Search found 25 matches

by WoodyWheeler
27 Feb 2013, 8:48pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: recommend a pump : 100psi + gauge
Replies: 27
Views: 2851

Re: pump

Lezyne road drive. No gauge and quite expensive but an item of beauty that will easily get you up to 100psi and higher with little effort.
by WoodyWheeler
16 Feb 2013, 8:26am
Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
Topic: Road bike unsupported?
Replies: 15
Views: 1943

Re: Road bike unsupported?

I don't think you need luck. You just don't need any bad luck! The circumstances you mention are few and far between. If we went around expecting the worst we'd never go out on our bikes at all!

Injury from a crash is the most likely thing to happen and that would affect your timescale whether you're trying for 5 days or 14 or whatever.

Plenty of people ride this sort of distance in the sort of timescale contemplated and the vast majority complete - LEL, as mentioned by Tigerbiten being a good example (although there is some level of support there). And if you do have a problem and don't managed to finish in the timescale - well that's part of the challenge. Have anther go.
by WoodyWheeler
14 Feb 2013, 8:48pm
Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
Topic: Road bike unsupported?
Replies: 15
Views: 1943

Re: Road bike unsupported?

Lots of pessimistic comments. Not sure why. I did JOGLE unsupported on a road bike in 6 days. I certainly felt I could have continued for a few more miles at the end of each day. But I did do a lot of training and was fitter than I have ever been either before or since! But I am just a normal bloke and certainly wouldn't consider myself a super fit person.

My website sets out how I prepared for the ride and gives the route as well as an account of the ride itself -http://www.landsend-to-johnogroats.co.uk.

Go for it. Its a challenge but then that's a lot of the reason for doing it, isn't it?
by WoodyWheeler
4 Jan 2013, 3:52pm
Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
Topic: Anyone recommend a good guide?
Replies: 23
Views: 2107

Re: Anyone recommend a good guide?

RickH wrote:Boggie's link has lots of useful stuff to help people think about what they want to do, as does Robgul's site.


I am the owner of the site Boggie has linked to. I agree with Rob, there is just too much to cover in one simple guide, especially when it come to the route. I deliberately did not try to make my guide a 'route guide'. When I was planning my JOGLE I was desperate to find a route that somebody else had done all the work on because, to me, it was the most daunting part of the whole thing. I joined CTC to get their routes and I bought a route guide or two. Unfortunately none of them did what I wanted them to. Why? Because whoever created them wasn't me.

And they're not you either.

To some extent everyone wants something different from the ride, we have different personalities and physical abilities and we enjoy different experiences and look at things in different ways, thank goodness. But that means someone else's route is unlikely to suit us perfectly. It is best to plan your own route, using this forum to pick up hints and tips about different sections along the way. That's what I finally did and in the end I thoroughly enjoyed the process. And I think I enjoyed the ride all the more for seeing first hand the things I had been planning in great detail.

When I wrote the guide (website) Boggie has linked to I had all this in mind. I took the approach of guiding the reader through the planning and training rather than the ride itself. And I have included lots of things to think about when route planning and how to go about it (or at least one way of going about it!) rather than providing a route. (Actually there is a route all set out Audax style but I doubt many would want to follow it because it is nearly all along major roads). It's probably best summed up by a quote from one of the review for the paperback version of the guide on Amazon, 'It's not really a route guide it's a 'you guide' on clothing, eating, equipment and lots of other essential areas.'

Mike F's route through Devon and Cornwall looks good (for me). Flat and quiet certainly don't go together in Devon and Cornwall. Busy and flat don't either though! Its just a bit flatter...
by WoodyWheeler
8 Nov 2012, 9:13am
Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
Topic: Opposite diagonal
Replies: 16
Views: 59595

Re: Opposite diagonal

This is quite a good site which has some information about the route and a downloadable list of accommodation used which could be helpful - http://www.dover2capewrath.moonfruit.com/. Their ride was 2011 so should be relatively up-to-date.

General End-to-End advice - http://www.landsend-to-johnogroats.co.uk
by WoodyWheeler
30 Nov 2011, 12:28pm
Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
Topic: Training Schedule
Replies: 25
Views: 3924

Re: Training Schedule

I think most of it has been covered really. Just build up slowly until you can comfortably cover your average daily distance at least two days in a row (and not wake up on the third day to tired and achy to move!).

Try and train with the same sort of set up you will be using on the ride and over similar terrain. If you are doing a lanes route train on the lanes and if you are charging down dual carriageways do some training on those. Get used to the weight and feel of any bags you are taking (although I would start of with them empty). Train in all weathers because it's not always sunny (!) and you don't know what the gods have in mind for you. If you train in the rain and wind you'll soon learn what you need to combat it (a bus shelter).

