Thoughts on Proposed LEJOG Route

[spen666]

I'm looking at doing LEJOG again after doing it 17 years ago. Then I did it largely via the Cycling UK fast route which took me over the top of Dartmoor . This time I'm looking to avoid worst of Dartmoor and go further east ie via worcester instead of via Hereford.

Any thoughts on the route for the first 3 sections?

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54429603 ... 5yfshlBIHP

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54429640 ... 2qpvUV7d4s

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54429665 ... n6ZdhvttzK

I intend to do it unsupported and credit card touring

 

[Dorset Boy]

I'd start in Perpignan and finish in Monaco, or start in Thonon les Bains and finish in Nice or Antibes = both much more pleasant!

 

[13 rider]

The middle part of day 1 I have ridden and looks ok . Depending on timing trying to cross the A30 on the Hayle roundabout will be interesting very busy during rush hour and then if summertime tourist rush hour about 10.30 .
Cheddar Gorge on day 3 ? Looks a nice route actually

 

[spen666]

The middle part of day 1 I have ridden and looks ok . Depending on timing trying to cross the A30 on the Hayle roundabout will be interesting very busy during rush hour and then if summertime tourist rush hour about 10.30 .
Cheddar Gorge on day 3 ? Looks a nice route actually

Thanks for the input

 

[Ajax Bay]

I've ridden your first part with variations a number of times. When offering this feedback I'm conscious that philosophies differ as do preferences and thresholds (main roads, very minor roads, surfaces, climbing, descents (wasting valuable potential energy in the brake pads). Please take this into account: I'm really just tagging sections of your route for you to ask yourself 'the question'. I'm sure you'll have considered much of this already and made your choices.

Section 1
16.4 You would regret taking the cycle path above the beach from Penzance to Marazion. The surface is poor/corrugated and bashes one's backside. There a perfectly good wide road (light local traffic) - not the A30 dualled - care at a couple of roundabouts.
17.2-28.8 The objective is Hayle. Heading there I've often gone up to Gulval and to Crowlas and accepted 4km of A30 which is super wide all the way before diving into Hayle - a mile shorter. But NCN3 is well proven and though narrow roads is a little less climb. I might try this NCN next time (in the summer).
32.6 Roundabout is a roundabout!
38.2 Spur on your track
50.8 Smokey Joes, Scorrier, serves quickly and depending on start time is ideal for a decent second breakfast.
53.8 Chiverton Cross I wouldn't faff around; just keep W of A30 dual for 700m and go under it on the roundabout.
67.3 Why on earth couldn't 'They' sort the simple link between Carland Cross and Mitchell? The old road's there - I've been down to the dead end to 'check'!
76.5 Spur on your track
81.6 - 85.5 Have you chosen not to get back to the Goss Moor cycle track other side of dual A30 (old A30)? Was fine when I last rode it.
87.4 Rather clever wriggle on new tracks into Victoria.

Section 2
6.6 Tresarret Bridge I appreciate that, since you've bashed through Bodmin to the Premier Inn it'd be nugatory to back track to take the Camel Trail. But here take it upriver. I have ridden it on a road bike several times northbound and coming down - better than the road/climb/descent.

 

[Ajax Bay]

[Preamble on post above]
Section 2
6.6 Tresarret Bridge I appreciate that, since you've bashed through Bodmin to the Premier Inn it'd be nugatory to back track to take the Camel Trail. But here take it upriver to Wenfordbridge. I have ridden the trail on a road bike several times both ways - better than the road/climb/descent.
11.5 After St Breward, keep R (NE) on NCN3, not L through Churchtown (waste of height)
23.3 There's a little RAF museum 100m N of that junction that has a cafe - check opening hours.
23.3 - 46.6 Macro choice I have looked at your line but always preferred the Davidstow>Halworthy>Egloskerry>Launceston route. I resent yours losing height (narrow steep descent ) and chevronned climbing it back across the R Inny and up. to then do 6km on the A395. My preference requires (the same) 6km on the A395 from Davidstow but then turn off and is benign, gently down. Is >1km shorter as well as less climb. Sets up joining NCN327 leaving Launceston.
32.3 Take the road through Laneast: better descent, shorter, less climb out.
68.6 Better off (same distance, better road, less climb) going up to the A rd junction and then throwing a right, 400m then left to get onto the Granite Trail. If Devon Cycle Hire is open, good cafe and they have direct access to the trail.
77.8 - 82.9 I assume this is an aberration or maybe you just fancied a hill session! [I have not riden those roads.] Just cycle up the 'Exeter Road' out of Okehampton. Farmer Luxton's does great pasties and. Over the A30 and past the Services towards Sticklepath on the old A30

