Cycling Sisters Journey Across the Nation Without Lycra Apparel

Cycling Sisters Journey Across the Nation Without Lycra Apparel

In an inspiring adventure, Janet Lewis and Nessie embarked on a 1,700-mile bikepacking trip from Land's End to John o'Groats, traversing the length of mainland UK. The duo, both in their 60s, navigated a combination of greenways, cycle paths, country roads, and stretches of the National Cycle Network.

The pair noted that being out in the elements every day made them concentrate more on their immediate surroundings, allowing them to enjoy things like bird songs, honeysuckle, and pine trees. They used a combination of paper OS maps and Google Maps for navigation, sticking to pre-planned routes where possible, finding relief in seeing the little blue and red signs indicating cycling routes.

Janet suggested preparing for such an adventure by deciding on what sights to see rather than focusing on mileage. She advised sorting out accommodations ahead of time, getting good panniers, bringing a small stove, packing light, setting up the bike comfortably, wearing stretchable and comfortable clothing, wearing high-visibility gear, and recommending electric bikes for longer trips. She also advised taking rest days, reminiscing with a diary, and taking things slow to enjoy the experience more.

The paths they took followed varied terrains, and they faced unexpected challenges such as road closures, bad weather, and mechanical faults. However, they agreed that the people they met, the natural sights they saw, and the time to bond with each other were among the highlights of the adventure.

The journey also highlighted a common issue: women and older people can be put off by cycling due to intimidation and anxiety, especially on roads with potholes and lack of separated cycle ways. The Walking and Cycling Index, the biggest assessment of walking, wheeling, and cycling in urban areas in the UK and Ireland, found that more than twice as many men (21%) cycle more than once a week than women (10%).

The pair met numerous women of similar age who were inspired by their bikepacking trip. In the north west of Scotland, they encountered strong winds that caused them to be blown off their bikes and damaged their equipment. But their younger sister, Anthea, came to their aid by sacrificing her bike's computer to help them continue their journey.

When it comes to packing, Janet and Nessie recommended packing light but including essentials such as waterproof clothing, a multi-tool, first-aid kit, cooking gear, a hydration system, spare inner tubes, and reliable lights. They also advised preparing for variable weather, especially rain and wind, which are common in the UK.

To tackle the long distance and varied terrain, they broke the trip into manageable daily distances (30-50 miles) to avoid exhaustion. They used a pair of Ortlieb panniers and handlebar bags for their luggage, which had handy map pockets. They also noted down cycle repair shops along their planned route and pre-booked a service for their bikes for halfway through their trip.

For those seeking direct detailed tips from Janet Lewis and Nessie, checking their personal blogs, social media channels, or videos where they share their bikepacking experiences explicitly is recommended. The search results did not provide specific practical tips or recommendations from Janet Lewis and Nessie regarding their bikepacking trip from Land’s End to John o’Groats. However, based on general knowledge of bikepacking this route, here are practical tips typically recommended for such a journey:

• Plan the route carefully, considering both on-road and off-road options.
• Pack light but include essentials.
• Prepare for variable weather, especially rain and wind.
• Break the trip into manageable daily distances.
• Use comfortable, sturdy bike and tires suited for mixed terrain.
• Stay flexible with accommodations.
• Train your fitness and bike handling beforehand.
• Ensure navigation tools are reliable.

Despite their adventure being centered around cycling, Janet and Nessie's journey extended beyond sports, as they delved into exploring home-and-garden scenes such as honeysuckle and pine trees during their breaks. Moreover, their home-and-garden experiences combined with a travel perspective, as they encountered various natural sights along their route from Land's End to John o'Groats. In their lifestyle choices, they emphasized the importance of preparing for such adventures, recommending a focus on sightseeing, light packing, and comfortable clothing, along with incorporating travel-friendly gear like electric bikes, small stoves, and reliable lights.

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