Cycling London to Bath along the canals - setting a new personal distance record!

[@WeekesWheels]

Thanks for all the suggestions on cycling shorts. I do own a good amount of endura stuff but I find that their liners actually make things worse for me after about 40k so stopped using them. I'll see about getting some decent cycling shorts and cream and see how it goes 😅

[@A-to7hs]

Best cream for cycling that doesn't break the bank is the stuff for babies with nappyrash - Sudocrem. Definitely worth trying.

[@hwood9783]

Another vote for Sudocrem.

[@Ben_Eagle]

Bib shorts and chamois cream are vital for a long ride like this!

[@jessitee84]

Well done! I recently done a charity bike ride from London to Bristol (had to end in Chippenham bc of an accident) and that was my furthest distance by far, think my previous furthest was 45 miles and done 103 miles that day. Agree with the cycling out of London part, we left at 4:30am and it was unreal cycling down empty roads past Big Ben and Parliament! :)

[@RXP91]

I had the same issue, got a real itchy candida thing there cause of some long rides I did. Eventually padded lyrca shorts solved it along with vaseline. I found endura shorts fantastic but I actually found decathlon's endurance shorts even better and half the price. Thanks for the komoot link!

[@jules52mtb26]

I'd recommend Endura Hummvee shorts. They have a detachable liner so you can have multiple padded liners and 1 pair of shorts. Having also riden this route, but in the reverse direction, I'd say avoid bib shorts. I did it over 2 days and had a rucksack. I found that the rucksack and castelli bibshort shoulder straps really cause discomfort/sores on my shoulders. So the lesson I learnt was to use cycling shorts. I have several sets of the Endura Humvee and they are great. 👍

[@richo7751]

Agree with shorts with straps, padded bib shorts. Also use chamois cream, you can even take a small tube with you to reapply when needed. Personally use Muck Off Chamois Deluxe

[@slowspoke6257]

Inspirational stuff, thanks Darren.

[@Sean-vz7zw]

No boxers just descent padded cycling shorts 👍 great video

[@darrenhitchcox6345]

Such an epic ride on a MTB, well done. My epic this year will be the Devon Coast to Coast, Ilfracombe to Plymouth. This is 102 miles over Dartmoor, following 3 old rail paths. I will also second cycling shorts, but don't go for the cheap ones as they will not help.

[@WeekesWheels]

@@darrenhitchcox6345 those rail trails look really cool. Want to see them myself at some point. Enjoy the trip!

[@adriansmith5446]

Bib shorts(almost any brand/model will be better than boxers) and chamois creme. Tune into any of the audax channels. Those are the folks who know the long-distance tricks of the trade. Well done on the ride and all the best for your future endeavours.

[@ZanderJam]

That's some incredible effort my guy! I would only really consider this with a road bike, but damn

[@drpoosdaddy2664]

Stumbled across you channel yesterday, great stuff! Having recently got back in to my MTB I've been steadily pushing my distance and losing some weight along the way. Currently 70km is my best distance, from 20km at the beginning of the year which is a good improvement. Looking to push on a bit further in the back half of the year and will certainly be looking at the rest of your videos and making some plans. Presuming you get the train back? Look forward to your next adventure.

[@WeekesWheels]

Yep train home! I link the routes in most of my videos, if you can't find one leave a comment and I'll dig it out for you

[@ryancull515]

Wow mate. Longest I've ever done is the number 5 national cycle network from Anglesey to Chester. Took 2 days with camping.

[@AdamRussellCycling]

That's a big day in the saddle! Great video dude, well done on the new record!

[@WeekesWheels]

@@AdamRussellCycling thanks Adam hope you are doing well!

[@lurker-mq4fp]

As a fellow hardtail roamer, I salute the distance with those tyres. Who needs a gravel bike? Were the forks on lock-out the whole journey??

[@WeekesWheels]

This fork doesn't have a lockout, but I do run it a bit stiffer than usual

[@vincentcausey8498]

Epic ride. I feel inspired to try for 50km.

[@Mrtallguy76]

What a cracking adventure. Spent a fair while around the Bath to Devizes when I was growing up, and now have the Gloucester to Sharpness canal on the doorstep although that’s not quite the same distance 😂

[@fittonbikes]

Long ride! Looks like fun! Great vid.

[@warrendrew3610]

Great ride and good watch, these boxers are good and rapha do the under shorts too although a bit more expensive

[@JakeMay]

Great stuff mate - keep up the vids!

