Lands End to John O'Groats - 9 Days - Whatcha Think?

ryan_w-2

So...

I've signed up with a few other work colleagues to cycle from Lands End to John O'Groats. We're doing it to raise money for Maggie's Cancer Trust.

Essentially we're doing a 1,000 mile course over 9 days (112 miles a day).

Has anyone done this before and if so, how did you prep and how did you find the route?

Cheers,

Ryan

ryan_w-2

Surely some of you guys have done this?

Here's the route I planned out. I had to stop is certain places to visit company offices and Maggie's centres along the way...

https://www.strava.com/routes/7475241

mrfpb

Have you posted this in the Tours/Routes/Audaxes section? There are people there prepping for London/Edinburgh/London (900 miles in 4 or 5 days) and lots of god advice being provided.

viewtopic.php?f=40007&t=13074724

Start your thread in one of those forums, and I'm sure you'll get plenty of good advice.

Good luck.

fenix

It's on my bucket list.

There's no need to reinvent the wheel - lots of people have done it and a bit of googling will show you their routes - this might help - http://www.cycle-endtoend.org.uk/index. ... Itemid=219

Route planning is key - there will be some godawful roads you want to avoid like the plague.

112 miles a day does sound like the upper end of the scale - how experienced are the riders - remember you'll be going at the pace of the slowest - not the strongest.

ryan_w-2

Please can an admin move this to the Tours/Routes/Audaxes section then? :oops:

Fenix wrote:

Route planning is key - there will be some godawful roads you want to avoid like the plague.

112 miles a day does sound like the upper end of the scale - how experienced are the riders - remember you'll be going at the pace of the slowest - not the strongest.

I've created a route which isn't too bad when considering elevation. It's going to be hard enough just doing the flat miles, let alone any hills along the route.

I did take a diversion through the Lakes since it's beautiful and actually quite flat along the roads I selected.

We also wanted to break the 1,000 mile barrier, so I stuck the Glenfinnan Viaduct detour on there (my company built it back in 1897).

We have 10 people doing the entire route and about 30 joining in for segments along the way.

The main group of 10 will be split up into 2 groups (fast and not so fast), and will set off at different times to suit.

I'll be in the fast group with a few other friends I cycle with regularly. They're all very fit (sub 18min 10k, low 6 min Box Hill times).

This is something that is hard to train for though. We often go out for mid-length rides (80k+) but haven't done a 100 miler in a while.

All the fast group cycle on a daily basis, so I think it's just going to be saddle sores and heavy legs that hinder us.

Guanajuato

Ryan_W wrote:

...
I did take a diversion through the Lakes since it's beautiful and actually quite flat along the roads I selected.
...

Nice idea. I live in Kendal so I'm familiar with the roads in the lakes. A few suggestions:
After Lancaster, head through Carnforth, Silverdale & Arnside following NCN700 from Carnforth rather than fighting your way up the A6. Arnside has the best chippy for miles. Just before Milnthorpe, there's a left turn which means you can avoid a draggy hill out of the village and only have about half a mile on the A6 past Levens Hall.

Do NOT ride on the A590! There's been several cyclists killed on that section in the recent past. Take the road that goes left from the slip road onto the A590 (Sampool Lane), which then drops you opposite the A5074. Then follow the A5074 from Levens to Windermere rather than the A592 from Newby Bridge. Its a wider, straighter road and much less busy. You don't see much of the lake from the A592 anyway. If you do insist on going along to Newby Bridge, I noticed you do plan on using the road between Levens & witherslack that runs parallel - good idea. But where you then rejoin the A590, there's an underpass that takes you onto a flat lane that runs through Meathop and on to Lindale in Furness - DEFINITELY take this rather than riding to the roundabout on the dual carriageway.

