LEJoG - cycling

[foxile5]

Evening all, 

 

Currently cycling from Land's End to a John o'Groats.

 

I've just finished the first day - 72 miles and 4,200 foot of climbing - and about to bed down in Bodmin. Saw a few decent land marks - St Michael's Mount is just about visible in the second picture - and scanned some fish and chips by the sea.

 

Absolutely perfect day for it and a really nice ride out. Tomorrow looks a bit more testing. 

 

Has anyone else done this route and have anything to suggest or recommend? Any tips greatly received.  

 

 

[ajthefox]

Done a few bikepacking trips, I'm very keen to do LEJOG.

 

I've heard the start is very up and down!

 

Don't have any tips but wish you all the best bud, very jealous. Keep us posted. Curious to see what set up you're using.

[foxile5]

On 04/08/2024 at 21:57, ajthefox said:

Done a few bikepacking trips, I'm very keen to do LEJOG.

 

I've heard the start is very up and down!

 

Don't have any tips but wish you all the best bud, very jealous. Keep us posted. Curious to see what set up you're using.

Day 2 - 77 miles / 4945 ft climbing. 

 

The first two days have been like real big sessions in the peaks. Up and down is about right. 

 

Camping in an orchard which has a certain nostalgia value I suppose.

 

I'll take a picture of the bike tomorrow morning packed up and show you!

[foxile5]

 Day 3 & 4 were particularly hard. About 130 miles but with very little climbing. It levels out at the edge of Somerset. Currently in Cheltenham - the ride to, through, and from Bristol was on mainly busy and unimpressive roads.

 

It's just difficult with so many miles in the legs in 4 days. The hills are easier. 80 miles tomorrow and a day at home. 

 

The picture of my bike was too big to upload but -

 

Cannondale Topstone 2 with GRX hydraulic brakes and grx groupset.

 

Two back panniers for cooking bits, flip flops, sleeping mattress and bag, toiletries, charger, and sundries. A front bar bag for riding clothes and some other clothing. The middle bag has gels and powders.

 

The tent on the back is a 2 man tent that just about fits one man.

[foxile5]

I've not been keeping faithful notes here because this is ****ing brutal. 

 

Arrived in Newcastle tonight. Started last Sunday so this will be the eighth full day. The only way I can accurately describe it is that it's been like you imagine cycling 600m in 8 days feels.

 

It's painful and arduous. My backside is red raw. 

[SystonFox]

34 minutes ago, foxile5 said:

I've not been keeping faithful notes here because this is ****ing brutal. 

 

Arrived in Newcastle tonight. Started last Sunday so this will be the eighth full day. The only way I can accurately describe it is that it's been like you imagine cycling 600m in 8 days feels.

 

It's painful and arduous. My backside is red raw. 

Keep going mate. Something I’d really like to do but I just don’t/have never had the fitness to pull that long a distance off.

 

full respect and all the best

[ajthefox]

On 11/08/2024 at 21:16, foxile5 said:

I've not been keeping faithful notes here because this is ****ing brutal. 

 

Arrived in Newcastle tonight. Started last Sunday so this will be the eighth full day. The only way I can accurately describe it is that it's been like you imagine cycling 600m in 8 days feels.

 

It's painful and arduous. My backside is red raw. 

That is bloody good milage mate. Are you hoping to finish on Sunday?

 

Keep going bud, it really is something to be proud of. The excitement for the end will kick in soon! 

 

[foxile5]

8 hours ago, ajthefox said:

That is bloody good milage mate. Are you hoping to finish on Sunday?

 

Keep going bud, it really is something to be proud of. The excitement for the end will kick in soon! 

 

Absolutely - looking to finish Sunday. 

 

Currently in a world of pain though. Split my rim on a rock or brick and have been dealing with that. It's currently being repaired by what must be the only bike shop in forty miles. A very, very lucky break. 

 

Averaging 75 miles a day or so from the start. It's been testing.

[Juan Carrito]

That's a serious effort mate. I did it nearly 10 years ago now (although we stuck mostly to the west coast to keep the mileage shorter). Are you doing it on your own or as part of a group? 

 

I remember the last few days feeling great though, there's some very beautiful (though in quite a bleak way) scenery. Hope your bike is sorted again soon and enjoy the last push! 

[Raj]

As someone who cycles 7 miles a day to work I cant even begin to think how challenging this is 

You have my full and utter respect🙌.