I have a site which shows you how to set a training schedule http://www.landsend-to-johnogroats.co.uk/home/middle/training which you may (or may not) find helpful. There is a lot of other information there about planning and cycling an end-to-end as well.

Happy training!
by WoodyWheeler
10 Nov 2011, 10:25am
Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
Topic: what bike for LEJOG
Replies: 58
Views: 7773

Re: what bike for LEJOG

I agree with the comments that the best bike is the one you are comfortable with - you are going to spend a lot of time in the saddle - and that you can do it on any bike.

I rode JOGLE unsupported on a road bike using B&B accomodation and managed to pack everything I needed into a carradice sqr tour saddlebag. Despite the name it is not strictly a saddle bag because it attaches to your seatpost and you do need about 4 inches clear between the frame and the saddle, which might be a limiting factor.

There is a fixing that you attach to the seat post which then allows the bag to be quickly removed and re-installed, which is handy at the end of the day when you want to take your bag into the B&B and also if you want to remove it when at a stop en route.

With the weight above the back wheel handling isn't affected too much and offers pretty good aerodynamics. An added bonus is that the bag acts as a mudguard, it even has a plastic strip on the bottom to make it easy to clean and to keep the water and mud out of the bag.

And you can get a surprising amount of stuff into it. To give you an idea there is a list of everything I put in it here: http://www.landsend-to-johnogroats.co.uk/home/beginning/planning/what-will-i-need-to-take-with-me-on-my-ride/stuff-to-put-in-bags. And there is a picture of the bag on my bike here: http://www.landsend-to-johnogroats.co.uk/home/beginning/planning/what-will-i-need-to-take-with-me-on-my-ride/stuff-to-put-on-bike/bags.

Wiggle currently have then in stock @ £61.20 http://www.wiggle.co.uk/carradice-sqr-tour-bag-including-sqr-bracket/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=uk&utm_content=Carradice-Carradice_SQR_Tour_Bag_including_SQR_Bracket with free delivery but you might find one a bit cheaper with more of a search - I think I paid about £55 but that was a couple of years ago.

However, there is good advice in not making a decision too quickly and weighing up all your options. There will always be lots of views and you can only decide which one is for you after you have a good range to pick from.
by WoodyWheeler
2 Nov 2011, 4:19pm
Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
Topic: Extremes of Mainland UK and GPS Tracking
Replies: 5
Views: 1330

Re: Extremes of Mainland UK and GPS Tracking

Stuart, thank you very much for your reply.

When I get a moment I will check out your site and have a look at your suggestions.

If I can do it on a smart phone that would be ideal becasue I can make it multi task for photos, music and a book viewer as well. Will save some weight and space in my bag. Of course I don't actually have one but I'm sure my wife won't miss hers for a few days ;¬)
by WoodyWheeler
2 Nov 2011, 4:13pm
Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
Topic: Extremes of Mainland UK and GPS Tracking
Replies: 5
Views: 1330

Re: Extremes of Mainland UK and GPS Tracking

Mike G wrote:That's not much time for that undertaking, and I'm skeptical of your mileage estimate. You could add the exact centre of the British mainland to your list.........and waste days trying to visit about 15 different claimants to the title!

Anyway, best of luck to you.


Thanks Mike.

The mileage was based on a rough google map route going to all the points mentioned from Wick to Lands End but it could be somewhat out becasue I didn't redirect away from motorways etc.

And 11 days is a little tight! I managed a JOGLE a couple of years ago in 6 days which is a few miles more a day but, of course, for only about half the number of days. I was fitter then too. And had one child less...

Funnily enough I did a search for the centre of UK and, as you point out, came up with some many claimants I gave up on it at the time. Might put it back in though - if it's not too far off my general route :¬)
by WoodyWheeler
2 Nov 2011, 10:08am
Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
Topic: Extremes of Mainland UK and GPS Tracking
Replies: 5
Views: 1330

Extremes of Mainland UK and GPS Tracking

Hi all

I am starting to plan a JOGLE with a twist. The idea is to take in as many extremes of the UK mainland as I can. I'll be flying into Wick and then on the Duncnasby Head (NE) JOG (becasue it is there and good for charity support) to Dunnet Head (N) Cape Wraith (NW) Point of Ardnamurchan (W) Lowestoft (E) Lizard Point (S) and Lands End (SW) cycling through Prickwillow (lowest) and climbing Ben Nevis (without bike) (highest) en route. I haven't worked it out accurately yet but I'm estimating it at about 1,300 miles and I have 11 days to complete because of work commitments etc..

Initially I have 2 questions that I am hoping people can help with:

1. I am hoping to take a GPS tracking device that will allow sponsors and anyone interested to follow my progress live on a map on a blog or website. Has anyone any experience of doing this? And if so, what equipment did you use?

