Author Topic: LEJOG: 03-08 JULY 2022  (Read 88209 times)

Andy Corless

  • Doesn't take the p***, says it as it is!
LEJOG: 03-08 JULY 2022
« on: 15 July, 2019, 06:09:04 pm »
                       

Whilst organising the 1000/1200 last weekend I had a few inquiries about next year's Land's End to John o' Groats (LEJOG) so I thought I'd better post about it. Here are a few practical details:

EVENT:

LEJOG 1400 km at Randonneur standard in July next year.

Distance: 1400 - 1435 km
Ascent: 12000 metres
Category: LRM (Les Randonneurs Mondiaux)

THE START

Date: Sunday 26 July 2020
Start: Land's End, Cornwall, England at 08:00 am prompt
Finish: John o' Groats, Highland, Scotland (before 04:40 am on Friday 31 July 2020)!

OVERVIEW

The LEJOG will start at the headland of Land's End, Cornwall, the far south-western corner of the UK mainland and will finish at the village of John o' Groats, Scotland, the far north-eastern corner of the UK mainland. Route doesn’t follow the most direct route between the start & finish but will pass through England; Wales & Scotland!

Riders will be expected to maintain a minimum cycling average speed of 12 kph including anytime spent off the bike.

Controls will be placed at roughly 50-mile intervals but 4 of the controls, which we hope riders will use overnight, will have adequate shower & sleeping facilities.

Drop bag to 2 of the overnight controls, an opportunity for riders to collect clean clothes etc will help ensure everyone makes it through this randonnee. Your drop-bags will later be transferred to John o’ Groats ready for collection on arrival.

Each and every rider will need to make their own way to the start at Land’s End and home from John o’ Groats afterwards.

THE ROUTE

The route has more or less been finalised but there'll doubtless be some revisions beforehand. The route is essentially split into 5-stages, ridden over 4/5 days:

Stage 1: Land's End to Weston-super-Mare  (287 km)

Stage 2: Weston-super-Mare to Warrington (293 km)

Stage 3: Warrington to Abington (275 km)

Stage 4: Abington to Inverness (350 km)

Stage 5: Inverness to John o' Groats (200 km)


All the above distances are subject to confirmation. You do not have to sleep at the overnight controls and are free to push on if you so wish!

Weston-super-Mare; Warrington; Abington & Inverness are where the overnight (bunk-house/outdoor centre) controls will be placed offering feeding; shower; sleeping options etc.

The intermediate controls will use commercial facilities. Drop-bag will be available to 2 of the last 3 overnight controls.

Considering there's no overnight control between Abington and Inverness riders will likely have a choice of route between Abington & Inverness; either heading west over the Erskine Bridge before a run up the A82 via Fort William to Inverness or continuing north, past Edinburgh and crossing over the Forth Bridge before following the A9 through the Highlands to merge with the (western) route near Inverness.

In accordance with LRM regulations:

The overall time-limit will be 116 hours & 40 minutes.

No rider will be credited with a finishing time under 46 hours, 40 minutes.

Hope this answers a few questions.

ENTER?

Entry fee: £146.00. When entering online, non AUK/CTC/CUK members will see £3 automatically added to include temporary membership for insurance purposes!

N.B. entry fees are non-refundable and will be taken at the time of entry! The entry fee won’t fluctuate during the course that entries remain open!

Event is likely to be over-subscribed so early entry advised!

Your confirmation email, usually received from PayPal immediately after entering and paying the event entry fee, guarantees you a place on the event! Online entrants will also usually receive e-mail confirmation of their entry from the organiser’s within 72-hours of entering!

