Reflecting on LEJOG

A week later…

One week on and unsuccessfully trying to lower my calorie intake back to a normal level, I thought that I would reflect on the whole experience. What have I learned?
– in no particular order…

1. It was tough – particularly the first few days. It does get easier due to a combination of leaving Cornwall behind and your body getting used to what it is being asked to do. I also found my mental attitude changing – no longer trying to “beat the miles” more cycling with them, going fast when I could, happy to just keep the pedals turning on hills.

2. This wasn’t a cycling holiday. On many levels I knew this – the trip was about challenge, the daily mileage ensured this. However, a small part of me was looking forward to seeing the countryside from the freedom of a bike. Hah! That part of me was living in dreamland. Everyday was about the challenge of getting through the miles. If you want a nice cycle touring holiday, my route would be excellent if you did it over 18+ days. Cornwall should be done over two days. Actually sod it – take 3!

3. The Satmap active 10 GPS is fab! It didn’t let me down at all – I always knew where I was and the battery power was pretty good – it went flat on route on only my longest day – it had been on for about 13 hours though. GEEK alert - if anyone wants the GPS files, I am happy to email them.

4. Udder cream works – not at all saddle sore. Although the application of this product is something best done in private and feels decidedly odd.

5. Ibuprofen works. The picture shows my ankle after I stopped taking the tablets (and cycling) on Thursday. The injury was already a week old – the swelling wasn’t. Sorry about the feet

6. The road less travelled – certainly the cycle paths and quiet lanes took me away from traffic and on to picturesque locations. It did also ensure that for the most part I didn’t see any other LEJOGers on route (at least until Scotland) – it may have been nice to have cycled with someone else for a while.

7. Kit – I carried far more than was necessary. There was certainly stuff that I didn’t need and indeed I posted a fair amount home. I still think that having a support vehicle would make continuing on harder when the going gets tough.

8. The “Work division game” – for those of you not familiar with Terry Pratchett – you do find yourself occupying your time on the bike working out milestones e.g. 1 more mile and I’ll be a third of the distance, which will take another 5 minutes, so just another 4.5 hours and I’ll finish. The constant re-calculations during the day become part of the cycling ritual.

9. Cake is a dangerous addiction when you stop cycling.

10. Youth Hostels – if you haven’t used them before or for a long time, then they get my recommendation. If you’re travelling alone, you don’t feel like you are still alone in the evenings (particularly true of the small hostels – Slaidburn was my personal favourite and Helmsdale is an overlooked gem). If there’s a family/group of you they do family /ensuite rooms. Some of them are just fab and cheap! Many of them you can rent out the whole hostel out of season.

11. Would I do it again? The most important question. Well yes has to be the answer, but cycle with a friend – preferably one who is almost as good as you at cycling. Fast enough to keep up the pace, but you have the lift of seeing them struggle slightly more than you. Maybe take more time – 100 miles means the whole day on the road. 80 would give you more time to have a look around during the day. You could also travel lighter with two of you. So I may well do this again in another 15 years if the kids want to do it. (or maybe a different challenge a little bit sooner - sshhh don't tell Tracy…)