Non-Cyclist Cycling the UK Coastline

Cycle-touring, Expeditions, Adventures, Major cycle routes NOT LeJoG (see other special board)
RevDonkBonkers
Posts: 52
Joined: 4 May 2021, 9:14pm

Re: Non-Cyclist Cycling the UK Coastline

Post by RevDonkBonkers »

Thanks again everyone for all of your advice - every single bit is appreciated.

I live in Kent and basically thought I would head South probably at the start of April, so my first port of call coastal-wise would be somewhere like Eastbourne and then go anti-clockwise around the coast.

I have chosen the UK for my first cycling tour for a couple of reasons. I spent two years traveling around the world, and have seen many parts of the globe but barely scratched the surface of my own country and I read books by Mike Carter and Anna Hughes which really inspired me. I've seen so much of other countries but not enough of my own.

Mentally I think I should be ok, I've run for ten hours non-stop and had plenty of occasions doing ultramarathons where I have felt like giving up and going home to soak in a nice warm bath, but I haven't done so yet!
bogmyrtle
Posts: 967
Joined: 5 Mar 2008, 10:29pm

Re: Non-Cyclist Cycling the UK Coastline

Post by bogmyrtle »

If you haven't had much to do with bikes I would suggest it may be good idea to attend a bike maintenance course.
A bike does more miles to the banana than a Porsche.
RevDonkBonkers
Posts: 52
Joined: 4 May 2021, 9:14pm

Re: Non-Cyclist Cycling the UK Coastline

Post by RevDonkBonkers »

bogmyrtle wrote: 5 May 2021, 8:51pm If you haven't had much to do with bikes I would suggest it may be good idea to attend a bike maintenance course.
Yes that is definitely on my list, it will come in invaluable.
nosmarbaj
Posts: 366
Joined: 17 Aug 2011, 3:02pm
Location: West Berks

Re: Non-Cyclist Cycling the UK Coastline

Post by nosmarbaj »

All the above is sensible. It also illustrates that different things are important to different people. You need to find out what works for you.
You say you are retired, so presumably have plenty of free time. Buy a cheap rear rack and panniers, and a cheap tent (you could buy all that at Decathlon for less than £100), and use your existing bike to go touring for a week or so, as soon as you can (and as covid restrictions allow). Any old sleeping bag and a foam mat will do for a bed, at least in summer. Maybe also buy some cheap cycling-specific clothes, but you might find you're happy with whatever outdoor clothing you already have.
You will probably find lots of things wrong with this set-up, but you'll have a much better idea of what you personally need.
thirdcrank
Posts: 36776
Joined: 9 Jan 2007, 2:44pm

Re: Non-Cyclist Cycling the UK Coastline

Post by thirdcrank »

Something has occurred to me from another current thread. Give some thought to the security of your stuff, especially your bike. There's a spectrum of choices between the extremes of not bothering at all and never letting your stuff out of your sight. The greater use of motor vehicles can mean that even in remote areas, stuff can be whisked far away very quickly.
RevDonkBonkers
Posts: 52
Joined: 4 May 2021, 9:14pm

Re: Non-Cyclist Cycling the UK Coastline

Post by RevDonkBonkers »

nosmarbaj wrote: 6 May 2021, 3:04pm You say you are retired, so presumably have plenty of free time.
Alas I am not retired, would be nice at 41, but not quite retired yet!
nosmarbaj
Posts: 366
Joined: 17 Aug 2011, 3:02pm
Location: West Berks

Re: Non-Cyclist Cycling the UK Coastline

Post by nosmarbaj »

RevDonkBonkers wrote: 6 May 2021, 8:36pm
nosmarbaj wrote: 6 May 2021, 3:04pm You say you are retired, so presumably have plenty of free time.
Alas I am not retired, would be nice at 41, but not quite retired yet!
Oops - sorry - I misunderstood your earlier post - I guess you meant you retired from playing football, not from the daily grind!
Antbrewer
Posts: 179
Joined: 1 Jul 2016, 9:14am

Re: Non-Cyclist Cycling the UK Coastline

Post by Antbrewer »

Great idea and goal. Do it.
Recently read a book from Amazon by Mike Carter. ' One man and his bike. A life changing journey all the way around the coast of Britain.'

