I'd be glad of the thoughts of experienced cyclists on the below:
I'm starting to plan a solo, unsupported LEJoG for this summer. The more I read the less inclined to proceed I feel, but the idea seems to have stuck in my head now.
I'm a 47-year-old man who has ridden a lot in the past, but little recently. I am not as light as I might be although not quite disgacefully unfit.
My instinct is to use an old steel road-bike low-budget fixed-wheel conversion - and to do the thing with the least possible baggage; essentially just riding, resting, pushing up hills or sleeping until I get there. I'm thinking of the Credit Card route for accommodation; closest B&B to wherever I get too tired.
The bike runs 50/17 gearing, which is fine on the flat and OK on the gentle dips and climbs where I live. Fixed-wheel gearing will always be a compromise, but I'm used to that set-up and it is good for most things.
In the past I've frequently done a 70-mile run in the Welsh borders for gentle exercise and am used to spending 4 hours in the saddle. I have a feeding and drinking routine that seems to work over that distance and which should adapt to longer rides.
The thing that unnerves me the most when I see touring and LEJoG riders is the fearsome amount of luggage that some carry. I'd like to make do with the least I possibly can.
I realise that I'm going to hit poor weather over 10-ish days of riding and that I can't wish away headwinds, rain and cold.
That being so, I'm looking for advice on the following:
1. Which is the best compromise on routes if I want the fewest big climbs/descents and also reasonably low mileage?
2. What are the things I really NEED to have with me, apart from the below:
Pump, tube, tyre repair kit.
Phone.
Basic tools - 15mm wheelnut spanner and some allen keys.
2 spare pairs of shorts - 1 spare of other clothing.
Bottles.
Credit card.
Something to keep me warmer & drier for when it gets cold and wet.
Chain and lock.
Map - I can't get into the idea of Satnav on a bike, daft as that might sound.
3. My current tyres are Conti UltraGatorskins 700x23c, which I usually run at 110 psi. Should I be thinking of something else?
I'd be glad for thoughts on all of the above.
Thanks in advance for any answers.
I'm starting to plan a solo, unsupported LEJoG for this summer. The more I read the less inclined to proceed I feel, but the idea seems to have stuck in my head now.
I'm a 47-year-old man who has ridden a lot in the past, but little recently. I am not as light as I might be although not quite disgacefully unfit.
My instinct is to use an old steel road-bike low-budget fixed-wheel conversion - and to do the thing with the least possible baggage; essentially just riding, resting, pushing up hills or sleeping until I get there. I'm thinking of the Credit Card route for accommodation; closest B&B to wherever I get too tired.
The bike runs 50/17 gearing, which is fine on the flat and OK on the gentle dips and climbs where I live. Fixed-wheel gearing will always be a compromise, but I'm used to that set-up and it is good for most things.
In the past I've frequently done a 70-mile run in the Welsh borders for gentle exercise and am used to spending 4 hours in the saddle. I have a feeding and drinking routine that seems to work over that distance and which should adapt to longer rides.
The thing that unnerves me the most when I see touring and LEJoG riders is the fearsome amount of luggage that some carry. I'd like to make do with the least I possibly can.
I realise that I'm going to hit poor weather over 10-ish days of riding and that I can't wish away headwinds, rain and cold.
That being so, I'm looking for advice on the following:
1. Which is the best compromise on routes if I want the fewest big climbs/descents and also reasonably low mileage?
2. What are the things I really NEED to have with me, apart from the below:
Pump, tube, tyre repair kit.
Phone.
Basic tools - 15mm wheelnut spanner and some allen keys.
2 spare pairs of shorts - 1 spare of other clothing.
Bottles.
Credit card.
Something to keep me warmer & drier for when it gets cold and wet.
Chain and lock.
Map - I can't get into the idea of Satnav on a bike, daft as that might sound.
3. My current tyres are Conti UltraGatorskins 700x23c, which I usually run at 110 psi. Should I be thinking of something else?
I'd be glad for thoughts on all of the above.
Thanks in advance for any answers.