Over the last year I have been thinking about how I am going to navigate on my journey. There is very few cycle route maps for the routes I am travelling so I have purchased a pile of different road maps, cycle maps and guide books for the whole of the route. Yes, you've guessed the problem! If I took all the maps with me I wouldn't have any room in my panniers for clothing or anything else for that matter.
So I've been looking for a technological option that will help. There are GPS mapping devices that might do the job. As far as I can tell the Garmin type GPS mapping equipment is expensive and it would require me to buy mapping downloads for large parts of Europe on top of the cost of the device. I suspect that this option might cost ver £400+.
Instead I have downloaded a 'view ranger' app onto my iPad. It allows me access to download the relevant grids of free OpenCycleMaps that show cycle the cycle routes that I will use. The downloaded maps mean that the iPad can use its GPS link to the satellites without needing a broadband or wi-fi signal. I won't have the iPad strapped to the bike handlebars but I can have it available for an easy reference in the same way as I would with a map, in fact it will be easier than a map because I won't need to unfold it and struggle with it I the wind and also the iPad map will tell me exactly where I am and show the compass directions.
I will carry some of the guide books I bought because they will help in finding some accommodation as I travel. I suppose the main issue is that I need to avoid losing my iPad and I need to keep it charged everyday.
Monday, 11 March 2013
Thursday, 7 March 2013
Sponsorship?
I did not intended to do the ride for charity for a few reasons. I didn't want to have too much pressure to complete the whole route when there is a possibility that I may get injured or I might just want to change my plan and I want the freedom to do that if I wish. The purpose of the ride is for me to have an adventure and the freedom to go with the flow. Whilst I am publishing this blog and it is open for anyone to view I don't care too much to deliberately seek publicity to maximise the raising of charity funds.
On the other hand it is a great opportunity to raise money for my favourite charity St Mary's Hospice at Ulverston.
So, I'm in two minds over this dilemma. You can't expect a clear decision after all I was a Police Inspector!!
I could raise some money as long as it is clearly understood that any money is raised is not dependant on me getting to any end point of the route. Also, I am funding the whole of my trip and not using any donations to pay for my expenses.
Someone asked me what I was doing about carrying my clothes etc. I replied that I had forgotten to mention that I was doing the cycling naked so I wouldn't need to carry the luggage but no-one would donate any money and they would only donate on the basis that I put some clothes on!!
So, I would welcome anyone's thoughts on this subject (sponsorship, not the nude cycling). Should I do it for charity?
On the other hand it is a great opportunity to raise money for my favourite charity St Mary's Hospice at Ulverston.
So, I'm in two minds over this dilemma. You can't expect a clear decision after all I was a Police Inspector!!
I could raise some money as long as it is clearly understood that any money is raised is not dependant on me getting to any end point of the route. Also, I am funding the whole of my trip and not using any donations to pay for my expenses.
Someone asked me what I was doing about carrying my clothes etc. I replied that I had forgotten to mention that I was doing the cycling naked so I wouldn't need to carry the luggage but no-one would donate any money and they would only donate on the basis that I put some clothes on!!
So, I would welcome anyone's thoughts on this subject (sponsorship, not the nude cycling). Should I do it for charity?
Monday, 4 March 2013
Training!!
Well, I suppose it would be sensible to do some serious training before setting off across Europe.
I should be pretty fit seeing that I am a Personal Trainer, so I'm hoping that my general fitness levels are going to put me in good stead for the ride. During a ski holiday over the New Year period I injured my left knee. It never stopped me training but I was constantly conscious of it. It has improved over recent weeks and it seems fine when I run or cycle, so I'm hoping that it is not going to be a problem.
January was a terribly wet and cold month and therefore I never got out on my bike. I tried to substitute the lack of road cycling with setting a bike up indoors on a turbo trainer and to relieve the boredom of riding indoors I watched youtube videos of Mark Beaumont cycling the Americas and the World. It also provides me with some inspiration for my journey, except that I do not aspire to break any records.
February has been much better for outdoor cycling and I have upped the cycling frequency. Although I am conscious to step it up gradually because the last thing I want now is to injure myself before I get started. My main philosophy is to get on the bike on all days that are dry and get myself (and more importantly my backside) used to time on the bike.
I had a lovely days riding last week. I set off with the intention to cycle to a Lake District pub for lunch and cycle back. However, I got to the pub too early and decided to push on a bit further. I took a series of random decisions and then headed to Bowness and then caught a ferry across Windermere and then getting my pub lunch sitting in sunshine outside a Hawkshead pub. I cycled back via Newby Bridge and quiet back roads to Cartmel before getting over the last hill home. It was a lovely sunny but cool day and it encompassed the spirit that I am trying to achieve on my journey. I want to have an overall aim but still want to adapt the route and the timescales so that I get a real feeling of adventure.
