FixedWheel wrote:Am I crazy? I plan to cycle on a fixed wheel, with minimal luggage (no racks, no panniers), doing more than 100 miles a day, from Manchester to Istanbul. Gearing is 42x15. Following EuroVelo routes as much as I can. The Balkans seem to be hilly which looks like the biggest challenge after the Peak District. No hotel. Sleeping bag on the side of the road, field, or wherever. Starting end of May. Should be back to work by the end of June. Aiming to spend some time in Istanbul if I can get there in the first place. Tell me what you think.
After re-reading this, I'm not clear of your plans. Are you intending to ride from Manchester to Istanbul in a max of 28 days, hoping to get there a bit sooner (aiming to spend some time in Istanbul) or doing it both ways in that time (Should be back at work ...) ?
I only ask because it gives some idea of a schedule. I've no idea what the EuroVelo route distance is, but I see the most direct main road route is a little over 2,000 miles (I think.) I think it's worth bearing in mind that the more days you take, the more your minimalist approach may begin to fray. You won't be riding all the time you are not sleeping, but the more you try to do so, the more unwashed you risk becoming and anything beyond sitting on your bike / bivvying may become a problem in that nobody in somewhere like a bar will want to be too close.
I'm trying to avoid giving advice, more urging you to think it through in detail.