Canal towpath cycling

[Pjays666]

Hi all I am based in Burnley lancashire and have recently started cycling. All my cycling has been done on the leeds liverpool canal. I have set myself a goal to complete the whole canal for charity in April/may next year (127 miles). Any advice or cycling buddies in the area welcome

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Hi all I am based in Burnley lancashire and have recently started cycling. All my cycling has been done on the leeds liverpool canal. I have set myself a goal to complete the whole canal for charity in April/may next year (127 miles). Any advice or cycling buddies in the area welcome

Hi .
Yea cycle as many long runs as you can, but do it gradually, doesn't have to be fast, but you will need to get use to being in the saddle for lengthy periods, others will tell you about nutrition and fluids, but you will need both, also a spare inner tube or two (should be carrying these anyway, helps if you get a puncture, easier to replace than repair on the road/canal path). Good luck.

 

[Pjays666]

Thanks for that currently doing two to three outings a week generally 15 to 20 mile with one up to 40 mile all being done on canal towpath find it quite hard going unplaced this time of year but fortunate as a lot of path is good condition

 

[billy1561]

Do you intend doing it all in one day? If so i would aim for may or june for the long daylight hours. Also as nigel said above its wise to get some serious saddle time in because at 12mph it could around 12 hours to complete with stops. At 10mph av it will obviously take 13 or 14 hours with rest stops.
I would be looking at ramping up to 80 miles in a day prior to that then the extra 40 is just willpower on the day.
Have you thought about getting to a start point and returning upon completion?

Go to page 1 of this and take a look

http://www.cyclechat.net/posts/1342363/

 

[wiggydiggy]

Lots

I've just joined Canal&River Trust as a monthly contributer as I'm a big supporter of canals and wanted to give something back. Will post back more later.

 

[Pjays666]

Thanks for the input guys looking forward to this challenge only got as far as Hargreaves one way and church the other way as all trips are return ones

 

[Pjays666]

That was supposed to say gargrave predicted text takes over lol

 

[MarkF]

I live very near the canal and have done the trip twice. There are no real problems to speak of, but I'd go for as late in May as you can (daylight) and make sure it is dry, preferably, has been dry for a few days.........it makes all the difference to the enjoyment.

 

[Saluki]

Watch out for fishermen as they don't like anyone using their towpath. They get pretty snotty with the people on boats, both tourists and livaboards, they get snottier with dog walkers and will often refuse to pull their poles in for cyclists. I have had to carry my bike over many a fishing pole, despite asking politely if they could move it. They have a right to fish and feel that nobody else has a right to use the towpath. That might just have been in Stoke though.

Sounds like a grand ride you are planning. Enjoy the getting fit enough part as well as the actual ride

 

[wiggydiggy]

Hello!

Right then, if your planning on doing it one day you'll need about 18 hours, I know others say less but its 130ish miles and I find a speed of around 8-10mph average is the best you'll get. There's some sections near the summit which are not better than a small muddy path and a speed of 6-8 is more likely, and frequently in the more urban areas you'll be going at the same speed whilst passing people. Your better of doing it in two long but easier days, gives you time to stop and enjoy the sights of the canal. Also seeing as you live in Burnley thats an idea halfway point.

Invest in a good pair of overshoes, and try not to use a rucksack as the constant bumping will destroy your shoulders (I found that out the hard way!) Rear mudguard is a must, front is worthwhile as well.

At one time British Waterways issued 'permits' for cycling, really just a useful item if they ever needed to ban someone from the canals (they can withdraw the permit). Canal&Rivers Trsust carry no mention of it on their website.

Lastly, look around! There's lots of interesting features on the canal, some of my favourites:

Double Arch Bridge near East Marton

A memorial to 7 polish airmen who died when their Wellington crashed at Bradley, near Skipton.

Full story: http://www.raf.mod.uk/raflintononou...m?storyid=22fa6b17-1143-ec82-2e95146c66d6721f

And of course lots of pubs!

The Top Lock near Wheelton (Chorley)

HAVE FUN!

 

[Drago]

British Waterways recently binned the permit system, presumably on the basis that they had no means of enforcing it. Id previously had a bit if a running argument with them because they were moaning about crime on the water, yet weren't letting us patrol by mountain bike without a permit for each and every individual officer.

 

[wiggydiggy]

British Waterways recently binned the permit system, presumably on the basis that they had no means of enforcing it. Id previously had a bit if a running argument with them because they were moaning about crime on the water, yet weren't letting us patrol by mountain bike without a permit for each and every individual officer.

It may be more to do with the fact that the legislation been passed to move control from the Government to a private Charity included provision for towpaths becoming rights of way, although I dont know if it was included either way.

 

[Kestevan]

.....often refuse to pull their poles in for cyclists. I have had to carry my bike over many a fishing pole, despite asking politely if they could move it.

Hmmm.. I suspect that were it me, they'd be the ones carrying something - probably the remains of the rod after I'd ridden over it.

 

[Pjays666]

The reason I thought about doing this in late April was that in recent years it seems to be the only month for decent weather. It was my intention to do this over 2 or 3 days as it will be my first charity ride of any distance and tome enjoying it. I have been out today and really felt the difference with the wind against me on the way back. Only did 17 miles but felt good.

 

[billy1561]

2 or 3 days is sensible given your level of training. On the plus side you may well be able to make burnley one of your stops. Nothing like your own bed and bath.