New new challenge

[DooDah]

Hi,

I am new to road biking (since last May anyway). Due to work and family commitments I can only really get out on the bike at weekends in winter, but some evenings in spring/summer. I have tried the turbo, and I am still do it now and again, but it bores me to tears.

Anyway, I am looking to plan for a new challenge in 2013 (to make me train more and give me motivation). I thought about the LEJOG, but I think that is a step too far for me at the moment. I would want it to be organised, to do on my road bike, and not to cost the earth.

Any suggestions????

 

[defy-one]

can you not build cycling into your lifestyle?
need to get something from the shops - bike
visit friends or family nearby - bike
get kids involved - bike
set a target to cover every week - go do it

 

[DooDah]

Hey Defy-one, Unfortunately I am in France and very rural France at that. I work long hours , daughter is only two years old, no family in the country so all a bit difficult. We are looking to move back to the UK in 2013, so it maybe easier then. Where are you in Bucks? Notice your Avatar has changed (I had better not say if it is an improvement). I am from Bucks originally and still have family and friends there. We would probably be looking to move back to north Bucks as I am not sure we could afford the south.

 

[defy-one]

i am in South Bucks my friend .... figured a change of avatar was needed over Christmas.

lucky you living and working in France, soaking up the culture of another country must be so enriching on a personal level. i thought about moving to Liverpool, but i havn't had the time to learn the language, find a job or work out the local food! :-)

 

[steveindenmark]

Instead of LEJOG, how about a coast to coast? Or even plan some nice routes in your own area?

Steve

 

[Nigeyy]

I have responsibilities (and little holiday time) that make it harder for me to take long(er) tours. I've got around this by simply looking out of the front door.

Unless you really live in the middle of nowhere, it's usually relatively easy to cycle around 30 miles or less to get some to some nice touring areas. I've done a few "from my back doorstep" tours -just packed up my bike and set off from my house (e.g. I live in Massachusetts so I've cycled to the tip of Cape Cod). While I know not everyone has Cape Cod in their back yard, I do think most people have a good touring destination within hand. I usually pick a weekend, take the Friday or Monday off (so I only use one vacation day), leave work slightly early on the day before, and take off. Usually I'll set a little goal or destination -which it sounds like the OP needs to do.

While I'd love to do bigger and better tours, it's nice just to get out (it does give me a taste of touring) and it suits where I am in life at the moment. It's cheap (no flights or transportation needed), quick to organize and takes little time. It's been really surprizing how often I've been out with the wife and kids and I can say "y'know... I've cycled on this road.....". One other thing: don't take your area for granted. I'm sure some people who are reading this will think "I wish I could cycle tour in New England" -well, guess what? I'd love to tour in rural France or the UK (again). It can be surprizing what you can find within a 50-100 mile radius of where you live.....

Anyway, the trick is just to get out and do it.

 

[Banjo]

Lon Las Cymru Cycle route 8 from Chepstow or Cardiff to Holyhead takes you through some stunning Welsh Scenery .People take about 3 days to a week on it depending on how you go about it.

The Cardiff to Brecon section is known as the Taff Trail quite a bit of it is traffic free rest is routed to avoid heavy traffic.
I have done Cardiff to Brecon several times but not the whole thing.

Maybe 2013 for me as well.