MCT - Lhasa Kathmandu Cycling
Just transferred from July trip to this departure due to work commitments. Built my own website for this trip as I am also raising funds for the Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign. Im from south Oxfordshire.
Taking my titusracer X but unsure about what tyres? running 26x2.1 tubeless so maybe CrossMarks?
How about you?
Hi folks, at last, I'm not alone. Good to read you.
@Alison, although a keen cyclist, I'm afraid I'm going for the hire bike option, therefore, my choices are, erm accademic, read: nil, however reading the trip reports suggest a lot of the highway has now been paved thus, if I did have the choice, I'd rather be packing somehting like a "Schwalbe Marathon XR" touring tyre. They weigh a ton, but are bomb proof. I've never used tubeless, so can't really comment on specifics, however bring some tubes too, just in case! Reading you website it appears you're doing more training than me, I got to get on my bike! I'm feeling generous today, so I've just gifted you a tenner.
@Paul, I'm near Southampton, where abouts are you?
Time to go cycle home in the rain.
Cheers,
-Simon
-------exodusnine.club(at)neverbox.com--------
Hmmm! training has dropped off of late cos Im really busy at work - bin doing 6 days/week and the cycling has taken a real hit! Tks for your advice on tyres Simon. Did think of these but my local bike shop who are also sponsoring me - servicing bike for free etc., have told me to get maxxis crossmarks. Got them on now but too much of a wimp to try in the wet!! :-) reports say in mud and wet, they are lethal! yikes!
Have just signed up to do the Macmillan Dorset road ride 60 miles for July 3rd if anyone else interested? Be doing this on my Mtb cos its the only bike Ive got! but figure it will get some longer miles in on tarmac. Wonder how tough this ride will be? Altitude and all that? anyone going for Diamox?
Ali x
Ali, I was unsure whether to take my own bike, albeit a hybrid, so rang Exodus and spoke to Olly Townsend at Exodus. He was excellent and had done this trip only last year. Maybe worth a call. I chose the local hire option as well. Re Diamox, went to Nepal in 2009 and the back up team had all we needed if you got into trouble. I did not take anything as it is a completely random thing no matter how fit you are. Their acclimatisation plan for this trip seems fine. I was ok last time but could have a problem this. I'll just take it as it comes. Good on you for what you are doing, will be adding to your total. Did my own fundraising thing earlier this year for Alzheimers so this is just for pleasure.
Simon, Sadly, meeting up will not work. Was in Plymouth last week and Hastings in a few weeks time, I live in France. Re the training. Did a lot of cycling in Feb to April but have done nothing for 2 months. Will start in earnest in July and feel/hope that will set me up OK. Ali, We have to assume this will be very tough BUT if we are fit and with some luck re altitude we'll be fine.
As you have said, good to have the contact.
Paul
Hi all,
Now there's actually someone out there I'll be sure to check more often.
@Ali, oh well, crossmarks it is then. From the climate charts I've seen, hopefully Sept will be driver than July/Aug! I'm afraid I can't make the Macmillan ride, I'm at a wedding the day before, not only that I'm the best man, so probably can't escape to be on the start line at 9am. I did this one back in Feb around the same neck of the woods http://www.ctcchallengerides.co.uk/CTC_dorset_sportive.php - Dorset's hilly. Good training.
@Paul, never mind, I guess I'll meet you in Nepal. The closest I'll be getting to France will be Guernsey in August for a long weekend of cycling around ;)
I've decided to extend my commute in July/August, starting tonight, with a payload of 12 bottles of wine.
As regards Altitude, I've no prior experience with anything like this, the highest I've attained was probably 3500m on a ski trip, I was just going to suck it and see, until 5 minutes ago I'd never heard of Diamox, I may invest in some before the trip... I see it is ready available on-line from https://www.doctorfox.co.uk
-Simon
-------exodusnine.club(at)neverbox.com--------
Hi, I am booked on this trip and realised that it is now less than 12 weeks away. Really need to get some training in! I went to Jordan cycling in April however think the trip to Tibet will make that trip seem like a lazy Sunday afternoon bike ride. Also have treked up Mt Toubkal in Morocco which was 4,100m and did not have too much trouble with the altitude. It seems random as who will be effected, although I was told that women are less effected than men, no idea why!!!
