Covered this a bit in Pedalshift 158
Quick review of training philosophies
This winter I'm going to try to do a few things in prep for my winter tour (preview coming next episode!)
Goal 1 - lose 10 pounds from 1/1 to day 1 of tour (stretch goal 12)
Goal 2 - Train a minimum of 30 minutes per day 3 days/week (indoor or outdoor)
Goal 3 - Plan and begin upper body and/or circuit training
My shifting philosophy on training - easier to just jump on the bike when you're younger and fitter!
Other/more aggressive philosophies:
biketours.com - riding average daily distance several times per week well in advance of the tour (IMO this is total overkill)
ACA - Focus on time in the saddle first, seek hills, build endurance, ride with weight (VERY smart)
REI - sample training week with fantastic exercise routines, with focus on flexibility. Much more in the train like hell philosophy but excellent things to consider adding to a "somewhere in the middle" routine.