I was alerted to the existence of this route just over a year ago. I was sat outside The Hare and Hounds in Appleby, celebrating the end of the Dales High Way with Chris, and got chatting to two cyclists sat next to us. We were swapping stories, and they recommended the Pennine Cycleway as the best long distance route that they had done
Further research revealed that this was a 350 mile route between Derby and Berwick Upon Tweed. To quote Biketips: If you’re looking for a challenge and you want to see some of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes whilst tackling some of its toughest climbs, this is the route for you!
I'm doing the route with my brother, Dylan. We are wild camping, it looks set to be an epic challenge
Weight-wise my luggage comes in at just under 10kg. Minimal spare clothing, stove and one pan to heat water, tent, sleeping bag and mat. We have decided on the extra luxury and weight of a three person tent, and I am taking three half-empty gas cannisters. Whenever I do a walking trip I finish with less than half a can of gas. Now is my chance to empty them and rationalise my backpacking equipment
We are not planning on cooking, which saves a lot of weight. Our theory is that we should find enough cafes, pubs and shops within range of the route to supply our needs.
I have had my bike, a Trek Checkpoint ALR4, for 8 years. It replaced a 1970s steel framed Holdsworth bike, and I very much appreciate the improved stopping power of hydraulic disc brakes; much less nerve-wracking on the steep downhill sections. It has 35mm tyres and lowest gear ratio of 1:1, which I am sure will see plenty of use. In my experience, whatever is your lowest gear is what you soon end up in going uphill
With less than a week to when we start I must admit that I feel very underprepared. The best training for a bike ride is cycling, and I have done very little. Admittedly walking in Devon will help with general fitness, but cycling is different on the legs to walking. I went for a 50 mile ride with 4,000 feet of ascent yesterday and my legs were certainly feeling jaded by the end. Without luggage. On the plus side I have no aches or pains today, so perhaps by pacing the route carefully everything will turn out OK.
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