I am also hiring a bike out there, the bikes we had in Jordan were okay and the team that supported us were really good. You can take your own saddle, pedals etc and they will fit them for you.
I live in Farnborough, Hampshire which is about half way between Simon in Southampton and Ali in Oxfordshire. It would be really good if we could meet one weekend perhaps the new forest for a bit of off roading and on road cycling.
I am now going to start cycling part of the way home from work (which is in the centre of London) just to get some miles on the clock.
Beverley
Hi Beverley,
Good to read you, I'll be taking my own saddle/pedals, this I've done before in Morocco/Vietnam/Mongolia and gives you some comfort (Although I think in one or two places I didn't bother with my saddle) this time I'm considering tyres for the long road days (I beleive there is a 150Km day).
My calendar's looking pretty busy leading right the way up to Sept, but I'm sure we can slot something in, the new forest works for me ;) also quite a few of my MTB riding mates live up near Fleet/Farnborough and ride regularly around there, occasionally I make the trip up, we could tag on an evening ride there... or organise something to suit us all around there, there are lots of off road tracks in your neck of the woods.
-Simon
-------exodusnine.club(at)neverbox.com--------
Hi both,
Nice to chat Beverley... Im up for whatever, whenever :-) as long as its not too technical cos dont want to risk injury prior to the trip !
Ali x
Hi both,
Nice to chat Beverley... Im up for whatever, whenever :-) as long as its not too technical cos dont want to risk injury prior to the trip !
Ali x
Hi both,
Nice to chat Beverley... Im up for whatever, whenever :-) as long as its not too technical cos dont want to risk injury prior to the trip !
Ali x
hi simon can u tell me more about the sort of cycling conditons out in mongolia as i am going there in september,also is it adviseable to take warm clothes can u get get access to beer on the trip as it would be nice to relax with a cold one after a hard days riding.
thanks steve
sorry all, I didnt post three times ! honest ! :-)
Hi Steve,
Mongolia - these were the conditions as per my trip (I dare say they can change!) on the whole, dry, what we would term country tracks, sometimes rutted, but on the whole very good dry tracks. Some ups and down ineviatbly, but long open flat sections too.
Regarding temperature, this is the thing I found very interesting, some nights it was below zero, which would mean 'fresh' mornings, but in the heat of the day it could tip high twenties, you could start off with long trousers, gloves, hat under helmet, dressed for a winter ride and then end up in shorts/t-shirts. Such a variation. When we were there Ulan Bator was hit with 2 days of snow storms, and we feared the same would hit us, but it didn't, just some strong winds so we shacked up in a "hotel" (loose description! no running water... :) for the night instead of a tent.
Re: beer, now this insight I could have done with knowing about before: the tour leader, a very capable and freindly man had catered for 1 beer/per person/per night. It was always welcome at the end of a long day's riding, but sometimes I would have welcomed one or two more It is a holiday after all! In UB the state department store has a good selection - stock up before you go, but do check with the tour leader as I suspect he mightent be happy if you try and load up 5 extra crates! What I would say, is, whilst not wanting to sound like a complete alcoholic, the vodka is very very good, I liked Chenggis Gold, and can be drunk neat without it ripping your insides to shreads. Cheap vodka is cheaper than beer at £2/£3 a bottle, but the better stuff like the one I've just listed is about £7/£8 a bottle - and well worth it, consider packing a couple of bottles, and sharing out as you go, the Mongolians out in the country love a tipple and its a great way to meet them.
Although it gets cold at night very fast, and sitting around in the tent soon gets to you - early nights are ineviatble!
