Last Friday along with a friend we completed an 18 day unsupported cycling LEJOG. 1,0005 miles, 50,033 ft climbing. It’s been an amazing experience. Not bad for a 62 year old who before this trip had not cycled more than three consecutive 50 mile days. Between us we had one puncture, we used three bike shops, one for more tubes, one to tighten up and check loose steering and finally new brake pads, even though they were very new before we started.
We eoughly followed the Ciccerone route, but stayed at places that suited us, mainly Travelodges & Premier Inns. Always phone ahead and ask for a downstairs roo, this worked everytime except at Penrith.
My bike is a Cervelo Aspero gravel bike.with 32 mm tubeless road tyres and SRAM Rival 2 x groupset.
I could not have undertaken and completed this challenge without the strength & conditioning training and advice on hydration and nutrition from my coach.
One puncture for two riders, but he had two unused tubes that split on the seam.
Best section was Perth to Pitlochry
Shortest day was 27, longest 80 miles.
Biggest challenge was getting home, we caught the ferry to Orkney, cycled across to Kirkwall then on the overnight ferry to Aberdeen. Five hour wait for a train with bike spaces to Edinburgh, change for Birmingham, change for Basingstoke, change for Salisbury. Problems elsewhere put masses of grumpy Bath fans on the train making it tricky getting on/off.
The much lauded Crask Inn and the Altnaharra Hotel were both closed, although to fair we ended up having possibly the best lunch of the whole trip at the Bettyhill Bistro. When I venture there on the motorbike I will head to the Farr Bay Inn.
Absolutely fantastic experience, highly recommended.
We eoughly followed the Ciccerone route, but stayed at places that suited us, mainly Travelodges & Premier Inns. Always phone ahead and ask for a downstairs roo, this worked everytime except at Penrith.
My bike is a Cervelo Aspero gravel bike.with 32 mm tubeless road tyres and SRAM Rival 2 x groupset.
I could not have undertaken and completed this challenge without the strength & conditioning training and advice on hydration and nutrition from my coach.
One puncture for two riders, but he had two unused tubes that split on the seam.
Best section was Perth to Pitlochry
Shortest day was 27, longest 80 miles.
Biggest challenge was getting home, we caught the ferry to Orkney, cycled across to Kirkwall then on the overnight ferry to Aberdeen. Five hour wait for a train with bike spaces to Edinburgh, change for Birmingham, change for Basingstoke, change for Salisbury. Problems elsewhere put masses of grumpy Bath fans on the train making it tricky getting on/off.
The much lauded Crask Inn and the Altnaharra Hotel were both closed, although to fair we ended up having possibly the best lunch of the whole trip at the Bettyhill Bistro. When I venture there on the motorbike I will head to the Farr Bay Inn.
Absolutely fantastic experience, highly recommended.
