Summary of the trip with suggestions on what to carry and what to do different.

Essential kit

The Sustrans map. Not as a route finder but as visual aid to judge distances. Black tape. Chocolate biscuits. Spare tube

Possible future kit

Folding spare tyre (if only I could use the stomach one…) Spare brake block (or at least start with fresh ones)

Camping

It didn’t turn out to be totally camping, infact I’d suggest the route is best done with as light a load as possible and between B&B which are easy to find. It was invaluable to get some real camping experience in prep for my proposed Tour de France. We kept getting overtaken by other cyclists with no load (but who seemed to be covering about the same distances but quicker… softies, no stamina)

New bike

The C2C I think has seen off my bike, which has done great service over the last three years and got me into touring. With those years experience I’ll judge better what I want and feel comfortable spending some reasonable monies.

The challenge

C2C is tough but doable. An early start from Workington and no mechanical issues and it’s a simple three days. I’m certainly not some iron-man fit nut, successfully completing it is mostly in the mind. But you will find kind people on the way who will help and encourage your journey. Much like life.

Thanks

And finally many thanks to co-cyclist Sue, the shared heights and valleys are what makes friendship.