but I try to do 2/3 or 3/4 of the planned hike in intensity.

Before a backpack: I load up my backpack with gallons of water and carry it every other night just go get the feet, shoulders and joints accustomed to doing that. First time it really hurts. Each subsequent time, it gets easier and I walk faster. I usually do these walks late at night so too many people don't see me and wonder at the kook walking around with hiking poles and a big pack. wink

...I have a big backpack trip coming up starting Sunday, so I'm carrying 4 gallons around. Did two miles last night.


That's what I did heading into my hike up Whitney in June. Increased my biking upto 25 to 45 mile rides on weekends and at least two rides to work each week (8 miles rt as well), then did a 17 mile local hike 10 days before Whitney at a much lower elevation but a couple of steep 1,000+ foot elevation climbs in it. Another reason for biking for me is preserving my knees. I agree that the disadvantage to biking is it does nothing to prepare your legs for the pounding hiking puts on them, but that's also somewhat an advantage, at least for me.