What exactly is an “iconic trip”? We didn’t name this travel collection lightly, they are truly iconic. Epic in both scale and challenge, each iconic journey typically spans 1,000 miles, crossing entire countries and presenting a significant physical challenge rewarded with breathtaking scenery and new experiences at every turn.
With Iconic Journeys in France, Italy, Spain and the UK, there’s no better way to experience these countries than by cycling through them. Cycling is the ideal pace for exploring; fast enough to cover a significant distance but slow enough to observe the changes and character of the places you pass through.
Each route has been carefully designed to not only connect two significant points of interest, but also to create a journey where every day of driving offers something special and memorable. The villages, towns and accommodations we visit each night are chosen for their individuality, the opportunity to sample regional cuisines and notice the variations in landscapes and cultures as we pass from one end to the other of a country.
Hannah Reynoldswith his partner John Walsh, is the author of two long-distance cycling guides, France en Velo and Britain’s Best Bike Ride, a guide to LEJOG. She has guided St Malo in Nice and Land’s End in John O Groats several times during her decade of guiding for Skedaddle, so we can’t think of a better person to ask for advice on what to expect and how prepare…
What do you notice when you ride these long-distance cycling routes?
I did at least one, maybe two or three long distance routes per year. As guides, we see the ups and downs that everyone goes through to complete these iconic journeys. Days 3 and 4 are often the most difficult. Once this is done, your body accepts a new routine of getting up and cycling every day. Many people find that as the trip goes on, they feel stronger, especially if they arrived on vacation a little undertrained. By the time you tackle the real climbs of Provence from St Malo to Nice, or the tough Scottish climbs on a LEJOG, your legs are stronger and you have gained confidence in your ability to keep riding!
How fit do you need to be to run 1,000 miles?
Obviously, it’s a challenge to take seriously, but you might be surprised how many people can actually do it. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, or in this case, a pedal stroke.
Don’t wonder if you can travel thousands of miles, because you can. The question is: how many miles can you comfortably walk a day? This number will determine whether you should choose a 3 or 2 week trip. Most days of a 3 week trip are between 40 and 60 miles per day. A 2 week trip has distances between 55 and 85 miles with the majority of days around 70 miles. Each day is broken down even further, such as 15 miles to the first coffee stop, another 20 miles to lunch, and ten more fast miles to an afternoon ice cream break. You never need to ride continuously for more than a few hours at a time.
When you initially trace the map, the final destination seems far away, but the miles pass day by day until one morning you realize that the end is closer than the beginning. The miles become less important than the landmarks you see. The top of the next hill, the stunning view of the river valley, the interesting medieval ruins, the shady swimming spot and the cold beer at the end of the day are more important distance indicators than your bike computer indicates. .
Every day on tour, friendships grow stronger, fitness grows, and your legs get stronger. Cycling starts to feel more natural than walking. You enter the travel bubble and become a long-distance cyclist. It takes stamina and determination to complete the routes, but the support of the Skedaddle guides, the camaraderie of the group, and the sheer exhilaration of exploring by bike pushes you with every pedal stroke.
What physical preparation should you do?
Training will help you build fitness and confidence before a long-distance trip. Start your training at least a few months before the vacation. Incorporate interval training and long weekend rides to simulate travel conditions, making sure you get used to riding for at least three days straight before resting. Don’t neglect strength training, useful for maintaining posture and power over long distances. A little yoga for cyclists is helpful to ease any stiffness and aid your recovery after long rides.
What about kit and clothing?
Think about your essential kit before you travel and make sure you’ve tested any new items before packing them. Given the length of the trip, you’ll need multiple sets of clothing, but favor lightweight, quick-drying materials for easy washing on the go. Layering is key to dealing with different weather conditions, so be prepared with a mix of thermals and lightweight rain gear.
Any other tips for preparing?
It’s not just physical preparation that can contribute to the enjoyment of your vacation; Understanding the culture, history and customs of the country you will cycle through greatly enhances the experience and heightens your anticipation of the trip. You don’t need to memorize everything as your Skedaddle guide will be on hand to tell you about the local cuisine, language basics, traditions and key landmarks. They will also reveal hidden treasures and stories that you won’t find in guidebooks!
Documenting your trip adds another dimension to your adventure. A compact, high-quality camera or smartphone that you can take out of your pocket to capture stunning scenery and memorable moments is a simple way to journal and allows you to reflect on each day’s experiences. Groups often share their photos from the trip so not all riders have to stop every time and Skedaddle guides know to pop up in the right places to get the best riding action photos! Get a particularly special photo and you might even be featured on the Skedaddle website!
Collect them all!
Cycling 1,000 miles is more than just a vacation. Every pedal stroke turned and hill conquered adds to a feeling of confidence that can change your outlook on the journey and your own physical abilities.
Ultimately, what makes a Skedaddle Iconic Journey truly iconic is the lasting impact it leaves. Memories of breathtaking views, shared meals, new friendships and personal accomplishments will last far beyond your trip, inspiring future adventures and sending you in search of new horizons.
We warn you, our Iconic Trips become a little addictive and it won’t be long after completing one trip for you to start thinking about doing another! What’s stopping you from starting your own?
FIND YOUR NEXT ICONIC TRIP
