First long overnight cycle trip

[Guitarhq]

Hi There,
In August i will be taking on my First long overnight cycle trip.
I will be starting in Woodville, Derbys. to Portsmouth approx 160 miles.
Ive done many 50 milers so im hoping this will be a good step up. I will look at doing 80 miles a day starting early.
I hope there is someone a lot more experienced that can answer a few questions and/or offer good advice and tips.

1- What bike?
I have a Specialized MTB with Gatorskin slicks or Claud Butler Milano Road. I will put paniers on for kit.

2- what Route?
I did put my start/finish into a site called Cyclestreets.net And i got some options. Obviously a GB map or similar would be useful too.

3- What tools and spares?
I know it seems like a simple question, in the past ive risked taking nothing.

4- should i use my road shoes and clips?

5- I will probably opt for a tent overnight, are there any recomendations for this like i guess as small and light as possible. Should i lock the bike to the tent or to me LOL? What are the restrictions as to where i can pitch a tent.

6- what are my best options for in-bike usb charging (iphone5 posible satnav option) and charging in tent if required.

I hope ive covered everything, but if not please help advise me.
Im excited to get started in long solo trips.
Any help from you experienced cyclists is very much appreciated.
Kind regards
Andy

 

[Guitarhq]

Hi Guys,
Did i post this in the wrong place?
Sorry if i did.
Any help is sure appreciated.
I dont think i could have been any politer .
Cheers
Andy

 

[Bodhbh]

Hi Guys,
Did i post this in the wrong place?
Sorry if i did.
Any help is sure appreciated.
I dont think i could have been any politer .
Cheers
Andy

Probably as you've asked a fair few questions at once and nobodies sure where to start ! I'm not the best one to answer most of these, but a quick go...and sorry if a bit abrupt as at work.

Hi There,
In August i will be taking on my First long overnight cycle trip.
I will be starting in Woodville, Derbys. to Portsmouth approx 160 miles.
Ive done many 50 milers so im hoping this will be a good step up. I will look at doing 80 miles a day starting early.
I hope there is someone a lot more experienced that can answer a few questions and/or offer good advice and tips.

1- What bike?
I have a Specialized MTB with Gatorskin slicks or Claud Butler Milano Road. I will put paniers on for kit.
Dunno the MTB is deffo okay, but if they both take a rack, probably either.

2- what Route?
I did put my start/finish into a site called Cyclestreets.net And i got some options. Obviously a GB map or similar would be useful too.
I would just get maps to cover the route and just whatever way takes your fancy. It's not something anyone can advise you on as everyone's interests/tolerance of hills etc are different.

3- What tools and spares?
I know it seems like a simple question, in the past ive risked taking nothing.
Um, from memory I take ducktape, all the allen keys/spanners for the nuts and bolts on the bike (not a pedal spanner!), needle nose pliers, chain remover and some spare links, few spare bolts/various sizes, 2-3 hoseclips, swiss knife with decent size blade/screwdriver/bottleopener, pucture repair kit and couple of spare inners, few cable ties, spare gear inner cable, superglue, small bit of grease, spare brake pad. I don't carry anything for spoke brakage but probably should. It all fits into a kids pencil case anyhow - idea I got from PSmiffy on here.

4- should i use my road shoes and clips?
Probably, not everyone tours clipped in tho, whatever you get on with on long rides.

5- I will probably opt for a tent overnight, are there any recomendations for this like i guess as small and light as possible. Should i lock the bike to the tent or to me LOL? What are the restrictions as to where i can pitch a tent.
No idea on best tent. Get a decent cable lock as a D-locks no good for trees, fence posts etc. Search forums on 'wild camping' about the pitching.

6- what are my best options for in-bike usb charging (iphone5 posible satnav option) and charging in tent if required.
The pub!

I hope ive covered everything, but if not please help advise me.
Im excited to get started in long solo trips.
Any help from you experienced cyclists is very much appreciated.


Kind regards
Andy

 

[Guitarhq]

Hi Bodhbh
Thanks for the reply,
And i liked the briefness on your answers.
You have given me some great ideas, esp. Tools
Oh and the bit about the pub had me chuckling too.
Many thanks.
Andy

 

[jefmcg]

6- what are my best options for in-bike usb charging (iphone5 posible satnav option) and charging in tent if required.

I've got one of these

and one of these

and a couple of short USB cables. Keeps my phone going for days as a phone, and for around 30 hours with GPS and screen on all the time.

 

[Guitarhq]

Hi Jefmcg,
Looks like just the job. I just ordered one for £39
Thanks Andy

 

[StuartG]

It is a big step up but very doable. What worries me is combining going further with possibly carrying more. IMHO its best to push only one of these frontiers at a time. 80 miles on an unladen bike is very differerent to 80 miles with panniers. Not forgetting the other factors that may hit you (headwind/rain/cold or indeed too much heat!).

Have you considered making your stop at a Travelodge (especially if you get one of their £19 deals). Then when your tired, rain-lashed you know there is a dry sheets, hot shower and cooked food awaiting you. It does help ward off despair. Do that and you could probably get everything you need in a bar bag or small rack bag (avoid rucksacks if possible - you won't want any extra aches and pains from carrying stuff). You'll fly and really enjoy the experience - purpose of!

Kit - I would take

* Three tubes & puncture repair kit.
* Pump
* Multi-tool with spoke spanner
* Disposable gloves to keep hands clean in the event ..
* Spare bungee cords
* 2xcable ties (fixes most lost bolt issues)
* A list of train stations and cycleshops en route
* Mobile phone (turned off to save battery, preferably with GPS in case you get totally lost)
* Maps (Too many Landrangers so checkout 1:200000 options)
* Ultralite shower top
* One change of base layer
* Armwarmers

Oh checkout somebody else isn't interested. A good buddy will double your mileage!
Before you go triple check your tyres, wheels and brake blocks. Replace if even half worn (you can use 'em later). Best put in for a service if you can.

That's about it. What you carry costs miles and effort. Make it easy. And good luck!

 

[Bodhbh]

Hi Bodhbh
Thanks for the reply,
And i liked the briefness on your answers.
You have given me some great ideas, esp. Tools
Oh and the bit about the pub had me chuckling too.
Many thanks.
Andy

tbh though regarding the tools, for an overnight trip I'm sure you'd be fine with just a spare inner, a pump and some tyre levers. I just lug my touring tool kit about by default as can't be bothered to pick out what I'll need for shorter rides. Regarding multitool vs seperates I don't think there's much in it weight wise, but I find the individual tools easier to get at some of the harder to reach allen bolts and nuts (front mech cable clamp, some of the nuts on the my tubus rack, where the mudguard attaches to the fork crown etc).