Cycling Across the Nation Without Lycra: The Determined Sisters Who Made it Happen

Cycling Across the Nation Without Lycra: The Determined Sisters Who Made it Happen

Janet Lewis and her sister Nessie, both in their 60s, recently completed an epic bikepacking journey from Land's End to John o'Groats, covering a distance of 1,700 miles over two months.

The duo traveled along a mix of greenways, cycle paths, country roads, and stretches of the National Cycle Network. They found the stretch between Edinburgh and around Stirling to be one of the standout cycle-friendly bits of their journey.

Practical Tips for Bikepacking

Janet offers some practical tips for those considering a bikepacking adventure:

1. Focus on sights, not mileage: Decide what you want to see rather than how many miles to cover.
2. Plan accommodations: Arrange where to stay before setting off, especially if not camping.
3. Use good-quality panniers but bring a light, foldable rucksack for carrying items on foot since panniers can be uncomfortable for walking.
4. Carry a small stove to cook meals in scenic spots and save money.
5. Pack light, taking minimal belongings.
6. Set up the bike comfortably, including a comfortable bike seat.
7. Wear stretchable, comfy clothing for comfort.
8. Enhance visibility with high-visibility gear and extra helmet lights.
9. Consider electric bikes to make longer trips more enjoyable.
10. Keep a diary to help remember the journey's moments.
11. Factor in rest days to avoid burnout.
12. Take your time to enjoy the trip rather than rushing.

These tips emphasize comfort, safety, and enjoying the journey over speed or distance.

Navigation and Gear

The sisters used a combination of paper OS maps and Google Maps to navigate their electric bikes. They wore normal clothes, had good waterproofs, and used Ortlieb panniers and handlebar bags for their luggage. Anthea, their younger sister, sacrificed her bike's computer to help Janet and Nessie continue their journey.

Challenges and Highlights

The pair encountered numerous challenges along the way, including strong winds around Cape Wrath in the northwest of Scotland. However, they also met numerous women of similar age who expressed interest in embarking on a similar bikepacking trip.

The people they met, the natural sights they saw, and the time to bond with each other were among the highlights of their adventure. Janet was blown off her bike by a crosswind, and her bike's computer was damaged. Despite these setbacks, they charged their e-bikes overnight in the places they stayed and occasionally had to stop during the day for a recharge, such as at cafes or pubs.

They stuck to routes provided on their website when possible and found relief in encountering little blue and red signs, indicating cycling infrastructure. The stretch between Edinburgh and around Stirling was one of the standout cycle-friendly bits for them.

Janet suggests that having a bike equivalent of the AA or RAC would be beneficial for long cycle rides. She also advises that their trip was more about leisurely travel through the country rather than a challenge. Janet and Nessie stayed in various types of accommodations, from camping pods to Airbnbs, during their bikepacking trip.

[1] This article is based on a combination of the provided bullet points and additional information for cohesion and readability.

1. For those interested in a lifestyle that combines home-and-garden activities with travel, Janet Lewis proposes considering a leisurely bikepacking adventure, just like her recent journey from Land's End to John o'Groats.
2. While traversing various landscapes, enthusiasts might also encounter sports enthusiasts and like-minded individuals sharing a love for home-and-garden pursuits, as Janet and her sisters found during their bikepacking trip.

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