Preparing for a 85-mile bike trip

April 15, 2008 10:11 AM

A few unprepared 20somethings are going on a cycling trip from Oxford to Cambridge. Hilarity ensues. Or it will, if we don't prepare. Help us avoid unplanned-for hilarity by answering a couple of questions about preparation and what to expect. We'd really be thankful.

We're organizing a cycling trip from Oxford to Cambridge this weekend – a journey of about 135km (or 84miles). The trip's supposed to taken over a weekend, and there will probably be about 3-5 cyclists involved.

None of us are sportsmen or have undertaken a cycling trip of this length before. We have a few questions regarding preparation for the trip and what we can expect.

- What kind of training, if any, should we undertake prior to the trip?
- Should we invest in cycling gear? If yes, what kind?
- What's cycling in the UK countryside like?
- Will the weather surprise us?

We all usually cycle within Oxford, and have basic cycling gear (e.g. helmets, reflective thingamajigs). All the bikes have front and rear lights (since it's illegal to bike around at night without lights in the UK), but are in varying states of repair. All are fairly basic mountain bike models (costing £100 or less).

Additionally, there is talk of pooling our funds to rent a car for a day and use it as a "safety car". Considering our general lack of conditioning and unfamiliarity with the country (none of us being British), it's probably a good idea – is there a car rental agency (national or, at least with an Oxford branch) you'd recommend?

My main worry is that a bunch of college-age, completely unconditioned 20somethings will not be able to complete the 130km trip, especially since England's side roads aren't necessarily flat - the unceasing undulations can really wreck an untrained cyclist's day. The organisers claim it won't be a problem and say the distance isn't that far. Who's right?

Thanks!

Previous relevant topics on AskMe:

1. Planning a California Road Bike Trip
2. europe bike trek questions
3. Bike accessories, without going overboard?

posted by WalterMitty to travel & transportation (21 comments total)

Are mopeds out of the question?
posted by Bathtub Bobsled at 10:20 AM on April 15, 2008

Hmm, it depends on the others; also, is a license necessary for a moped? Personally I'd be quite enthusiastic if it were feasible (i.e. rental, legally possible, etc.)

I am aware that a license's not needed in France, but I'm unclear of UK regulations regarding this.
posted by WalterMitty at 10:26 AM on April 15, 2008

Hopefully your trip isn't for awhile so you can do a couple "training" rides. More than anything you want to get used to sitting on that bike seat all day & you want to figure out your position and stuff.

It is also a good idea to take your bike to a mechanic and have them give it a good once over. If you don't know already learn how to do common repairs like fixing a flat tire.

Cycling specific shorts (think spandex or baggy shorts with liners) will help keep you comfortable and I think are a requirement. Again your local bike shop will sort you out.
posted by cuando at 10:27 AM on April 15, 2008

The distance isn't that far. You'll be fine.

Make sure you all drink enough water, and bring along a tire patch kit and a pump, and of course a cell phone or three in case you really get stuck.

If you want to spend money, then a couple of panniers will make a pleasant difference compared to backpacks for carrying stuff.
posted by qxntpqbbbqxl at 10:31 AM on April 15, 2008

If you want to make the trip as enjoyable as possible, get some padded cycling shorts and go on a couple ~20-mile rides just to make sure the bike is OK, fitted properly, etc. If you have any problems, take the bike to a mechanic and get it in shape. Though, it looks like you're saying the trip is *this* weekend, which leaves you little time for that.

I do recommend wearing the padded shorts on a training ride before wearing them all weekend. If they don't fit right, you're stuck with padded shorts that chafe. I'm not supermilitant about padded shorts in general (when I used to bike 25 miles to work I never wore padding) but like I said, if you want to enjoy the trip as much as possible, they'll make your crotch feel more comfortable. :)

I doubt you'll have trouble with the distance. Each summer I just do a few 30 mile rides to prepare for a week-long 700 mile ride, and I'm a 35 year old chick, so young blokes like yourselves will surely have an easier time than I do. :) (And I enjoy it! The worst times I've had were a year when my bike didn't fit properly [lingering back/neck issues], and the same year I wore an ill-chosen pair of shorts that left me a little sore for a couple days.)

And as others have said, take a patch kit (or you can even skip that and just bring extra tubes -- it's easier to just change out a tube on the road then patch it), a pump, water, and cell phones.

