Couch to Coast 2 Coast - A true underdog story
Discussion
Following on from THIS thread where I was asking for advise on a suitable bike for riding coast to coast, I thought a progress thread for where I am to date and to post to during the ride may be of interest?
This all started at the end of May, as a friend who lives in Cali had returned to the UK to see family but ended up stuck here instead of going travelling as planned. Another mate of ours had previously completed London-Paris and has always fancied C2C, so set up a Whatsapp group to see if any other would join. My initial thoughts of 'I had major surgery 9 months ago, and haven’t ridden a bike for 20 years, this would be a ridiculous idea' were quickly brushed aside and I got straight onto finding a suitable bike. With the help from the thread above, I located a Trek FX3 that would be up to the job and set a training schedule.
With my friend returning to the USA at the end of July, we didn’t have much time to waste (or to prepare) so set dates for 21st-24th July. We’ve chosen a route which takes part of the classic Whitehaven/Newcastle C2C but joins the W2W Walney to Whitby between Penrith & Kirkby Stephen. I don’t really know why, but it adds another 50k to the route which is apparently appealing.
To keep the training to date brief, so far I’ve clocked in 1150km in 7 weeks!
My first real ride was 42km on 9th June, a number of 50km’s, then a jump to 77km’s by 16th June, then a lot more 50’s. By the 28th June I managed 90km’s and on 5th July 120km. By this point I felt I could do it and had invested in further kit – Spoon Charge saddle, DMR V12’s, Bib shorts, Panniers/rack etc so there’s no going back. Over the past couple of weeks I’ve taken things relatively steady so as not to cause myself damage before the outing.
I’ve lost a few pounds, spent a few pounds and feel a lot fitter for it. Last week one of the guys mentioned we should really be raising some funds for charity considering the work we’re putting in, so it was decided that we’d set up a just giving for a school I already support in Zimbabwe. If you’ve read this far and would like to read more, or chip in, the link is HERE. It’s a great school, with 1200+ pupils, run on very very little.
That’s about it so far, hopefully I’ll be able to update during the ride, but if not will do so again after. If there’s anything I’ve missed please let me know!
This all started at the end of May, as a friend who lives in Cali had returned to the UK to see family but ended up stuck here instead of going travelling as planned. Another mate of ours had previously completed London-Paris and has always fancied C2C, so set up a Whatsapp group to see if any other would join. My initial thoughts of 'I had major surgery 9 months ago, and haven’t ridden a bike for 20 years, this would be a ridiculous idea' were quickly brushed aside and I got straight onto finding a suitable bike. With the help from the thread above, I located a Trek FX3 that would be up to the job and set a training schedule.
With my friend returning to the USA at the end of July, we didn’t have much time to waste (or to prepare) so set dates for 21st-24th July. We’ve chosen a route which takes part of the classic Whitehaven/Newcastle C2C but joins the W2W Walney to Whitby between Penrith & Kirkby Stephen. I don’t really know why, but it adds another 50k to the route which is apparently appealing.
To keep the training to date brief, so far I’ve clocked in 1150km in 7 weeks!
My first real ride was 42km on 9th June, a number of 50km’s, then a jump to 77km’s by 16th June, then a lot more 50’s. By the 28th June I managed 90km’s and on 5th July 120km. By this point I felt I could do it and had invested in further kit – Spoon Charge saddle, DMR V12’s, Bib shorts, Panniers/rack etc so there’s no going back. Over the past couple of weeks I’ve taken things relatively steady so as not to cause myself damage before the outing.
I’ve lost a few pounds, spent a few pounds and feel a lot fitter for it. Last week one of the guys mentioned we should really be raising some funds for charity considering the work we’re putting in, so it was decided that we’d set up a just giving for a school I already support in Zimbabwe. If you’ve read this far and would like to read more, or chip in, the link is HERE. It’s a great school, with 1200+ pupils, run on very very little.
That’s about it so far, hopefully I’ll be able to update during the ride, but if not will do so again after. If there’s anything I’ve missed please let me know!
Edited by bristolbaron on Saturday 18th July 23:47
dhutch said:
Good work, enjoy it. I did it as a teenager with ten other lads from school as part of our Duke of Edinburgh, done over four days i think, on random mix of fairly low grade mountain bikes, no records where broken but we had a great time. Have a tenner.
Daniel
Wow, thank you! Glad I included the link now! Daniel
I wish I’d done it as a teenager
We’ve only given ourselves 3 days, with b&b’s booked for each night so no chance of not making the daily targets. I should’ve included them in the original post: Day 1:
85.7km/53 miles
1403 meter climb
Day 2:
124.7km/77 miles
1869 meter climb
Day 3:
90km/55 miles
1201 meter climb
Total:
300km/185 miles
4473 meter climb
I’m sure we’ll be fine
bristolbaron said:
Wow, thank you! Glad I included the link now!
