On Tue, 02 Mar 2004 08:26:50 +0000, Lee wrote:
> All,
>
> My Mum has a caravan in Bridlington (well, just outside) which we frequently use and I was
> wondering whether I could cycle there in the summer.
>
> I live in Alfreton, Derbyshrie and according to RAC route planner its 100 miles to Brid.
>
> Now, i commute to work by bicycle each day (8 miles here, 8 miles back) and it takes me about 30
> mins my questions are:
>
> 1. Do you think i could make it?
Absolutely. I wish I had as far to ride to work as you do - it sounds as if you're probably fitter
than I am and I know I can cycle that distance without having to go into training.
> 2. How long would you expect it to take (bearing in mind fatigue etc)
I have averaged 10-14mph over similar distances - depends on the terrain + bike. It's important to
pace yourself - ideally cycling for long distances should be like jogging or hill walking. You can
keep on doing them indefinitely, provided you don't use your short-term energy reserves faster than
they're replenished from long term energy reserves (fat! hooray!).
> 3. What kit would I need?
A good repair kit including a chain tool, pump, repair kit and inner tube (even if you know how to
fix them), allen keys, maybe a spanner set. Some people might take a spare tyre. If you normally use
a rucksack for goodness sake leave it at home and get a set of panniers.
Drink lots of fluids; eat little and often - and before you have to. Energy drinks can save the day
if you suddenly find your legs going all wobbly - which you shouldn't if you're eating right. I
don't reckon energy bars work as well, and they're expensive.
In this weather, obviously warm waterproof clothing is a must. I'd suggest a pair of gloves, even if
you don't normally need them.
Whatever other people mention that I've forgotten.
> 4. Do you think ill need to build up to the 100 mile mark first?
Not necessarily - but you may enjoy it more if you do. And if you haven't done any long rides
before then a dress rehearsal may let you know if you need to adjust the saddle, or whatever.
Little things that don't matter over short distances can become exponentially bigger things as the
distances increase.
> 5. Any better routes than the RAC route planner (dont fancy A roads if at all possible)
Remember little roads may add quite a lot on to those 100 miles - I don't know your area but I would
try to avoid busy A-roads on any pleasure trip. My preference is to compromise by setting off on the
A-roads at 3/4 am and moving onto small roads round about breakfast time. There is the risk of
sleepy drivers, but there are far fewer cars overall.
Normally I don't mind A-roads, but I find that 8 hours of cars whizzing past me really gets me down
even if they're all behaving.
You could consider camping/B&Bing overnight and do the trip in 2 stages?
> I like the idea of doing it (my better half thinks I am insane for even contemplating it).
Well, you found your way to the asylum OK,
The important thing is have fun, and let us know how it goes. If I recall,
http://www.audax.uk.net/
has some good articles that may be useful.
AC