Have fun!
posted by iguanapolitico at 10:46 AM on April 15, 2008

Water (in bottles and maybe a Camelback backpack reservoir), padded cycling shorts (worn under normal shorts if the spandex is a bit tight and clingy), more water, fingerless cycling gloves, cereal bars, more water. Go out on your bike for an hour or so every day between now and then. An alternative to panniers are the little ones that fit over your handlebars, perfect for snacks, phone, map etc

I'm a sort-of-fit mid-30s occasional cyclist and last year out of the blue decided to ride from Lausanne to Geneva (68k) one sunday afternoon. Took me about 5hrs, it was fairly flat but this Switzerland so it can go up fairly brutally, and I'll be honest with you my legs hurt like fuck for the last (flat) hour. As in I didn't know what to do with them pain. But after a bath and some magnesium tablets they felt fine.

You will suffer, but you will do it and wish you could do it more often when it's done (and maybe you will).
posted by jontyjago at 10:53 AM on April 15, 2008

You have three days to do training, which means you don't have time to do any training.

Bring a couple spare inner tubes, two spoons, a bike pump, a Leatherman or Swiss Army Knife, cash, cell phones.

As you'll be biking in the UK, wear or have rain gear handy, and bring a dry change of clothes. Make sure the lights on your bikes work properly. Wear helmets. Bring cell phones.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 10:56 AM on April 15, 2008

OK, wait, upon reading the post a few more times I think that this weekend is when the trip is being *planned*. :) So there's time for training and tuning up bikes.
posted by iguanapolitico at 11:00 AM on April 15, 2008

That IS a pretty long way when you consider the route you may be taking. The roads between Oxford and Cambridge are crap, at best, and you will either be cycling along very, very busy roads (with many trucks swiping your ankles pretty damn close) or you will need to take very beautiful country roads that are a joy to cycle along, but will take twice as long/twice the distance.

To do that distance in a weekend will mean that your whole weekend will be cycling - incidentally, I can't make it less than 94 miles with any sensible route planning, and even then it involves an awful lot of roads that will be zero fun driving down.

Cycling nearly 100 miles in two days will be really painful for someone that doesn't do a lot of cycling and could well be between 8 and 10 hours of hard, solid pedalling at the very least. Especially on a cheap mountain bike, as they're comparatively heavy. This sounds like a great plan to do in 3 or more days (where nice villages and overnight pub stays) can be factored in and you can actually see the country, but to get to Cambridge by bike in two days will be a thankless slog, breathing in much in the way of fumes and being so bored on the last bit you want so shoot yourself.

If you want to make it an adventure, rather than an ordeal, take longer and actually see the countryside. If you want to go there just to tick off a box, then go ahead, but I think it would only be pleasant if you were a dedicated road racer type.
posted by Brockles at 11:01 AM on April 15, 2008

10 hours (at most) of cycling over 2 days is easily doable. In no particular order here's what I can think of to make the trip more manageable.

Start early in the morning, this way you have lots of time to reach your target for the day.

Find a pace that you all can do and stick to it. It doesn't even have to be that fast because you have lots of time.

Make lots of mini stops. Anytime one of you is feeling worn out just stop. At the very least take a break every hour. Tops of hills are great for this. Catch your breath, have a snack, drink some water and you'll be good to go.

Reward yourself with a nice relaxing lunch. You'll have plenty of time (and daylight) to reach your goal so don't rush.

If you're carrying anything paniers are the way to go.

Check your map often to make sure you're still on-track.

When you're cycling stay bunched up to minimize wind-resistance. Rotate the leader fairly often so that no one gets super tired.

Try to stick to well-paved roads that aren't too busy. Having trucks zoom by at 120km/h sucks and should be avoided if possible.

Don't be discouraged, you'll be able to do this and it won't be that bad at all.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 11:23 AM on April 15, 2008

Try to stick to well-paved roads that aren't too busy.

Therein lies the problem. It's impossible without significantly adding to your journey time. I've driven nearly all iterations of that route many, many times and I always dreaded it in a car. It SUCKS as a set of roads, and I'd hate to do it on a bike. Averaging 10mph for 5 hours for two days (for a totally unfit type) over the sort of roads you will be on will not be a cakewalk. Just so you know before you go in to it...

If you are thinking you'll get there in enough time to explore Cambridge in your weekend, you can forget that, too... You'll just want to sit on a nice fluffy cushion...
posted by Brockles at 11:39 AM on April 15, 2008

84 miles is not a big deal at all. I went 36 the other day in about three hours, taking my time along the way. You can do 84 in a long afternoon. Space it out another 16 miles and you can all claim you did your first century ride.

Water - very important. You will die without it.

Bike shorts - chafing is not fun. The more modest of your group can wear them under cargo shorts, etc.

Tubes, patches, pump, chain tool, tire wrench. Someone in the group needs to be familiar with basic bicycle repair and maintenance.

Cell phones.

