Riding the C2C: tips?

[Inquisitor]

I'm planning on riding either the C2C or the Reivers route in July on my own (currently swaying toward Reivers). I've never done any long-distance riding like this before so I'm after some general advice on how to prepare and what kind of kit I'll need.

In particular, one thing I'm unsure about is how to take my stuff: would I be best off with panniers or a trailer (or just a backpack)? I'm going to try to travel as lightly as possible. I'm still undecided about camping or B&B, but if I do camp I expect I'll just rough it with a tarp and a groundmat to save space/weight (and money as I don't have a tent ).

Another thing I'm wondering about is whether it's worth getting a suspension seatpost? I remember someone in the bike thread saying he'd used one and it worked out pretty well (I think it was a thudbuster?). I'll be doing plenty of off-road, riding a hardtail XC bike so anything that can soften the bumps will help. If it's a worthwhile investment, which ones are good?

Thanks

 

[The Mad Rapper]

I did the C2C last weekend, so I can help

Please do not even try to do this with a backpack, I did the exact same thing and it was a huge mistake. My backpack weighed 25KG, which was fine until just after half-way through the day on day one, when the pain between my shoulder blades became unbearable. We stopped at one of the towns that afternoon and I bought panniers and some bungees.

I'd recommend a drinking bladder - Halford's sell 2 Ltr ones which are good value. Make sure you have plenty of bananas, Tracker bars (or similar), and Wine Gums - eat whenever you can, even if you don't feel hungry. You need good cycling shorts, don't do it in plain lycra shorts, you need the padding. Likewise, make sure you have padded cycling gloves, the pressure can get too much leaning against the handlebars.

You should take your wheels into your local cycle shop and swap the MTB tyres for Specialized Nimbus Armadillos, which are very good armoured tyres with a low rolling resistance - in other words, you need to spend less energy to make them turn.

Don't camp - book yourself into B&Bs - the one we stayed at on Day One was at a posh Hall, very nice. The one we stayed at on Day Two was at Allenheads, that was great too. The C2C web site has the contact details you'll need - they were both £20 PPPN inc breakfast.

Any more questions, please ask!

 

[Inquisitor]

Thanks for the advice

For what it's worth, this is the bike I'll be riding. Also, if anyone can advise on the seatpost issue that'd be great!

Please do not even try to do this with a backpack, I did the exact same thing and it was a huge mistake. My backpack weighed 25KG, which was fine until just after half-way through the day on day one, when the pain between my shoulder blades became unbearable. We stopped at one of the towns that afternoon and I bought panniers and some bungees.

25kg!? I travelled in India for 6 weeks with just a 13kg pack, and I thought that was heavy

Point taken though. I think I'll probably go for panniers as they're cheaper than a good trailer. I'm going to try and keep my pack under 10kg if possible.

I'd recommend a drinking bladder - Halford's sell 2 Ltr ones which are good value. Make sure you have plenty of bananas, Tracker bars (or similar), and Wine Gums - eat whenever you can, even if you don't feel hungry. You need good cycling shorts, don't do it in plain lycra shorts, you need the padding. Likewise, make sure you have padded cycling gloves, the pressure can get too much leaning against the handlebars.

Sorted on this front: got a Camelbak Mule NV which is awesome Already got the baggies, gloves, and a jacket too.

You should take your wheels into your local cycle shop and swap the MTB tyres for Specialized Nimbus Armadillos, which are very good armoured tyres with a low rolling resistance - in other words, you need to spend less energy to make them turn.

Is it not worth using knobbly tyres for the off-road sections then? Like I said I want to explore the off-road sections quite a bit, since I tend to ride XC. Also I'm going to be doing the Reivers route rather than the normal C2C – don't know if that changes it at all?

Don't camp - book yourself into B&Bs - the one we stayed at on Day One was at a posh Hall, very nice. The one we stayed at on Day Two was at Allenheads, that was great too. The C2C web site has the contact details you'll need - they were both £20 PPPN inc breakfast.

How far ahead do the B&Bs need to be booked? And how far between are they (again, on the Reivers route, not the standard C2C)?

 

[The Mad Rapper]

I used a Carrera Kraken - standard seatpost, it was fine. My tyres were fine for all of the off-road sections, no need for MTB tyres. In fact, none of the 5 of us got a single puncture in the 3 days we did the C2C. If the Reiver's is all off-road then that's potentially a different matter, you must make that decision yourself. Regardless of tyre choice, make sure you have at least one spare tube and a puncture repair kit with levers.

Our B&Bs were booked months in advance, but you can call them and determine their availability easily.