LEJOG route for non- stop cycle

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rich87 22 Mar 16:18  

Joined: 22 Mar 2010

Posts: 10

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My Profile 		Hi All,

I'm planning on cycling solo from Lands End to John O'Groats in May 2011 non- stop.

Training is going well, but having a bit of trouble planning the route. I'm basically looking for the shortest and flattest route I can find to get between the two points as fast as possible.

Obviously the route planning needs to be really detailed so I know where all the lay- bys in the roads are and where I'll be able to temporarily stop and meet the support car etc. It would also be good to be able to work out where the inclines/ declines are so that I'm able to plan where I'm going to be at certain times - I'd like to try to avoid the roads closest to the towns/ cities when they are busiest so I'll need to plan what time I'll start the ride to do this.

Does anyone know if the routes used by others on a similar LEJOG cycle are available from anywhere? Or failing this what the best resources would be for me to put my own route together?

I've noticed the roads around Glasgow go pretty close to the city, is there any way around this if I want a short fast route?

Finally, I always assumed with the prevailing winds that it would be best to start from Lands End, however I've noticed a number of people recently starting from John O'Groats. Are there any other advantages from starting at one end over the other? I'd prefer to start at John O'Groats and get the Scottish Highlands out the way at the beginning, but had always been told Lands End would be a better starting point.

Any assistance you can provide would be greatly appreciated!

If you're interested in what I'm doing you can follow me at www.richardwestover.com

Cheers,

Rich

dudley 22 Mar 16:52  

Joined: 16 Jan 2009

Posts: 498

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My Profile 		i think memory map (www.memory-map.co.uk) will give you a detailed map including topography for inclines declines etc.

I'm sure you have to pay for it, but having seen a memory-map projection for an 'adventure race' i'm doing, it may well be the thing you're looking for.

I think the only way you'll find laybys is to actually drive the route.

you are probably better off picking small villages etc to meet. The car can at least wait at a pub or wherever, usually easy to stop, and water etc will be available.

My Latest Route: Nov 2009 Forth Estuary Circular

dudley 22 Mar 16:58  

Joined: 16 Jan 2009

Posts: 498

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My Profile 		what's you projected timescale for the run?

it's all beyond me! I'd love to do a LEJOG< but i think a few days, and hearty B&B breakfasts on the way would be in order!

My Latest Route: Nov 2009 Forth Estuary Circular

rich87 23 Mar 11:26  

Joined: 22 Mar 2010

Posts: 10

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My Profile 		Thanks Dudley.

I was afraid it would be some sort of service like that - I'm on a very tight budget and there seem to be new costs and expense round every corner! Hence I'm trying to use my website to attract corporate sponsorship as well as raising money for charity.

I'll have a look at memory map over the weekend and see whether I can make use of it. I was hoping there was some sort of resource that's available from the people at LEJOG club or something that most people doing the route tend to use - but it doesn't seem that way.

I only actually started road cycling in February, although I have a reasonable level of natural fitness, so I'm not entirely sure what I should be aiming for. The aim of doing the ride is to prove that anything you put your mind to is achievable so I'm just hoping to make it to the other end before I fall asleep!

However, I'm hoping that somewhere around the 50 hour mark will be possible, not going to be breaking the 44 hour record. I've got my first long distance cycle event coming up in May - Castle 100 - which is 100 miles across Kent, so hopefully I'll have more of an idea after that.

Rich

Follow me at www.richardwestover.com


dudley 23 Mar 13:46  

Joined: 16 Jan 2009

Posts: 498

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My Profile 		blimey, averaging 17.8 mph for 50 hours.
I struggle to do that for an afternoon!

good luck!

how someone managed to do it in 44 hours, averaging over 20mph, is beyond me!

My Latest Route: Nov 2009 Forth Estuary Circular

jakesgaffe 26 Mar 17:28  

Joined: 06 Feb 2010

Posts: 2

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Im doing LeJog in May this year, albeit we are not doing it non-stop, so good luck on that.. Take a look at my site at www.bmfend2end2010.com our route is only just over 900miles, which is over 100 miles shorter than most recommended routes. And other that Devon and Cornwall most of it is not too bad on the hills. My site has detailed daily maps, which may be of assistance.

Good Luck on your venture..

Mick



carricks 09 Jan 16:34  

Joined: 09 Jan 2011

Posts: 1

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Hi. Many lejog routes travel through from Dumfries on the country roads via Dunscore and Moniaive ending up having a hearty bacon or egg roll and tea or coffee at our Stag Tea Room and Garden in Carsphairn. We are a popular waiting point for cars, etc. and there is a lovely B&B in the village. Please contact us 01644 460211 if we can be of any more assistance. Chris & Linda


bazuti 05 Jul 06:31  

Joined: 13 Sep 2009

Posts: 11

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My Profile 		Ref: Lejog record - Paul Carbutt broke the record for what was a 1000 miles when he did it.Somewhere inside 48 hours, he was an incredible cyclist and held records at all kinds of disciplines.Sadly he died aged 53 from Motor Neurones Disease.

My Latest Route: Aug 2010 Birmingham to Stafford Canal Loop