2. Any suggestions for extremes to add to the challenge? (I thought about most remote pub but it meant a three day walk!)
by WoodyWheeler
30 Oct 2011, 10:56am
Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
Topic: Do i go thru wales/ via edinburgh/getting bike to wick?
Replies: 13
Views: 1735

Re: Do i go thru wales/ via edinburgh/getting bike to wick?

I am starting to plan a JOGLE with extras (Duncansby Head (furtherest NE), dunnet Head (furtherest N), Cape Wraith (NW), Point of Ardnamurchan (W), Lowestoft (E), Lizard Point (S), Lands End (SW) passing through Prickwillow (lowest) and climbing Ben Nevis -without bike) highest).

Because I am going to have to be in Fort William to climb Ben Nevis and need to be on the West side of Scotland I will again be using the A82 for part of the route. However, this time I am considering an alternative route from Fort William taking the A828 then the A819, A83 and A814. This will bring me out on the same junction on the A82 a couple of miles short of the Erskine Bridge but with, hopefully, a lot less traffic and, possibly, an even more scenic route - although Glen Coe was the highlight of my last trip and I will be bypassing that. The route is about 30 miles longerthen the A82 as well.

I was originally planning a whole round trip from Lands End and back taking in all of the above and was tempted by the A93 route over the Cairngorms on the way up, becasue it is the highest public road (you'll note my theme is the extreme points of mainland UK). It is an alternative if you decide to go via Edinburgh - it would involve a bit more climbing though!
by WoodyWheeler
30 Oct 2011, 7:55am
Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
Topic: Do i go thru wales/ via edinburgh/getting bike to wick?
Replies: 13
Views: 1735

Re: Do i go thru wales/ via edinburgh/getting bike to wick?

I haven't used the A9, only the A82. Personally I didn't find the A82 too bad, although I did bypass Inverness through via Muir of Ord to Drumnadrochit. And from the end of Loch Lomond I used some back roads to get me as close to the Erskine Bridge, where I made my escape, as possible. Those last two miles or so were a little hairy, mainly because I managed to time it of the Sunday afternoon drive home to Glasfow and it managed to heave it down just as I joined the A82 again! You can find my route at http://www.landsend-to-johnogroats.co.uk. There are also some photos taken on that route.

I also flew to Wick from Exeter and had my bike couriered to The Spot bike shop in Wick - http://www.thespotcycles.co.uk/. My local bike shop also runs a courier service so they were able to service the bike to make sure ti was up to the trip, box it and ship it. They are based in Saltash - http://www.certini.co.uk. I tried many courier services that were going to charge about £200 but the service I used ended up at about £25 plus a few quid for the box (can't remember exactly - and that was a couple of years ago.) Again, there is an account on the site above in the section about how to get to the start. You might also want to read the account in My End to End Day Zero though!

I took a directish route that had me skipping in and out of Wales and finally over the old Severn Bridge. Nice route but haven't ridden any alternantives to compare it with.
by WoodyWheeler
25 Oct 2011, 10:53am
Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
Topic: Expat LEJOG
Replies: 30
Views: 4075

Re: Expat LEJOG

skicat wrote:
mcallaghan wrote:Would it make any sense for me to join CTC (aka pay them) in order to access the Bike Routes I see mentioned on the website (only accessible to members)?


It's not unprecedented. That was exactly the reason I joined. :D


Me too!

When it came to it though I didn't use any of the routes provided and found it far more difficult to alter them than to create one from scratch. You can use one of the previously mentioned online based routers to plot in a basic route which you can easily tweak. Taking a route from a paper basis (as it was when I joined - might be GPS file available now?) means plotting it junction by junction which takes an age - especially over 900 miles.

In the end its all a bit of a lottery if you have never ridden in an area. Even if you get advice it is subjective and what one person thinks is a brilliant route another might find torturous. Best to plot a route based on the types of roads you want to cycle on, through the places you want to visit and enjoy the adventure of seeing what the road brings!
by WoodyWheeler
21 Oct 2011, 3:54pm
Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
Topic: Expat LEJOG
Replies: 30
Views: 4075

Re: Expat LEJOG vs JOGLE

The only roads you cannot use as a cyclist are motorways, designated with an M, eg M1, M25 etc..

For a router that incorporates cycling routes try:
http://www.cyclestreets.net/journey/

A good one for elevation details (as a chart) is :
http://bikeroutetoaster.com/

For the best of both, create a route in cyclestreets and then export the gpx and load it into biketoaster.

There are many others routing sites out there (more by the day it seems!) and I'm sure you will get a lot more advice. You just have to try a few and see whats best for you.

Good Luck
by WoodyWheeler
21 Oct 2011, 9:56am
Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
Topic: Lejog Map my ride help
Replies: 4
Views: 1235

Re: Lejog Map my ride help

Hi Craig

I haven't used ridewithgps and will give it a go. If it saves exporting to a another site to get the gpx it would be a blessing!