So, what's the chat about LEJOG? Or as others may know it, Lands End to John O' Groats, JOGLE, whatever you want to call it! We've had a lot of custom made jerseys made specifically for those undertaking the challenging route, over the summer months - it's becoming such a hot spot for riders of all abilities!
Located in the rugged tips of South-West England, lies the first leg of the route! Take a leisurely pedal, or give it yaldi on each route, but don't be fooled - it covers over 960 miles, of trail - total. Whatever you choose, do it in moderation, you don't want to burn out. Though there are no rules or restrictions, it is not for the faint hearted. On average it takes around 9 days to complete (around 100-130 miles a day) - I can feel my legs screaming as I type this! And it doesn't treat you well to begin with, as the steep climbs are immediate! The statutory route is usually as follows: Lands End to Okehampton, Okehampton to Bath, Bath to Ludlow, Ludlow to Haydock, (now you're halfway) - Haydock to Penrith, Penrith to Hamilton, Hamilton to Fort William, Fort William to Kyle of Sutherland and lastly, Kyle of Sutherland to John O'Groats!
The further North you get, you better hope you packed tactically! As the towns get few and far between, the locals become ginger, intimidating and Scottish, and the weather is so unpredictable, you could experience all 4 seasons at their most extreme, in 30 minutes! You need to expect the unexpected, so lets talk bikepacking tips:
1. Weight a minute! How does your bike feel? Do your research and join forums, don't make things harder on yourself by lugging unnecessary weight up hill and around the country. You'll not enjoy it and it'll certainly become borderline impossible to complete your journey.
2. Midgies! The further North you get, the bigger and badder they get! So keep your sensitive bits in completely off limits! As mentioned previously, the weather will produce tropical results, so be prepared, don't layer up! Your cycle attire should be performance material. Take your skin so soft, tea lights and snoods!
3. Take your time. What's the rush? To be honest, with all the uphill you wont be going anywhere fast to begin with, but enjoy the views. embrace mother nature. You're likely to encounter some mechanical issues, which will cost you time. Don't let it deflate you're mood.
4. You're on a 'see food, eat food' diet! You need to keep both your energy and morale up. Mechanical bike issues aren't always avoidable, but body issues are. If you fail to eat every couple of hours - you're already starving without even knowing. Injuries will become more likely and although we suggest taking you're time, the ride will become a struggle rather than a leisurely pace.
5. Buy the best. Everyone's budgets and opinions of what does the job performance wise is different, but if you put the money in at the beginning of your trip, ensuring you have a sturdy tent, bike accessorises and clothing, you won't need to spend much at all throughout your journey. In this case, money does buy you happiness!
If you're about to embark on a little expedition around LEJOG, or have already been, let us know! Send us a picture, or design you're own custom jersey to commemorate the journey!
Here's some we made earlier :)
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