Do you plan to pre-book B&Bs, some people's reports seem to favour prebooked night stops to give you a target and some seem to prefer just going as far as you can/want to and then look for somewhere to stay.
This looks a good route similar to that of Andy H :
http://to3y.co.uk/lejog/2008/09/route.html
another much hillier scenc route:
http://one-cog-lejog-blog.blogspot.com/p/this-is-routes-page.html
However. I have downloaded the CTC LEJOG handbook and will forward on to anyone who gives me their email.
It will help us decide how we do LEJOG and what A routes are safe and the ones to avoid - it's alll a compromise speed/time/hills etc.
Let's use this as a basis for discussion. It's got a list of B&B's hostels plus other good advice.
So whisper your email address to me for quick reply or download directly from CTC (members only).
1. Lands End to Okehampton Dartmoor : 111m
2. Okehampton to Bristol : 106m
3. Bristol to Shrewsbury : 112m
4. Shrewsbury to Lancaster: 105m
5. Lancaster to Lockerbie: 100m
6. Lockerbie to Stirling: 107m
7. Stirling to Aviemore: 114m
8. Aviemore to Golspie: 80m
9. Golspie to John O Groats: 70m
Rough estimate distance. Overall it's short but gives an idea.
Have to find where to stay for each and recalculate.
Checked each stopping point and all have hostels.
Means we might have to join the YHA. They are cheap but mostly self catering. Think this is our best plan.
Regarding motor back up... a transit van would be best rather than the Motorhome.
Means we can all stay together and not have to worry about parking a large vehicle and finding campsites.
Think the route above is good.
Fully recommend the book : Lands End to John O Groats - The Official Cyclists Challenge Guide by Brian Smailes.
This is the route that CTC also recommend. The book gives the detailed route and tips.
Suggest in the next few weeks we should reserve accommodation.
Then if people drop out or join they can contact the hostels directly.
The next task is to find a couple of drivers to drive the van. Probably over 21 for insurance.
We could pay for their accommodation and a day rate to make it worthwhile.
Regarding getting to Lands End on the Friday.. Bikes in the van and get the train to Penzance.
Meet the Van there and cycle to Lands End 17m to the hostel.
(Have to book early).
Same from John O Groats on the Monday... Bikes in the van and get the train (must reserve seats on this).
A suggestion has been made re: non CCA nembers.
Friends and non CCA riders must join as an affiliate member for insurance reasons.
We should all wear CCA shirts - big blue train.
Tips on kit are in the handbook. Basically be aware that it might be foggy on some roads especially Bodmin where the beast lives. Lights essential.
For the CTC handbook whisper me yr email or
Txt it to me on 07973 211579
Get training especially yr ass on those fixed wheels.
Robbie ,talking to a few guys on the Sunday ride about this event, could you stick me down as a possible , just got to check with` trouble and strife` and my employer , cheers mate.
More or less deffo's...
Robbie
Alistair ( + 2)
MC
Geoff118
Jon S (+ 3)
Neil (Freedom Tri)
Peter
Adam H
Scouse Chris
Gavin
And a few maybes...
James B
Nige (+ 2)
Stef
Mark H
Vincent
James D
Mick G
Looking for one (or 2) drivers for the mobilehome. Must be over 30years.
Or we hire a van and pay a couple of students- think over 21yrs old.
Or two CCA members who both drive and ride, switching each day etc.
Suggestions most welcome.
start Lands End Saturday 23 June
finish Jon o Groats Sunday 1 July
Mick. Yes. Definitely pay the guys and accommodation/expenses. That sounds promising!
I'm going to have details for accommodation in the next week for 10 people (rough estimate).
sounds very sensible Mark...all key bases covered...v.sorry to not be up to the task...you will all have the ride of your lives and good company all the way. Guarantee nerves will be frayed...found this on my 6 day nightmare ride......You MUST ride at a pace and share the work....it's the only way to all own the ride. good luck to all and great planning so far Rob.
Agree with all the above MC. Good points made.