That it. You can get more elaborate if you want, but the above covers you bases.
posted by wfrgms at 11:56 AM on April 15, 2008

When I went on a cycling trip for the first time in about 10 years (in Rye, involving some cross-country), I ended up pushing it most of the way. Why? I'm very skinny and the hard seat of the bicycle was simply agonizing to sit on after about half an hour.

Maybe if you're a little more ample, or more used to bicycles, you'd be OK. Otherwise, make sure you have something soft between your rear end and the seat.
posted by snarfois at 12:06 PM on April 15, 2008

Must, must, must have a portable bike pump and patches....basic stuff for wheel repair. This is the most likely hindrance you'll encounter. Also, probably need to have rain gear and a multi-tool for adjustments along the way (or repairs).

Because you are a group, use that to your advantage on the road. Line up on the side, but when it is hazardous do not be shy about taking the lane if you need to.

Make sure all the bikes are clean (yes, take a rag and clean the gears the brakes, the chain, everything, then RE-OIL). Dirt is the number 1 enemy to your bike, and if you're going on a long trip, it just helps to start out with clean gears.

If your bike lights run on batteries, have some extra batteries in case they get dim or burn out.

Also don't forget a bike lock to secure your trusty transportation, lots of water, comfortable biking clothes, rain gear, multiple pairs of socks (yes, even if you wear rain gear, your feet are the most likely to get wet. There is nothing like a pair of dry socks after a long wet bike ride), snacks (like pbj sandwiches in ziplocs or granola bars), extra underwear, map, helmet, FIRST AID stuff, ibuprofen, stop when you feel like it, and have fun!
posted by whimsicalnymph at 12:39 PM on April 15, 2008

I hope the poster pays very, very close attention to the excellent comments from Brockles (which exemplify why AskMefi is so brilliant).
I did this trip years ago but didn't comment because I imagined my impressions were horribly out of date. It was gruesome "fun" only because I completed it - thanks to the bottomless bullying of my far heartier jolly hockey sticks companion!

But it was nothing like an Enid Blyton Famous Five outing I had imagined.
We did the most direct route (stupidly), it was traffic most of the way, gravel stinging your wet bare legs from whizzing vehicles, extremely stressful and very short on joy.

(And I love cycling).
posted by Jody Tresidder at 2:44 PM on April 15, 2008

My dad did this British Heart Foundation sponsored ride in 2006. They did it in a day, but he did do quite a bit of training for it. Their web page says their route is 89 miles, but it doesn't seem to have a route map.

We met him along the route a few times, and they went through several nice towns and villages. The British countryside isn't some wild untamed wilderness, you'll never be too far from a house or even a pub if it all goes wrong. Be prepared for any weather at any time of year. Plan how you're going to get back again, taking bikes on trains isn't the simplest process, you'll need to check with the train companies.
posted by Helga-woo at 2:50 PM on April 15, 2008

Make sure your bikes are in really good order. Someone's deraileur being stuffed 40km in will make things unpleasant.

It may be wise to take your bikes in for a service before you head out.

That said, you should be able to do the trip.
posted by sien at 3:57 PM on April 15, 2008

Echoing ... your bum will get really sore unless you have a really comfortable seat on the bike. I suggest buying a soft bike seat, shaped to fit your gender.
posted by anadem at 4:01 PM on April 15, 2008

Hey. Sorry if I'm too late to help.

I rode from Oxford to Wales on a whim about five years ago. I'm from Australia and had no knowledge of the English countryside. I was 18 and not at all in shape. My bike was a 20 quid second-hand piece of junk. I didn't have a helmet or a repair kit or lights or a lock. I did have a friendly Canadian I'd met the day before.

We were fine. You'll be fine. Get off the motorways as soon as you can, and just ride along the little lanes between farms and towns. Bring a tent, camp out in a forest or in some old ruins you find.

It's a fantastic little adventure. Don't stress. You'll love it.
posted by twirlypen at 11:54 PM on April 15, 2008

Thanks for all the answers, everyone - with a little luck and what I've gleaned from here, we'll probably make it. :D
posted by WalterMitty at 3:53 AM on April 16, 2008

Update: In the end we did go for it; we did get a safety car, and I was the second driver. The cyclists hit various snags (falling over, multiple punctures, exhaustion) and we did have to use the car to ferry some of them around. They made it to 53 of 89 miles or so before turning back. (Well, taking the train back to Oxford. It was getting dark and most of the cyclists didn't bring their bike lamps with them.)

It was a valuable experience and if they try again I'm going to join them. I'm fairly confident we can do it the second time around.
posted by WalterMitty at 3:14 PM on April 21, 2008