Why am I doing this?
I blame it on Larry. Sometime last year, he mentioned an interest in cycling the 4,253-mile TransAmerica Trail. I said, “How about starting with something more modest, like Land’s End to John O’ Groats?” Next thing I knew, we were both signed up for LEJOG, courtesy of Peak Tours, an England-based tour operator. We’re just days away from wheels up. I feel ready, I think, though a long spell of high temps and humidity in New Jersey has hampered my training schedule. Larry’s a beast, though, and a great traveling companion. I’m happy to have him as my partner on this adventure.
Here are some details from the Peak Tours website:
The Land’s End to John O’ Groats cycle tour or LEJOG conjures up a variety of images, an escapade, a challenge, hard work, a puncture or two, stunning scenery, and a tremendous sense of achievement. Since the 1960’s the End to End has become a firm favourite with the British people. Every year, walkers, cyclists, joggers and runners navigate the length of the British Isles. We are proud to support hundreds of cyclists to complete this iconic rite of passage every year.
Highlights
– Cycle the length of the UK!
– A tried and tested route, which keeps away from busy roads where possible
– A truly remarkable journey showcasing the spectacular countryside and exhilarating cycling the UK has to offer, including:
– The dramatic coastal scenery of Cornwall
– The beautiful landscape of Dartmoor – complete with plenty of wild ponies!
– The quiet and underrated Shropshire
– Excellent views as we weave our way through and around the Forest of Bowland, the Yorkshire Dales, the Howgill Fells and the Lake District
– Lovely steady climbs greet us as we enter Scotland…
– …followed by longer and harder climbs as we venture north – the Cairngorms offers a particularly spectacular and memorable couple of days of cycling
– The wild and vast landscapes of Northern Scotland, where mountains and lochs dominate
– Views of the Atlantic Ocean as we reach our destination: John O’Groats
Duration 15 nights / 14 days of cycling
Total distance approximately 1000 miles / 1600km (average 70 miles / 115km per day)
Total elevation 57,750 ft / ~17,600m m ascent (average ~4125 ft / 1257m per day)TK
Here’s Larry last week at Watchung Plaza, patiently waiting for the group to stop yapping and get rolling.