Way of the roses - morecambe to bridlington

[Pjays666]

Hi everyone I have just completed the Leeds Liverpool canal and now I am working on my next ride. Going to do the way of the roses. I will be completing this for charity over 3 or 4 days with a friend and camping en route. I have just started training on roads as all my previous training was on canal towpaths. Any advice would be appreciated I have only been cycling since September. Thanks in advance.

 

[vernon]

Just do it. Road riding is easier than tow path riding.

 

[MontyVeda]

yes, do it... and tell us how you get along.

Me and a mate are planning on doing it at some point this year... but... are we up for it?

This weekend I've been in the saddle three days on the trot; 43miles sat, 37 miles sun, 20 miles today... all to fathom how I get along doing a lot more miles than usual day after day after day.

Saturday evening i was vary achy, Sunday's ride was fine, but knees starting to show signs of pressure, Sunday evening very achy, Monday's ride fine, but knees still showing signs of pressure... did get the train back rather than cycle (should have been a 35ish run), not because i was knackered (i wasn't), because i was sat in a beautiful beer garden, having a pint, enjoying the view, and figured "there's a train station just over there which will land within a stone's throw of home, so I'll have another pint"

what i've learnt is if/when i 'do it', I'd rather have a good night's sleep in a B&B than rough it camping, which makes the trip a lot more costly. I'm also wondering how my knees will stand up to 4, 5 or 6 day's worth of big rides... I really want to enjoy it, as opposed to 'endure' it.

but... Vernon is right, go for it!

 

[Paul_L]

I find a 20 mile road ride much easier than a similar distance tow path ride. On the tow path there is no rest, you're pedalling all the time, whereas on the road, yes you have hills to climb, but you also have downhills to freewheel, and flat roads with a tailwind (as Morecambe to Bridlington should be) to just tick over on.

Tow path riding is good training though.

 

[Pjays666]

Thanks guys I did 25 mile on sat - towpath out and return on road. Yesterday I did 8 mile up and down hills and today I have done almost 22 mile on towpath. Coming from lancashire any road cycling is hilly (which is why i got a hybrid for towpaths) but now want to inject a bit of variety - think n+1 has taken hold but need to keep dropping hints for a while longer to SWMBO.

 

[P.H]

I did it over the last bank holiday weekend, lovely route, a bit tough in places but most of the hills are of the short steep type rather than the long drags. If you struggle with anything just get off and push, I've never understood this ego thing about not doing so, I cycle for enjoyment not to prove anything. My first cycle tour was the C2C on a hire bike, I never got round to the training I meant to do, I walked up every hill and coasted down the other side, I still got to the B&B every day and enjoyed it. As has been said, Just do it!

 

[P.H]

what i've learnt is if/when i 'do it', I'd rather have a good night's sleep in a B&B than rough it camping, which makes the trip a lot more costly.

That might be right for you, but don't assume that everyone gets a better nights sleep in a B&B or that camping always means roughing it. I sleep really well in my cosy tent, far better than I do in a strange bed.

 

[MontyVeda]

That might be right for you, but don't assume that everyone gets a better nights sleep in a B&B or that camping always means roughing it. I sleep really well in my cosy tent, far better than I do in a strange bed.

I didn't.

 

[Pjays666]

I will be honest when I did the leeds liverpool canal we stayed first night in b & b and second night camping. The second night was far better as we had a good laugh, it was all about the comarardery and the expedition feel. I will definitely camp on this trip. That is just my opinion but we are all different.

 

[P.H]

I didn't.

You're right, you didn't, my apologies. I should have put that better, plenty of people do assume that and I was trying to point out that ii isn't always the case, rather that you were one of those.

 

[Pjays666]

Does anyone have any recommendations for campsites along the route. I only want one night stays and intend doing this during the week to make availability less of a hassle.

 

[Joffey]

When you get to Brid come to Flamborough - lovely village and I might even buy you a pint! Lol

 

[Soltydog]

When you get to Brid come to Flamborough - lovely village and I might even buy you a pint! Lol

Come down to Mappleton from Brid & i'll buy you a pint, or I would if there was a pub

I've done the route & found it the best sustrans route I've done. Not as challenging as the C2C, better surfaces than the TPT & better scenery than Hadrians Wall route. SO if anyone is planning a coast to coast route in the north, then I would recommend WOTR I'm certainly not mega fit but did it easily in 3 days stopping at B&Bs (I prefer a 'proper' bed & less weight on the bike)

 

[Joffey]

Mappleton might be doable after a few months training lol

 

[Soltydog]

Mappleton might be doable after a few months training lol

I can offer free camping at mappleton Ive done mappleton to Flamborough & back the scenic way, over 100 miles, but not too hard, ie not much hill climbing.