Morning all. I was due to be riding the Caledonia Way this summer but due to obvious reasons, that's not going to happen but still hoping to complete it this year. But....the big question is what bike for the Caledonia Way? I was hoping to justify a Shand Bahookie (rigid forks, Jones H bar etc.)for a bit of bike packing on rougher stuff as well but I'm a bit concerned about keeping up with friends on gravel bikes with 33 tires on for this trip. I know the route is mostly cycle path but is it the sort you can get a good speed up, or....?
(Un)foruntely I have months to torture myself with this.
Tell yer pals to slow down, enjoy the trip, and take a bike that's comfortable and capable of taking bike packing kit.
Why would people want to rush?.
The route is mostly on tarmac. There is one rough forest section north of Gairlochy and a bit of canal towpath. I did it on 28mm Marathons.
https://www.blog.scotroutes.com/2016/09/ncn78-caledonia-way-in-day.html
Nobeer, I've no desire to rush. My friends who are fairly keen roadies but my girlfriend is coming too. Her fitness is ok and there's plenty of time to train but I'm tempted to just let my friends go ahead and we'll meet up with them at stops. A bit part of this trip is to get my girlfriend into touring as she won't ride roads, and to be honest I don't want her on roads either. My road bike is sat unused with the state of the roads and traffic these days. That said she's game for offroad(ish) touring so I'm torn between getting her a 'gravel' bike or a HT with suitable tires to supplement her FS which I think she might be happier on.
ScotRoutes, that's a great blog. Cheers!
@cupotea a couple of friends of mine rode the CW last year and really enjoyed it, despite the weather not being ideal. It was their first touring ride so they booked accommodation and travelled light. They were planning to do another tour this Summer but plans are obviously on hold.
The roads it uses are generally fine. The worst parts are now bypassed by cycle route (including two new sections between Connel and Duror).
I've a hankering to ride it again (maybe in reverse) and take my time to savour the Kintyre section in particular.
I had a plan all mapped - train booked, accommodation booked - for a decent long spin on that in late May. Looks pretty well scuppered. Gutted. I was going for - most likely - heavy duty tourer - 3x8, flared bars, with chunky tyres.
Still hope to do it before the end of the year. Inspired by @scotroutes blog and the Adventure Syndicate video.
@kcal the video with Lee was a big motivator for me too!
I'm currently thinking about a couple of Sonder Caminos' for a compromise. The 1x setup should be ok I think if we travel light. I used to have a Surly Disc Trucker and it was a bit too tank like to enjoy.
Kintyre is hilly. Don't underestimate the amount of climbing.
The bit above Loch Awe also seems to wander up and down a lot.
And there's the big hill out of Fort Augustus.
I'm not a fan of 1x for these types of rides. 😊
@scotroutes no I know they're not ideal. I just don't think my girlfriend would use a 'proper' tourer so maybe a 38 on the front with an 11-42 and resign to a gappier gearing and low top. I can't imagine us topping out too often. That said I could pop a double on without too much trouble.
I'm definitely starting to lean more to the Camino than a HT.