UK Coast to Coast - eBike

[tris11]

Hi,
Ive tried to look through the forum to see if anyone has done this, but cant seem to find anything.
We are looking to do St Bees to Robin hoods bay Coast to Coast in July this year.
Coast to coast link on GPSies
Just wondering if anyone has done it on an ebike here.

We would looking to split it over 3 days.
We both have 2x 500w batteries, 1 x 6amp and 1 x 4amp chargers and I have already contacted a few cafe's on route to check we can stop for lunch and charge the batteries at the same time, which they are happy with.
A family member is going to transport our caravan to the stop off points between.

Day 1- 77 miles 9000ft climb
Day 2 -73 miles 4950ft climb
Day 3 - 30 miles 3100ft climb (this day is lower mileage so we can get back to watch the F1)

Both on Trek powerfly ebikes. Running in eco for day 1 & 2, switched off for decents. Then party mode for day 3 .
Any advice, tips would be great.
Thanks in advance

 

[TheBikePilot]

Contact @Paul Mac

I’m doing similar with him and 2 others in June. He has ridden it before, I think on ebikes last year but we are doing it with a company who arrange gear transport and accommodation..

 

[R120]

A member did Trans Cambrian Way last year, similar logistics in terms of chargers etc, less distance but probably more technical

I'm claiming an e-bike worlds first!! - EMTB Forums

 

[R120]

I think you may need be touch and go on requiring 3 batteries - however @Gmanlevo504 is behind the Trailwatts booster battery systems, and he is developing one for the Bosch - may well be a good idea as would give you an extra 250wh in the tank

trail-watts-starts-testing-range-extender-for-bosch.4391

 

[tris11]

Thank you all for the replies so far. Plenty of information to have a look into.

 

[galaga187]

I did it on a normal bike 3 years ago over 3 days,the 1st day in the lakes was the hardest think we ended up doing about 87 miles it took from 8.30am till 11 at night there was so much hike a bike,2nd day was fine across the dales just a lot of gates to open,then the last day across the moors was a bit of a drag bad head wind with rain,we did the Tim Woodcock route would love to do it again on the ebike.

First day is definitely the hardest and some of the trail out of Keswick was closed due to flooding when I visited last october - worth checking out. Also I think the cafe at Hartside top cafe had a fire a couple of years ago but not sure if it reopened.

 

[tris11]

First day is definitely the hardest and some of the trail out of Keswick was closed due to flooding when I visited last october - worth checking out. Also I think the cafe at Hartside top cafe had a fire a couple of years ago but not sure if it reopened.

Cheers, will have a look into the flooding closer to the time. Google says the cafe is still shut, but there is a pop up cafe there, so I suppose can look forward to a coffee and a bite to eat there.....

 

[tris11]

I did it on a normal bike 3 years ago over 3 days,the 1st day in the lakes was the hardest think we ended up doing about 87 miles it took from 8.30am till 11 at night there was so much hike a bike,2nd day was fine across the dales just a lot of gates to open,then the last day across the moors was a bit of a drag bad head wind with rain,we did the Tim Woodcock route which I think was 210 miles I think there are better routes across would love to do it again on the ebike.

87 miles for the first day, where was your first overnight? Thats the one thing that concerns me "hike a bike". Ebikes aint the lightest thing to be lugging about. Do you still think its do-able? I think its the Tim Woodcock route we have planned too.

 

[steve_sordy]

If you have never done such distance in such a short time before, it might be worth checking a few clockwork bike forums on the same topic. They will cover stuff like what sort of actions / techniques / products to use / take, to avoid / minimise problems with contact points and fatigue.
I'd at least take chamois butter as "you never know!"

 

[tris11]

If you have never done such distance in such a short time before, it might be worth checking a few clockwork bike forums on the same topic. They will cover stuff like what sort of actions / techniques / products to use / take, to avoid / minimise problems with contact points and fatigue.
I'd at least take chamois butter as "you never know!"

Haha.. you never know...lol
I'm normally self sufficient and able to ride a few days on the trot without any issues. 105 miles yesterday on the ebike with no problems. So should be ok. (Fingers crossed). Suppose it's more of the unknown terrain. It's okay biking around areas you know, but I'm sure the C2C can be harsh.
Will look more into the points you have suggested too. Thanks

 

[TheBikePilot]

We are doing it over 5 days ?

 

[R120]

We are doing it over 5 days ?

Is there anything you aren't doing this year - at this rate I am expecting you and @Paul Mac to be doing the full WES next year! Actually I probably shouldn't have mentioned that as its just going to give you ideas . . .

 

[Paul Mac]

Thank you all for the replies so far. Plenty of information to have a look into.

