Hello, I'm new and need some advice about long distance cycling

[stubhoy7]

I am planning on doing a long distance cycle with some friends this summer from Glasgow to Killin in the north of Scotland, its about 65 miles.

I would like to know what bike to buy, what clothing to wear, basically any tips and advice that would stand me in good stead. We will be cycling all the way by road up the west side of Loch Lomond.

Any help would be greatfully appreciated.

Thanks

Stu

 

[Norm]

Hey, Stu

What sort of routes are you going to be riding? Roads, tracks, off-road? And what sort of price?

That's not too long a distance, I went from nothing to covering that distance off-road in 3 months, and I was a very long way from being fit at the start of that. If you can take your time, say 8-10 hours, that is a very pleasant distance to cover in a day and should be a lot of fun.

Hold on... I've just re-read the detail in your post and I'm a bit confused. Glasgow to Killin, according to Google maps, is 60-odd miles but it's not the north of Scotland. Is this the sort of route you are contemplating?

Anyway, cutting to the chase, most bikes will make that distance in a day with few problems. I'd go with a road-biased bike but with flat bars if you aren't used to riding with drops. Halfrauds do some good bikes for £300-ish, although you can go lower if you are never likely to ride again, or go for something road-specific like the Specialized Secteur for twice that.

 

[Crackle]

Up the West side of Loch Lomond, you mean the A82? I have to say, that is a most unpleasant route on a bicycle, especially from Tarbet onwards. Lovely and scenic but a really unpleasant road and in a poor state past Tarbet. I think before Tarbet there's a bicycle path in some parts.

Edit: And if by summer you mean the school holidays, then I wouldn't go near it during that period as it is just so busy, honestly, find another route.

 

[addictfreak]

You dont say if you intend to carry on cycling after you have completed your route.

If its just a one off, why not hire/borrow a bike.

 

[snorri]

Hold on... I've just re-read the detail in your post and I'm a bit confused. Glasgow to Killin, according to Google maps, is 60-odd miles but it's not the north of Scotland.

Good man Norm, well spotted. Anywhere the other side of Aviemore is definitely 'down south'.

 

[snorri]

Welcome stubhoy

r, basically any tips and advice that would stand me in good stead. We will be cycling all the way by road up the west side of Loch Lomond.

Unless you have some particular reason, I would suggest you avoid the west side of Loch Lomond.
Consider instead Glasgow, Dumbarton, Balloch, Drymen, Abefoyle, Callander, Lochearnhead, Glen Ogle to Killin.
You can buy a map of this route from "any good bookshop" or online from Sustrans, ask for Inverness to Glasgow Cycle Route 7

http://www.sustransshop.co.uk/products/5065-ncn-lochs--glens-north

 

[Norm]

Good man Norm, well spotted. Anywhere the other side of Aviemore is definitely 'down south'.

I'm the sort of pedant who hasn't yet figured out why the area around Birmingham is often referred to as The Midlands.

You dont say if you intend to carry on cycling after you have completed your route.

If its just a one off, why not hire/borrow a bike.

+1 to that, good idea.

If you do plan on continuing cycling, Stu, then the sort of riding you may be thinking of doing afterwards will have an impact on the sort of bike you choose. Most bikes will manage 65 miles in a day, if you want to carry on riding afterwards, have a little cogitate on whether that will be on or off the roads, or a mixture of both.

 

[Shaun]

Welcome to CC.

I've moved your welcome thread here in the hope of getting you some specific advice.

Cheers,
Shaun

 

[bauldbairn]

Hello and Welcome to CC.

You'll get better advice from the above posters than me, so I'll leave them to it.

Good luck anyway!

 

[willem]

Clothing: cycling shorts are nice to wear, and so are cycling specific shoes and clipless pedals. On the other hand, if you are a novice rider you may prefer to wait with those. A helmet is also a good idea
In essence, as others have said, this is not a long distance tour, but a short ride. Almost any near decetn bike wil do. If, however, you plan to make this the beginneing of something bigger, think about a real touring bike. Personal favourites at the affordable end of things would be a Surly Long Haul Trucker of a Thorn Sherpa. My best advice, however, would be to buy a decent second had Dawes Galaxy from a reputable dealer. If you knew more about bikes you good buy one off Ebay, but in your case I would suggest a bike shop. Fit is crucial.
Enjoy the ride,
Willem

 

[Tony]

I would echo everything already posted here. The A82 up Loch Lomond is an awful route, with dreadful sight lines for overtaking cars. The Callander route is much better.
A bike that fits...check for reach (length) and saddle height. Set the latter by extending your leg fully with heel on pedal. At full extension, your knee should be very slightly bent. Wear fitted and padded cycle shorts, and don't go for a big soft saddle.
Pick your bike as suggested above, but avoid suspension. Use a rack and panniers, NOT a rucksack. Make sure you have plenty of fluid available.