Doncaster to Milton Keynes.

[BlackPanther]

I realise that 130 miles in 2 days is pretty lightweight in this section, but given that my longest ever single ride was under 20 miles I saw it as a bit of a challenge. My mates/work mates however were flabbergasted that I'd even dream of undertaking such an 'expedition'. I set off on Thursday at 3.15 straight from work for my halfway point at Melton Mowbray. I passed through Worksop and Edwinstowe before having a quick 10 min break near Bingham. I felt pretty good having done a tad over 40 miles straight, consuming 1.5 litres of liquid. A Lucozade and a boost bar saw me get about 5 miles shy of Melton Mowbray, and I found a perfect place to camp.

However, I was down to my last 500ml of liquid, and I had no idea if I'd be uber thirsty all night long so I pressed on. I then hit THE biggest hill I'd ever cycled up. 1st gear, standing up for about 1/3 miles before flattening off and then an even steeper 1/2 miles section. I just made it to the top and I've never been so sweaty and exhausted in my life! I felt really proud of myself for not quitting, and enjoyed the downhill stretch, where I hit a p.b. speed of 47 mph, and dried out in 5 minutes flat. I was going to pitch up for the night in a big park in M.Mowbray, but decided to ride a mile or 2 out of town and find a quiet spot. Unfortunately, I couldn't find anywhere suitable, and ended up doing another 12 miles. With the light fading fast I camped in Tilton On The Hill for the night. By 9.30 I had my tent up, and I was happy that I'd done 70 miles, in 6 hours.

I'd made it so far by just glancing at a road atles map, but I had no idea from here, so I'd printed and laminated a few 'blown up' maps to see me from Melton Mowbray through Market Harborough/Northampton and when I hit Newport Pagnall, I would know the rest of the way. So next morning I was up at 6am, and set off at 6.30. The maps I'd printed off were pretty useless as I hit a couple of places with signs for villages pointing in 2 different directions and neither village was on my maps! My trusty sat nav phone saw me right though and also guided me though Northampton, and I arrived in Granes End, Milton Keynes at 9am, the last 50 miles taking just 3 hours.

To anyone who saw me turning onto my Brothers street, raising my arms and whooping like a loony.....I'd just ridden from Doncaster and was pretty happy with myself and couldn't resist a little Tour de France type celebration.

So, there you have it. 130 miles, Donny to M.K. in 8 hours. I'm not mega fit. I ride 22 miles per day commuting, but I have to say, it was far far far easier than I thought it would be, and if I'd set off earlier I could have done it in a day. Apart from a little inner thigh chaffing, I felt 100% the next day.

For my next challenge I'm thinking of riding to my mates in Wrexham, which is under 100 miles so I think I'll not bother with the tent, travel lighter and do it all in one day. What I'd really like to do one day though is New York to Los Angeles. 3,000 miles. Google maps is saying it's 3,130 miles and it can be done in 12 days! Seriously though, I'd love to do it for charity, if I had the money, and a month off.

 

[middleagecyclist]

Well done. It becomes addictive doesn't it? Good luck on your next trip.

 

[onlineamiga]

Hey congratulations mate. The thing about cycling is that its a very personal sport. It doesnt have to be competetive. Yeah you'll read about people cycling 1000s of miles around the world or whatever. But what is important is the challenges you present to yourself. So big ups from there, especially as your from my neck of the woods. I was originally from just outside Doncaster but also lived in Bentley for a long time and Harworth. But 4 years ago I buggered off to Southern Spain.

I didnt do any cycle touring in the UK. But comparing my distances to what i do in spain, its like OMG i could goto Cleethorpes on the bicycle from Doncaster. Just would never have thought of it before. I've got family and friends dotted in the UK. So if i ever did go back then i think it would be cool to cycle tour to their house rather than jump in the car.

Though I must admit, having been used to cycling in Spain. I absolutely detest UK roads. In Spain, even mountain passes have hard shoulders and theyre wider. When I did cycle in the UK last year I had a hell of a shock quite how nasty some country roads are. Theyre so busy and narrow and cars drive much faster.

 

[BlackPanther]

I didnt do any cycle touring in the UK. But comparing my distances to what i do in spain, its like OMG i could goto Cleethorpes on the bicycle from Doncaster.

I've now been commuting to work every day for 18 months (22 mile round trip). Once you get into it, it becomes second nature and the weather doesn't matter so much, in fact the challenge makes it more satisfying. That said, it must be so much better cycling in the sun, and I'm very envious of you! If people would just try commuting solidly for a few weeks and see the advantages, they'd stick at it, and maybe take the odd longer trip as well.

I've thrown the gauntlet down to my boss. I said I'd cycle New York - Los Angeles for my her charity if she'll give me a month off on full pay (couldn't afford to do it otherwise) and I'd pay for travel and equipment. Now there's a real, once in a lifetime challenge!