Coast to Coast in a day 2016

[CoolC]

So, it looks like I've managed to get myself down on the list to do this next year.

Our club has prebooked 10 places and I seem to have got carried away and put my name down for one of the places.

This means I better get serious about training and getting my weight down. I'm currently hovering around the 100kg mark (6ft tall), I want to get that down closer to 80kg. That means cutting out the biscuits and cakes unfortunately

I know there are a few on here who've done it before. How was the day? I'm not too worried about 150 miles, I've done a few centuries, and one 120 mile ride. It's the 150 VERY HILLY miles I'm more worried about.

Any tips? Especially the logistics of each end. I've got plenty of time to sort them, but any do's and don'ts I should know about?

Anyone else planning on completing the 2016 crossing?

[JEA1K]

Just getting some ideas together for this as a mate has a number of challenges he wants to complete in 2016. As he is not a cyclist, its going to take him a LOT of training and support from those of us who are. We've got 4 people bt will probably rope another two in.

We'll be doing a 'Way of the Roses' route-ish so 179 miles to end at Bridlington (we only live an hour away). I can't see any of it being easy!

[nammynake]

Quite a few from our club did it this year. If you're already capable of a metric century then you'll be fine - you've got the endurance and presumably know how to eat/drink to keep your energy levels up. The first half is very hilly, largely due to the duo of Hardknott and Wrynose. Clearly the more excess weight you can shed the better, but also think about gearing. I'd say 34-25 is really the lowest gearing you'd want for Hardknott unless you want to walk, and preferably 34-28 or even 34-32 if your derailleur can take it.

Good luck!

[CoolC]

Yes, gearing, good point.

I currently have a 25 as lowest gear on a compact chainset, which I can just about cope with on local climbs (Lincolnshire Wolds) but having done C2C a few years ago over 3 days on MTB I know I'll need a minimum of 28 on the rear on my road bike.

All being well I'll be treating myself to a new bike next year anyway, so it will be a consideration when/if that time comes. If not then a new cassette for the current one.

[GaryGlitter]

If it makes it easier there's bloke in our club who's well over 6ft and not a skinny build and he did C2C for at least the 3rd time this year.

Only thing is, the day before he did it this year he rode solo from Whitby to Seascale with his tent and sleeping bag in a rucksack on his back.

I think he's blogged it, if I can find a link I'll post it up.

[TSCfree]

This is a cracking days ride and certainly don't under estimate the hills over the NY Moors. They seamed as difficult as Hardknott and Wrynose after 100 miles in your legs. Have a look at my Strava last year and the year before if you want an estimate of time.

If I can do this after 3 and a bit months proper training, then most people probably can. Most I'd ridden was 120 miles and training consisted of hill reps, lots and lots!

Feeding, very important. Pork pies saved the day at 130 miles.

1st time I camped both ends which looking back wasn't the best prep. 3 hours sleep, porridge in a pot and a nostalgic night on a roll mat which had seen better days. 150 miles and then pure luxury upgrading my roll mat for a plush gym mat and sleeping in the sports hall at Whitby...take ear plugs!

2nd time was B&B's both end, much better and knocked an hour of my time. If you want the B&B names, let me know.

Edited by TSCfree on Monday 13th July 10:49