One of the UK's most challenging sportives, the Coast to Coast in a Day, is back for another year and entries for the 2015 event open today. The ride will take place on Saturday 27 June 2015, starting in Seascale on the west coast and finishing in Whitby.
The Coast to Coast takes a scenic 150 mile route across Britain, starting from the Western Lake District before winding through the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors to the seaside town of Whitby. A full report on the 2014 event is coming soon, but in the meantime here are our top 5 tips for anyone thinking of tackling the 2015 edition:
1. Bring your climbing legs (and gears)
The Coast to Coast takes riders through some of the realm's lumpier territory, with 4500m of climbing including the notorious Hardknott and Wrynose Passes in the first 30 miles. It doesn't stop there - with the exception of 20 flattish miles in the Vale of York, the route is up and down all the way. Having tried - and failed - to conquer the 30% ramps of Hardknott with 39-27 gearing, my advice is to come prepared with plenty of hill training and a "get out of jail" gear.
2. Plan your accommodation in advance
The event organisers, Open Cycling, offer outdoor camping near the event start in Seascale and indoor 'camping' at the finish in Whitby. But after 150 miles in the saddle, even the happiest camper might want to consider seeking out one of Whitby's many B&Bs for a good night's sleep after the event. The alternative is resting your weary limbs on the hard floor of Whitby Leisure Centre... it could be worse, but you deserve better. Treat yourself to a bed!
3. Keep moving
150 miles is a long ride but there are plenty of feed stops - four in total - spaced evenly throughout the route. The provisions at each stop vary, from hot soup and baguettes to pork pies and quiche, along with more standard sportive fare of energy drinks, sweets, fruit and nuts and cake. With such excellent grub on offer the temptation is to linger over lunch, but if you're aiming for a fast time (around 9 hours) you'll need to be disciplined. I reached the end to find I'd spent more than 2 hours hovering by the buffet tables - becoming surely the first person to complete the ride with a net weight gain...
4. Know your bike
If you're planning on taking the coach transfers from Penrith to Seascale and from Whitby back to Penrith after the event, you'll need to pack your bike in a box for transport. For most people this means removing at least pedals, handlebars, seatpost and front wheel...and if you're taking both transfers, be prepared to rebuild your bike the night before the ride in Seascale, and then disassemble it after the ride on Saturday night in Whitby. Mechanics are on hand to help with any last-minute adjustments, but it's recommended that you familiarise yourself with the intricacies of a multitool beforehand to avoid panic.
5. Book today!
This event sells out fast, usually in a matter of days. And for good reason - it's a truly challenging ride through beautiful countryside, that has earned its place as one of the UK's must-do sportives. Online entries for the 2015 event open at midday on Monday 7 July, so the clock is already ticking. If you're thinking this is the challenge for you, don't delay - sign up today at the event website.
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