Cyclists sister duo completed cross-country journey without wearing spandex clothing
In the heart of Scotland, two intrepid sisters, Janet and Nessie, embarked on a remarkable bikepacking adventure, traversing the length of Britain from Land's End to John o' Groats. Spanning 1,700 miles, their journey was a testament to their determination and love for the open road.
Navigating their way through the countryside, Janet and Nessie relied on a unique combination of paper OS maps and the OS map app. This blend of old and new technology proved to be the perfect navigation tool for their journey, guiding them through the winding roads and picturesque landscapes of the British Isles.
Their route took them along the north coasts of Cornwall and Devon, and northwest Scotland via Cape Wrath. The sisters found solace in the paths that followed greenways, cycle paths, country roads, and stretches of the National Cycle Network.
The journey was not without its challenges. In the northwest of Scotland, they faced strong winds that blew Janet off her bike and damaged Nessie's bike computer. Despite these setbacks, they persevered, their spirits undeterred.
Janet and Nessie stayed in a variety of accommodations, from camping pods and hostels to hotels and Airbnbs. They found that taking their time and stopping to visit sights or admire the view was often inspirational to others. They also encountered numerous women of a similar age who were inspired by their bikepacking trip.
The stretch between Edinburgh and around Stirling was one of the standout cycle-friendly bits for Janet and Nessie. They also found relief in seeing little blue and red signs indicating cycling provisions. Maps were crucial for their self-made route, providing them with the necessary guidance and peace of mind.
Janet's advice for bikepacking adventures includes deciding on what to see rather than how many miles to do, sorting out accommodations beforehand, getting good panniers and a light, foldable rucksack, bringing a small stove, packing light, setting up the bike comfortably, wearing stretchable, comfortable clothing, wearing high-vis and extra lights, recommending electric bikes, keeping a diary, taking rest days, and avoiding rushing.
They charged their e-bike batteries overnight in the places they stayed. However, they encountered unexpected challenges such as road closures, bad weather, and mechanical faults during their trip. In one instance, their younger sister, Anthea, came to their rescue by sacrificing her bike's computer and hitchhiking to help them continue their journey.
The magical aspects of their trip included listening to birdsong, enjoying the smell of honeysuckle and pine trees, and stopping for a skinny dip in a river. They also enjoyed the people they met, the natural sights they saw, and the time to bond further with each other during their adventure.
For those interested in replicating Janet and Nessie's journey or seeking practical tips for bikepacking adventures, several resources are available. You can search for their personal blog or website, look for interviews or articles, check cycling forums and community sites, or explore social media platforms like YouTube for video diaries and trip recounts. By doing so, you can gain valuable insights and advice from these seasoned bikepackers.
In their bid to share their adventure, Janet and Nessie might document their lifestyle and travel experiences on their home-and-garden blog or website, offering insights on sports-related gear and equipment they found useful for their bikepacking journey. On the other hand, for those interested in sports and outdoor activities, their YouTube channel could showcase various travel destinations along with engaging sports content, offering a unique blend of home-and-garden, travel, and sports enthusiasm.