Txt me your email and I'll send you the CTC pack. Full of info and the route most suitable for us. Cool!
Btw. Compeed blister plasters the way forward on a sore ass.
I learnt three things while doing LEJOG, which really helped me.
1) Pace yourself as its a bloomin long way. 2) Take in the scenary, stop in the middle of nowhere, take some photos and enjoy the moment as you probably wont get chance to do this again. 3) Finally and probably the most important. Wear two pairs of cycle shorts to stop the sore ass. Feels like youve shxt yourself but boy it works after a week in the saddle.
doubt Richard could commit 11 days given family and job commitments...it's a big ask.
Still really want to do this and looking at options...can't sensibly do the entire ride as too much strain on knee.....considering doing half drive and half ride.....would save you all on paying for someone to do the driving and give me an out if the knee gave too much trouble.
I am in the process of finding the best hostels/B&B's to stay based on the dates below.
They have to be 'cycle' friendly, good value etc and be able to accommodate about 10 of us.
The route we are proposing is based on the more direct route from CTC with no 25% climbs.
When I have full details I'll will post and ask for names on the dotted lines and confirmation from each rider.
Keep watching this space. Don't want anyone to miss signing up for accommodation.
No doubt we will have to pay a deposit. Always a good thing- commitment!
Stop-over nights:
Friday 22 June : Lands End
Saturday 23 June : Okehampton
Sunday 24 June : Bristol (west)
Monday 25 June : Shrewsbury
Tuesday 26 June : Lancaster (east)
Wednesday 27 June : Lockerbie
Thursday 28 June : Stirling
Friday 29 June : Aviemore
Saturday 30 June : Golspie
Sunday 1 July : John O groats
Mentioned earlier about designing bespoke LEJOG CCA shirts for the ride.
To get the order in with the best price and delivery date I have to give Skelders the number of shirts required by MONDAY!
This pushes people to sign up much faster than anticipated. Apologies.However many have already said DEFFO.
Alternatively a normal CCA shirt would be fine but it's nicer to have a special one.
So...
names please for a LEJOG CCA SHIRT starting with...
MC - if you would like any of your shirts adjusting I would suggest you speak directly to Endura. They will oblige (I believe) so it shouldn't be a problem.
Comments
YOUTUBE : CCA LEJOG 2012
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lutoEoF6hY
far better than my sales pitch!!
Look on the bright side... fancy driving a mobile home and cooking bacon butties!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lutoEoF6hY
http://to3y.co.uk/lejog/2008/09/route.html
another much hillier scenc route:
http://one-cog-lejog-blog.blogspot.com/p/this-is-routes-page.html
However. I have downloaded the CTC LEJOG handbook and will forward on to anyone who gives me their email.
It will help us decide how we do LEJOG and what A routes are safe and the ones to avoid - it's alll a compromise speed/time/hills etc.
Let's use this as a basis for discussion. It's got a list of B&B's hostels plus other good advice.
So whisper your email address to me for quick reply or download directly from CTC (members only).
1. Lands End to Okehampton Dartmoor : 111m
2. Okehampton to Bristol : 106m
3. Bristol to Shrewsbury : 112m
4. Shrewsbury to Lancaster: 105m
5. Lancaster to Lockerbie: 100m
6. Lockerbie to Stirling: 107m
7. Stirling to Aviemore: 114m
8. Aviemore to Golspie: 80m
9. Golspie to John O Groats: 70m
Rough estimate distance. Overall it's short but gives an idea.
Have to find where to stay for each and recalculate.
Checked each stopping point and all have hostels.
Means we might have to join the YHA. They are cheap but mostly self catering. Think this is our best plan.
Regarding motor back up... a transit van would be best rather than the Motorhome.
Means we can all stay together and not have to worry about parking a large vehicle and finding campsites.
Think the route above is good.
Fully recommend the book : Lands End to John O Groats - The Official Cyclists Challenge Guide by Brian Smailes.
This is the route that CTC also recommend. The book gives the detailed route and tips.
Suggest in the next few weeks we should reserve accommodation.
Then if people drop out or join they can contact the hostels directly.