** No SR or any other qualification required to ride this event! Entries are now being taken on a first come – first served basis! Entries will close when the entry field limit of 120 riders is reached! **

Entry fee includes, but not limited to:

  • Brevet card with detailed route-sheet giving precise instructions
  • Validation with Audax UK (AUK) and Les Randonneurs Mondiaux (LRM) for successful riders
  • Optional breakfast on the morning of the event (typically cereal/toast, tea/coffee/juice etc)
  • Bag drop to 2 of the controls
  • Food & drink at at least 4 of the controls
  • Showers & sleeping facilities at 4 of the expected overnight controls (towels provided)!
  • 3rd party insurance for UK based riders
  • Any photograph’s taken by the organiser/helpers during the event
  • Commemorative water-bottle and medal

Entry fee doesn't include:

  • Travel expenses incurred travelling to/from the event.
  • Hotel bookings for nights before, during or after the event.
  • Any travel expenses incurred due to you having to abandon the event (taxis, trains etc)
  • Spending money
  • Commemorative event jersey (typically £35 - £45)


AUK event webpage: http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/20-64/

Website address:https://lejog1400audax.com/

Entry webpage: http://www.aukweb.net/events/enter/20-64/

Hope this is of help for now!

Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG 1400


Re: LEJOG: 26 - 31 JULY 2020
« Reply #1 on: 15 July, 2019, 07:11:06 pm »
Interested.

Is it a postal finish? Is there somewhere to get Proof of Passage at John O'Groats at Silly o'clock?

Quote
before 05:40 am on Friday 31 July 2020

4:40 am?

bludger

  • Randonneur and bargain hunter
Re: LEJOG: 26 - 31 JULY 2020
« Reply #2 on: 15 July, 2019, 07:27:45 pm »
I am very interested. Putting this in my calendar ;D
YACF touring/audax bargain basement:
https://bit.ly/2Xg8pRD



Ban cars.

Re: LEJOG: 26 - 31 JULY 2020
« Reply #3 on: 15 July, 2019, 07:48:44 pm »
Registered for this as soon as I saw it. I've wanted to do LEJOG at audax pace for about 10 years, but never got round to it. Really enjoyed Blackpool-Glasgow-Blackpool so looking forward to the AC TLC!

mattc

  • n.b. have grown beard since photo taken
    • Didcot Audaxes
Re: LEJOG: 26 - 31 JULY 2020
« Reply #4 on: 15 July, 2019, 08:43:10 pm »
Quote
No rider will be credited with a finishing time under 46 hours, 40 minutes.
that's me out then. Shame.
Has never ridden RAAM
---------
No.11  Because of the great host of those who dislike the least appearance of "swank " when they travel the roads and lanes. - From Kuklos' 39 Articles

Karla

  • car(e) free
    • Lost Byway - around the world by bike
Re: LEJOG: 26 - 31 JULY 2020
« Reply #5 on: 15 July, 2019, 08:49:48 pm »
Quote
No rider will be credited with a finishing time under 46 hours, 40 minutes.
that's me out then. Shame.

Shame, I was looking forward to you beating 24HourMaths in the forum tables.

FifeingEejit

  • Not Small
Re: LEJOG: 26 - 31 JULY 2020
« Reply #6 on: 15 July, 2019, 10:44:30 pm »
Tempting...

If there is a route choice between Abington and Inverness, the A9 route would probably appear to make some sense, no faff getting round Glasgow, reasonably gentle to the Forth Bridge, getting through Fife and Perth isn't too bad but...

Roadworks... if all is going to plan with the upgrade then the A9 will be a near constant block of road works between the current dual carriageway sections (completion target is 2025 which means everything has to be started by next summer... It's not happening but...)

The usual dodges of the A83 to Mekliour then Dunkeld, round the back to Ballinluig etc. will be busy with people trying to dodge the road works, given you can get from Perth to Calvine without touching the A9 using the old road and the Moulin there's some scope for it being bawsed, and that's the NCN route to that point.
The NCN route over Drumochter is also bawsed thanks to surface problems, fine on an MTB not so fine on road tyres sadly, the council are blaming the estate for using quad bikes on it, they deny all blame.

Slochd could be interesting too, the old road isn't going to be repurposed during the works... but somehow they have to fit a dual carriageway in a gap that's only big enough for the railway, the road and a narrow path, which means blasting a load of rocks out the way in close proximity to the lot... that'll likely mean closures for blasting between train times.

