Hello all, another newbie with bone questions

[michael3429]

Hello All,

Joined the site yesterday and spent around 6 hours going through alot of posts to gather infomation. But i still find myself with the same questions.

I'm an absolute virgin when doing any kind of distant cycling but i have set my mind on JOGLE in october. I'm in the Army and my squadron are doing it in July but because i am on operations at the moment i can't join them. And i'm not been selfish but it's something i want to do for myself and not for a group or charity.
I do take my daughter out on my bike(Basic mountain bike) and she sit's in her trailer and she loves it, but never really do major distance between 6-10 miles up to the airport and back

I find myself in the position all virgins are in. I don't really know where to start and i have seen on this site there are lot's of experienced riders who are happy to pass the knowledge on and help the needy(me)

The usual 10,000 questions what bike, what gear etc etc

The thing is i have set my budget to around £1000 for the whole trip this would be buying the bike and equipment. Even though i want to do it for myself i still don't know if i should do this supported or unsupported. I read alot about people carrying alot of equipment for camping etc Does that effect the type of bike i should be looking at. My friend has offered me a brand new Viking San marino 2010 for around £250 but can you sling much extra weight on these bikes
http://www.rutlandcy...mpaign=pid26051

I don't want to break any world records or anything but i will be doing it in good time. I have a good fitness level but i will put in plenty of miles on the road before i take on the challange


Can i do it with a £1000 buget.
What bike should i be going for if doing it solo
what bike should i be going for if doing it supported
Should i do it solo or supported???


Apologies in advance for all the bone question. I know you get alot of them. But you help and advice will go along way

I don't know if this will be a one time thing or i will do lot's more after. All i know is i feel a bit empty this year and really want to achieve something personally. All the marathons are out of reach now. Which would of been last choice. What better to do than travel the length of britain on a bike...


Thanks in advance Mike

 

[brockers]

'bone'. Is that an army term ?!

I'll get the ball rolling . My way of tackling this would be to see if you can find a decent secondhand road (racing, 'audax' or tourer), or even better, a cyclocross bike for about £300-£400 which you can fit a rack to (and at that price you will - but you'll need an idea of your frame size and there's usually a couple of threads a day going on that subject on here). Keep an eye out on the classifieds here too and on eBay. Look to possibly get rid of another £100-150 replacing worn out bits (rear cogs known as a 'cassette' although unlikely to contain live rounds; chain; tyres; brake pads). Some good touring shoes that you can use with 'SPD' clipless pedals. Good shorts (or even better two pairs - look at at least £50 a pair if you value your arse). That's £700 - £800 gone already! Bivvy bag/camping stuff, etc comes to a grand. Job done!

Then you'll have to get your head around back to back days of 100 miles. You're probably fit enough through running, schlepping kit around and all that other Army jazz, but you'll need cycling leg strength which will come, funnily enough, through riding around on a bike as much as poss. Remember not to overdo things, and that rest and proper recovery is just as important (especially when you're starting out), than getting a beasting from the tarmac.

Have you thought about contacting the Army Cycling Union for some proper training tips? Some fast boys in there.

And try to find somebody to do it with!

 

[michael3429]

"bone" yep an army term sorry i am full of them haha

Thanks for your reply mate. Frame size i've been advised is an important thing along with other factors so when im on leave in 3 weeks i'll get to a shop and get measured up. Going over the £1000 doesn't worry me i have the money set aside, and i want to do things right. Camping equipment isn't a problem i have god knows how many army bivvy bag's etc.
The right clothing is something i don't know anything about so will look into that. Thanks for the advise on bikes aswel i will research a little into these to know the difference etc see what is going to suit me for now and the future.
Army Cycling Union is something that never even crossed my mind but after spending 5 minutes on there site looks like a good place for info and lots of discounts aswel.

Thanks again brockers.

 

[Hicky]

Michael, check your pm's

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

The decision of whether you are doing it supported or unsupported should come first before choosing your bike, because if you are to carry all your own gear you will need a proper heavy duty tourer, while your choice will be much wider otherwise. Further if I were you to help deciding one way or the other I might ask myself what type of bike will suit my lifestyle and interests after the tour, which might feed into the supported or unsupported decision. For example if supported I don't see why wouldn't it be possible to do it on a well chosen slicked up mtb.

While brockers is right that good secondhand tourers should be available for the price he indicated, there is always some risks in that it takes both knowledge and luck to pick secondhand and more luck if knowledge is limited. The alternative, and it seems to me costing about the same as he indicated, is to get something like this. Unlike buying secondhand you will be able to tell them what you want it for, and get them to set it up properly for you, and with a warranty to boot.

Good luck and I am envious - although I did do it twenty odd years ago - it will give you memories you will always treasure.