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Im doing a 3/4 bike for cancer research. Any advice?
QPRush 
| 24 Apr 17:31 |
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 Joined: 24 Apr 2009 Posts: 15 Bike: My Profile | I'm doing a 3/4 bike ride from Eastbourne to Western Super Mere for Cancer research. Im planning to go via the south coast to Portsmouth, then through the New Forest and finally up to Western Super Mare. I've never done this before and planning to stay at camping sites. Any advice where to stay, what to take, training, places to visit, etc. Any comments will be welcome as Im not sure what Im letting myself in for? Cheers Matt |
| My Latest Route: Nov 2009 Eastbourne to Weston Super Mare Via New Foerest Part A | |
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QPRush
| 24 Apr 17:38 |
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Joined: 24 Apr 2009 Posts: 15 Bike: My Profile | Sorry meant to say 3 to 4 day bike ride. |
| My Latest Route: Nov 2009 Eastbourne to Weston Super Mare Via New Foerest Part A | |
| CarolAnn | 25 Apr 04:42 |
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Joined: 25 Apr 2009 Posts: 6 Bike: | Hi Matt Is this an organised bike ride or your own route? Carol |
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QPRush
| 25 Apr 16:14 |
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Joined: 24 Apr 2009 Posts: 15 Bike: My Profile | My own, i thought going by the coast would be nice. |
| My Latest Route: Nov 2009 Eastbourne to Weston Super Mare Via New Foerest Part A | |
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krazykayaker
| 25 Apr 16:52 |
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 Joined: 20 Apr 2009 Posts: 112 Bike: My Profile | Are you planning on carrying your own gear or having a support vehicle?? theres a lot to consider, make sure you plan it well! Good luck |
| My Latest Route: Jan 2010 Corley Circular via Fillongley and Ash Green | |
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QPRush
| 26 Apr 07:27 |
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Joined: 24 Apr 2009 Posts: 15 Bike: My Profile | I'm taking my own gear, I'm doing it with my brother so we should be able to share the load. I'm planning to take a tent, sleeping bag, spare inner tubes and a credit card. Any advice of what else to take? |
| My Latest Route: Nov 2009 Eastbourne to Weston Super Mare Via New Foerest Part A | |
| CarolAnn | 26 Apr 08:57 |
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Joined: 25 Apr 2009 Posts: 6 Bike: | Hi again Matt Make sure your bike is well serviced, with a well lubricated chain & working gears etc. If you intend to do night cycling, make sure you have a good set of lights. Make sure you have the right cycling gear, food & energising drinks. Dehydration is your highest risk & will lead to tired legs. You need to drink about 0.5-1.0 Litre of fluid every hour of riding. Drink energising drinks regularly, every 10-15 minutes rather than waiting till you are thirsty. I think Holland & Barrett sell the powder energising drink for the most reasonable prise. Also, food will help to prevent the dreaded 'bonk'. Bananas, dried apricots & dates are good alternatives for the expensive energy bars. Make sure you know what works for you, so train & take time to work it out. Good luck! Carol |
| CarolAnn | 26 Apr 09:04 |
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Joined: 25 Apr 2009 Posts: 6 Bike: | Just found this kit list on CTC Cycling Holidays - may be of some use? KIT LIST Bike Hardware: bike lock sturdy pannier carrier 2 small panniers (or a large saddle bag) rack bag &/or handlebar bag bungee cord lights for front & rear water bottle(s) zip ties, elastic bands insulation tape spare gear & brake cables spare brake blocks tool kit: (ie tyre levers, puncture repair outfit, adjustable spanner, allen keys, spoke key, chain link extractor) 2 new inner tubes pump spare folding tyre oil &/or grease penknife with screwdriver and corkscrew disposable gloves rag/wipes Clothing: cycling top (jersey/T-shirt/shirt) cycling shorts (lycra or loose-fitting) socks & change of socks underwear & change of underwear cycling shoes thermal vest 2 pairs of thin gloves thin balaclava sun hat (swimsuit) light waterproof jacket or cape (cooler climates: waterproof overshoes, trousers, hat) thin windproof jacket/pullover/fleece evening long sleeved top evening long trousers light shoes (sandals/trainers) night clothes Toiletries: shampoo comb mirror tooth brush & paste sunglasses moisturising cream deodorant sun block stick or cream lip salve insect repellent antihistamine cream antiseptic elastoplast pain killers earplugs toilet paper General: maps compass guide books itinerary hotel list with phone numbers pencil or pen emergency phone numbers cash & credit card abroad: passport, E111 & holiday insurance abroad: dictionary or phrase book tickets house key spoon watch (spectacles/lenses & spares) camera spare films or memory card spare camera batteries or charger plug adaptor for any electrics mobile phone and charger needle/cotton/safety pins scissors reading material and/or playing cards emergency rations (peanuts/dried fruit/energy bars) Strong plastic bags for vulnerable items © CTC Cycling Holidays www.cyclingholidays.org |
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QPRush
| 26 Apr 10:33 |
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Joined: 24 Apr 2009 Posts: 15 Bike: My Profile | Cheers Carol thats a great help. Have you done many long distance rides? |
| My Latest Route: Nov 2009 Eastbourne to Weston Super Mare Via New Foerest Part A | |
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krazykayaker
| 26 Apr 11:20 |
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Joined: 20 Apr 2009 Posts: 112 Bike: My Profile | are you cycling back as well?? If not, dont forget to arrange a lift!! |
| My Latest Route: Jan 2010 Corley Circular via Fillongley and Ash Green | |
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QPRush
| 26 Apr 11:43 |
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Joined: 24 Apr 2009 Posts: 15 Bike: My Profile | Our wife's and kids are going to meet us at Western ready to bring us back to Aylesbury. We are getting the train to Eastbourne but we are going to have to cycle from Marylebone Station to Victoria in London. We will also have problems when to get the train because they might not allow bikes on during peak times. Im more nervous about cycling in London than anything else. |