Worth checking out progress through:
https://www.transport.gov.scot/projects/a9-dualling-perth-to-inverness/
If considering going that way.

"Best" Middle route would be to use the Cairnwell, BHs, Lecht and Dava I suppose... though some are predicting all routes north will be ballsed up as everyone looks for alternatives.
(It's also a much harder ride)

Joy... :-(

:PrivateFrazer

Re: LEJOG: 26 - 31 JULY 2020
« Reply #7 on: 17 July, 2019, 10:31:04 am »
Oh go on then. I've been meaning to plan a LEJOG sooner or later, and WCGW with signing up for a longer ride at randonnee speed?

Andy Corless

  • Doesn't take the p***, says it as it is!
Re: LEJOG: 26 - 31 JULY 2020
« Reply #8 on: 17 July, 2019, 06:48:16 pm »
Further to my earlier post a few more details in response to some email queries.

The event doesn't use a mandatory route. Riders will be free to follow whichever route they wish providing the controls are visited and proof of passage is obtained. All the night controls will be opening up on time and most will probably close up an hour or two after cut-off time.

There will be some branding, but nothing too excessive.

Is it a postal finish? Is there somewhere to get Proof of Passage at John O'Groats at Silly o'clock?

No it's not a postal finish. We'll likely be using the nearby village hall for the finish control. Your brevet cards will be collected but your commemorative water-bottle and medal will be issued at the finish and your drop-bags will need to be collected before your departure home. It's not going to be a case of, "knock knock - who's there"!

"before 05:40 am on Friday 31 July 2020"

The cut-off is 04:40 am on Friday 31 July. My earlier post already edited.

"I am very interested. Putting this in my calendar"

A lot of people are, there's been a few entries already ....

Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG 1400



Jack_P

  • It's just dicking about on bikes
    • Cycling hobo
Re: LEJOG: 26 - 31 JULY 2020
« Reply #9 on: 31 July, 2019, 07:59:32 pm »
Interested, I just have to work out if I can do that mileage per day for 5 days. 😁

Andy Corless

  • Doesn't take the p***, says it as it is!
Re: LEJOG: 26 - 31 JULY 2020
« Reply #10 on: 10 August, 2019, 04:08:08 pm »
Dear all,

Just a quick update before many of you leave for Paris next week (if you haven't left already)!

THE START:

Sennen Churchtown Hall, about 1-mile from Land's End will now act as the event HQ. You can register, collect your brevet card and leave your drop bags anytime between 7.00 pm - 11:00 pm on Saturday night (25 July 2020). There'll also be a free all-you-can-eat-buffet laid on (we won't let you leave hungry)!! If you can't make the Saturday night you'll still be able to register before the start on Sunday morning.

The exact start will still be Land's End at 08.00 am prompt on Sunday 26 July 2020.

WEBSITE:

There's now a new website for the event giving more information at:

https://lejog1400audax.com/

You'll notice that "Event Route" on the new website remains pretty much blank. That's because we're still scanning maps etc so they'll probably appear within the next few days. I've also added a FAQ section in response to lots of questions by email (not exactly Shakespeare but it'll do)! This isn't complete yet either and will be updated within the next few days. The existing website will disappear soon and redirect to the new site.

MEMORABILIA:

Successful riders will receive a finishers medal and commemorative water-bottle at the finish at John o' Groats.

The commemorative event jersey will likely be ready for purchase sometime around December.

Due to the higher than expected entries and general level of interest entries have been increased to 120.

Finally, good luck to all those off to Paris - maybe see you there!


Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG

Re: LEJOG: 26 - 31 JULY 2020
« Reply #11 on: 10 August, 2019, 06:22:27 pm »
You say:
"Considering there's no overnight control between Abington and Inverness riders will likely have a choice of route between Abington & Inverness; either heading west over the Erskine Bridge before a run up the A82 via Fort William to Inverness or continuing north, past Edinburgh and crossing over the Forth Bridge before following the A9 through the Highlands to merge with the (western) route near Inverness."

