Coast 2 Coast

[daz3210]

I am thinking of attempting the C2C route across Northern England at the back end of the year.

Has anyone done this, and can anyone make any suggestions of a reasonable training regime to follow in preparation?

[ewenm]

Road or offroad?

[daz3210]

Basically its Road and traffic free paths.

Description is suitable for a hybrid road bike, but maybe not suitable for an out and out racer on slicks.

Basically take a look here.....

http://www.cycle-challenge.co.uk/?page_id=384

[ewenm]

Years ago I did a MTB version using mostly byways and bridleways, so can't help with the road/cyclepath routes.

Training-wise, I'd guess doing long hilly rides would be helpful

[daz3210]

What do you call long?

[wormburner]

I've done it on a full sus mtb. Took 3.5 lazy days. Really enjoyed it and would recommend it.

The last half day was a very steady gradual downhill into sunderland along an old railway track with lots of little jumps and yumps. Great fun.

[CoolC]

I'm doing the St Bees to Robin Hoods Bay in September with these people: http://www.c2cpackhorse.co.uk/accom2.htm

It will be my first time, but 2 of our group of 6 have done it before. Apparently there are some very tough climbs at the beginning and end, but overall not too bad.

You start at sea level and finish at sea level, so for every up there must be a down

[daz3210]

This is listed as a two day ride. Is that asking a bit much?

[Audicab]

A group of us did St Bees to Robin Hoods Bay a few years ago and it took 3 days. The biggest issue we had was the anti-erosion work on some of the bridleways made riding impossible so our longest day was about 14 hours.

It's great fun and a good experience

[daz3210]

So any suggestions on how to prepare for such a trip?


Are special diets etc necessary to get the body ready?

Should I be thinking of employing the services of a PT?

[ewenm]

Do you cycle much?
How fit are you now?

There's no magic formula - get out on your bike and build up to being able to cycle for the biggest distance you'll cycle in one day on the C2C. Don't avoid hills, seek them out. You can start using the various sports nutrition drinks/powders/gels available (the SIS stuff is good IMO) to see which suit you best or stick to the old-school malt loaf, bananas and water riding diet

[wormburner]

Don't have 6 pints each night and 2 pints each lunchtime. The lunchtime ones are seemingly much stronger and really are a killer.

[daz3210]

ewenm said:

Do you cycle much?
How fit are you now?

There's no magic formula - get out on your bike and build up to being able to cycle for the biggest distance you'll cycle in one day on the C2C. Don't avoid hills, seek them out. You can start using the various sports nutrition drinks/powders/gels available (the SIS stuff is good IMO) to see which suit you best or stick to the old-school malt loaf, bananas and water riding diet

I haven't cycled much over the past few years, but have been out and about doing 20ish mile rides on a night recently.

But I have been doing 5 nights a week in the gym for approx 90 mins. But does gym work equate to more efficient fitness stuff? I also play roller hockey which is what many describe as a 'burst' sport in that you sit pretty sedately then burst into action.

I realise that this is gonna need some serious effort, but it gives me an aim.

What is the malt loaf, banana's and water riding diet?

[ewenm]

Some people shun the modern sports drinks etc and stick to malt loaf, flapjack, bananas and water in their cycling kit.

I'd look at the C2C plan, see what the longest day is and build up weekend rides to (or near to) that distance.

[daz3210]

Its a two day event, split into roughly two days of 70 miles each

[XitUp]

I'm doing it in August with my dad, his mate and his mate's son. Doing it over three days because the old chaps are in their late 50s/early 60s. Man the fk up, I say, one day blast, but they're having none of it.

Should be fun.

[nammynake]

I can highly recommend the "Way of the Roses" coast to coast. Supposed to be a much more pleasant route than the traditional one.

[wormburner]

daz3210 said:

Its a two day event, split into roughly two days of 70 miles each

Assuming you're going west to east, plan fewer miles in the hilly first day and more miles downhill into sunderland or newcastle. The last 30 miles are a breeze.

[Stugots]

CoolC said:

I'm doing the St Bees to Robin Hoods Bay in September with these people: http://www.c2cpackhorse.co.uk/accom2.htm

It will be my first time, but 2 of our group of 6 have done it before. Apparently there are some very tough climbs at the beginning and end, but overall not too bad.

You start at sea level and finish at sea level, so for every up there must be a down

Did this in 2010 brilliant but tough in places...Black sail pass... Pack light....

[daz3210]

Have you got a link to the way of the rises route?