Search found 3 matches

by Ajax Bay
28 Oct 2018, 11:57pm
Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
Topic: First JOGLE in May 2019
Replies: 30
Views: 14403

Re: First JOGLE in May 2019

FasterFerret wrote:Well, there's a reason that the traditional way is LE>JOG and that all the records set go South to North.
The prevailing wind is a factor to be considered. Yes, you could get a still fortnight. You might well get Northerly winds, but the prevailing wind is Southerly. It is definitely a factor to be considered in planning.

See this article:
Seasonal variation of the prevailing wind direction in Britain
https://rmets.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/d ... 02/wea.301
"Conclusions
The main conclusion to be drawn is that in Britain, northeasterly winds are at least as
common in spring as southwesterly winds, and in some years are considerably more so.
. . . this has implications for a [cyclist] making the journey . . . . from Land’s End to John O’Groats."

So the OP choosing to undertake JOGLE in May is choosing the month least likely to have headwinds (on balance).
by Ajax Bay
13 Oct 2018, 12:49pm
Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
Topic: Lands End - Taunton Route
Replies: 28
Views: 9013

Re: Lands End - Taunton Route

@Mick F "LE/Penzance/Marazion/Praze/Redruth is a fine route, but it's quicker and easier on the A30 from Penzance to Hayle and Connor Downs to Redruth."
I'm assuming @Mick F's recommendation would be to ride through Hayle rather than on the single-carriageway A30: the route through town is 500m shorter and 30m less climb (and you're not being beasted by the trunk road traffic which is 'desperate' to get onto the dual-carriageway just a few miles hence).
Options from Penzance (station) to Scorrier (Smokey Joe's):
1a) A30 (9km of it, single carriageway), Hayle, Connor Downs, Camborne, Redruth: 31.9km +422m
1b) via Gulval to Crowlas (avoiding A30) then 4km of A30 (single carriageway) then into Hayle and as above: 32.3km + 433m
2a) Marazion, Goldsithney, B4280 (Leedstown/Praze-an-Beeble/Four Lanes) to Redruth, Scorrier: 35.3km + 457m
2b) Marazion, Goldsithney, B4280 (Leedstown/Praze-an-Beeble) and left to Camborne, Redruth, Scorrier: 34.5km + 418m
2c) Marazion, Goldsithney, B4280 to Relubbus then fork left (Gurlyn Hill) thro' Reawla to Camborne, Redruth, Scorrier: 33.5km + 443m
As you might deduce from the data, the distances/climbing are similar. So while the A30 will be faster (especially with plenty of lorries to give the (TT) rider a decent pull), if one of the criterion is to stay off the A30 (after Penzance), then the B3280 is as @Mick F says "fine" (decent surface, plenty wide for cars both coming towards the rider and passing). Option 2c above is on narrower roads so while shorter I would stick to the B roads. My favourite is option 2b above (and note has the least climb), but I've ridden through Hayle most often.
by Ajax Bay
12 Oct 2018, 3:30pm
Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
Topic: Lands End - Taunton Route
Replies: 28
Views: 9013

Re: Lands End - Taunton Route

LE, Penzance (worth cutting right off A30 and going through Newlyn imo), Marazion, Goldsithney, B4280 (Leedstown/Praze-an-Beeble/Four Lanes) to Redruth, Scorrier, Blackwater, Newquay, Padstow (via St Mawgan village (Nb ^^)), ferry to Rock, St Minver, B3314 to Davidstow, Hallworthy, North Tamerton, Holsworthy, Hatherleigh, Monkokehampton, Winkleigh, Eggesford, Chawleigh (and left), to minor road going ENE past Rose Ash and crossing A361 to B3227, B3227 via Black Cat junction, Bampton, Wiveliscombe, Norton Fitzwareen and into Taunton. Prefer canal route out towards Bridgwater but can be a time suck (faster option is A361/A38 but uncomfortable at busy times).
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28769484?beta=false
261km + 2938m
First 260km (with minor amdts) of this: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/8592623?beta=false
Alternatively look at Ian H's Kernow and SW 600 permanent audax route for some ideas:
http://www.ukcyclist.co.uk/maps/KSW600.gif
http://www.ukcyclist.co.uk/permanent-ro ... h-west-600
Expects the A39 section to be done in the late evening or early morning when traffic is low. My route chooses the Padstow ferry - as a highlight (but check tide tables) - and cuts from Davidstow to Holsworthy cutting out the Bude excursion.
After Eggesford (A377/Taw valley) that goes east from Chawleigh (B3042/B3137) to Tiverton. Mick F has described the Blundells/Sampford Peverell road out but I would get onto the canal path round towards White Ball before cutting up onto the A38.