I wish I’d done it as a teenager We’ve only given ourselves 3 days, with b&b’s booked for each night so no chance of not making the daily targets.
I assumed that's what it was for....I wish I’d done it as a teenager
We’ve only given ourselves 3 days, with b&b’s booked for each night so no chance of not making the daily targets. Sounds good. We have two BnBs and one night camping, support bus in operation.
Daniel
dontfollowme said:
Good luck!
Cheers! Steady first day today, long one tomorrow from Penrith via Kirkby Stephen & Barnard Castle to Darlington. dhutch said:
I assumed that's what it was for....
Sounds good. We have two BnBs and one night camping, support bus in operation.
Daniel
Still very kind, thank you. Sounds good. We have two BnBs and one night camping, support bus in operation.
Daniel
I’m very pleased not to be camping, although last nights b&b wasn’t much better
I also wish I’d packed lighted. Naturally with two bags to fill, I did. The hills are a lot tougher fully loaded!
Congrats on making the decision to do this - it's a fantastic ride.
I did it over 3 days a few years ago with friends (on a mountain bike with slick tyres) and then went back a couple of years later and did it on the road bike in 11 hours
The climbing on day 2 the first time really knocked the stuffing out of me! especially the ones after Hartside! I also nearly had a big off descending from Hartside in the rain on my solo ride.
My only piece of advice to you over and above what you've done is I'd have gone for flat pedals and toe straps rather than V12's - you get a whole lot more pedalling efficiency that way!
Hopefully you'll enjoy and get the bug..!
I did it over 3 days a few years ago with friends (on a mountain bike with slick tyres) and then went back a couple of years later and did it on the road bike in 11 hours
The climbing on day 2 the first time really knocked the stuffing out of me! especially the ones after Hartside! I also nearly had a big off descending from Hartside in the rain on my solo ride.
My only piece of advice to you over and above what you've done is I'd have gone for flat pedals and toe straps rather than V12's - you get a whole lot more pedalling efficiency that way!
Hopefully you'll enjoy and get the bug..!
11 hours! That’s amazing, I’m not sure I’ll get the bug that badly, but have been eyeing up my friends gravel bikes...
Our route to Whitby takes us lower, so today we face Tan Hill rather than Hartside. I don’t know if that’s a good thing, but there may be a bit of getting off to push today!
We did consider the different options for pedals, I think I’d have been off the bike yesterday through Whinlatter in anything other than flats.. I was on the wrong bike for the rocky bits and should’ve gone with the bypass.
The official Cycle network routes are great and take in some good scenery, but there’s points where there’s a lot of extra KM’s for no reason.
Porridge and shower time and we’re back out shortly.
That’s amazing, I’m not sure I’ll get the bug that badly, but have been eyeing up my friends gravel bikes...Our route to Whitby takes us lower, so today we face Tan Hill rather than Hartside. I don’t know if that’s a good thing, but there may be a bit of getting off to push today!
We did consider the different options for pedals, I think I’d have been off the bike yesterday through Whinlatter in anything other than flats.. I was on the wrong bike for the rocky bits and should’ve gone with the bypass.
The official Cycle network routes are great and take in some good scenery, but there’s points where there’s a lot of extra KM’s for no reason.
Porridge and shower time and we’re back out shortly.
bristolbaron said:
I also wish I’d packed lighted. Naturally with two bags to fill, I did. The hills are a lot tougher fully loaded!
You love it, cracking photos, enjoy the porrage!
Incase anyone missed it:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/coast2coast...
Daniel
I didn’t manage to keep this thread updated during the rest of the ride, through dodgy internet connections, time available and mostly being absolutely knackered!
Day 2 started later than expected,
due to a very slow breakfast and after getting on the road at 10am the morning was tough going. A fair climb during the first stint before stopping for lunch in Kirkby Stephen.
After that we had the very very long climb into Tan Hill. With some choosing to take the opportunity to push the bike during the steepest sections, I battled through using the gearing changes I’d learned during all my hill training. I was very close to stopping towards the top, but dug deep and found the strength to get through, much to the surprise of the others.
It was very emotional reaching the summit! It was without a doubt the highlight of the trip, spending 10km of mind over matter was an experience in itself - thoughts of overcoming surgery and the kids we’re raising funds for made getting off and walking not an option.
One of the guys wasn’t so lucky, and had a chain snapped about 4 miles from the Tan Hill inn. With minimal tools and experience it took an age to patch it back together well enough to get him to the pub, where one of the Mutake School trustees was waving a Zimbabwe flag to welcome us. He ended up getting a lift to the overnight stop in Dalton-on-Tees via a friend who secured a better fix on the chain ready for the next day.