After Grasmere you climb Dunmail Raise - definitely the easiest of the lake district hills so a good choice there but don't underestimate it with tired legs. However, at the top it goes very narrow and twisty immediately after a short dual carriageway - you'd have to be suicidal to ride that. When they rebuilt that section of road last year (the bit that go washed away following storm desmond) they improved an old bridleway by tarmacing it. Heads off to the left just before the Dual carriageway bit ends. This avoids the narrowest section and drops you neatly on the western side of Thirlmere - use that route rather than the main road on the east. There's no traffic and the views are better too. Then go over the dam and pick up your planned route at St Johns in the Vale.

I'd also suggest between Ambleside and Grasmere you consider using the Under Loughrigg road and the new cycleway that goes round Rydal and Grasmere away from the road (its a hard packed surface rather than tarmac, so take that into account). I'm not too sure exactly where the route goes though, but it is signposted. And do divert into Grasmere to pick up some gingerbread.

Here's my suggestions as a route in Strava. https://www.strava.com/routes/7481846

The other alternative is from Milnthorpe, go onto the B6385 for a short while, turn left at Ackenthwaite (first left after a mini roundabout) and follow that road through Hincaster, Sedgewick and Natland in to Kendal. Then from Kendal go through Burneside, Bowston, Staveley and Ings to Windermere. Its only the last bit dropping in to Windermere (railway station) where you'd be on the main road rather than quiet lanes or cycle path alongside the main road. https://www.strava.com/routes/7481886

Whilst the elevation of Strava is a helpful guide, be warned that it misses a lot of short ups & downs in the lake district and probably elsewhere. Don't underestimate the pain of a lot of short up and down with a general upward trend, which you get from Levens/Newby Bridge to Ambleside and through St Johns in the Vale, and probably a lot in Scotland too.

Good luck!

ugo.santalucia

112 miles a day means around 8-9 hours per day on the bike. It is very doable if you are OK with similar distances. The main problems might be eating too much/not enough, not getting enough sleep or developing knee pain or a saddle sore... other than that, I'd say no specific preparation... maybe get used to ride slower and for longer if you are a fast-short ride person. When touring you don't have much to do other than cycling, so just get used to go slower and further

Hinaultscrapcousin

I'm not a big fan of the A82. Too many idiots driving it. Sustrans route 7 is a much nicer cycle I think and you can cut back on the A85 to Crianlarich which misses out the worst part of the A82 along the side of Loch Lomond north of Tarbert (That's where the cycle path stops). I've ridden the A82 a few times either as a group or solo and it's just not very pleasant at all. Going through Aberfoyle, over the Dukes and round Loch Venachar is much nicer, probably my favourite route north of Glasgow. You can use the A81 to get to Aberfoyle rather than the ST7 route and you'll miss the pipetrack climb if you want to keep down the elevation. Drop me a message if you want to have a chat about it.

ugo.santalucia

Hinaultscrapcousin wrote:

which misses out the worst part of the A82 along the side of Loch Lomond north of Tarbert

That stretch is truly awful. The size of a country lane with lorries and coaches trying to squeeze through

ryan_w-2

Great info all... I shall amend the route to suit and republish for you to look over later today

meanredspider

I quite like your route around Inverness looks pretty good (though it's a shame to miss the Maggies centre at Raigmore- it's a fabulous building). I have to say though that the climb near Drumnadrochit is utterly brutal - the sign says 15% and I would say it's at least that and twisting. The road on that side of the Loch is the tourist route too so full of drivers watching for Nessie and not cyclists. Personally I'd ride the other side of the loch and swing via Raigmore over the Kessock bridge and along that side of the Beauly firth to Muir of Ord - it's flat, sheltered and quiet.

ronnierocket

This is the story of our trip and planning. Our route is on there as well

http://www.difd.co.uk

We were supported with a van which made a big difference, they could run all the errands....

Hinaultscrapcousin

ronnierocket wrote:

This is the story of our trip and planning. Our route is on there as well

http://www.difd.co.uk

We were supported with a van which made a big difference, they could run all the errands....

You missed out Glasgow!! Gud stop fura wee swally o' Buckie.

ryan_w-2

Works been hectic, gunna amend the route with the above advice / info now...

