London-Edinburgh-London 2013: The thread

[JoeyB]

Yes if I only spend 12hours a day on the bike I'll be happy lol

 

[EltonFrog]

So, if I understand correctly. To do this ride and complete it in the given time, though it isn't a race, one has to be cycling for more than twelve hours day, is that right.

Why in the name of baked beans would anyone want to do that? It's nuts!

Blumen good luck to all, I say, I doft my cap in your general direction. Or to use a more modern vernacular..respec'

 

[zigzag]

like JoeyB, few years ago i decided that i want to go to scotland (never been there before) and came across a supported/organised ride LEL that would take me from london to edinburgh and back - it seemed like a great idea! only i hugely overestimated my fitness back then! i must have been very confident and naive. i didn't have anyone to tell me how easy or hard the ride is; i just turned up hoping that if others can do it, so can i.

it turned out to be a big adventure for me and i'm very glad on my decision! (in the hindsight - that was bonkers!)

 

[Nebulous]

I must admit to having similar thoughts myself. Being from the northwest of England I guess it will be extremely tempting to divert off and go home instead.

As soon as I turned at Edinburgh I would be heading away from home.

Hopefully my family will be in London waiting for me though!

 

[mcshroom]

Well after cracking my tourer's frame and Dawes upgrading my replacement, I think I now have the basis of a bike not to do LEL on

(I've not actually set it up after the shop built it up so the saddle and bars are not right yet)

 

[JoeyB]

Did everyone get the email!

£219 entry fee

2 free bag drops

And apparently plenty of beds!

Bring it on!!!!

 

[mcshroom]

I didn't get the email - I'm sure I registered an interest ages ago but maybe not

 

[JoeyB]

Send me your addy and I can forward it.

 

[mcshroom]

Thanks

 

[jefmcg]

Or you can read it here

http://londonedinburghlondon.com/news

Only three months until entries open!
London Edinburgh London, the 1400km randonnée, takes place on 28 July 2013, and we are delighted to announce details about how you can enter.
Entries open on 5 January. Entry will cost £219, which will include:

• All food and drink at controls. At most controls this will mean soup, a choice of hot meals, puddings, tea, coffee and hot chocolate, as well as something to put in your back pocket.
• All beds. Most controls will have plenty of beds and blankets for you to use. If you prefer to bring your own sleeping bag, there’ll be space for you.
• Two free bag drops. These will be available at most major controls.
• Showers and towels. These will be available at most controls, but not the smaller venues such as Traquair and Eskdalemuir.
• Online rider tracking and support on the route. We’ll be posting arrival times live on the event website, so your friends and family can see how you’re getting on. We’ll also have moto crews patrolling the route, to help make sure that everyone’s OK.
• Commemorative medal, water bottle, route card wallet and validation with Audax UK and Les Randonneurs Mondiaux.

Entries will be limited to just 750 riders, and you do not need to qualify to enter!
We look forward to seeing you in 2013!
The London Edinburgh London team

 

[martint235]

Yep got my email. Now just need one of the places.

 

[yello]

Bring it on!!!!

Get yourself properly prepared if you want to make the most of the experience. The day will arrive all too soon and I'd advise anyone to start making your plans, well, around about now! (Well, not 'now now' but not too much later 'now') Seriously, depending on your level of experience, you'll want to be building up your mileage from early in the new year. Depending on your circumstances, that might take planning - looking at the audax calendar, identifying rides, booking time of work, family commitments, etc etc etc.

Yes, if you're in reasonable physical shape and can ride a bike, then you can turn up and wing it... but there's more chance of enjoying it (not to mention finishing!) if you've done some preparation.

 

[Trickedem]

I am really looking forward to this now that the memories of doing the upward leg have faded a little. I have started to put some dates in the diary for rides in 2013 leading up to LEL. I may even do the Bryan Chapman memorial as part of the build up.

 

[JoeyB]

Get yourself properly prepared if you want to make the most of the experience. The day will arrive all too soon and I'd advise anyone to start making your plans, well, around about now! (Well, not 'now now' but not too much later 'now') Seriously, depending on your level of experience, you'll want to be building up your mileage from early in the new year. Depending on your circumstances, that might take planning - looking at the audax calendar, identifying rides, booking time of work, family commitments, etc etc etc.

Yes, if you're in reasonable physical shape and can ride a bike, then you can turn up and wing it... but there's more chance of enjoying it (not to mention finishing!) if you've done some preparation.

Agreed, i plan to do a SR as part of the preparation. I have my Audax membership sorted now so will be on some rides very soon. I'm in good shape but as you've said, I want to enjoy the experience, not just survive it!

 

[London Edinburgh London]

To be able to offer two bag drops, we'll have to place some conditions. You can only leave up to 5kg with us (in either one or two bags), and you'll need to use bags that we'll supply at registration.

That should be enough for a couple of changes of kit.