LeJog Update

I've been on holiday from work for a couple of weeks and had planned to complete three consecutive 100 mile rides as a measure of how much work I would need to do to be ready to complete the Lands End to John O Groats ride as seven 200km days. Unfortunately, having a bad cold Sunday to Tuesday ruled that plan out, however, I felt well enough yesterday to set out for Brighton. I left the house at 6.15am and headed south, taking in the stunning views over Kent from the top of Ide Hill, eventually making it to Brighton in time for breakfast at the Marina. A pretty straightforward ride, although Ditchling Beacon just before arriving in Brighton is always a challenge. This was the first time I had been up it without being surrounded by thousands of other cyclists on the London to Brighton bike ride. That didn't make it easier, it made it harder as I was not forced into a slow pace. More stunning views from the top though.

The journey home was more of a challenge. I returned via Lewis and the Ashdown Forest eventually arriving at the foot of the North Downs wondering how I would make it up the hill. Normally I would go via Ide Hill, but this time I opted for the quieter Toys Hill. That was a mistake as it was longer and steeper! I made it however, leaving only Polhill and a final 9km downhill stretch to home. For the last two hours if the ride, my feet were hurting - I was wearing road cleats which have no give in the sole whatsoever to ensure maximum power goes to the pedals. Next time I'll change the pedals and try it with MTB cleats which have a slight give, and which have the extra benefit of not making you walk like a stiff penguin! My legs were very tired and I was making full use of the gearing - as even small hills started to be difficult.

It was a very hot day, but I made sure I was drinking constantly. I took the opportunity to try out some of the so-called sports hydration drinks. I tried Gatorade, Powerade and Lucozade Sport. Powerade (made by Coca Cola) had added sweeteners and sugar, as did Lucozade, which meant they didn't sit so well in my stomach. However, Gatorade was much better, having no added sugars (natural or otherwise), and it tasted much less sickly. This will be my choice from now on.

I arrived home 11 and a half hours after leaving, but moving time was only eight hours 22 minutes. The difference accounts for traffic lights, an hour for breakfast people watching in Brighton Marina, pee-breaks, and two or three short snack breaks to admire the views.

My legs were a little achy in the evening, and my backside was a little tender, but this morning nothing hurts and, although tired, I feel I would be perfectly able to go out for a long ride again.

You can find details of the ride on the Garmin site.

LeJog Update

June/July 2010 seems a long way off, but I guess it's never too early to start to prepare for an adventure like the Lands End to John O'Groats cycle ride.

I now have a riding partner, possibly two, and have decided that the 60-odd miles per day organised events from companies such a Skedaddle is probably too leisurely, and that the 110 mile daily distances of the James Cracknel organised Ride Across Britain [RAB] are closer to what we should be aiming for. I had considered signing up for the RAB, but have decided against it for two reasons. Firstly, they're doing it in the wrong direction which would mean a strong possibility of a headwind for the duration, and secondly after a day in the saddle, I really feel I need a proper bed and shower, not a camp site with a mat on the floor of a tent.

So it very much looks like we'll be organising the trip ourselves. David - who I will be doing the ride with - is a regular Audax rider and has suggested we do it as an Audax Permanent event. This means 7 days riding of at least 200km (roughly 125 miles). We'd have a total of 14 hours (including breaks) to complete each 200km leg. Allowing for say 3 hours of breaks (very generous) that's an average of just over 18km per hour. My normal average speed on a long ride is between 24 and 26km per hour, so not too scary, except it has to be done again the next day. And the next day. And we'd have to ride all 7 days within a total of 10 days, which would allow one rest day. The downside of doing it this way is that we'd have to be self supporting and carry our clothes etc for the overnight stops.

Next step is to start the route planning, drawing on the resources of all those fools who have gone before us.

Another bike

As a typical 'bloke', I love machines and gadgets. Also, in the last three or four years I've become an enthusiastic cyclist, using a bike both to commute to work and for leisure/training rides at the weekend.

Putting these two things together, means I am always on the look out for a new bike. Sometimes, the excuses are quite thin, however, sometimes they are genuine. This time its genuine. I need a new bike.

I'm in the early stages of planning to do LeJoG next year, and such a serious undertaking will require a serious machine. So I'm looking at Audax, touring and Cyclocross bikes as potential steeds for such a long trip.

If you have any advice on what would be most suitable, let me know! And if you know me and fancy LeJoG as well, give me a call!!