Last Sunday I did the Eden Valley 60 mile Sportive ride along with 1000 other cyclists. I set off with some good club cyclists and realised that they were too fast for me after the first 10 miles. They disappeared into the distance but I caught them twice though after two of them had crashes (maybe it pays to be a plodder). Anyway I had a good ride and managed to average 15 mph over the very undulating course. It confirmed for me that my training priority is not speed!
Anyway, I will keep the training going steady and probably tailing it off in the last week so that I do not start the journey jaded.
I should be pretty fit seeing that I am a Personal Trainer, so I'm hoping that my general fitness levels are going to put me in good stead for the ride. During a ski holiday over the New Year period I injured my left knee. It never stopped me training but I was constantly conscious of it. It has improved over recent weeks and it seems fine when I run or cycle, so I'm hoping that it is not going to be a problem.
January was a terribly wet and cold month and therefore I never got out on my bike. I tried to substitute the lack of road cycling with setting a bike up indoors on a turbo trainer and to relieve the boredom of riding indoors I watched youtube videos of Mark Beaumont cycling the Americas and the World. It also provides me with some inspiration for my journey, except that I do not aspire to break any records.
February has been much better for outdoor cycling and I have upped the cycling frequency. Although I am conscious to step it up gradually because the last thing I want now is to injure myself before I get started. My main philosophy is to get on the bike on all days that are dry and get myself (and more importantly my backside) used to time on the bike.
I had a lovely days riding last week. I set off with the intention to cycle to a Lake District pub for lunch and cycle back. However, I got to the pub too early and decided to push on a bit further. I took a series of random decisions and then headed to Bowness and then caught a ferry across Windermere and then getting my pub lunch sitting in sunshine outside a Hawkshead pub. I cycled back via Newby Bridge and quiet back roads to Cartmel before getting over the last hill home. It was a lovely sunny but cool day and it encompassed the spirit that I am trying to achieve on my journey. I want to have an overall aim but still want to adapt the route and the timescales so that I get a real feeling of adventure.
Last Sunday I did the Eden Valley 60 mile Sportive ride along with 1000 other cyclists. I set off with some good club cyclists and realised that they were too fast for me after the first 10 miles. They disappeared into the distance but I caught them twice though after two of them had crashes (maybe it pays to be a plodder). Anyway I had a good ride and managed to average 15 mph over the very undulating course. It confirmed for me that my training priority is not speed!
Anyway, I will keep the training going steady and probably tailing it off in the last week so that I do not start the journey jaded.
Thursday, 7 February 2013
New Route?
I had always been happy with the choice of the Eurovelo 6. The idea of cycling across Europe appealed and the fact that the route followed two major rivers (the Loire and the Danube) would ensure that most of the route would be fairly flat. I didn't want any pesky hills getting in my way!
However, I have had second thoughts, after all I can cycle any way I want because I haven't got a plan other than my starting point as I have booked my flight to Nantes.
I started to think that the later sections of the route were more problematical:-
Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania all have there own currency.
They are less likely to understand English.
The towns will be further apart and it will be more difficult to solve any maintenance problems and more difficult to get accommodation.
Also, it will be more difficult to get back from Constanta as there don't seem to be any direct flights back to the UK.
What else could I do?
I quite fancy following the Eurovelo 6 as far as Vienna and then turning right and riding down through Slovenia to Ljubljana, Trieste into Italy onwards through Venice, Bologna, Florence, Siena and on to Rome. Visiting all these places gives a diversion to Italy quite a 'wow' factor. The distances seem similar to the distance I would have gone to Constanta. The difference is that the route to Constanta is very flat and the route to Italy will be undulating to say the least.
The route through Italy would include sections of Eurovelo 9 (down through Slovenia), Eurovelo 8 (westward travel from Slovenia into Italy) and Eurovelo 7 (down from Northern Italy to Rome). Despite the new alternative being on Eurovelo routes I am struggling to find clear cycle routes on the Internet in the same way that there is special websites for Eurovelo 6 but not for these other routes and I can't find any dedicated maps or route books. That's something I will have to keep working on so that I can find the actual routes.
If it turns out to be too much I would have potential escape routes to fly home from Venice, Pisa or Rome, all airports will have regular direct flights back to the North West of England.
