brother nathaneil wrote:Vix wrote:What part of the LEJOG ride is the hardest??????
I actually found Devon and Cornwall very... well not "easy" but not "dificult" either. That's because I had cycled 800 miles and had my "cycling legs" on.
I'd agree with this.
Key lessons I learned:
- I did JOGLE because I didn't want to face getting back from JOG at the end. Better to do that while you're fresh. Glad I did, although it of course depends on where you live.
- Like you I planned a scenic route away from the main roads. The scenery was fantastic, but I paid a price in having to fight my way up more hills and diverted back to some main roads ocassionally when I was flagging.
- I spent ages planning the route. But the biggest mistake I made was not looking at the elavations closely enough. It wasn't the big hills that were the problem - you can just grind your way up these or walk if you have to - it was the days when I had to climb hills for hour after hour that drained my energy. One big hill on a route elevation will mask lots of medium ones.
- Don't underestimate the affect of wind & driving rain. My toughest days were in Scotland when I had to fight headwinds and it rained all day. By contrast Devon & Cornwall seemed okay, because I had no wind & rain and had built up some stamina by then
- Take the absolute minimum amount of gear and spares. It's all too easy to get into the "I'll take it just in case I need it" mode when you're doing a long trip. You will regret it and in hindsight I could have reduced my load by a third.
- Try to leave the B&B as early as possible. Many will lay on an early breakfast or pack something if you ask. This way you get a good start, don't feel under such pressure to get to the next B&B and can do a bit of sight-seeing.
- Eat and drink regularly. I stopped about every hour for a few minutes. I didn't bother about any special high energy drinks or food, so long as you are consuming lots of liquid and carbs. I ate a mountain of flapjacks!
- Above all enjoy the whole experience and make the most of it. The sense of achievement when you get there is fantastic.