I have found the experience fantastic and having raised over £5000 for Cancer Research UK am very proud of the achievement. I send a HUGE thanks to all those who have supported me. It was your pledges and donations which kept me going on days 1 and 2 and the scorcher of a day we had in Lancashire.
I would encourage anyone to do the challenge but urge them to carry as little kit as possible as the compound effect starts to strain as Lee will no doubt testify. A support vehicle or B&B all the way has to be the way to go but clearly has budget implications. I’ll happily support Lee when he decides he wants to give it a go again. I'll hire a camper van and whilst Lee pedals explore with Jo and the kids. Why go to New Zealand when I haven’t explored Scotland properly? The Scots are so hospitable and friendly.
We met all shapes and ages of cyclist on the way. Everyone we met seemed to be relishing the challenge, loving the freedom and enjoying the diverse scenery. The prospect of what might be over the hill just keeps you going. Some had “Uber-bling” racing bikes, some off the shelf hybrids like mine. No-one on a BMX though.
The TREK 7.1FX I used was only modified with SPD pedals which I can't imagine cycling without. The machine although a little heavy was fine. Laiden with kit and under my 16 stone starting weight the back wheel buckled. Since I have resumed my daily 16 mile commute the replacement wheel axle has failed again so I would advise a stronger rear wheel hub for anyone on a similar machine. Utilising a front pannier spreads the weight out but carrying too much kit is a strain. That said it was a good work out and I am now just shy of 15 stone despite eating like a horse.
On the subject of food I think it’s a case of what works for you but clearly no need to worry about the quantity. A big breakfast with many carbohydrates topped up throughout the day with slow sugar release snacks such as currants, sultanas, dried fruit, cereal bars and bananas worked for us. However, dried apricots made me fart like a trooper! I suppose eating them could be quite entertaining if you are similarly disposed and are usually at the front of the peleton! Litres of water goes without saying.
Whether to LEJOG (South to North) taking advantage of the prevailing wind or JOGLE (North to South and obviously down hill all the way!) really is such a personal thing. Psychologically finishing at Lands End felt closer to home and I would not have fancied the journey back on the train from John O’Groats. By that stage you just want to get home quickly. We didn’t really notice the prevailing southerly wind, other than the apricots. Unless you’re planning to do this in under 7 days then don’t worry. The UK weather will throw up plenty of challenges and either end of the country has got lot’s of big hills for you to huff and puff up and down. There is an excellent network of cycle paths across the nation taking you to some awesome scenery. The canal towpaths are very tranquil and give a historical insight to the industry which once existed. I am sure this is infrastructure which is under utilised. Anyway there is an abundance of stuff out there to discover so go and enjoy.
Embrace the lactic acid and Good luck.
Ollie Packard.
I would encourage anyone to do the challenge but urge them to carry as little kit as possible as the compound effect starts to strain as Lee will no doubt testify. A support vehicle or B&B all the way has to be the way to go but clearly has budget implications. I’ll happily support Lee when he decides he wants to give it a go again. I'll hire a camper van and whilst Lee pedals explore with Jo and the kids. Why go to New Zealand when I haven’t explored Scotland properly? The Scots are so hospitable and friendly.
We met all shapes and ages of cyclist on the way. Everyone we met seemed to be relishing the challenge, loving the freedom and enjoying the diverse scenery. The prospect of what might be over the hill just keeps you going. Some had “Uber-bling” racing bikes, some off the shelf hybrids like mine. No-one on a BMX though.
The TREK 7.1FX I used was only modified with SPD pedals which I can't imagine cycling without. The machine although a little heavy was fine. Laiden with kit and under my 16 stone starting weight the back wheel buckled. Since I have resumed my daily 16 mile commute the replacement wheel axle has failed again so I would advise a stronger rear wheel hub for anyone on a similar machine. Utilising a front pannier spreads the weight out but carrying too much kit is a strain. That said it was a good work out and I am now just shy of 15 stone despite eating like a horse.
On the subject of food I think it’s a case of what works for you but clearly no need to worry about the quantity. A big breakfast with many carbohydrates topped up throughout the day with slow sugar release snacks such as currants, sultanas, dried fruit, cereal bars and bananas worked for us. However, dried apricots made me fart like a trooper! I suppose eating them could be quite entertaining if you are similarly disposed and are usually at the front of the peleton! Litres of water goes without saying.
Whether to LEJOG (South to North) taking advantage of the prevailing wind or JOGLE (North to South and obviously down hill all the way!) really is such a personal thing. Psychologically finishing at Lands End felt closer to home and I would not have fancied the journey back on the train from John O’Groats. By that stage you just want to get home quickly. We didn’t really notice the prevailing southerly wind, other than the apricots. Unless you’re planning to do this in under 7 days then don’t worry. The UK weather will throw up plenty of challenges and either end of the country has got lot’s of big hills for you to huff and puff up and down. There is an excellent network of cycle paths across the nation taking you to some awesome scenery. The canal towpaths are very tranquil and give a historical insight to the industry which once existed. I am sure this is infrastructure which is under utilised. Anyway there is an abundance of stuff out there to discover so go and enjoy.
Embrace the lactic acid and Good luck.
Ollie Packard.
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