Touring on a Bicycle - a few questions.

[Indigo]

Hi everyone,

Over the last two years I've done 3 long distance (I'd say so anyway) bicycle rides of 72 / 100 / 64 miles. All of these were only done in a day though and this year I've planned two which are a little more challenging. Both of these will be done by myself and my housemate.

They are:

London to Paris on the 21st June, planning to do this in 24 hours (roughly 280 miles).

London to Edinburgh in 27th August - 29th August so 3 days (roughly 400 miles).

I'm not looking for advice on training really as I've got that sorted, just wondered if anyone has done anything like this before and could offer any advice really.

Main things I'm thinking about at the minute are

How have you gone about planning the routes?

How have you decided what you'll be taking?

What do you wish you had taken?

What kind of foods did you take and eat to keep energy levels high enough?

And what type of bike did you do it on as well?

Were planning on doing it on hybrids just because it's the best of both worlds and should tackle most things with a bit of work we'd hope.

Cheers

Dave

 

[Clum]

I've done quite a lot of this sort of thing, with the most recent being Edinburgh to Turin.

For route planning I just used the standard Michellin road maps. Honestly never plan an actual route, but have a rough idea sketched in my mind before setting off. It's then just a case of picking towns along the way and kind of joining up the dots. I think that lends itself to the spirit of adventure a bit more than sitting creating a meticulous route before you even set off.

I only really take the bare minimum in camping equipment (don't know if you plan to camp) and tools ect. If you're running 700c tires at high pressure then I'd highly recommend getting some of the Co2 infators if you don't have enough space to take a proper floor pump. Absolute nightmare trying to get good pressure into a road tire with a hand pump. Also if you're bags/panniers aren't very waterproof, the something to keep the rain off them wills ave a lot of misery. Best to check they actually are waterproof before you go, as I've had bags that claimed to be in the past, but actually ended up like a sponge after a few days of non stop rain. Wouldn't really go mad with tools or anything as in the UK you're never really going to be too far away from getting some help at a bike shop or somewhere.

Foods...I just stocked up with enough for the day when setting out in the morning. Again as you're in the UK, it's not going to be a problem finding food so don't carry a ton. Just eat whatever you want...you're only on the road for a few days 3 days so not really a big deal. Plenty of carbs of course. Go nuts...it's about the one time you can eat as much as you want and definitely not get fat!

Hybrids will probably be ideal if they have road wheels.

 

[Indigo]

Well I'm currently on planning on using an Old Saracen I have (1990's Mountain Bike) it's fairly light I suppose, only 26" wheels, will probably be running 1.3" / 1.75" tyres as were not trying to go at a blistering pace, just comfortable really.

In terms of panniers I don't have of those yet but I plan to (for London to Edinburgh at least) have 2 bags with whatever I need in them. Accomodation would be camping as well I think, just adds to the experience I'd find.

Picking towns out and heading in a general direction seems like a good idea actually, can make detours if we want to then as well I guess.

 

[Clum]

As long as it's mechanically sound and has some road tires then it will do the job fine. Definitely worth getting panniers and a rack rather than taking a backpack/strapping bags on. Doesn't have to be expensive...I think I got the cheapest Edin bike Co rack for about 20 quid, then some equally cheap triple panniers from ebay.

For the Paris run, I'd take enough food for the entire 24hours. I don't know which route you'll take, but rural French villages can be like ghost towns. If during the summer then stock up on water at every opportunity. I've been caught out with no water before and it can become really very uncomfortable.

Are you sure that 3 days will be enough to make Edinburgh in? 130 odd miles a day for three days straight is quite an ask, especially on bikes not built for speed and weighted down with bags. I'd aim for nearer to 70 per day which would give a more relaxed pace and a chance to actually enjoy the trip a bit more, rather than just flat out pedalling.