My LEJOG 2019 (as if there'll ever be another one..lol)

[cycle explorers]

well done. I am starting my Lejog in August 2019 this will be the second time cycling Lejog. be careful it's addictive lol.

 

[cosmicbike]

Cracking read @PeteXXX, and well done sir.
I'd be interested to know what kit you took, and what you decided was not needed at the start?

 

[PeteXXX]

Chapeau sir, I enjoyed the write up. Reminded me of my first tour 2 years ago when I rode a similar unsupported route. About to start my next adventure in a fortnight and this has wetted my appetite even more. Just reminded me I need to pack my Avon Oh so soft for the midgies !!!

Thank you. Ahhhhh, midgies! Evil little blighters..
Enjoy your new adventure

well done. I am starting my Lejog in August 2019 this will be the second time cycling Lejog. be careful it's addictive lol.

If MrsPete was to release me again, I might try JOGLE

Cracking read @PeteXXX, and well done sir.
I'd be interested to know what kit you took, and what you decided was not needed at the start?

Thanks! I thought it easiest to keep a diary, then post it all in one go..
I'll work on on the 'what did I take' part later, and get back to you

 

[Ice2911]

This is my next adventure, you might be tempted

 

[PeteXXX]

View attachment 473763 This is my next adventure, you might be tempted

Ooh! I could pop into my house for a shower and a change of clothes

 

[Ice2911]

Ooh! I could pop into my house for a shower and a change of clothes

That’s what I’m doing as I go past Norwich

 

[PeteXXX]

Cracking read @PeteXXX, and well done sir.
I'd be interested to know what kit you took, and what you decided was not needed at the start?

I probably packed too much at first. I got rid of an extra T shirt, socks, pants and assorted bits that I realised I could do without, such as a couple books, and food that I could buy along the way, and a spare Gaz cylinder. On Day 2, I sent home, via Collect+, a small rucksack, containing a jacket another top, socks and pants (I kept two sets, one on me getting dirty, one washed and drying, and didn't think I'd be needing the extra jacket, which proved correct.)
Once I'd be having no more nights under canvas, in Inverness, I Collect+'d my tent, sleeping bag and foam mat, plus a few more bits and pieces, but kept my stove, pan and mug.

On the bike, I used my Camelbak to keep tools in, taking my usual tubes, patches, levers, cable ties, pump, multi tool etc, but added some small pliers, small screwdriver, spare gear and brake cables (with the correct nipple clipped off and taped!) and mini sprays of WD40 and chain lube. I also have a small tin with cleat bolts, spare cleat, valve cores, 10 & 11 spd quick links (the 11 for me, and a 10 spd in case anyone needed one)
I was thinking of taking a couple of spare spokes, as mine are flat, straight pull, and might possibly be hard to source, but didn't.
In the end, the only thing I used was the small screwdriver for a one twist fettle on the front mech to stop some rubbage. No other issues in the 1,200 miles.. Pleased with that, I can tell you!
That's not too say that I won't take the same things if I tour again.

Bar bag was mainly stuff I'd need during the day. Mars Bars, bananas, wallet, Garmin to record the whole trip, sun block, Sudocreme, and paper map for the day.

Panniers were filled with a pair of trainers, clothes, stove and small pan set, spare waterproof(ish) boil-in-the-bag jacket (in the end, just used to stop pans rattling!)
Paperwork for ferries, b&b etc that I'd pre-booked, plus diary and pens and route pages for the different days that I'd cut out of a spare atlas. (I don't 100% trust technology for directions, be it Wahoo, Garmin or phone.)
Tent, Sleeping bag and foam roll were strapped to the top of the rack.

Emergency bananas and drink were secured under the straps for quick access.

I think that next time, if there is one, I'd not wear SPD's and have to carry two pairs of shoes. But... having two pairs was handy a couple of times as it meant I had dry shoes whilst the soggy pair dried out!

That's about it, I think.

(E&OE)

 

[cosmicbike]

Thanks @PeteXXX got my mind thinking now...

 

[jay clock]

great write up. Impressive mileages. I did as far as Inverness in June, had to give up due to injury. Going back for the final 2-3 days at the end of August

 

[PeteXXX]

@jay clock Thanks, it was a challenge, but an enjoyable one (nearly all the time!)
Shame you had to stop so close to the end... Which route are you taking from Inverness?

 

[jay clock]

@jay clock Thanks, it was a challenge, but an enjoyable one (nearly all the time!)
Shame you had to stop so close to the end... Which route are you taking from Inverness?

This to Crask @PeteXXX https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30563997 and then day 2 (into day 3 if needed) will be this https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30564035

will be lightweight road bike with small panniers this time

Any comments?

 

[PeteXXX]

@jay clock that's pretty much the route I used, but I started near Strathpeffer and Dingwall. (Maybe others could help you better with the route from Inverness) From Crask, I rode via Tongue, rather than turning right to Bettyhill in Altnaharra, as it's worth a visit.
Are you booked in B&B at Crask Inn?

Edit: There's a lovely café in Bettyhill, about 200 yards down a side road into the village.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

@jay clock I'd stay longer on the shores of the Beauly Firth , then head up through Muir of Ord. Longer but along the shore will be lovely. Of course if wet you may want to go further inland. Anyway coming the other way that's my plan for that section.

 

[jay clock]

Thanks. Yes booked at Crask.. Based on my experience of the Scottish rain I will play it on the day

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Thanks. Yes booked at Crask.. Based on my experience of the Scottish rain I will play it on the day

Jay if you don't mind me asking how much is the Crask and is that for a single room or them providing a tent?