Cheers all.

ronnierocket

Hinaultscrapcousin wrote:

ronnierocket wrote:

This is the story of our trip and planning. Our route is on there as well

http://www.difd.co.uk

We were supported with a van which made a big difference, they could run all the errands....

You missed out Glasgow!! Gud stop fura wee swally o' Buckie.

We were all basically from Glasgow, didn't want to go through it as part of the trip. Would have felt a bit weird I think as we still had a long way to go.

Hinaultscrapcousin

ronnierocket wrote:

Hinaultscrapcousin wrote:

ronnierocket wrote:

This is the story of our trip and planning. Our route is on there as well

http://www.difd.co.uk

We were supported with a van which made a big difference, they could run all the errands....

You missed out Glasgow!! Gud stop fura wee swally o' Buckie.

We were all basically from Glasgow, didn't want to go through it as part of the trip. Would have felt a bit weird I think as we still had a long way to go.

Now you mention it, I actually recognise someone I used to work with in the photos.

joenobody

You should check out the Ride Across Britain routes. They do LEJOG and JOGLE yearly (alternating up and down) in a 9-day event.

Guanajuato

Just noticed - you do realise your route finishes at Duncansby Head rather than John O Groats don't you? Turn left at the A99 to the souless car park to be fleeced for a photo by the pole.

ryan_w-2

Amended route using all your help and info.

Please comment if you see any glaring issues / dangerous roads / 20% gradients...

https://www.strava.com/routes/7475241

shaunclaridge

Ryan_W wrote:

Amended route using all your help and info.

Please comment if you see any glaring issues / dangerous roads / 20% gradients...

https://www.strava.com/routes/7475241

Ive done lejog solo in 2014 and with a group of very mixed ability riders last year..... your route is very good and not far off what I did last year.

One thing to prepare your self for and there isnt really any way around it..... once you get past Gretna the road quality is fucking miserable all the way to Lesmahagow. It is absolutely bone crushing and almost like being on cobbles. I think because no one uses that road due to the motorway being next to it they no longer maintain it. We hit sleet and 20mph headwinds that day and we were averaging less than 8mph for a number of hours There also isnt much in the way of shops past gretna so make sure you have time on your hands and food for that section!

Your route from Fortwilliam to JOG is nearly identical to ours and its great...especially the approach to Altnaharrah - its truly wild and amazing. The military road you will climb up on on the south side of loch ness is also a bit of an epic.

Watch out for the last leg across the north coast .... very challenging roads and we got some weather...it can be slow going! Infinitely preferable to the A9 which I did solo and was terrifying.

bigmitch41

Hope you don't mind I nicked your Strava route and hopefully will give it a go next year with a group. Ill be interested to hear how it all go's...Good luck!

Hinaultscrapcousin

Ryan_W wrote:

Amended route using all your help and info.

Please comment if you see any glaring issues / dangerous roads / 20% gradients...

https://www.strava.com/routes/7475241

Your way through Glasgow is a bit of a detour as you can follow the cyclepath to Balloch from Dalmarnock. That'll miss out the West End/Jordanhill wiggly bit and the Clydebank bit on Argyll Road which is very stop start and tends to be busy for a small road. The cycle route you want is NCN 7. It's a pretty good surface most of the way (gravel tracks by the canal/Leven but fairly well maintained) and will keep you off the roads. There are a couple of points where it isn't obvious as it rejoins back roads but it's pretty easy with a route. If you let me know when you're doing it I would try and meet you and show you the way if needed.

ryan_w-2

Hinaultscrapcousin wrote:

Ryan_W wrote:

Amended route using all your help and info.

Please comment if you see any glaring issues / dangerous roads / 20% gradients...

https://www.strava.com/routes/7475241

Your way through Glasgow is a bit of a detour as you can follow the cyclepath to Balloch from Dalmarnock. That'll miss out the West End/Jordanhill wiggly bit and the Clydebank bit on Argyll Road which is very stop start and tends to be busy for a small road. The cycle route you want is NCN 7. It's a pretty good surface most of the way (gravel tracks by the canal/Leven but fairly well maintained) and will keep you off the roads. There are a couple of points where it isn't obvious as it rejoins back roads but it's pretty easy with a route. If you let me know when you're doing it I would try and meet you and show you the way if needed.

