London - Pontefract

Ben6899

I've posted this in the rarely-visited Tours, Expeditions etc section of the forum, but thought it might be worth sharing here to see if I can increase traffic!

https://forum.bikeradar.com/discussion/13114477/london-yorkshire#latest

Ta

morstar

What’s your view on cycle lanes?
If you want to stay on the main carriageway, your route through the outskirts of Nottingham City uses the obvious route in a car but will be little fun on a bike.
I think you’ll have parallel bike paths for most of it but they will impact your average speed.
I’d actually be more inclined to go through the city or bypass it altogether. Either will increase navigational elements but improve the scenery.

Ben6899

I don't mind cycle lanes (and I thought I'd checked that those roads did have them), but if you know they're censored ones then I'll amend the route.

Could be worth thinking about going through...

morstar

I’d be more inclined to go Rutland, Oakham then bypass Nottingham to the east heading north to Ollerton.
Busy single carriageway stuff if you’re not going country lanes but a more interesting and flowing route.

Ben6899

Thanks mate, I'll have a look.

tonybanham

Hi Ben,
I live in Doncaster and my daughter lives in Pontefract so I know the roads around here very well. If you come north on a route roughly following the A1 this keeps you away from the big conurbations. To the north of Newark and to the south of Doncaster there are routes that can get you to Pontefract, maybe the odd busy road but it should be possible keep these to a minimum.
If I get time I will plot a northern part of route on RidewithGPS based on the roads I know.

TheBigBean

Nothing useful to add, but 300km on one day is impressive stuff. Same as MSR.

Also, how to manage directions when you have picked route?

Ben6899

Hi Tony,

I'm pretty happy from Donny to Ponte (I'm from Ponte), but I'd be very interested to see your suggestions!

Ben6899

TheBigBean said:

Nothing useful to add, but 300km on one day is impressive stuff. Same as MSR.

Also, how to manage directions when you have picked route?

I'd do it in June and set off early (long days so taking it steady). Garmin with a powerpack and paper maps (route highlighted) is the idea.

*hopefully better weather

morstar

Ben6899 said:

I don't mind cycle lanes (and I thought I'd checked that those roads did have them), but if you know they're censored ones then I'll amend the route.

Could be worth thinking about going through...

They’re probably pretty decent cycle paths, it’s just the sheer volume of junctions to stop at on a busy ring road.

If you do consider the east of Nottingham, that ties in with the A1 suggestion to get you towards Pontefract.

Definitely less volume of traffic to that side.

tonybanham

Here is my stab at things for north of Newark. Ridden all of these roads and takes you to the west of Doncaster and takes you via some delightful ex pit towns and villages Also is a bit lumpy nothing difficult but might be after a very long day in the saddle. If you go to the east of Doncaster it will be flatter but a bit further. Good luck!
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35000425

Ben6899

tonybanham said:

Here is my stab at things for north of Newark. Ridden all of these roads and takes you to the west of Doncaster and takes you via some delightful ex pit towns and villages Also is a bit lumpy nothing difficult but might be after a very long day in the saddle. If you go to the east of Doncaster it will be flatter but a bit further. Good luck!
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35000425

Thanks Tony.

Ben6899

I've done some updating thanks to input from Tony and Morstar. Only added ~10km as well!

https://www.komoot.com/tour/303481038?share_token=afYMlU5eeidmCsYemHi0iVMlHbgvbLChtJypX8Jx2gWKET7lvO&ref=

morstar

It’s about 15 x the distances I’m currently racking up but good luck.