The rest of us made the brilliant (but at points very rocky) descent down to Barnard Castle where we were left with one last climb. After a quick eye test at the now ‘world famous’ Bowes museum it was a flat and fast paced race against the dark to reach the hotel. We arrived at 22:00 - a full 12 hours on from starting. After a massive fish & chips and chocolate fudge cake, we were done for the night. Battered (not just the Cod) & bruised, but so proud of what was achieved.
Day 2 started later than expected,
due to a very slow breakfast and after getting on the road at 10am the morning was tough going. A fair climb during the first stint before stopping for lunch in Kirkby Stephen.
After that we had the very very long climb into Tan Hill. With some choosing to take the opportunity to push the bike during the steepest sections, I battled through using the gearing changes I’d learned during all my hill training. I was very close to stopping towards the top, but dug deep and found the strength to get through, much to the surprise of the others.
It was very emotional reaching the summit! It was without a doubt the highlight of the trip, spending 10km of mind over matter was an experience in itself - thoughts of overcoming surgery and the kids we’re raising funds for made getting off and walking not an option.
One of the guys wasn’t so lucky, and had a chain snapped about 4 miles from the Tan Hill inn. With minimal tools and experience it took an age to patch it back together well enough to get him to the pub, where one of the Mutake School trustees was waving a Zimbabwe flag to welcome us. He ended up getting a lift to the overnight stop in Dalton-on-Tees via a friend who secured a better fix on the chain ready for the next day.
The rest of us made the brilliant (but at points very rocky) descent down to Barnard Castle where we were left with one last climb. After a quick eye test at the now ‘world famous’ Bowes museum it was a flat and fast paced race against the dark to reach the hotel. We arrived at 22:00 - a full 12 hours on from starting. After a massive fish & chips and chocolate fudge cake, we were done for the night. Battered (not just the Cod) & bruised, but so proud of what was achieved.
Day 3:
Having failed to be ready for earlier starts the other days, we committed to 10am as being the ‘right’ time to start.
The hotel was a short detour from the route we were taking and despite being close enough to Croft racing circuit to hear cars on the track, the others weren’t impressed enough for a further detour!
We rejoined route 165 at Croft on tees with a quick stop for the days refreshments. The first half of the day was relatively easy going, with just enough by the way of hills to warm the legs up, but not enough to make it a slog. There was a light drizzle, which again was fine and encouraged us not to dawdle. With a stop for lunch in Great Ayton (a very tasty Chicken Parmo) we were back on the road to now much heavier rain. Almost immediately we were facing never ending hills, which combined with the rain started making the day not fun any more with sights set on just reaching the finish line. The route had other plans and graced the group with two punctures within an hour of each other. Just when you want to get going, we were slowing down. Despite these, and a couple of tricky off road sections, there was still humour amongst us, with “about 30km to go” being the call of the rest of the day. We reached a final climb onto a viaduct which took us the rest of the way into Whitby. With our bells tinging the sense of achievement finally started coming back and we were ready to dip our front wheels in the water.
Later in the evening we went out for a celebratory meal and onto a pub for champagne. We then wandered back to the beach where a completely clear sky enabled us to gaze at the stars. As we walked back up the slipway I was still looking up and spotted comet NEOWISE. It was huge, and absolutely the perfect ending to a tough, but spectacular trip.
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.whitbygazette.c...
Having failed to be ready for earlier starts the other days, we committed to 10am as being the ‘right’ time to start.
The hotel was a short detour from the route we were taking and despite being close enough to Croft racing circuit to hear cars on the track, the others weren’t impressed enough for a further detour!
We rejoined route 165 at Croft on tees with a quick stop for the days refreshments. The first half of the day was relatively easy going, with just enough by the way of hills to warm the legs up, but not enough to make it a slog. There was a light drizzle, which again was fine and encouraged us not to dawdle. With a stop for lunch in Great Ayton (a very tasty Chicken Parmo) we were back on the road to now much heavier rain. Almost immediately we were facing never ending hills, which combined with the rain started making the day not fun any more with sights set on just reaching the finish line. The route had other plans and graced the group with two punctures within an hour of each other. Just when you want to get going, we were slowing down. Despite these, and a couple of tricky off road sections, there was still humour amongst us, with “about 30km to go” being the call of the rest of the day. We reached a final climb onto a viaduct which took us the rest of the way into Whitby. With our bells tinging the sense of achievement finally started coming back and we were ready to dip our front wheels in the water.
Later in the evening we went out for a celebratory meal and onto a pub for champagne. We then wandered back to the beach where a completely clear sky enabled us to gaze at the stars. As we walked back up the slipway I was still looking up and spotted comet NEOWISE. It was huge, and absolutely the perfect ending to a tough, but spectacular trip.
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.whitbygazette.c...
dhutch said:
You love it, cracking photos, enjoy the porrage!
Incase anyone missed it:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/coast2coast...
Daniel
The porridge was tougher than the hills!
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