The next task is to find a couple of drivers to drive the van. Probably over 21 for insurance.
We could pay for their accommodation and a day rate to make it worthwhile.
Meet the Van there and cycle to Lands End 17m to the hostel.
(Have to book early).
Same from John O Groats on the Monday... Bikes in the van and get the train (must reserve seats on this).
A suggestion has been made re: non CCA nembers.
Friends and non CCA riders must join as an affiliate member for insurance reasons.
We should all wear CCA shirts - big blue train.
Tips on kit are in the handbook. Basically be aware that it might be foggy on some roads especially Bodmin where the beast lives. Lights essential.
For the CTC handbook whisper me yr email or
Txt it to me on 07973 211579
Get training especially yr ass on those fixed wheels.
Robbie
Alistair ( + 2)
MC
Geoff118
Jon S (+ 3)
Neil (Freedom Tri)
Peter
Adam H
Scouse Chris
Gavin
And a few maybes...
James B
Nige (+ 2)
Stef
Mark H
Vincent
James D
Mick G
Looking for one (or 2) drivers for the mobilehome. Must be over 30years.
Or we hire a van and pay a couple of students- think over 21yrs old.
Or two CCA members who both drive and ride, switching each day etc.
Suggestions most welcome.
start Lands End Saturday 23 June
finish Jon o Groats Sunday 1 July
i am a cornish lad and know the bodmin area well...........the beast is a live and well..........
nice to see you on the mick.
I'm going to have details for accommodation in the next week for 10 people (rough estimate).
Guarantee nerves will be frayed...found this on my 6 day nightmare ride......You MUST ride at a pace and share the work....it's the only way to all own the ride.
good luck to all and great planning so far Rob.
Txt me your email and I'll send you the CTC pack. Full of info and the route most suitable for us. Cool!
Btw. Compeed blister plasters the way forward on a sore ass.
I learnt three things while doing LEJOG, which really helped me.
1) Pace yourself as its a bloomin long way.
2) Take in the scenary, stop in the middle of nowhere, take some photos and enjoy the moment as you probably wont get chance to do this again.
3) Finally and probably the most important. Wear two pairs of cycle shorts to stop the sore ass. Feels like youve shxt yourself but boy it works after a week in the saddle.
You will have a ball on this ride.
Andy
Still really want to do this and looking at options...can't sensibly do the entire ride as too much strain on knee.....considering doing half drive and half ride.....would save you all on paying for someone to do the driving and give me an out if the knee gave too much trouble.
I am in the process of finding the best hostels/B&B's to stay based on the dates below.
They have to be 'cycle' friendly, good value etc and be able to accommodate about 10 of us.
The route we are proposing is based on the more direct route from CTC with no 25% climbs.
When I have full details I'll will post and ask for names on the dotted lines and confirmation from each rider.
Keep watching this space. Don't want anyone to miss signing up for accommodation.
No doubt we will have to pay a deposit. Always a good thing- commitment!
Stop-over nights:
Friday 22 June : Lands End
Saturday 23 June : Okehampton
Sunday 24 June : Bristol (west)
Monday 25 June : Shrewsbury
Tuesday 26 June : Lancaster (east)
Wednesday 27 June : Lockerbie
Thursday 28 June : Stirling
Friday 29 June : Aviemore
Saturday 30 June : Golspie
Sunday 1 July : John O groats
Mentioned earlier about designing bespoke LEJOG CCA shirts for the ride.
To get the order in with the best price and delivery date I have to give Skelders the number of shirts required by MONDAY!
This pushes people to sign up much faster than anticipated. Apologies.However many have already said DEFFO.
Alternatively a normal CCA shirt would be fine but it's nicer to have a special one.
So...
names please for a LEJOG CCA SHIRT starting with...
ROBBIE
Alistair
contact is: Alan Blue (0) 1506 832493
And do we need 8 each!!?? mwhahaha
Is Geoff soigneur/kit washman too?!
Got a feeling the shirts will be minging by the end!
Need a few hangers with us for overnight drying!