Not surprisingly I am really excited about the Slovenia and Italy option. Who wouldn't be excited at the prospect of visiting those fantastic cities and cycling in the Tuscany countryside in sunny June. I do need to do some more research about the cycle routes involved otherwise I would need to navigate myself and whilst the countryside might be lovely I wouldn't want to continually cycle on main roads. I'll start on the research. I would welcome any suggestions from anyone who has cycled in Slovenia and Italy and can help me pinpoint the Eurovelo 9, 8 and 7 routes.
I hope I manage to cycle long enough to get to the point that I actually get to Vienna so that this discussion actually means something.
However, I have had second thoughts, after all I can cycle any way I want because I haven't got a plan other than my starting point as I have booked my flight to Nantes.
I started to think that the later sections of the route were more problematical:-
Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania all have there own currency.
They are less likely to understand English.
The towns will be further apart and it will be more difficult to solve any maintenance problems and more difficult to get accommodation.
Also, it will be more difficult to get back from Constanta as there don't seem to be any direct flights back to the UK.
What else could I do?
I quite fancy following the Eurovelo 6 as far as Vienna and then turning right and riding down through Slovenia to Ljubljana, Trieste into Italy onwards through Venice, Bologna, Florence, Siena and on to Rome. Visiting all these places gives a diversion to Italy quite a 'wow' factor. The distances seem similar to the distance I would have gone to Constanta. The difference is that the route to Constanta is very flat and the route to Italy will be undulating to say the least.
The route through Italy would include sections of Eurovelo 9 (down through Slovenia), Eurovelo 8 (westward travel from Slovenia into Italy) and Eurovelo 7 (down from Northern Italy to Rome). Despite the new alternative being on Eurovelo routes I am struggling to find clear cycle routes on the Internet in the same way that there is special websites for Eurovelo 6 but not for these other routes and I can't find any dedicated maps or route books. That's something I will have to keep working on so that I can find the actual routes.
If it turns out to be too much I would have potential escape routes to fly home from Venice, Pisa or Rome, all airports will have regular direct flights back to the North West of England.
Not surprisingly I am really excited about the Slovenia and Italy option. Who wouldn't be excited at the prospect of visiting those fantastic cities and cycling in the Tuscany countryside in sunny June. I do need to do some more research about the cycle routes involved otherwise I would need to navigate myself and whilst the countryside might be lovely I wouldn't want to continually cycle on main roads. I'll start on the research. I would welcome any suggestions from anyone who has cycled in Slovenia and Italy and can help me pinpoint the Eurovelo 9, 8 and 7 routes.
I hope I manage to cycle long enough to get to the point that I actually get to Vienna so that this discussion actually means something.
What bike?
I have 3 bike options.
1. Trek hybrid
2. Jamis Casanova Tourer
3. Marin Toscana Cyclocross
I am favouring the Marin at the moment because it is sturdy, it is fitted with a rear rack and mud guards and its slightly lighter than the Jamis. The Trek has a more upright cycling position but I'm not sure if its up to the distance.
Oh, I forgot to mention that the Marin is actually my sons bike but he has out grown it (he's 6 foot 7 inches now so I don't argue with him anymore)!
I've added a picture of the Marin. I welcome anyone's comments or advice oon my choice.
1. Trek hybrid
2. Jamis Casanova Tourer
3. Marin Toscana Cyclocross
I am favouring the Marin at the moment because it is sturdy, it is fitted with a rear rack and mud guards and its slightly lighter than the Jamis. The Trek has a more upright cycling position but I'm not sure if its up to the distance.
Oh, I forgot to mention that the Marin is actually my sons bike but he has out grown it (he's 6 foot 7 inches now so I don't argue with him anymore)!
I've added a picture of the Marin. I welcome anyone's comments or advice oon my choice.
Doubts!!
Yes, I have doubts about whether I can manage to cycle all that way.
Over the New Year period I went skiing and came back with a dodgy left knee. The injury was not caused by any one thing but I noticed it about half way through the holiday but of course I carried on skiing despite the pain. Anyway, since then I have continued to train and exercise. The knee has actually been ok whilst I run but squats and leg presses are seriously dodgy. Fortunately my cycling doesn't seem to be affected. The weather hasn't been good for getting out on the bike so I haven't really tested my knee much. I'm just starting to get out and about on the bike. Of course on top of this there is still the fact that I am a 51 year old man who has never cycled more than 160 miles over 3 days...so why should I doubt my physical ability to compete the route!!
Another thing that could go wrong is the bike could fail and I'm no mechanic. I can change a tyre and I can replace brake blocks (unfortunately, my bike has disc brakes). I reassure myself that there are bike repair shops in Europe. To add to this problem I don't speak any foreign languages so I won't be able to explain what I want. My older brother, David, will start the route with me and he can speak French so I may survive the first week!
