Guys, Coast to Coast advice please
Discussion
Should be fine, certainly a nicer steer than I did it on that's for sure.
As for tips, when you're approaching the top of a hill you need to convince yourself there's a higher peak just after it. It's mind over matter and can be relentless so when the peak you've been expecting is actually a decline it's a bonus. Oh, and on the subject of declines, take your time and use the free-wheeling opportunity to take as long a rest as you can!
Other than that it's great fun!
As for tips, when you're approaching the top of a hill you need to convince yourself there's a higher peak just after it. It's mind over matter and can be relentless so when the peak you've been expecting is actually a decline it's a bonus. Oh, and on the subject of declines, take your time and use the free-wheeling opportunity to take as long a rest as you can!
Other than that it's great fun!
Edited by p4cks on Wednesday 3rd March 15:50
Which route are you doing? Whitehaven - Sunderland?
If so, I’ve done it twice, over 3 days on an mtb and in a day on a road bike. Absolutely no need for a gravel bike.
There is one section of off road by Whinlatter but you can ride down the road and it comes out at the same place before riding in to Keswick.
The only other stretches from memory are through a forest for about a mile at the start, and then the descent along the old railway line down the Pennines, but certainly when I did it, it was hard pack and again, fine for a road bike (incidentally, I held the strava KOM over that 12 mile stretch for about 5 years
)
If so, I’ve done it twice, over 3 days on an mtb and in a day on a road bike. Absolutely no need for a gravel bike.
There is one section of off road by Whinlatter but you can ride down the road and it comes out at the same place before riding in to Keswick.
The only other stretches from memory are through a forest for about a mile at the start, and then the descent along the old railway line down the Pennines, but certainly when I did it, it was hard pack and again, fine for a road bike (incidentally, I held the strava KOM over that 12 mile stretch for about 5 years
)I did it a few years ago with several people on MTBs. I was on a Specialized road bike, with 23 x 700 road tyres and they made me do some of the off road bits! How I managed the 140 miles without a puncture I do not know! I of course had the most fun on the downhill road bits like Hartside though :-)
Some info here from my ride last year:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I did Whitehaven to Whitby, on a hybrid similar to yours. A couple of the guys had gravel bikes and whilst quicker in some areas there wasn’t a huge difference overall - we also had one on a 26” hardtail MTB, so there was always some waiting around!
If I did it again, I’d use the same bike no problem, but I’d certainly pick lighter... the back of the bike was difficult to pick up and made hills TOUGH. An epic trip for sure and I don’t think it’ll be my last.
We stayed at the Lismore guest house. Very soft bed, but had bike storage and tools, a good breakfast and did what it needed to.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I did Whitehaven to Whitby, on a hybrid similar to yours. A couple of the guys had gravel bikes and whilst quicker in some areas there wasn’t a huge difference overall - we also had one on a 26” hardtail MTB, so there was always some waiting around!
If I did it again, I’d use the same bike no problem, but I’d certainly pick lighter... the back of the bike was difficult to pick up and made hills TOUGH. An epic trip for sure and I don’t think it’ll be my last.
We stayed at the Lismore guest house. Very soft bed, but had bike storage and tools, a good breakfast and did what it needed to.
bristolbaron said:
Some info here from my ride last year:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I did Whitehaven to Whitby, on a hybrid similar to yours. A couple of the guys had gravel bikes and whilst quicker in some areas there wasn’t a huge difference overall - we also had one on a 26” hardtail MTB, so there was always some waiting around!
If I did it again, I’d use the same bike no problem, but I’d certainly pick lighter... the back of the bike was difficult to pick up and made hills TOUGH. An epic trip for sure and I don’t think it’ll be my last.
We stayed at the Lismore guest house. Very soft bed, but had bike storage and tools, a good breakfast and did what it needed to.
What was security like generally. I'm picking up a new Ribble ti bike soon and I'd want it in the bedroom with me!https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I did Whitehaven to Whitby, on a hybrid similar to yours. A couple of the guys had gravel bikes and whilst quicker in some areas there wasn’t a huge difference overall - we also had one on a 26” hardtail MTB, so there was always some waiting around!
If I did it again, I’d use the same bike no problem, but I’d certainly pick lighter... the back of the bike was difficult to pick up and made hills TOUGH. An epic trip for sure and I don’t think it’ll be my last.
We stayed at the Lismore guest house. Very soft bed, but had bike storage and tools, a good breakfast and did what it needed to.
mike80 said:
I'm thinking of doing a Coast to Coast this year if I can fit it in. It would be on my road bike, so fully on, er... road.
Is there a list of accepted routes or start/finish points? Or just whatever suits you?
You can of course make your own way, but there is a signposted Sustraans route with sculptures at the start and finish.Is there a list of accepted routes or start/finish points? Or just whatever suits you?
https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-other-routes/c2c-...
