UK to Spain

[MattyWXM]

Hi there, I have never done a cycle tour before, so perhaps being ambitious (but i like a challenge) but.. i am planning to cycle from liverpool to my parents house in Alicante Spain. Starting in June probably. I have done a bit of research (it's 1500 miles) but would love some advice please.

1) I have a Bianchi C2C via Nirone - from forums it appears might not be suitable for adding panniers, so thinking about a trailer (possibley extrawheel) OR buy a proper touring bike off ebay and sell it when get back!
any thoughts....?

2) To camp or not to camp? what are hostels / Camps sites in France / Spain. Is it OK to just camp in a field?

3) I'm fit, but out of practice on the bike, 27 year old - who has cycled 40 - 50 in a day before without problems but never tried anything over! How realistic is my challange and how much training between now and June would be required. (thinking of doing bout 90 miles a day)

4) Would anyone like to come with me!? / Doing anything similar at around the same time?

Would like to raise some money for charity, and would appreciate some company. Yes this is a bit of a whim, but i am serious and have actually wanted to do this ride for a long time now, but.... i ain't no pro, thats obvious and would really appreciate any advice tips or help.

Cheers,
Matt

 

[watermelon]

I was about 30 when I had my first cycling ambitions. I managed about 70 miles a day for about 2 months through several countries. Front and rear panniers makes it nice for me but I didn't train very seriously. The trailer will make it difficult to get into some hotels. I ride for a couple hours 3 times a day and I get about 60 miles in.

Eight years ago when I was 50 I went from Barcelona to England. When the landscape became undesirable and time was running short, it was easy to hop on a train. But I peddled most of the way.

If you can get a bike that has a wheelbase long enough to accept panniers, that you love to ride then I would do that. You have to love riding your bicycle.

It's going to be the most fun you've ever had. I did a month in Italy a few years ago and I'll be going from Germany to France to UK in the spring. I'm not all that concerned about training, but if I had to do 90 miles a day I guess I would be.

Hostels are usually the cheapest place to stay. You generally share the room with others.