LEJOG in 29 June to 12 July 2013

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HorTs

Über Member
Location
Portsmouth
Can anyone think of any good reason why I shouldn't start booking this in, I've been trying my hardest to come up with a reason.

No festivals going to make train travel and issue? Is Scotland is closed for June? The Land's End photographer won't be there? etc etc etc.

It is a serious question.
 
OP
OP
HorTs

HorTs

Über Member
Location
Portsmouth
Since there are no worries I'll start to book stuff.

I'll blame each and everyone one of you if something goes wrong.
 

mcshroom

Bionic Subsonic
Sounds a pretty good time to book it in. Do be warned that you are getting into midge season, so a West Coast route may be a bit midgy, but I was up there in late June this year and didn't have any particular midge problems, even on Skye, though they were definitely around.

Definitely start booking accomodation now though and keep a very close eye on the train tickets back (if you are taking the train) as there's precious few cycle spaces and they need to be booked well in advance. Booking should be possible 12 weeks before travel.
 

videoman

Guru
Location
Staffordshire
I just use the excuse I am too old and unfit and find this usually works for me. Then I feel embarassed when people considerably older than myself complete it.
 

vernon

Harder than Ronnie Pickering
Location
Meanwood, Leeds
Can anyone think of any good reason why I shouldn't start booking this in, I've been trying my hardest to come up with a reason.

No festivals going to make train travel and issue? Is Scotland is closed for June? The Land's End photographer won't be there? etc etc etc.

It is a serious question.

You won't find any train travel issues until twelve weeks before the date of travel. You can't buy your tickets before then.

Midge season will be well established. mcshroom was lucky. They were the worst I'd ever seen them in the past four years in Dumfriesshire at the beginning of June. Avon Skin So Soft kept them at bay though.

The Land's End photographer goes home and takes the finger boards with him at the end of his shift.

It's as good a time as any. Just think carefully about how you are going to get back from JOG.
 

Roger Oliver

New Member
I just use the excuse I am too old and unfit and find this usually works for me. Then I feel embarassed when people considerably older than myself complete it.
Well I'm doing it next year to celebrate my 70th birthday, sailed twice solo around UK, so decided to train for the end to end, so you have no excuse!!!!
 

snorri

Legendary Member
Since there are no worries I'll start to book stuff.

I'll blame each and everyone one of you if something goes wrong.
The disadvantage of booking acommodation is the pressure it puts on you to be at a particular place on a particular day. As you will be cycling in June, outwith the main tourist season, there should be no pressure on B&B/hostel/hotel accommodation, I would just wing it.
OTOH I know that for some people the comfort of knowing you have a bed booked outweighs the pressure of getting to that bed and all the other beds up the road!^_^
 

dellzeqq

pre-talced and mighty
Location
SW2
1. Not a good time of year for the West Coast - and we struck midges in the Highlands last year, so Avon SoSoft is a smart idea
2. Snorri is right - but while there's generally no shortage of accommodation in Scotland in June it can get a little tighter in July. Even then.....we struggled with bookings around Dornoch and Tain in late June, so if you're booking as you go it might be an idea to start checking the 48 hours ahead.
3. Trains back - book your cycle reservation twelve weeks in advance.
4. Start thinking about the route and be prepared for all kinds of duff advice. The only good advice you'll get is this: go east of the Pennines (reaches for tin helmet).
 
OP
OP
HorTs

HorTs

Über Member
Location
Portsmouth
Thanks for the advice.

The route is pretty much set, and the 3 B&Bs I'll be staying at have been booked. The rest of the nights I'll be camping, so although I have an idea where I want to be I have a little flexibility.
 
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