What do you get when you mix an amateur with the C2C?

[Nemesis_252]

Well, that's what I'm gong to find out in June. However, before then, I'd like to take a chance to seek some advice from you kind folk.

My main query just now is around what to ride. I see a little message above telling me if I have a "what bike?" question, to post it elsewhere. Well, I'm sure that will follow, but for now, I need more basic information.

I'm currently the lucky owner of a dual suspension Barracuda Slalom, circa 1998, weighing in at a hefty 18kg. I've been told by more than one person that the combination of the rear suspension and it's overall weight, will be a significant hindrance, so I'm considering my options. Despite the planned route being all road, I don't want an all out road bike, which as I understand it, leaves me two options - either a hybrid, or a mountain bike with road-friendly tyres.

So, being the unfit amateur that I am, am I right to consider an alternative to the Barracuda? If so, will I notice any significant difference between a hybrid and a mountain bike? and either way, are there any additional options which I've not yet considered?

Thanks all, looking forward to your comments.
Michael

 

[TwoWheelRunner]

Hi,

I have done the C2C three times and am doing it again in June this year.
First two times on a Hard Tail MB last year on a Boardman Hybrid Comp.

The C2C is a great ride with some stunning views that will give you memories that will last a lifetime.
It is a challenge in places with some hefty hills to contend with.

First piece of advise is ditch the dual suspension bike it is total overkill even if you choose the off road sections.
Second is train for it. It is a great ride which is very enjoyable if your fit and very hard if you're not.

On the subject of tyres i rode it last year on my hybrid that has 700x28c tyres in atrocious conditions and it coped well. I had one puncture on the descent down Hartside due to the shear amount of debris on the road from flowing water.

Compared to riding it previously on MB tyres doing it on a more road orientated bike was a breeze.

Whatever you do enjoy it! and look forward to the cake at the Hartside cafe. Worth the long climb up to the top!

Good luck

 

[Nemesis_252]

Hi Colin, thanks for your advice. I will be training for it (as much as time allows anyway) as I'd rather enjoy the ride than wish it away! Reading your comments, it would appear a hybrid would be the way to go.

 

[taximan]

I did the C2C for the first time last year and enjoyed every minute, my only regret is that I didn't do it when I was in my youth. The only extra training I did was a couple if rides with the bike fully loaded so I could get used to the feel of things but having said that I was riding 3 or 4 times a week anyway. (being a retired old fart has some advantages)
Take a look at the link below
Good Luck and ENJOY.

 

[TwoWheelRunner]

Hi its Col again.
Different user name lol

Yeah a hybrid would be fine or a hard tail MB.
No need for nobbly tyres though they will just slow you down.

A lot is down to fitness as well a young lad done it in the same group as me last year on what looked to me like a BMX with five gears!

He was only about 22 so could probably have done it on a unicycle

 

[Sandra6]

When looking at hybrids it's worth considering whether you still want front suspension or none at all.
Some hybrids are more mtb with skinny wheels, and others are more flat bar road bikes with slightly fatter tyres.
Get yourself round a few bike shops and ask lots of questions, see where that leads you.

 

[WobblyBob]

Can't really advise what to do the C2C on as i'm doing it for the 1st time this year aswell, i've got a Spesh Crosstrail Comp with lockable front suspension which i've been told is ideal.
I'm also doing it in June.....think there's gonna be a few of us around at that time by the sounds of it, we should all wear a rose or a bow tie or something so that we can all recognise each other ha ha
Good luck with it tho

 

[Spinney]

Have you considered a touring bike? Like a road bike, but with mudguards, rack for panniers etc, and tyres not so skinny.

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

Did it Whitehaven to Tynemouth 3 yrs go and found it tough.
The craic was brill and a great achievement but wish I'd had a cyclo-cross as my hybrid was way too heavy.
It was only a £300 Claude Butler hard tail.
I found Hartside nothing compared to Crawleyside Bank to parkhead cafe -the last climb but a complete beetch.

 

[Nemesis_252]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

Spinney, no I hadn't considered a touring bike, but that's one of the reasons I'm asking, to gain suggestions like that, so thank you.

Bob, you'll easily recognise me, I'll be the one pushing a bike up Hartside, mumbling something about Hartside cafe cake!

 

[theloafer]

I found Hartside nothing compared to Crawleyside Bank to parkhead cafe -the last climb but a complete beetch.

Thanks for the advice everyone.

Spinney, no I hadn't considered a touring bike, but that's one of the reasons I'm asking, to gain suggestions like that, so thank you.

Bob, you'll easily recognise me, I'll be the one pushing a bike up Hartside, mumbling something about Hartside cafe cake!

hi Nemesis
just get plenty of miles in you will be fine also make sure your gearing is low enough for the hills and dont carry to much hartside is not steep it just drags on a bit the worst comes later some can be avoided if you wish you dont have to follow the route evry mile as your still going coast 2 coast..

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

You can actually shave a good few miles off the route...

As you come out of Keswick toward Penrith, the official route runs along a separate cycle path to a little hamlet called Scales (a one horse town - you can't miss The White Horse Inn) and takes you off left up toward Mungrisdale then back down again.
If you continue on the A66 about 200m past the White Horse Inn then cross the A66, there's a parallel road that comes back onto the route about 2.5k along.

 

[TwoWheelRunner]

The way we do the ride is

Day 1 whitehaven to Keswick (1pm start on a Friday) 35 miles
Day 2 keswick to Eastgate 65 miles
Day 3 Eastgate to Sunderland or Tynemouth 40 miles

Last year my total ride time was eleven hours 15 minutes for an average speed of about 12.5 miles an hour.
I stopped twice on Hartside, twice on Nenthead and once on Crawleyside but didnt push at all.
For me Nenthead was the hardest as it was the end of day 2

My goal this year is no stops on the hills and a faster average speed.

I absolutely love the C2C and being the fittest i have ever been i cant wait for June to come round?

 

[Nemesis_252]

Appreciate all the comments everyone, thanks.

 

[WobblyBob]

hope this is of some help to you
UK Coast to Coast Cycling Challenge - Short Documentary


View:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ns9YwOKR8-U

That is some achievement....great film, thanks for posting it