[@samcaws7920]

Great ride and vid man! The longest I’ve schlepped my Sherpa - according to Strava - was 75km and that was brutal. I then invested in a gravel bike for this type of ride and do not regret! Also I’ll add my vote to the clamour for chamois! Get some cycle shorts mate 😅

[@WeekesWheels]

@@samcaws7920 I do want to get a gravel bike at some point for stuff like this. Been looking at sonder camino 👀

[@graememorrison333]

A decent, worn in, leather saddle. (Brooks Swift, or Gilles Berthoud Soulor/Aravis perhaps, depending on how much you're leaning over on the bars)

[@woodysmuddy]

I've an ambition to cycle from Coventry to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct using the canal networks. This is making me think I should just do it.

[@WeekesWheels]

go for it. Canals are super chill and usually have plenty of places to stop for food, drink etc along the way.

[@paulwatson-work3544]

Nice video. I would love to know your route!

[@WeekesWheels]

Hi and thanks! The route is linked in one my comments above

[@adrianbuza4217]

Nice! Looks like an enjoyable ride. Can you share the route, please

[@WeekesWheels]

www.komoot.com/tour/1683686071?ref=aso&share_token=aq293tzxKWUfsztN8FQGuj9vSTriwiAzgKjc6a8bkGHNaUSYPp

[@carlo_pisanu]

Nice video mate. How can I find you on Komoot? Cheers

[@WeekesWheels]

@@carlo_pisanu yo. In my KZbin channel page there is a link to my komoot

[@infocuslearning]

What’s the name of the park at 1:22 ?

[@stevenmanns248]

You need to buy a couple of pairs of castelli cycling shorts (they're the best) and use chamois(shamy) cream. Halfords sells a really good one.

[@aaronharris5275]

Hello, this is a really interesting idea using the canals to navigate around on a bike. I'm not much of a cyclist but have bought an cube kathmandu ebike which will travel 100 miles on a charge or more. I tried using Google maps and bike map app. But didn't really got on with the routes chosen for me to commute 20 miles each way in London. What tech are you using there? My behind aches for two days after a 40 mile ride even with padded shorts!

[@WeekesWheels]

I am using Komoot for all my route planning. It's the best planner I've used so far and has a great database of routes and cycleways etc. As for the aches, if it's your back then you could be stretched out too much on the bike and leaning forward. Try messing with your stem length and handlebar height to get a more upright position. Also, saddle height! I am no expert but these have been the two big ones for me.

[@fraserthomson5766]

Thudbuster seatpost. Thank me later.

[@markdesborough6830]

Ideally a good set of proper padded cycling shorts [i use endura ones]with straps,they fit better than just short ones for some reason but will be so much better than boxers.these will help immensely,& something that took me years to discover assos chamois cream.

[@jazzleman]

brilliant effort, pal!

[@johnholden1581]

Wow, well done Darren, looks to be a great route. Regret I cant do anything like the distances that you are doing and like you I wear pants under my clammy but everyone says “good bib shorts, no pants and plenty of chammy cream”?

[@AJP-kf7wq]

great effort, canals aren't as easy as people think, they are more physical due to the rough terrain. DHB were good but not sure on their quality nowadays. best bibs i have are from a branc called Fusion. not cheap but great fit and comfort for me. Sudocrem for chaffing

[@WeekesWheels]

Kennet and Avon canal was certainly a mixed bag surface wise. A lot of very nice flat gravel but also some really chunky unkept areas, overgrown and gnarly!

[@A-to7hs]

Awesome ride. What GPs unit were you using for navigation?

[@WeekesWheels]

Hi. I'm using the Garmin 1040 Solar

[@EoghanCollins]

Haven't finished watching yet. I know the route well having done Bath to Reading a couple of times. Next time you pass through Reading, let me know, I can show you a few trails along the Loddon and Pang rivers for some variation.

[@brygry]

Get something with a chamois. Even many MTB shorts or underwear have a chamois these days, and they make such a difference.

[@RotundaAmusements]

Great trip! Did you plan the route much or use a pre planned route?

[@WeekesWheels]

@@RotundaAmusements I planned the route using Komoot

[@_Shadbolt_]

Such a lovely video. I've never gone this far on an outing, I must try it. Did you take the train home?

