Cycling UK Forum

I have just completed the trip from John O'Groats to Land's End and I was wondering if anyone else had the same impression as me.
I do not think that cyclists are welcome in Great Britain. I tried to use the cycle paths as often as possible but why are they all covered with pieces of broken glass?
Twice my handle bars were hit by the side rear mirror of an overtaking car.....
Nevertheless I had a great time doing my trip but.....it is quite a challenge to do 1640 kms without an accident.
I was looking forward to arriving at Land's End but was so disappointed at the sight of that touristic place.....
Am I the only one to think so?
Do not think I regret my trip. I had a great time but I think that a lot of people in Great Britain do not know where they live.....you realize that when you ask for the way. Moreover the signposting is not that efficient.....
What makes me forget all those inconveniences is that the scenery was great and I met a lot of very friendly people.
What do you think, folks?
Jean.

Wholeheartedly agree! However you are on a bit of a non starter with our cycle paths. As any road planner will tell you the reason major roads stay relatively clear of debris is due to the speed of traffic pushing all the crap to the side of the road. Which is where most of our cycle paths are, hence they are covered in rubbish. Those that don't run parallel to a major road are either covered in thorns from the hedge cutting, broken tarmac because they where constructed on the cheap, or take such a bizarre route between places that nobody wants to use them.
Everyone but me seems to love the Dutch idea of meandering cycle routes all over the place which take you an age to get anywhere and wholly divorce cycles and motor traffic. I prefer the Belgium cycle lanes painted on the main carriageway. This gives the benefit of a wind assisted tow with some protection from a metre of cycle only roadway. I have never witnessed this being encroached upon by drivers there. How can you not enjoy the kitch on sale at both Land's End and John O'Groats? Imagine the effort involved of not only having all that rubbish manufactured, but then shipping it to the correct end of the country!

Yes, Jim, thank you for your reply. As I live in Belgium and am a Belgian, I do not see many of those cycle paths you are talking about. But it is true that I live in the south of Belgium, near Spa-Francorchamps. I have seen some of those cycle paths in Verviers and Liège but they look quite slippery to me, aren't they? Anyway as I was saying I had a great time doing Land's End but next time I shall do it from the south to the north as I had the wind against me this time all along my trip...but before I might do Compostel and I enjoy riding in the sun which did not often happen this time in Great Britain.....See you.

Any chance of posting me a few details of your route / accomodation Jean
I am planning a tour of the same place myself for 2006
You canl e-mail me direct if your happy to

pcollins@kwinanapower.com Thanks Phill