An excellent read. It will give you inspiration and shows what a great country we have filled with great people.
With sensible planning in equipment and routing and knowing your limitations there is no reason why your dreams cannot happen.
Anthony
albal1
Posts: 206
Joined: 2 Feb 2011, 4:09pm

Re: Non-Cyclist Cycling the UK Coastline

Post by albal1 »

I did it in 2017. My prep was doing the southern tier just a few months before. My route wasn't strict at all. I.e; inlets in Cornwall and Essex, for example.
X17 ferries was enough.
Be prepared for headwinds in all directions.
Ride early finish early when appropriate ( I started may bank holiday.)

I live on the coast , just rode anticlockwise til I got home.

Enjoy it, it's fabulous.
User avatar
horizon
Posts: 11275
Joined: 9 Jan 2007, 11:24am
Location: Cornwall

Re: Non-Cyclist Cycling the UK Coastline

Post by horizon »

RevDonkBonkers wrote: 4 May 2021, 9:16pm
Essentially I am after any advice from you more experienced cyclists. Any help gratefully received!

Thank you
I would leave the smart phone and/or tablet at home. Or rather, I personally wouldn't but I think you should.
When the pestilence strikes from the East, go far and breathe the cold air deeply. Ignore the sage, stay not indoors. Ho Ri Zon 12th Century Chinese philosopher
richardfm
Posts: 969
Joined: 15 Apr 2018, 3:17pm
Location: Cardiff, Wales

Re: Non-Cyclist Cycling the UK Coastline

Post by richardfm »

pq wrote: 5 May 2021, 4:29pm ...Since you know little about bikes I suggest you go to a retailer who knows about long distance touring (which are few and far between). Thorn bikes (at St John St Cycles), Spa and maybe Edinburgh bike co-op are 3 that spring to mind, but I've never bought a bike from any of them...
I bought my main touring bike, a Thorn Sherpa, from SJS. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. I visited the shop in Bridgwater where they spent as long as I needed discussing my requirements to help work out what I needed and then measuring me to make sure I got a bike that fitted.
Richard M
Cardiff
RevDonkBonkers
Posts: 52
Joined: 4 May 2021, 9:14pm

Re: Non-Cyclist Cycling the UK Coastline

Post by RevDonkBonkers »

Antbrewer wrote: 6 May 2021, 9:26pm Great idea and goal. Do it.
Recently read a book from Amazon by Mike Carter. ' One man and his bike. A life changing journey all the way around the coast of Britain.'

An excellent read. It will give you inspiration and shows what a great country we have filled with great people.
With sensible planning in equipment and routing and knowing your limitations there is no reason why your dreams cannot happen.
Anthony
Yes I read that book and found it very inspiring, that was the big reason behind me wanting to do this!
RevDonkBonkers
Posts: 52
Joined: 4 May 2021, 9:14pm

Re: Non-Cyclist Cycling the UK Coastline

Post by RevDonkBonkers »

horizon wrote: 6 May 2021, 9:54pm I would leave the smart phone and/or tablet at home. Or rather, I personally wouldn't but I think you should.
I know this is hard to believe but I don't have a smartphone, I've had the same Sony Ericsson K800i since 2009 so that won't be a problem.

Again thanks everyone for your advice and support.
RevDonkBonkers
Posts: 52
Joined: 4 May 2021, 9:14pm

Re: Non-Cyclist Cycling the UK Coastline

Post by RevDonkBonkers »

Ok so quick update, I visited a specialist cycling shop this morning (highly recommended by a few cyclists) and told them what I planned on doing and gave them a budget of around £1,500 and they recommended two bikes: the Orro Terra G 105 Hydro and the Trek Domane AL 4.

Does anyone have any thoughts or insights on either of these bikes?

Thank you
ClappedOut
Posts: 585
Joined: 30 May 2020, 12:43am

Re: Non-Cyclist Cycling the UK Coastline

Post by ClappedOut »

Racks
Rack mounts on frame
Mudguards
Paniers

Sounds like they did not take much notice

£650 rolhoff bike in sales section far more suitable if you can cash on collection.
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