Can I cycle 62 miles from Hull to Thirsk?

[peterperkins]

I need to pick up a car this Thursday.

I'm a 57 year old large build with a very average utility bike.

I can cycle 10 miles round town no problems.
Furthest I have ridden on a summer day is 32 miles.
I do gym spin sessions 4/5 times a week so think my legs and aerobic fitness are reasonable.

The travel choices are...

Cadge a lift. (I don't know anyone going from Hull to Thirsk on Thursday)

Train, expensive and fairly slow.

Bus, not so expensive but slower and likely to be sat next to nutter.

Walk, impractical as I havent got three days.

Cycle, Google maps says about 5hrs.. (Better for fitness.)

Comments on route? Feeding, hydration etc welcome.
I thought about getting a gel saddle cover as suspect my arse will feel it most.

Thanks

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/16+Amanda+Cl,+Hull...

[georgefreeman918]

I drive this route most days for work (at least from Stamford Bridge)

Don’t go anywhere along the A19, it’s constantly busy and fast road, just asking for an accident and not a place for a cyclist. Your route to Easingwold is fine, but I’d stick to the right of the A19 and go through Coxwold etc.

Get an early start and just take your time, and stay away from any hills if you can as these will slow you down.

[S100HP]

It's certainly not a big deal if you're a seasoned cyclist on an appropriate bike. Most club runs I used to do on a Sunday morning would be more.

However, would I consider doing it in your circumstances? Not a chance.

[deeen]

Sounds like it's possible, if you make a day of it, but I don't think you'd enjoy it! What's the weather forecast? Maybe train and bike? You will need proper cycling leggings / shorts (no seams in the saddle area) for a 5 hour ride.

[N111BJG]

I am now 57 & weigh over 100kg, I did a series of cycle rides for charity over a four year period ending last year. Several were in the 60 -75 mile range. I bought & used two lightweight bike, one cX the other MTB, the latter has now done 2500 miles. I say this just to emphasise that I speak from experience.
If you try this without building up your stamina, thorough preparation or proper kit (suitable bike & clothing) you’ll find it very hard to the point of possibly causing yourself real harm.

[Solocle]

peterperkins said:

I need to pick up a car this Thursday.

I'm a 57 year old large build with a very average utility bike.

I can cycle 10 miles round town no problems.
Furthest I have ridden on a summer day is 32 miles.
I do gym spin sessions 4/5 times a week so think my legs and aerobic fitness are reasonable.

The travel choices are...

Cadge a lift. (I don't know anyone going from Hull to Thirsk on Thursday)

Train, expensive and fairly slow.

Bus, not so expensive but slower and likely to be sat next to nutter.

Walk, impractical as I havent got three days.

Cycle, Google maps says about 5hrs.. (Better for fitness.)

Comments on route? Feeding, hydration etc welcome.
I thought about getting a gel saddle cover as suspect my arse will feel it most.

Thanks

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/16+Amanda+Cl,+Hull...

Well, I went from doing 8 mile town jaunts to doing 60 miles in the space of a month (on a commuter bike), but I am young! Having said that, 32 miles is a fairly decent base to work from. I went 20 miles, 40 miles, 50 miles, 60 miles. The 40 - 60 jump is significant, but certainly not insurmountable.
The main difference between summer and winter miles is the weather - obviously! But it is easier in summer. So make sure to wrap up warm if taking the bike, because cold hands/whatever will make the ride feel a lot longer.
For the love of God don't get a gel saddle cover, that's only going to make matters worse for you. A nice, firm, well fitting saddle is ideal.

Route wise, I had a play around with Strava, and this is the sort of route I'd choose, as a non-local looking at some tenuous map data. https://www.strava.com/routes/22744595 - it's 7 miles longer than the google option, but it lets you put your feet up in some nice cafe in York... I'm pretty sure I remember there being some nice places in York.

[The_Nugget]

You could do it, I’m a fair bit younger and a bit lighter, but I once did 70miles in a day with little or no training.
Your arse will hurt the next day though.
The route looks pretty flat to me, it only rises 1000ft in 60 miles.
It won’t take you 5hrs though, you need to factor in rest stops, lunch etc.
I’d imagine it will take closer to 7hrs.
Also if it is windy/wet it will be grim.

I’d get the train.

[timbo999]

Stating the bleeding obvious (its my speciality!) you need to be sure you can get the bike in/on the car for the trip back.

[i4got]

I'm 56, cycle smaller distances regularly and I wouldn't tackle it. I'd be looking at a bus or car sharing app.

[elanfan]

georgefreeman918 said:

I drive this route most days for work (at least from Stamford Bridge)

Offer him a lift? I’m sure a contribution to fuel would be forthcoming.

[AAGR]

Of course you could take a train - 1hr 45min. journey time with a change at York.

But that's not the point of this thread, right ?

[johnwilliams77]

peterperkins said:

I need to pick up a car this Thursday.

I'm a 57 year old large build with a very average utility bike.

I can cycle 10 miles round town no problems.
Furthest I have ridden on a summer day is 32 miles.
I do gym spin sessions 4/5 times a week so think my legs and aerobic fitness are reasonable.

The travel choices are...

Cadge a lift. (I don't know anyone going from Hull to Thirsk on Thursday)

Train, expensive and fairly slow.

Bus, not so expensive but slower and likely to be sat next to nutter.

Walk, impractical as I havent got three days.

Cycle, Google maps says about 5hrs.. (Better for fitness.)

Comments on route? Feeding, hydration etc welcome.
I thought about getting a gel saddle cover as suspect my arse will feel it most.

Thanks

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/16+Amanda+Cl,+Hull...

Can you repair a puncture easily? I'd try it first before departing as it can be a real pain to get the tyre on and off in the freezing cold.

[johnwilliams77]

S100HP said:

It's certainly not a big deal if you're a seasoned cyclist on an appropriate bike. Most club runs I used to do on a Sunday morning would be more.

However, would I consider doing it in your circumstances? Not a chance.

Why not? It's just like going for a long walk if you keep the right effort/food/hydration.

[GOATever]

I dunno, can you?

[castex]

Put the bike on the train for most of it, then freewheel in looking smug / feeling great.

[leyorkie]

Er,,, just looked at the weather. 8°C and 60% chance of rain.
I know I can ride that distance but not sure of setting off in that weather.
Post in the Yorkshire section and see if you can get a lift.
Wet weather on a bike takes some serious kit to make it comfortable.

[johnwilliams77]

leyorkie said:

Er,,, just looked at the weather. 8°C and 60% chance of rain.
I know I can ride that distance but not sure of setting off in that weather.
Post in the Yorkshire section and see if you can get a lift.
Wet weather on a bike takes some serious kit to make it comfortable.

Have never found it enjoyable

Train

[Rick101]

The obvious solution is the train, by a clear margin.

Whilst I enjoy a cycle, the idea is quite preposterous notwithstanding the glorious weather!

£34.10 or cycling in the cold and wet for 5 hours. Not even a choice.

Edited by Rick101 on Sunday 24th November 12:56

[Chrisgr31]

I wouldnt do that distance without training, which reminds me I must start my training for next years Birmingham Velo. 60 miles on a bike it what is likely to be cold and wet weather would be a no from me.

If you dont want to train all of it, then do some of it by train leaving no more than 30 miles to cycle.

[peterperkins]

Thanks for all the replies. I'll think about it.