Had a fantastic practice ride today - Bournemouth to Lands End and back, a total of roughly 412 miles in just under 8 hours. I had an extended stop at Lands End to get some pics and to wait for the loos to open at 10.. Left Bournemouth at 5:15, receipt at Tesco's shows 5:20, filled up twice more on the way down, keeping the receipts and whilst not recording, noting the distance. There is some seriously beautiful roads in Dorset/Devon & Cornwall on this route. I have to say whilst the busa can eat up the motorway, i far more enjoyed the A & B roads, esp the end part at Penzance both coming into and out of Lands End (twisties/great view).
I set off from a good breakfast and had those weetbix liquid drinks en-route, those seemed to work really well in sustain energy and not feeling hungry. Have to say that I'm not going to bother with some items of erm, "underwear" tho, to make access some what easier
This was my first time using the sat-nav on roads I didn't know at all, and with it setup securely made the ride really good, have to say the Garmin Nuvo is an ace bit kit, although there is no damn linux/opensource equivalent software for it. The pannier bags were totally unnoticeable, i just made sure each time i stopped they was secure and the cover-bags were on properly, no issues at all. Roll-bag is due today, will great to try that out!
Anyhow, rambling a bit, still getting andrelin kicks
I would say that this ride really help me prep - I feel confident that sticking with speed-limits and getting the most out of re-fuleing/rest breaks I will be able to complete the 1000 miles in under 24 hours.
Missus was happy with a her new fridge magnet as well
Edit - now with all me camping gear packed in the bag, and i mean everything !
Anyone tell I'm just a bit excited...