In this episode of The Cycling Europe Podcast, we talk to Claire Davies, former diplomat, cyclist and writer. She chats about her journey along LEJOG and her ‘end-to-end’ cycles around Europe.
“Are you braver than you think? That’s the question Claire Davies began asking herself as she cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats, ill-prepared, unsupported and alone. At a mid-life low point, craving space and time to think, or not to think, Claire decided that a long bicycle ride was what she needed. Setting off for Scotland just a few weeks later, on a bike named Trixie, guided by a gadget called Guillaume, she had little idea what she was letting herself in for. It turned out to be a journey not only to better physical fitness and mental health, but also to empowerment and self-discovery, partly through the eyes of the people she met along the way.”
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Enjoyed that, thanks, especially the endorsement of the great riding to be had north of Bristol (despite your scepticism, Andrew!). Lots of lovely roads and towns/villages the Severn Valley, for example. I was curious about the tunnel near the Jura mountains too – I think it’s the Tunnel de la Diane, for anyone who’s interested (NB Bath’s Two Tunnels are quite a bit longer and great to ride through). Completely agree with the praise for Spanish drivers too – I’d rate them above the French.
And finally, I also have no idea why anyone riding LEJOG would go via Arran!
Thanks for the feedback (whoever you are!). I shall make a point of keeping my eyes open the next time I happen to be north of Bristol 🙂
Of course, there are the lovely Cotswolds to the other (east) side of the M5 too, stretching most of the way to the West Mids conurbation. I’d be more of your view about the Liv-Manc/Mersey corridor – there are a limited number of crossing points (although a seemingly unlimited number of retail parks), so traffic and towns concentrate around them. I was following a relatively quick and direct route, though, and may have missed out on more pleasant riding.
FWIW, what I’ve seen of the central and east Midlands has lots of good, quiet routes too, not difficult to avoid bigger roads and places. Maybe a focus for your next tour!
I’ll add it to the list! 🙂