Easier coming downhill from Scotland as you can roll/freewheel most of the way
I did LEJOG in 2012. We did it in ten days, a total of 976 miles.
When I did it, it was a charity event for Marie Curie Cancer Care - we had full support (so didn't need to carry anything on our bikes) with accommodation organised each night. Is this similar to your trip, or are you going fully laden?
It was one of the best things I have ever done - I had never ventured up north (except for football) before, and it was great to see what a beautiful country Britain is.
Everyone on our trip did it on a road bike, most on carbon frames. Mine was a Specialized Roubaix, which is designed with comfort on long days in the saddle in mind - and as many on here will know, I am quite evangelical about the Roubaix. Your Giant will probably be fine for 60 mile days, but you could make yourself so much more comfortable (and make it easier, relatively) if you have the budget for a good road bike. Britain is NOT flat anywhere on the route, so make sure that you have adequate gearing to cope with the hills.
A normal road bike saddle is the most comfortable, much more so than a Brooks to my mind. Much more important is your shorts - bibs with a very comfortable pad are a must.
It is a fantastic experience, and I envy you. Make sure you take it all in. There is no hurry - it was great to know that all we had to do was get to the next stopping point. None of the normal pressures of 'things I have to do' that I feel when cycling from home. Take loads of photos. Do lots of stretching. Drink huge amounts of water.
And enjoy the evenings - we had a few pints each night (having promised myself I wouldn't before I left). Good for carbohydrate intake!
I made some great friends back then that I still see, still keep in contact with. It was a truly 'together' experience.
Feel free to PM etc. if you need more in depth advice!
. As for the Roubaix, I might have to speak to my bank manager, the Giant definitely won’t cut it. Thanks again and will keep you posted/PM.
Many thanks for posting that and some serious food for thought there, we’re still in the early stages of planning and your post is very helpful, not to mention a serious reality check! (having done a 600 mile round trip yesterday driving my daughter to Manchester Uni it puts cycling it and much further into cold perspective!)