Did it a few years back with a couple of friends over 2 days - we decided to enjoy it rather than make it a sufferfest over 1 day.
Route was 100% road and started from Maryport due to needing to get train back to start to pick up our van - we had driven up from down south.
I've created routes on strava from our ride:
Day 1: https://www.strava.com/routes/2802666116846922234
Day 2: https://www.strava.com/routes/2802668339559951866
Planned the route to keep away from any roads that were too busy.
Halfway stop was at the Victoria Inn in Alston - we had a shared triple room and the landlady let us store our bikes in the room (had to lug them upstairs). It was basic but hit the spot and they sent us on our way with fab bacon butties in the morning. We carried basic spares and I managed with just a camelback mule. We all had t shirt, shorts and flip flops as evening wear in the local restaurant much to amusement of the local ladies but it weighed bugger all to carry.
Had glorious sunny weather day 1 but then howling wind with horizontal rain for an hour or so when climbing and decending in the pennines on day 2 which almost had me calling a halt as i was concerned about staying upright.
Was a really good ride and felt quite satisfying dipping a wheel in the sea on the other side.
Make sure you take plenty of gels or similar nutrition.
Route was 100% road and started from Maryport due to needing to get train back to start to pick up our van - we had driven up from down south.
I've created routes on strava from our ride:
Day 1: https://www.strava.com/routes/2802666116846922234
Day 2: https://www.strava.com/routes/2802668339559951866
Planned the route to keep away from any roads that were too busy.
Halfway stop was at the Victoria Inn in Alston - we had a shared triple room and the landlady let us store our bikes in the room (had to lug them upstairs). It was basic but hit the spot and they sent us on our way with fab bacon butties in the morning. We carried basic spares and I managed with just a camelback mule. We all had t shirt, shorts and flip flops as evening wear in the local restaurant much to amusement of the local ladies but it weighed bugger all to carry.
Had glorious sunny weather day 1 but then howling wind with horizontal rain for an hour or so when climbing and decending in the pennines on day 2 which almost had me calling a halt as i was concerned about staying upright.
Was a really good ride and felt quite satisfying dipping a wheel in the sea on the other side.
Make sure you take plenty of gels or similar nutrition.
Hugo Stiglitz said:
What was security like generally. I'm picking up a new Ribble ti bike soon and I'd want it in the bedroom with me!
Very good! We stayed in a mix of b&b’s and inns. All had a lockable room we could leave the bikes in with no issues at all. I’d definitely make sure you phone in advance to explain what’s needed and they’ll be accommodating, it’ll be a common request for any place on the c2c route. Lunch stops were more of a problem, but as we went shortly after lockdown 1 we were mostly eating in pub gardens with the bikes nearby.
andymc said:
could i ask what level of fitness is needed?
Depends how many days I suppose. I did it with a group of under privileged kids (some were only 12-13 years old), who hadn't ridden more than 3 miles beforehand. We did it over 4 days, a short run of approx. 5 miles Day 1 (we didn't start until 4pm, so not really a day) from Whitehaven to a scout camp in the Lakes. Day 2 was there to Langwathby, Day 3 was over Hartside and the 3 other big climbs to somewhere or other (this was hardest day!) and Day 4 was relatively long, but flattish through Consett etc to Tynemouth. Sounds like you are coming from a good starting point - what sort of elevation do you do over your 50 mile rides ?
It was the elevation that made us decide to do it over 2 days as whilst 100-120 miles was doable in a day it was the 10K+ ft of climbing that swung it for us. The 10k+ ft was also with me planning a route to minimise elevation as one of the guys was carrying an injury.
It was challenging enough over the 2 days and felt like an achievement - i was around 44 when i did it so proper MAMIL.
It was the elevation that made us decide to do it over 2 days as whilst 100-120 miles was doable in a day it was the 10K+ ft of climbing that swung it for us. The 10k+ ft was also with me planning a route to minimise elevation as one of the guys was carrying an injury.
It was challenging enough over the 2 days and felt like an achievement - i was around 44 when i did it so proper MAMIL.
If you can do 50 miles, two days will be fine and enjoyable! Include some long hills in your training, if you can.
Watch out when you get to Consett, I was too busy playing silly buggers and racing’ my pal through a section of cycle track that weaves snake like between some grass banks... as I turned to look over my shoulder I missed the concrete bollard helpfully placed in the middle of the track. Or rather I didn’t miss it and hit it square on.
If you find my broken molar on the track, can you send it back pls?
Sure you will love it. A proper MAMIL adventure!
Watch out when you get to Consett, I was too busy playing silly buggers and racing’ my pal through a section of cycle track that weaves snake like between some grass banks... as I turned to look over my shoulder I missed the concrete bollard helpfully placed in the middle of the track. Or rather I didn’t miss it and hit it square on.
If you find my broken molar on the track, can you send it back pls?
Sure you will love it. A proper MAMIL adventure!
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