 

[spen666]

[Preamble on post above]
Section 2
6.6 Tresarret Bridge I appreciate that, since you've bashed through Bodmin to the Premier Inn it'd be nugatory to back track to take the Camel Trail. But here take it upriver to Wenfordbridge. I have ridden the trail on a road bike several times both ways - better than the road/climb/descent.
11.5 After St Breward, keep R (NE) on NCN3, not L through Churchtown (waste of height)
23.3 There's a little RAF museum 100m N of that junction that has a cafe - check opening hours.
23.3 - 46.6 Macro choice I have looked at your line but always preferred the Davidstow>Halworthy>Egloskerry>Launceston route. I resent yours losing height (narrow steep descent ) and chevronned climbing it back across the R Inny and up. to then do 6km on the A395. My preference requires (the same) 6km on the A395 from Davidstow but then turn off and is benign, gently down. Is >1km shorter as well as less climb. Sets up joining NCN327 leaving Launceston.
32.3 Take the road through Laneast: better descent, shorter, less climb out.
68.6 Better off (same distance, better road, less climb) going up to the A rd junction and then throwing a right, 400m then left to get onto the Granite Trail. If Devon Cycle Hire is open, good cafe and they have direct access to the trail.
77.8 - 82.9 I assume this is an aberration or maybe you just fancied a hill session! [I have not riden those roads.] Just cycle up the 'Exeter Road' out of Okehampton. Farmer Luxton's does great pasties and. Over the A30 and past the Services towards Sticklepath on the old A30

Thanks for all these. Will have a good look at them tonight when at home - love the food suggestions - that is super important to fattie like me

 

[Ajax Bay]

[Preamble on post two above]
Section 3
51.6 Out of Taunton to North Petherton - I think you may find those meanderings tedious. I have ridden a bit of those roads - as an exploration - won't again. Clearly you are trying to avoid the A38. To do that I have gone out to Monkton Heathfield either via the A3259 or join the river path and then NE. And bitten the A38 bullet for a few miles. Alternatively consider the fine gravel canal path east through Bathpool then bearing round to north through Creech and roads through North Newton to North Petherton.
68 - 73 Best route through Bridgwater.
At 75.3, engage lowest gear after turn past the (one time) Knowle Inn. Only time you'll need that sprocket that day, till Cheddar.
86.5 Mark Macro choice Head NE through Chapel Allerton and pick up the Strawberry Line (surface good) through Winscombe, Sandford and all the way to Yatton. Yatton station - good cafe
102.2 Spur on your track and I've stopped at that place to fill bottles before. Looked good.
112.9 Yatton onwards I have not ridden those roads (till bridge to Clifton). Includes 4km of the A38 trunk . You get to cross the Clifton Suspension Bridge, which is iconic.
From Yatton I prefer the NCN26 route (roads) to Clevedon edge and then the back road parallel to the M5 (a mile west) all the way to the Avon bridge (M5) which has a cycle path alongside it.
Crab across to Bristol destination (Filton) or choose another (ie no need to b***er around through Bristol) eg Cribbs Causeway PI.
This is my typical route to in-laws:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54444266
And the full monty (in case you need any inspiration!):
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/8592623
NB Does not include ferry to Orkney, for Kirkwall - Aberdeen ferry (overnight) and fly south from there: JoG to London in <24 hours.

 

[Dogtrousers]

I've PM'd you the route that my friend took on his LEJOG, and that I took on my accompanying Weymouth-York ride, that covers roughly the same ground as your day 3. In case it gives you any ideas. I don't have any strong recommendations to give or anything to discuss but you might find it useful/interesting.

 

[Richard Fairhurst]

16.4 You would regret taking the cycle path above the beach from Penzance to Marazion. The surface is poor/corrugated and bashes one's backside. There a perfectly good wide road (light local traffic) - not the A30 dualled - care at a couple of roundabouts.

The cycle path was rebuilt a couple of years ago - backside tolerances differ of course, but I think it’s ok now!

 

[PeteXXX]

My LEJOG 2019
This was my route, worked out from several suggestions from folk here on CC and a few other places.

Feel free to use any parts of the route you want (or not, as the case may be) .. 👍

 

[Moodyman]

I'd start in Perpignan and finish in Monaco, or start in Thonon les Bains and finish in Nice or Antibes = both much more pleasant!

Have you ridden the Perpignan to Monaco route? If so, how was it?

 

[matticus]

Have you ridden the Perpignan to Monaco route? If so, how was it?

... and did you avoid the A30?