| My Latest Route: Nov 2009 Eastbourne to Weston Super Mare Via New Foerest Part A | |
| CarolAnn | 26 Apr 16:37 |
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Joined: 25 Apr 2009 Posts: 6 Bike: | Hi Matt Information I found on Cycling around London: There is a 34% reduction on the numbers of cycling accidents recorded despite a boom in cycling in the capital. Keep an eye on lorries that are turning left at junctions, as you may be trapped at the nearside kerb. It would be better to stay behind the lorry. It goes on to say that its probably safer ride defensively in London. Assume that other road users find you invisible. A bell on your handlebars should be enough to deter pedestrians from wandering out in front of you. By law you must also have working lights to front and rear (and a rear reflector and yellow pedal reflectors). Flashing lights are more visible. There are new lights from cateye that can be clipped onto your bag or helmet! Along with high visibility clothes anything you can do to make yourself stand out is key. Interestingly, non-folding bikes are restricted to surface lines outside peak times. Hope that helps! To answer your previous question, no I have never done a long hall cycle over 4-days. I have done some 120km cycles in Cape Town, South Africa over massive mountains, but not over days. However, my son (19) & I are planning to do a 4-day cycle next year from London to Paris for Leukaemia, & that is why I was so interested when I read your 'blog'. My husband & daughter plan to meet us in Paris. We are doing an organised cycle. I am not as brave as you & your brother to plan my own! Please keep me posted re your progress. We live near London so you never know, if you arrive over a weekend we may be able to have a greeting party for you! Kind regards Carol |
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QPRush
| 27 Apr 12:33 |
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Joined: 24 Apr 2009 Posts: 15 Bike: My Profile | Cheers Carol, thanks for the good advice. We are not going till the last week in August. Im just planning early, getting my sponsorship started with Cancer research, and starting training. London to Paris and Cape town all sound very exciting. Might be tempted myself in the future. I see how I get on with this one first. Are you planning to stay in tents or will accomendation be organised? Thats the next thing I have to plan, where to stay and find camp sites along my route. The route is now on the cycle routes now. What do you think? |
| My Latest Route: Nov 2009 Eastbourne to Weston Super Mare Via New Foerest Part A | |
| CarolAnn | 28 Apr 08:53 |
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Joined: 25 Apr 2009 Posts: 6 Bike: | Hi Matt, well despite being a keen cyclist I am definately not a camper! The cycle from London to Paris that we plan to do provides accomodation. We have a good friend who enjoys camping, I'll have a chat with him & see what he suggests. I'll check your route out & get back to you. It is really good that you are preparing so far in advance! Time will fly past & before you know it you'll have completed the ride. Are you cycling for any person in particular, or do you & your brother just fancy the cycle & doing it for a good cause? |
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QPRush
| 28 Apr 09:55 |
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Joined: 24 Apr 2009 Posts: 15 Bike: My Profile | My brother and I cycled London to Brighton and the Tour de Vale in Bucks last year and enjoyed it and fancied doing it as a cheap holiday. The reason we are doing it for Cancer Research is our Dad recently passed away with Cancer. Also I am a Secondary school teacher and one of our young students has cancer and also so does one of our teachers. I thought this bike ride would be a good opportunity to rise some money. |
| My Latest Route: Nov 2009 Eastbourne to Weston Super Mare Via New Foerest Part A | |
| CarolAnn | 29 Apr 17:01 |
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Joined: 25 Apr 2009 Posts: 6 Bike: | I am sorry to hear about your Dad. He will be proud of his boys! My son & I are doing the London to Paris as he is in remission from Leukaemia. He developed it at the age of almost 15 & the treatment was 3yrs + 6month. He has been clear for the past year. Life is not fair but it teaches you to enjoy & make the most of what you have! Your pupil & colleague will also feel very touched by your action. No pressure re training then! |
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QPRush
| 05 May 07:03 |
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Joined: 24 Apr 2009 Posts: 15 Bike: My Profile | Thats good news that your son has been clear for the last year. Having a long distance bike ride is aways good for having something to focus on and look forward to. I have increased the pressure put upon me. I have invited a rep from cancer research to come into my school and do a talk in assembly. This is to increase awareness and get most of the students to sponsor me. Hopefully I will be able to raise quite a bit. |
| My Latest Route: Nov 2009 Eastbourne to Weston Super Mare Via New Foerest Part A | |
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zimmy
| 05 May 13:11 |
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 Joined: 04 May 2009 Posts: 18 Bike: My Profile | Good luck with this. My wife was hit by bowel and liver cancer, (doing fine now)so well done you. Rob and Wendy |
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QPRush
| 06 May 05:10 |
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Joined: 24 Apr 2009 Posts: 15 Bike: My Profile | Cheers, I am glad that your wife is doing fine now. |
| My Latest Route: Nov 2009 Eastbourne to Weston Super Mare Via New Foerest Part A | |
| matthewpaulgray | 20 May 06:46 |
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Joined: 20 May 2011 Posts: 1 Bike: | Hey, Just came across this as I'm planning my own bike ride across England. How did you get on in the end? |
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