But the audax uk event page says controls at:
"Paisley (Renfrewshire), Crianlarich (Perthshire), Fort William (Highland)"

which is correct? I assume one couldn't go via a Paisely control and then choose a route via Edinburgh

FifeingEejit

  • Not Small
Re: LEJOG: 26 - 31 JULY 2020
« Reply #12 on: 11 August, 2019, 12:41:04 am »
Further to my previous comments about the crap bit of the NCN7/A9 route between Blair Atholl and Dalwhinnie... It's being resurfaced right now  :thumbsup:
The Moulin was slightly busier than normal last weekend but that may have been because it was a nice day rather than Angus'ers dodging the Luncarty to Birnam roadworks;
I'm up that way regularly and watching the works progress, so will try to remember to share.


Re: LEJOG: 26 - 31 JULY 2020
« Reply #13 on: 12 August, 2019, 08:10:45 am »
I was sent a link to this - sounds like a brilliant event, and I am sure it will be both popular and successful  :thumbsup: Very best of luck!

I'll be watching with interest for when I start my audaxing adventures...

vorsprung

  • Opposites Attract
    • Audaxing
Re: LEJOG: 26 - 31 JULY 2020
« Reply #14 on: 12 August, 2019, 09:40:52 am »
I don't think ending up exhausted at John O'Groats with no hotel/hostel/tent finish control sounds like fun

Even getting to the start is a PitA, accommodation in Cornwall is expensive and travel links are crap





FifeingEejit

  • Not Small
Re: LEJOG: 26 - 31 JULY 2020
« Reply #15 on: 12 August, 2019, 12:47:20 pm »
I don't think ending up exhausted at John O'Groats with no hotel/hostel/tent finish control sounds like fun

Even getting to the start is a PitA, accommodation in Cornwall is expensive and travel links are crap

Eh?
Penzance has a sleeper service and 8 direct day trains every day from Paddington.

JoG has at least 2 hostels in the area (The ones I know of are Sandras in Thurso and another one at JoG though can't remember which hotel it's run by), if you drop bag a tent then there's wild camping options in the vicinity and a campsite in Wick.
The village hall is a bit on the basic side, but if the air beds are there then you just need to drop bag a quilt.

There's IIRC 3 trains a day from Thurso/Wick (same train...)...
It's a bit optimistic to expect the 153s with bike spaces to be attached by then though as they're failing miserably to get the one that is ready on the Oban trains.
and also various private services to get bikes back to Inverness that a group of riders could arrange to utilize.

Re: LEJOG: 26 - 31 JULY 2020
« Reply #16 on: 12 August, 2019, 05:24:08 pm »
Rates at Land's End Hotel are surprisingly reasonable.
Penzance has plenty. Only 10 miles away.

Andy Corless

  • Doesn't take the p***, says it as it is!
Re: LEJOG: 26 - 31 JULY 2020
« Reply #17 on: 14 August, 2019, 11:43:17 am »
"But the audax uk event page says controls at:
"Paisley (Renfrewshire), Crianlarich (Perthshire), Fort William (Highland)"

which is correct? I assume one couldn't go via a Paisely control and then choose a route via Edinburgh
"

Riders on the 'other' route between Abington & Inverness will not have to pass through Paisley, but will likely go via Carnwrath; Queensferry; Kelty; and Perth before connecting to the A9 to Inverness. More details will be available in December when the exact distance is finalised.

"Further to my previous comments about the crap bit of the NCN7/A9 route between Blair Atholl and Dalwhinnie... It's being resurfaced right now  :thumbsup:
The Moulin was slightly busier than normal last weekend but that may have been because it was a nice day rather than Angus'ers dodging the Luncarty to Birnam roadworks;
I'm up that way regularly and watching the works progress, so will try to remember to share."


Thanks for that. I'd appreciate any feedback regarding route options from local riders.

"I don't think ending up exhausted at John O'Groats with no hotel/hostel/tent finish control sounds like fun

Even getting to the start is a PitA, accommodation in Cornwall is expensive and travel links are crap"


We'll be using a nearby village hall as the finish control.

