Calling Cyclists - Couch to Coast to Coast - Madness?

[Foolonahill]

Hi All,

Planning on doing Coast to Coast across Pennines next year over three days. Haven't been on a bike for years. Prepared to put in the training, have a bike and stationary bike and am starting with interval training on the stationary bike now, will dust off the bike in the garage shortly when I've done a bit more cardio and strength training. IS this mental or achievable?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts!

Perfectly achievable.
Its 140miles Less than 50miles a day.
I'd get straight out on the bike. Hills and suchlike aren't the same on a stationary bike.
Its quite quick to build up stamina.

I cycle with a group and we do 20 miles mid week.

Invest in some good cycling padded shorts. Seams are the work of the devil!

It's definitely achievable and sounds like a great ride. If you get out 1-2 times a week then I'm sure you'll be fine along with some time inside.

Personally I'd get straight out while the weather is ok. You need not cover any huge distance but getting a feel for being on the road and your current level is worthwhile. Once you have a base e.g. 5 miles, then build it up gradually. Most say +10% a week.

I built up from couch to 100 miles in about 7 months by going out once a week and spinning once/twice a week so 140 over three days should be doable.

Best of luck.

Thank you very much for your replies and my apologies for the tardy response! That's encouraging - my base is very low at the moment with 5 miles probably being the maximum!! Lots of time though so best crack on!

Any recommendation on bike - I'm thinking a touring bike but they are expensive and don't want to spend more than about £500

Go and talk to a decent bike shop. I used leisure lakes for mine, my local branch are lovely.
Does your work do the cycle to work scheme? That'll knock the tax off the cost and you can include lights clothing etc.

Just get out there! Five miles will quickly double to ten etc.

Foolonahill

This is a personal thing but I would not go for a touring bike. From what I've seen you will get a much better deal on either a hybrid or a road bike with a more relaxed riding position i.e. a sportive bike.

You need not buy from Evans Cycles (a local bike shop would be preferable) but their website is excellent for getting an idea for what's about and how much you should pay. If you filter the results for your price range then you will get a load of potential bikes.

I've just had a look and there is a lot in your price range and mostly discounted too. You just need to factor in a pannier rack (make sure they will fit) and lights, clothing etc.

As gindrinker has said, sign up to a ride2work scheme if you have one. I bought a discounted bike from Evans using my work scheme so saved twice over.

As for the miles, 5 is great as a start and will soon build up.

A decent hybrid like a Specialized vita would be good, you can fit bar ends on for more hand positions.

Other option would be something like, www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/revolution-country-traveller-13?bct=browse%2fbicycles%2ftouring-bikesthis

Revolution bikes are edinburgh cycles own brand and get decent write ups.

I'm hoping to do Way Of The Roses next year. I'd initially thought of the trans pennine trail but have been put off by reports of how bad the trail surface is.

yes, doable.

Edinburgh bike co-op are worth a look IF you decide to buy a new bike. but it may be doable on your current bike. Get someone who has a reasonable idea about bikes to give you an opinion on your current bike.

Padded cycle shorts are your friend. so it getting miles under your legs.

If you want to get out on some rides with others, look at breeze bike rides , these are volunteer led, free to join in with, bike rides for women. the distances vary, so check the write up before you turn up, or e-mail the ride leader if your not sure.

Thank you very much for your responses and again apologies for tardy reply!

Been to local bike shop and ordered bike - should be here next week. They are going to build it for me and fit the extras so better than ordering online. Body letting me down though - injured and complete rest at the mo - hopefully I'll be able to ride it soon and actually get started. Now the bike's sorted really hoping this old frame won't let me down!

Thanks I've heard of breeze and there is one locally I may look into