Lastly, I am not making any plan for my journey. So there is no chance that I can fail to keep to the plan. I intend to seek accommodation each evening after my days riding and I won't be carrying a tent. I feel reasonably confident finding somewhere to stay whilst I am in France, Switzerland, Germany and Austria but not too sure for the later stages of the ride. I guess I could be sleeping rough.
It's started to make me think......
Over the New Year period I went skiing and came back with a dodgy left knee. The injury was not caused by any one thing but I noticed it about half way through the holiday but of course I carried on skiing despite the pain. Anyway, since then I have continued to train and exercise. The knee has actually been ok whilst I run but squats and leg presses are seriously dodgy. Fortunately my cycling doesn't seem to be affected. The weather hasn't been good for getting out on the bike so I haven't really tested my knee much. I'm just starting to get out and about on the bike. Of course on top of this there is still the fact that I am a 51 year old man who has never cycled more than 160 miles over 3 days...so why should I doubt my physical ability to compete the route!!
Another thing that could go wrong is the bike could fail and I'm no mechanic. I can change a tyre and I can replace brake blocks (unfortunately, my bike has disc brakes). I reassure myself that there are bike repair shops in Europe. To add to this problem I don't speak any foreign languages so I won't be able to explain what I want. My older brother, David, will start the route with me and he can speak French so I may survive the first week!
Lastly, I am not making any plan for my journey. So there is no chance that I can fail to keep to the plan. I intend to seek accommodation each evening after my days riding and I won't be carrying a tent. I feel reasonably confident finding somewhere to stay whilst I am in France, Switzerland, Germany and Austria but not too sure for the later stages of the ride. I guess I could be sleeping rough.
It's started to make me think......
Sunday, 3 February 2013
Who am I?
This a short but challenging question. I guess most people who read this blog may actually know me and won't need me to say who I am but there may be some new readers who will need a pen picture of me. Here goes:-
I am a 51 year old retired police inspector from a small town in Cumbria called Grange over Sands. I have two children, Rebekah (19) and John (18). I was born in Burnley and still retain loyal to my Lancashire roots. Over the last year I have been working as a Personal Trainer as I enjoyed all sports and exercise of all kinds. I suppose my main sporting passion has been rugby union. I played at different times for Blackburn, Furness and Cumbria Police rugby teams. Since retiring from rugby I have done a bit of everything but mainly focused on swimming, rugby and cycling as well as doing spinning classes, circuits, free weights and Zumba. I am currently taking an Exercise to Music course (yes I'm far too old for that kind of thing but why not!).
On a sad note, during an 8 month period at the end of 2011 and early 2012 I lost both my parents and my wife Sue, she died of breast cancer. So, 2012 was a period of massive readjustment to say the least. Sue was a fantastic person who was extremely positive about the way she lived and we had talked about what life for me might be like after her death. She wanted me and my children to continue to enjoy life and to make the most of opportunities that came our way. That is what I intend to do.
I have 2 brothers, David who lives in France and will start the cycle ride with me and Peter who lives at Skipton.
I am determined to be happy and positive in my life and this cycle trip is something I have wanted to do for at least 3 years. I won't prattle on too much at this point about me but I guess this journey and his blog is about me and my desire to share my cycling adventure with friends old and new. So, here goes.
I am a 51 year old retired police inspector from a small town in Cumbria called Grange over Sands. I have two children, Rebekah (19) and John (18). I was born in Burnley and still retain loyal to my Lancashire roots. Over the last year I have been working as a Personal Trainer as I enjoyed all sports and exercise of all kinds. I suppose my main sporting passion has been rugby union. I played at different times for Blackburn, Furness and Cumbria Police rugby teams. Since retiring from rugby I have done a bit of everything but mainly focused on swimming, rugby and cycling as well as doing spinning classes, circuits, free weights and Zumba. I am currently taking an Exercise to Music course (yes I'm far too old for that kind of thing but why not!).
On a sad note, during an 8 month period at the end of 2011 and early 2012 I lost both my parents and my wife Sue, she died of breast cancer. So, 2012 was a period of massive readjustment to say the least. Sue was a fantastic person who was extremely positive about the way she lived and we had talked about what life for me might be like after her death. She wanted me and my children to continue to enjoy life and to make the most of opportunities that came our way. That is what I intend to do.
I have 2 brothers, David who lives in France and will start the cycle ride with me and Peter who lives at Skipton.
I am determined to be happy and positive in my life and this cycle trip is something I have wanted to do for at least 3 years. I won't prattle on too much at this point about me but I guess this journey and his blog is about me and my desire to share my cycling adventure with friends old and new. So, here goes.
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