Edinburgh to Manchester over a weekend

[Spinney]

If you go from Sedburgh to Ingleton via Dentdale and onto the Ingleton-Hawes road (B6255), beware there is a bit of a killer climb out of Dendale as you go under the railway.

If you want to avoid it you can take the A683 south from Sedburgh (minor roads alongside for some of the way, but I've cycled it and you should have no probs on a Sunday morning), then a very short way along the A65 and the A683 again until you can turn left towards High Bentham. Then wot ColinJ says...

 

[400bhp]

Think I have solved my carrying problem:

Deuter front triangle bag

1.7 L plus the 2l aero wedge under the seat plus pockets should be just about enough.

 

[Nigeyy]

Front handlebar bag? Rear rack that goes around the seatpost? (probably not the best idea with cf though). Frame bag? (though I'm not sure how much you would get in it and if it would hold that much and get in your way anyway).

Another idea: post your clothes on to a post office, wear them, and post them back? Or would you consider just buying the cheapest clothes possible and writing off the expense? It may even be cheaper than posting them there and back..... course, you have to know where you can buy clothes from.

Incidentally, if you're not fashion conscious I'd heartily recommend crocs or their cheaper clone counterparts -incredibly lightweight, cheap, durable, comfortable and it doesn't matter if you get them wet. Also, saves you wearing socks too The only downside is that you won't look the part I suppose, but frankly, I wouldn't care!

edit: I see you found a frame bag -just be careful that it is worth it in terms of practicality -being able to carry something as well as not getting in your way.

I'm trying to get innovative ideas not having to carry a rucksack. I have a Cannondale CAAD9 so not a tourer. I have a Topeak large Aero wedge under the seatpost, plus back pockets on my shirt.

Suggestions?

 

[400bhp]

Thanks for the suggestions.

Interestingly, the frame bag is one that sits underneath rather than over the top bar.

I'm posting my clothes back from E'burgh (work stuff) so that's a lot of it out of the way. I did consider posting clothes on to the guest houses but thought this was a bit of a hassle (see below - not sure i would want to post onto a Travelodge).

Good point re buying cheap clothes. I could pick something up on the way on Sat, close to the end.

I went into Evans today and had a look at the Abus chain carrying bag (1.5l) and was able to stuff a pair of cycling shorts in it. The Deuter bag has a slightly larger capacity (1.7l) so my idea is to take a cycling top and a normal pair of shorts and stuff them in there. A pair of duds and socks can go in my back pocket.

I have MTB type shoes so can walk around in them which is a big plus not having to carry shoes.

BTW I have had to change my route - all the hotels around Kirby Stephen, Slaidburn are booked (some do on apparently) so have had to go the Travelodge route at Burton in Kendal, means I won't be using Colin's suggestions.

 

[Nigeyy]

Writing off the clothes idea came about because one time my family flew into the UK and our bags were delayed by one day. We had to go an Asda and just bought the very cheapest t-shirts and shorts for the kids and it was surprizingly cheap. Not first choice clothes perhaps, but perfectly serviceable and we have some to this day.

OK, I don't want to beat a dead horse.... but, I really do urge you to consider the crocs idea if you're open to them. It is night and day walking in them between those and cycling shoes -and really, for the weight you won't notice them and I think it's very likely your feet will be very grateful.

For me, Crocs and Crocs clones have become absolutely essential touring kit. OK, dead horse thoroughly beaten, please resume normal programming.

Oh yeah, I second the killer climb on the Ingleton-Hawes road. Mind you, in the Dales you're going to get killer climbs sooner or later anyway. Hey, good luck and keep us posted on how it goes.

 

[joggingbob]

Another thought for the clothes is to buy from a charity shop and then recycle them when finished (i.e. Charity or clothes bank).

 

[ColinJ]

There's a Youth Hostel in Slaidburn - did you check that out?

 

[400bhp]

I didn't Colin, no.

I lied a bit about all the hotels being booked. After an hour of ringing around last night and getting the "sorry we are full" line, following another 2 hours of doing a bit of due diligence on the route and changing bits, I'd had enough

There probably are rooms somewhere but I believe my route is still a good one going via burton-in-kendal. Plus gives me the bail out option of a train at carnforth.

 

[400bhp]

Final draft routes below:

1. Edinburgh to Innerleiven. Looks like a tough climb into the village

2. Innerleiven to Burton. The first 40 miles look spectacular.

3. Homeward leg. Decided to keep it simple-ish for this part.

Comments have been appreciated so far so if anyone suggests detours then fire away

And, if anyone wants to join me for part of the journey then you would be welcome

 

[aberal]

Final draft routes below:

1. Edinburgh to Innerleiven. Looks like a tough climb into the village

I know this well - it's one of my regular routes. There's a lot of climbing in it full stop! Getting out of Edinburgh due south is always uphill. The detour round to Borthwick is worth it for the views you get of Borthwick Castle and the scenery generally. The long climb up and over to Innerleithan is called "The Granites" and is a long haul of 2.5 miles non stop climbing - but it's steady all the way. I enjoy it - and you're rewarded with a more or less 9 mile descent into Innerleithan. It's a nice wee place - well worth a coffee stop if you feel like it.

That's a tough challenge all in all - hope you enjoy it, should be good.

 

[400bhp]

Thanks

Stopping in Innerleithen on Friday night - thought I might as well get started on a friday with a couple of hours in the saddle.

 

[Nigeyy]

Looks excellent, very envious.....

Good luck 400bhp!

 

[PaulSB]

3. Homeward leg. Decided to keep it simple-ish for this part.

Goes within a mile of my house!

Much of this route from Carnforth I've ridden on many club outings. It's OK, nothing spectacular but a nice enough ride. I always find the ride over Quernmore from north to south quite tough but this may because we are on the way home. As a club once we hit Claughton, just south of Garstang, we usually jump on the A6 and simply pile down the A6 to Preston. It's a busy road but a lot depends on what time of day you are on it, there is a well marked cycle lane - 18-20mph easily on this stretch provided there's no headwind.

The club meet in Preston and I then have to ride home to close to Higher Wheelton. I'm usually knackered by now and in Walton Le Dale would chose the A675 up to Riley Green, then turn right opposite the pub, down to the motorway roundabout and turn right on the A674 towards Wheelton. It's not a busy road whereas the route you have mapped is busy with local traffic at certain times. Be aware at the point in WLD were you will turn right towards Bamber Bridge there is a short sharp climb. If I have come off a club run of around 75 miles I alwasy find this little climb a killer.

 

[400bhp]

Thanks for this, will have a think when I am back on my laptop.

 

[HLaB]

Final draft routes below:

1. Edinburgh to Innerleiven. Looks like a tough climb into the village

And, if anyone wants to join me for part of the journey then you would be welcome

Which ever way you go its always a climb but I really like the glen road between Gorebridge and Innerleithen, enjoy :-)

btw, the first bit of your route from Edinburgh is on a non cycling section of the WAP, you'll need to go north onto Morrison st/ Shandwick Place and I'd stay straight on after Lothian Road to Melville Drive rather than going through a section of the meadows on a path I don't think you are supposed to cycle on.