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Spanish cycling routes offer some of Europe's most rewarding riding, from dramatic mountain passes and quiet coastal roads to rolling vineyards and remote pueblos blancos (white villages). Few people know these bike tours in Spain better than Dan Hirst, Head of Skedaddle España. Dan has spent more than two decades living near Tarifa, mainland Spain's ...
Iconic Fitness – How to Prepare To Ride 1000 Miles
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What exactly is an ‘Iconic Journey’? We didn’t name this collection of trips lightly, they really are iconic. Epic in both their scale and challenge, each Iconic Journey typically spans 1,000 miles, crossing entire countries and presenting a substantial physical challenge rewarded with breathtaking landscapes and fresh experiences at every turn.
With Iconic Journeys in France, Italy, Spain and the UK, there is no better way to learn about these countries than by cycling through them. Cycling is the perfect pace to explore; fast enough to cover significant distance yet slow enough to observe the changes and character of the places you are passing through.
Each route has been carefully designed to not just connect two points of significant interest but create a journey where every day of riding provides something special and memorable. The villages, towns and accommodations we visit each night are chosen for their individuality, the opportunity to sample regional cuisines and see the variations in landscape and culture as we traverse from one side of a country to another.
Preparing for your cycling trip of a lifetime
Hannah Reynolds, along with partner John Walsh, is author of two long distance cycling guide books, France en Velo and Britain’s Best Bike Ride, a guide to LEJOG. She has guided St Malo to Nice and Land’s End to John O Groats many times in her decade of guiding for Skedaddle so we can’t think of a better person to ask for some tips on what to expect and how to prepare…
What do you notice when guiding these long distance cycling routes?
I have done at least one if not two or three long distance routes a year. As guides we see the highs and lows that everyone goes through on their way to completing these Iconic Journeys. Days 3 and 4 are often the tough ones. Once through that your body accepts a new routine of getting up and cycling every day. Many people find that as the trip goes on they feel stronger, especially if they arrived on the holiday a little bit under-trained. By the time you hit the proper climbs of Provence on St Malo to Nice, or the tough Scottish climbs on a LEJOG your legs are stronger and you have gained confidence in your ability to just keep riding!
How fit do you need to be to ride 1000 miles?
Well obviously it’s a challenge to be taken seriously but you might be surprised at how many folks can actually achieve it. A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step, or in this case, a pedal stroke.
Don’t ask yourself if you can ride a thousand miles, because you can. The question is how many miles can you comfortably ride per day? It is this number which will determine whether you should choose a 3-week or 2-week trip. Most days of a 3-week trip are between 40 and 60 miles a day. A 2-week trip has distances between 55 and 85 miles with the majority of days around 70 miles. Each day breaks down even further, for example 15 miles to the first coffee stop, another 20 miles to lunch, a brisk ten miles on top of that to an afternoon ice-cream break. You never need to ride continuously for more than a couple of hours at a time.
When you lay out the map at the start, the final destination seems a long way but day-by-day the miles tick by until one morning you realise the end is closer than the beginning. The miles become less important than the landmarks you are seeing. The top of the next hill, the amazing view over the river valley, the interesting medieval ruin, the shaded swimming spot and the rewarding cold beer at the end of the day are more important markers of distance travelled than what it says on your bike computer.
Each day on tour friendships deepen, fitness develops and your legs get stronger. Riding your bike starts to feel more natural than walking. You enter the trip bubble and become a long distance cyclist. It takes endurance and determination to complete the routes but the support of Skedaddle guides, the camaraderie of the group and sheer exhilaration of exploring by bike powers you through every single pedal stroke.
What physical preparation should you do?
Training will help build your fitness and your confidence ahead of a long distance journey Start your training at least a few months before the holiday. Incorporate interval training and long rides on weekends to simulate the trip conditions, making sure you get used to riding for at least three days in a row before having a rest. Don’t overlook strength training which is helpful for maintaining posture and power over long distances. A little bit of yoga for cyclists is useful for easing any stiffness and helping your recovery after long rides.
What about kit and clothing?
Think about your essential kit before you travel and make sure you have given any new items a test ride before packing them. Given the length of the trip, you’ll need multiple sets of clothing but aim for lightweight, quick-drying materials to make laundering on-the-go manageable. Layering is essential to cope with varying weather conditions, so be prepared with a mix of thermal wear and lightweight rain gear.
Any other tips to prepare?
It’s not just physical preparation that can add to your enjoyment of your holiday; understanding the culture, history, and customs of the country you will be cycling through significantly enhances the experience and builds your anticipation for the trip. You don’t need to memorise everything as your Skedaddle guide will be on hand to tell you about the local cuisine, language basics, traditions, and key landmarks. They will also reveal the hidden gems and stories you can’t find in the guide books!
Documenting your journey adds another dimension to your adventure. A compact, high-quality camera or smartphone that you can pull out of your pocket to capture the stunning landscapes and memorable moments makes for a simple way of keeping a diary and allows you to reflect on each day’s experiences. Groups often share their photos of the trip so not every rider has to stop every time and Skedaddle guides are adept at popping up in the right places to get the best riding action shots! Get a particularly special shot and you may even appear on the Skedaddle website!
Collect them all!
Cycling 1,000 miles is more than just a holiday. Every pedal stroke turned and hill conquered adds to a feeling of confidence that can change your outlook on travel and your own physical capabilities.
Ultimately, what makes a Skedaddle Iconic Journey truly iconic is the lasting impact it leaves. The memories of stunning vistas, meals shared, new friendships, and personal achievements will last far beyond your trip, inspiring future adventures and send you seeking yet more new horizons.
We warn you, our Iconic Journeys become a little addictive and it won’t be long after finishing one trip that you start thinking about doing another! What is stopping you starting yours?
What’s next?
If you are looking for more iconic journey inspiration, don’t miss our pick of the best end to end cycle routes.
