jay clock
Massive member
- Location
- Hampshire UK
+1 for you'll be fine
Touring Fitness
- Thread starter tallliman
- Start date
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snorri
Legendary Member
- Location
- East coast, up a bit.
It would appear you are already doing both....... big time!
I can't understand why you feel the need to cover 350 miles in 8 days. It's a holiday, why put yourself in a statistical straitjacket? If you cover 400 miles in 7 days will your holiday be considered a complete and utter failure?
Just get moving in the morning before morning coffee time and you'll be ok to cover the scheduled distance in the time
.I've never yet estimated the tour mileage before setting out, I keep going until half of my allocated time runs out then turn for home, of course that might not suit everyone
.
Although I never plan a detailed route I always estimate my km'idge - and add 10% - because that is what it always works out at - for the most part Ive always toured on the continent and there is always a bus, plane or boat to catch - I have never done fitness work - I know that I can average 100km a day without it - (56k km divided by days cycling) - not fast or a weight weenie - just toddling through landscape
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growingvegetables
Guru
- Location
- Leeds
You are going to have a ball!
And probably do far more than your planned 350 miles - because you'll have all sorts of energy and reserves you don't know you have ........... yet! Time (and energy!) to take a few interesting detours.
When I've done York-Whitby overnight, by Fylingdales, the only "training" I've had is ------- (for me) normal commutes, of 10-15 miles a day.
The second time I did the trip? After breakfast in Whitby, I headed south on the rail trail for a bit, crossed back over the moors, threading through to Dalby and back to Malton for the train home. It happened to be a glorious day weatherwise, and such a shame to waste it taking the train from Whitby. Perhaps the best 24 hours I've had - pretty unpressured riding, plenty of food and drink, lots of breaks for photos (ahem!).
steveindenmark
Legendary Member
Are you heading towards Market Weighton and York?
If you are there is nothing too strenuous, even with a loaded touring bike.
Spinney
Bimbleur extraordinaire
- Location
- Back up north
I always do, and book my accommodation ahead - so I know I've somewhere for a shower and a bed! I'd hate to be coming to the end of a tiring day and then have to start looking for somewhere to stay!I've never yet estimated the tour mileage before setting out, I keep going until half of my allocated time runs out then turn for home, of course that might not suit everyone
No, Driffield to Scarborough for a day at the cricket. If you know the area well, I'd be happy to share the routes somehow if there's a better road route.
snorri
Legendary Member
- Location
- East coast, up a bit.
Off topic I know, but that mild apprehension regarding a sleeping place or not, just adds to the thrill of the adventure
.
Ajax Bay
Guru
- Location
- East Devon
I have read elsewhere that if you do a rough check of the average (moving) speed you cycle at during 'normal' training rides (alone and of duration more than 2 hours), a planning figure is to assume you will comfortably 'tour' a couple of mph slower. This assumes a light load only (and the OP has said he'll be using B&Bs). Panniers/camping kit will slow you down further. This 'rule of thumb' worked for me when deciding how many days to split my LEJOG into.
If you can average 17mph for 50 miles you could do a long LEJOG comfortably in 8 days, riding (moving) only 8 hours a day.
I'm suggesting this for day/distance PLANNING purposes. Of course (list not exclusive) weather (wind direction), road conditions, hilliness and your ability up the hills, quality of roads (eg trying to follow wiggly NCN routes down tiny minor roads and cycle paths), ability to navigate, company, roadside attractions, sloth in the mornings and, most of all, how long you 'want' to be in the saddle are other aspects to factor in.
Best of luck.
One thing you can do now in midwinter that will make a difference to the speed and effort for your tour - is to pack your bags now. Is it one saddlebag or two panniers and a bar bag? Then weigh them.
Come back post the results and I bet we can find ways of cutting it down while making your tour more comfortable, less effort and even more enjoyable. Easier than worrying now about your mileage on day 5 in summer.
Come back post the results and I bet we can find ways of cutting it down while making your tour more comfortable, less effort and even more enjoyable. Easier than worrying now about your mileage on day 5 in summer.
Ajax Bay
Guru
- Location
- East Devon
I have a "guaranteed" bed for the rest of my life, when touring I like to the excitement of not definitely having one.
For me day 1 is always the hardest, that's because I've done zero training or route planning and everything goes to pot. It improves incrementally from there on, by day 4 or 5 I am flying and could cycle all day.
Thanks for all your responses, I'll bear them all in mind. I quite like the pannier packing idea. I'll aim to report back in a bit. Aiming at 2 panniers, not sure I'll need more.
@Ajax Bay, nice rule of thumb. I'll assume that'll be the case for planning purposes. I managed 80 miles (my best to date) in a day at 15mph. Would've made it to a century if it wasn't for tummy troubles toward the end.
@Ajax Bay, nice rule of thumb. I'll assume that'll be the case for planning purposes. I managed 80 miles (my best to date) in a day at 15mph. Would've made it to a century if it wasn't for tummy troubles toward the end.
