Updated Sunday 23 April
There are now just fifteen weeks to the start of of this two-stage tour and as such it is time to publish the training that should be undertaken during the weeks leading up to your departure date.
Enrolled for the whole 200 mile route?
I recommend those of you who are completing the whole route, Edinburgh to Newcastle (200 miles) should join the Walney to Wear training program. Details of which can be found by clicking here… W2W Training Ride Program 2017R2.
If however, you are unable to join this program you will need to be capable of riding an average of 50 miles a day, over four consecutive days, including terrain that includes at least two challenging climbs. A challenging climb is defined as being at least 2 miles in length and achieving a height of 500 feet. The route from Dalkeith to the peak of the Moorfoot Hills is 15 miles of constant small climbs with one major climb to the top (our lunch stop on day one). Day two, Clovenford to Berwick (58 miles), is relatively flat, with just a few short but steep climbs, the final 10 miles into Berwick being relatively easy.
Berwick to Newcastle, 100 miles
The following advice is predominately focused on those tourists living in America and Shotleybridge.
Whilst the hills encountered on the second half of the route are lower than those between Edinburgh and Berwick, averaging just 120 feet, there are quite a few of them. This coupled with a total milage of 55 miles makes for a challenging first day. Day one is a long day time wise as there are so many stunning views to be enjoyed along the way, don’t expect to be finished much before 6 o’clock on this day. The final day is still a decent length at 45 miles in distance, but a lot easier with few if any hills at all as the route hugs the coast for long sections before becoming more and more urban, along disused railway tracks, the closer you get to Newcastle Quayside. An earlier finish is anticipated, at around 4 o’clock.
A recommended training regime for Berwick to Newcastle now follows….
The terrain you will encounter is along minor roads and country lanes or off road (traffic free) for the majority of the route, probably accounting for 90% of the total. Note, off road is defined as paved surface (tarmac) or grassland trails. All busy highways and roads will be closely marshalled and advance warning will be given before entering these sections. Remember to ride on the left handside of all roads and lanes.
The training required is predominately associated with distance, it is important to work your way up toward achieving 50 mile routes and were possible fitting in maybe two shorter 35 to 40 mile rides on consecutive days. Hills are desirable but by no means mandatory, if they are hard to find in your immediate area you may need to travel a little further afield, it’ll be worth it.
If you are not an experienced or regular cyclist you need to start training in May. Just short easy rides initially, but regular, maybe something like 10 to 15 miles (flat miles). If you can, supplement your rides with other exercise, running and swimming, something that gets the heart pumping and makes you slightly breathless.
Come the month of June, you will need to be gearing up to distances of 25 to 30 miles and making use of those hills you’ve identified, try riding on two consecutive days toward the end of June.
July is likely to be a short month as far as cycle training is concerned, as such it would be good to be riding 35 miles during the first weeks and then fitting in a run or swim whilst traveling (nothing too strenuous though).
If you need further advice or have any questions,feel free to get in touch either WhatsApp me (+44 7703763427) or e-mail (neil@cycle-treks.co.uk).
Neil