Hi there as Jonny2 has stated, I have ridden it twice before on clockwork bikes, but one of us last year did it on an ebike with a 500wh battery, he did need two batteries on some days.
We use a company called Pack Horse, they pick you up in Kirkby Stephen and take you to St Bees.
They then drop off your kit at the b&b your heading to that day, so it's there when you arrive. They then do this for all the days you ride.
When you get to the end at Robin Hood bay they take you back to your car in Kirby Stephen.
We do it over 5 nights, you could do it over three, but it would be a graft.
Even on the 5 nights the longest ride is 56 miles in one day and you are in the saddle for about 10 hours.
Let me know if you need anymore details and I'll pm you.

 

[tris11]

Hi there as Jonny2 has stated, I have ridden it twice before on clockwork bikes, but one of us last year did it on an ebike with a 500wh battery, he did need two batteries on some days.
We use a company called Pack Horse, they pick you up in Kirkby Stephen and take you to St Bees.
They then drop off your kit at the b&b your heading to that day, so it's there when you arrive. They then do this for all the days you ride.
When you get to the end at Robin Hood bay they take you back to your car in Kirby Stephen.
We do it over 5 nights, you could do it over three, but it would be a graft.
Even on the 5 nights the longest ride is 56 miles in one day and you are in the saddle for about 10 hours.
Let me know if you need anymore details and I'll pm you.

Thanks for the info. What sort of mileage and climb did you do each day and which areas did you stop over in. Do you have any of the rides logged on strava that I could have a look at. Thanks in advance

 

[Paul Mac]

Thanks for the info. What sort of mileage and climb did you do each day and which areas did you stop over in. Do you have any of the rides logged on strava that I could have a look at. Thanks in advance

All of the above?
I'll dig them out for you

 

[Paul Mac]

These are screen shots from Garmin.
I have a full set of GPX files if needed.
Just for reference Pack Horse charge about £500 for all transportation, including B&B for 5 nights.

 

[tris11]

These are screen shots from Garmin.
I have a full set of GPX files if needed.
Just for reference Pack Horse charge about £500 for all transportation, including B&B for 5 nights.

View attachment 12942

View attachment 12943

View attachment 12944

View attachment 12945

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View attachment 12947

Cheers for the info. Great to try and get my head around a good plan for the C2C

 

[tris11]

These are screen shots from Garmin.
I have a full set of GPX files if needed.
Just for reference Pack Horse charge about £500 for all transportation, including B&B for 5 nights.

View attachment 12942

View attachment 12943

View attachment 12944

View attachment 12945

View attachment 12946

View attachment 12947

Oh and GPX files would be good too pls

 

[Paul Mac]

Oh and GPX files would be good too pls

Pm me your email address and I'll send them?

 

[tris11]

Hi all
Just wanted to let you know that we successfully did the coast to coast on the ebikes this weekend.

It was all really well planned and near enough went to plan apart from a couple of punctures and split tyre. Really pleased with it, great experience. Lots of different terrain. Amazing views.

We did 190 miles, 22000ft climb over the 2 and a half days. We made it back in good time to watch the F1 down the pub.

All our days were early starts (6am), we carried a spare battery, 2 chargers, food/snacks, extra layers and all the normal stuff for just incase 3l of water. Oh and the drone & Batteries. The bag on our back weighed about 11kg.

No battery issues really. always found we had enough power to use the right modes when we needed them

Elapsed time vs moving time is quite different as the garmin autopauses if your going too slow (pushing, carrying etc)

Day 1
71.94 miles/10095ft
71.9 mi Ride Activity on July 12, 2019 by Tris .. on Strava
A lot of carrying/pushing of the bike this day. We cut across rather than taking the traditional route down to Coniston. Mainly so we could cram it into the 2.5 days. It was a long day at around 14.5 hours
Lost 3 hours on punctures and split tyre, snacks and toilet stops.
1.5 hours recharging at cafe. Which really helped recharge the bodies too.
So id guess the actual moving time was around 10 hours
Weather was cool when high up and sunny when low down, no rain so thats a bonus.

Day 2
75.48 miles/8197ft
75.4 mi Ride Activity on July 13, 2019 by Tris .. on Strava
Less pushing and carrying today. 9 hours 18mins, Moving time at around 7 hours id say.
No bike issues today
Was nice to get back to the caravan early and rest the body
Sunny intervals all day

Day 3
43.01 miles/3855ft
43.0 mi Ride Activity on July 14, 2019 by Tris .. on Strava
Probably actually moving for 4 hours. Again the smaller ride on the last day was a good decision. We were both aching. Shoulders felt bruised from carrying the rucksack.
No bike issues today
A little drizzle today on the moors, nothing major. So didnt cause us any problems

Anybody planning this should just prepare and plan really well. Then just go out and enjoy.
No other bike issues, but they were well overhauled before the C2C as planned

The next plan is either the transcambrian way in wales or the pennine Bridleway

 

[R120]

Hi all
Just wanted to let you know that we successfully did the coast to coast on the ebikes this weekend.