"Rates at Land's End Hotel are surprisingly reasonable.
Penzance has plenty. Only 10 miles away.


I suspect most riders will either stay in a hotel in Penzance (about 10-miles away) or camp in any of the nearby campsites. There's plenty of them."

I've been surprised at the level of interest so early on. Over half the places already take.

Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG AUDAX



FifeingEejit

  • Not Small
Re: LEJOG: 26 - 31 JULY 2020
« Reply #18 on: 03 September, 2019, 08:41:34 pm »
A bit of A9 works that had passed my attention; the North Berriedale Brae is being rebuilt and a bit of an archelogical snag has been found!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-49495139

Transport Scotland give the period of traffic management as being to March 2020, expect it to be later now.
Will slightly lengthen the route, the new corner won't be as severe, but the initial ramp and climb past the kirk remain the same.

markldn

  • Next ride: TCRno10 '24
Re: LEJOG: 26 - 31 JULY 2020
« Reply #19 on: 10 September, 2019, 03:45:33 pm »
Paid.

FifeingEejit

  • Not Small
Re: LEJOG: 26 - 31 JULY 2020
« Reply #20 on: 14 September, 2019, 09:21:45 pm »
East-Central Route news:
The section of the NCN7 at Drummochter that was churned up by ATV use has now been repaired "Should last until the dual carriageway buries it"
It's also looking most likely that only the Luncarty to Birnham section will be under construction next summer; so the local roads cutting through to Dunkeld and Ballinluig are likely to be busier than normal, thats the Sma Glen and Meikleour routes.

Facebook link:
https://www.facebook.com/perthandkinrosscyclecampaign/photos/a.439477036201711/1371098919706180/?type=3&theater


The Solo Socialist

  • Age Is Just A Number Just Wish By Body Agreed
  • Age but a number,which grows ever larger.
Re: LEJOG: 26 - 31 JULY 2020
« Reply #21 on: 15 September, 2019, 07:32:41 pm »
Seriously interested, just need to save up. Maybe buy a new bike (gears) and convince my other half it'll be good fun.
Boots an Spurs

Redlight

  • Enjoying life in the slow lane
Re: LEJOG: 26 - 31 JULY 2020
« Reply #22 on: 28 September, 2019, 01:04:18 pm »
If anyone's looking for a hotel near the start, I've just cancelled a room at the Saddle and Stable in Sennen.  I was going to enter this but I'm heading off on a tour a couple of weeks afterwards and I don't want to risk damaging my hands on the roads up in the borders.
Why should anybody steal a watch when they can steal a bicycle?

Andy Corless

  • Doesn't take the p***, says it as it is!
Re: LEJOG: 26 - 31 JULY 2020
« Reply #23 on: 23 October, 2019, 12:00:09 pm »
Morning all,

It's been a while now since my last contact so I thought I'd give you all a quick update.

I'm pleased to say that the event has been accepted by the Randonneurs Mondiaux for an LRM event and now appears in their calendar which has now been published (See attached link below). 
This means the event must use a mandatory route,so there'll now just be one route between Abington and Inverness and that's the western direction via Paisley.
 
The event has proved to be much more popular than expected and we're comfortably going to reach the limit of 120 riders. There are places left and entries are still being accepted.

I've been asked if the event will run again in the future. The answer is very probably but not in 2021.

I've beefed the event website up a bit and will be adding some clearer route maps soon.

2020 RM Calendar:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vSNb7P-COVwvC33mCeCUWvAYwFkAk7aOZdHk9rbg4Kyar_lRx2epDSQ8FwW6VKlXiNiHPCqts0VnyRs/pubhtml?gid=1480200001&single=true

Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG AUDAX 2020

Re: LEJOG: 26 - 31 JULY 2020
« Reply #24 on: 23 October, 2019, 02:02:44 pm »
Am doing LEJOG at a slightly slower pace when this event is on next year (big family outing thing), so will expect to see everyone steaming past at some point through England until my route diverges NW from Gretna and up the west cost/Gt Glen/Altnaharra/JoG.

Enjoy!