Planning a long-distance ride

SandyMTB

Hi all

Currently planning a bit of an adventure: considering doing the End to End, with some additional (hiking / climbing) challenges thrown in along the way. Just wondering if anyone had any advice on training, gear, routes, etc? I do quite a lot of MTB (mainly trail, AM and a bit of freeride/DH) but currently no road cycling; what are the main things I should focus on to get my road riding up to scratch?

Also, I'm planning to buy a new roadbike: what will I need to do the job (and do it reasonably quickly)? I was thinking about trying to pack super-light: so just taking a backpack and foregoing panniers; so have been eyeing up light roadies with no rackmounts (sub £1,000) - does that seem achievable, or would I be better with something softer and more comfortable / toury, use panniers, and keep the backpack lighter?

Anything else I need to consider?

Any advice appreciated - Cheers!
S

arthur_scrimshaw

I'm no expert but most opinions I've heard on touring recommend getting the load onto the bike not on you so you're going against the norm. Audax UK organize long distance rides of 100, 200, and above (km) so doing a few of these might be useful?

http://www.aukweb.net/

CiB

Arthur's right. Avoid carrying loads on your back for long distances. It increases fatigue esp round the shoulders & back and is a drag after a few hours in the saddle.

Training - keep doing longer rides. Once you can do 50, 30 is a doddle. Then 70 makes 50 pretty easy, and beyond that you can hit 100 on adrenalin and bloody-mindedness as you're that close. Do a search for eating & hydration tips too - they'll be the difference between making it or not.

essjaydee

You'll probably get some good advice if you posted question here.....http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=40077