It was all really well planned and near enough went to plan apart from a couple of punctures and split tyre. Really pleased with it, great experience. Lots of different terrain. Amazing views.

We did 190 miles, 22000ft climb over the 2 and a half days. We made it back in good time to watch the F1 down the pub.

All our days were early starts (6am), we carried a spare battery, 2 chargers, food/snacks, extra layers and all the normal stuff for just incase 3l of water. Oh and the drone & Batteries. The bag on our back weighed about 11kg.

No battery issues really. always found we had enough power to use the right modes when we needed them

Elapsed time vs moving time is quite different as the garmin autopauses if your going too slow (pushing, carrying etc)

Day 1
71.94 miles/10095ft
71.9 mi Ride Activity on July 12, 2019 by Tris .. on Strava
A lot of carrying/pushing of the bike this day. We cut across rather than taking the traditional route down to Coniston. Mainly so we could cram it into the 2.5 days. It was a long day at around 14.5 hours
Lost 3 hours on punctures and split tyre, snacks and toilet stops.
1.5 hours recharging at cafe. Which really helped recharge the bodies too.
So id guess the actual moving time was around 10 hours
Weather was cool when high up and sunny when low down, no rain so thats a bonus.

Day 2
75.48 miles/8197ft
75.4 mi Ride Activity on July 13, 2019 by Tris .. on Strava
Less pushing and carrying today. 9 hours 18mins, Moving time at around 7 hours id say.
No bike issues today
Was nice to get back to the caravan early and rest the body
Sunny intervals all day

Day 3
43.01 miles/3855ft
43.0 mi Ride Activity on July 14, 2019 by Tris .. on Strava
Probably actually moving for 4 hours. Again the smaller ride on the last day was a good decision. We were both aching. Shoulders felt bruised from carrying the rucksack.
No bike issues today
A little drizzle today on the moors, nothing major. So didnt cause us any problems

Anybody planning this should just prepare and plan really well. Then just go out and enjoy.
No other bike issues, but they were well overhauled before the C2C as planned

The next plan is either the transcambrian way in wales or the pennine Bridleway

What bikes where you on?

 

[tris11]

Both on Trek powerfly

 

[Paul Mac]

Hi all
Just wanted to let you know that we successfully did the coast to coast on the ebikes this weekend.

It was all really well planned and near enough went to plan apart from a couple of punctures and split tyre. Really pleased with it, great experience. Lots of different terrain. Amazing views.

We did 190 miles, 22000ft climb over the 2 and a half days. We made it back in good time to watch the F1 down the pub.

All our days were early starts (6am), we carried a spare battery, 2 chargers, food/snacks, extra layers and all the normal stuff for just incase 3l of water. Oh and the drone & Batteries. The bag on our back weighed about 11kg.

No battery issues really. always found we had enough power to use the right modes when we needed them

Elapsed time vs moving time is quite different as the garmin autopauses if your going too slow (pushing, carrying etc)

Day 1
71.94 miles/10095ft
71.9 mi Ride Activity on July 12, 2019 by Tris .. on Strava
A lot of carrying/pushing of the bike this day. We cut across rather than taking the traditional route down to Coniston. Mainly so we could cram it into the 2.5 days. It was a long day at around 14.5 hours
Lost 3 hours on punctures and split tyre, snacks and toilet stops.
1.5 hours recharging at cafe. Which really helped recharge the bodies too.
So id guess the actual moving time was around 10 hours
Weather was cool when high up and sunny when low down, no rain so thats a bonus.

Day 2
75.48 miles/8197ft
75.4 mi Ride Activity on July 13, 2019 by Tris .. on Strava
Less pushing and carrying today. 9 hours 18mins, Moving time at around 7 hours id say.
No bike issues today
Was nice to get back to the caravan early and rest the body
Sunny intervals all day

Day 3
43.01 miles/3855ft
43.0 mi Ride Activity on July 14, 2019 by Tris .. on Strava
Probably actually moving for 4 hours. Again the smaller ride on the last day was a good decision. We were both aching. Shoulders felt bruised from carrying the rucksack.
No bike issues today
A little drizzle today on the moors, nothing major. So didnt cause us any problems

Anybody planning this should just prepare and plan really well. Then just go out and enjoy.
No other bike issues, but they were well overhauled before the C2C as planned

The next plan is either the transcambrian way in wales or the pennine Bridleway

You should look up "The Bike Pilot" on Youtube, he has posted up some great videos of our recent C2C trip.
We did it in 6 days though, 3 days must have been brutal!!

 

[tris11]

You should look up "The Bike Pilot" on Youtube, he has posted up some great videos of our recent C2C trip.
We did it in 6 days though, 3 days must have been brutal!!

Cheers. Yeah watched the videos and had been messaging him for advise and info a couple of weeks before we did it. Video were really good and it gave us an idea of what we were getting into. Defo brutal, but great

 

[Binhill1]

Bonar bridge to ullapool coast to coast only 48 miles.