[@WeekesWheels]

@@_Shadbolt_ yep. One benefit of living in London is that all the trains go there 😂

[@JC21x]

I cycle that route, Caen Hill, a lot. As you where saying "there are multipule locks coming soon" I was sat here like "Yeah, literally now" 😂 Great ride tho Darren. I had an asthma attack just thinking about riding that far! 😂 Also not sure if you are aware there are about 8 white horses in this area, Wiltshire. Might make a nice video of you cycling to them all if you are ever down this way again.

[@WeekesWheels]

I didn't realise there were that many. Good idea for a ride though...

[@Mnovius0]

Great video! Love an early morning cycle before the world wakes up! How did you get back home? 😮

[@WeekesWheels]

Got the train back :)

[@Mrtallguy76]

And I’m guessing the white horse was at Alton Barnes 🤔

[@WeekesWheels]

Correct!

[@jonny7491]

That giant spanner has just left No 10 for good, so you should be good.

[@TheUrbanOutsider]

Dont wear boxers, just wear lycra cycling shorts with the inbuilt padding, vast improvement.

[@WeekesWheels]

www.komoot.com/tour/1683686071?ref=aso&share_token=aq293tzxKWUfsztN8FQGuj9vSTriwiAzgKjc6a8bkGHNaUSYPp route on komoot

[@jonlenton2261]

Impressive ride but...boxer shorts?!? Are you mad! 😊. For God's sake man get some padded shorts...Endura Humvee's are great. Detachable liners and great as just light weight shorts with decent pockets and vents. I have 3 pairs, never spent more than £30 getting them. Best cycling investment I've made.

[@greenbeetle1]

That's a fantastic effort. Please get some bib shorts though. Any bibshorts, ideally between £50 and £100 quid. Think of them as underwear and wear some normal shorts over the top if you don't fancy looking like a roadie in public.

[@pootlingalong8928]

Bum: It’s not your clothing, it’s your saddle. Try a Brooks B67 or any similar saddle with springs. Never suffer again 👍🏻

[@_Shadbolt_]

Lol at 8:37 it looks like you calmly fall off

[@nigelshort8669]

Hi, well done mate. Why are you riding that distance in underwear, ditch that and invest in decent cycling shorts. Not just for comfort but also hygiene in keeping sweet away from skin.

[@WeekesWheels]

If you have a recommendation I'd appreciate it!

[@nigelshort8669]

@@WeekesWheels if you're London based should have plenty decent bikes shops around that can help or if prefer online I'm using Endura FS 260 pro bib version. Personally I prefer bib shorts keeps them from slipping.

[@smoore5540]

Nice ride mate well done. Shorts? Aye defo padded shorts for distance. Some people don't use them but try them and see, no need to spend £100 -£200. I've had castelli, assos, endura etc, been riding van rysel racer 2 and recently bought a few of the new racer 3, cracking shorts and at £60, absolute bargain. 👍🚴‍♀️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@fredcsmith000]

I’ve got Altria and Endurance padded shorts the padding is too soft and not supportive, I have a Brooks B17 you don’t need any padding fantastically comfortable even now after 18 years and thousands of miles. I have it on Norco hard tail. Well done for the ride.

[@fredcsmith000]

@@WeekesWheelsbuy a Brooks leather saddle you won’t need padded shorts.

[@CAK-m8q]

Never wear underwear on a long cycle. Invest in some decent cycling shorts and it’ll solve all your undercarriage issues. Well more or less. A long cycle is always going to be a long cycle but should help with the chaffing.

[@jameschandler4639]

Awesome effort, just ditch the boxers, you're creating friction problems that bibs and chamois cream alone don't give you.

[@adamk99]

Mate cycling shorts are the way forward ditch the undies!

[@WeekesWheels]

Do you have a recommendation? I am very new to this long distance stuff. Are we talking lycra here? I've managed to avoid it so far :D

[@adamk99]

To be honest yes not the padding will make a difference with the sore rear and as well. You can get mountain bike shorts with the padded Lycra under underneath with a think loose over short very comfy and practical.

[@23Gears]

​@WeekesWheels no point avoiding lycra bike shorts. The whole point of them is that they are close to the skin so they don't get wrinkled or bunched up and they wick away sweat. I tend to buy cheaper non-brand ones (based in Sweden so I can't recommend anything specific). One can use them.under longer shorts as well.

[@timoakley277]

Don't do it. Short distances, fine but over long distances its really tedious and really hard work. Be warned!