We've got to go through the city centre since we're visiting the Glasgow Maggie's Centre and our Scotland Regional Office.

We're 12w out from the ride now. Training has been mostly my 9km each way commute and a few Zwift hour long races

Just booked a race at Hillingdon this Saturday too :roll:

Time to get the miles in!

ryan_w-2

BigMitch41 wrote:

Hope you don't mind I nicked your Strava route and hopefully will give it a go next year with a group. Ill be interested to hear how it all go's...Good luck!

No worries at all mate. Will report back once I've done it and give any tips I learnt along the way...

Hinaultscrapcousin

Ryan_W wrote:

Hinaultscrapcousin wrote:

Ryan_W wrote:

Amended route using all your help and info.

Please comment if you see any glaring issues / dangerous roads / 20% gradients...

https://www.strava.com/routes/7475241

Your way through Glasgow is a bit of a detour as you can follow the cyclepath to Balloch from Dalmarnock. That'll miss out the West End/Jordanhill wiggly bit and the Clydebank bit on Argyll Road which is very stop start and tends to be busy for a small road. The cycle route you want is NCN 7. It's a pretty good surface most of the way (gravel tracks by the canal/Leven but fairly well maintained) and will keep you off the roads. There are a couple of points where it isn't obvious as it rejoins back roads but it's pretty easy with a route. If you let me know when you're doing it I would try and meet you and show you the way if needed.

We've got to go through the city centre since we're visiting the Glasgow Maggie's Centre and our Scotland Regional Office.

We're 12w out from the ride now. Training has been mostly my 9km each way commute and a few Zwift hour long races

Just booked a race at Hillingdon this Saturday too :roll:

Time to get the miles in!

In that case, after Gartnavel I would go down Queen Victoria Drive after South Brae Drive and get on NCN7 at Balmoral Street and follow it to Balloch, cuts out the Dumbarton Road stretch and takes you to the same place. If your head office is in Clydebank you can still take NCN7, it runs parallel to the A814 and then Argyll Road so you can just hop off before it turns along the canal. The section of the A82 you are doing has bus lanes so depending when you hit it you'll be able to keep away from the traffic.

The A749 is a fast moving road but it's nice and wide, we use it for evening club training runs in the summer (along with the Strathaven Road).

ronnierocket

If you can I would try and book in a 2 day long trip with big miles. Maybe take the train somewhere and cycle home so you know the feeling of having to get up and ride. Not sure where you live, something like the Coast to Castle route might be good. Newcastle to Edinburgh, 160 miles. Plus it's a good route.

ryan_w-2

Unless doctors can work miracles, doesn't look like I'll be participating in this event anymore.

Absolutely gutted but will still help out as much as I can.

SpongeArtist

Ryan_W wrote:

Unless doctors can work miracles, doesn't look like I'll be participating in this event anymore.

Absolutely gutted but will still help out as much as I can.

What's happened?? Sorry to hear this.

bigmitch41

Sorry to hear that, keep positive you never know..

ryan_w-2

SpongeArtist wrote:

Ryan_W wrote:

Unless doctors can work miracles, doesn't look like I'll be participating in this event anymore.

Absolutely gutted but will still help out as much as I can.

What's happened?? Sorry to hear this.

viewtopic.php?f=40052&t=13076133

Guanajuato

Ryan_W wrote:

Unless doctors can work miracles, doesn't look like I'll be participating in this event anymore.

Absolutely gutted but will still help out as much as I can.

I can imagine that's really disappointing for you.

I'd come back to this thread to give a bit more intelligence on the route through the Lakes. Where I suggested an off road route between Rydal and Grasmere, its really not suitable for road bikes. Its loose shaley slate and has a couple of steep, slippery bits and some steps. It is sort of rideable, but won't do tyres or rims any good. So ignore that bit of my earlier suggestions.