You've also got an overnight train journey early on in the trip - well worth stocking up on beer/food for to get to know your fellow travellers.
Hope that helps.
-Simon
PS - without wanting to spoil your own trip, your may/may not wat to take a peak at my pictures which are publicly available http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.292318855523.322018.797625523&l=05488f140f
-------exodusnine.club(at)neverbox.com--------
@Ali,
I'm sure you didn't mean to post 3x times, but I note you've earned a gold star in your post activity now;)
@Ali/Bev: I happen to be free this coming Sunday if you fancied a ride sooner rather than later.
-Simon
-------exodusnine.club(at)neverbox.com--------
did a 12hr non stop spin as a practice for my forthcoming 24hr fundraising event mid July.
4310 cals - 297 kms = one f*cked IT Band !
Cant cycle now for another 3/4 weeks :-( just hope it fixes and I can regain fitness/strength in time !
Sunday sadly no.......
Ouchy ouchy ouch ouch. That's no fun. I think there's a danger of too much training for an event and erm, the consequences are, well, you've discovered.... I really hope it gets better in time!
Neh mind, I've busied myself for Sunday now, its set to be a glorious 25degC day, I'll ride 45miles to Fleet to visit a mate and get a lift back.
Put your feet up!
-Simon
-------exodusnine.club(at)neverbox.com--------
They're up ! :-) iced and diclofenaced !
Have a great day! gosh cant do the Macmillan Dorset ride now either! complete bummer!
Thanks to a certain member of this group who shall remain nameless! :-) joking !
I used a piece of gym equipment in order to try and retain a little fitness whilst not being able to cycle. Result = blonde moment and a chipped elbow !!
Comes in three's ? Noooooooooooo! so dont need anything else !
So, Im praying that both injuries fix in time but figure that you guys are probably gonna have to tow me up them there hills! :-)
Just keep wearing your helmet, even when you go about day to day things, then you can be sure it won't be your head. Actually ignore my advice, that'll probably lead to more trouble.
-Simon
-------exodusnine.club(at)neverbox.com--------Ha ha! I see you got a gold star too now! :)
No Helmet but just got my leg Kinesio taped by Matt Plested, Paralympic Gold Medal winner cyling. Cool work of art too :) pic on my website! First time today that my leg doesnt hurt which is amazing since its only been on since last night!
Matt is going to supply me with pre cut tapes ready for the trip too! Can see this is going to be amusing remembering which tape goes where!!
Helmet on full time just in case!
Sorry to hear about your injuries Ali however you seem to be bearing up well. I started reading up on Tibet to educated myself about country, lifestyle and what to expect. It was a little scary reading at times but it had an effect of concertrating my training efforts which has lead to a little too much training and with work being really busy meant that this morning I nearly collapsed on the train.
I am now in the camp of too much prep work may lead to complete exhaustion before the holiday and impact on the holiday!!! Anyway Ali I hope you are well on the mend.
It would be good if we could meet before the holiday but I do not have much free time over the next few weeks as I have booked a week sailing at beginning of August as a relaxation / de stress before the trip. At present my only plans for the bank holiday in August is ensuring that I have everything for the holiday. Even if we do not cycle it may be good to meet for a drink / meal in a pub somewhere.
Enjoy the weekend.
Hi Bev, do do what I did and overtain cos that is what caused my injury! I havent been able to cycle for nearly 4 weeks and Im losing fitness big time! really worried about capability of this trip now?
Im working days/week virtually up until we go.. got a government deadline to meet! doubt if I can get to see you before we go...
Are you on FB? Steve and I take the proverbial now and again...
What about you Paul? are you on FB?
Wonder who else is coming with us?
Have a great weekend all...
Hey Bev, don't go crazy! I'm not, I think a general good fitness level will do, superman(or woman!) fitness not required! That's it now every weekend between now and 3rd Sept booked up, so looks like the first meal we might share together will be curtosy of Heathrow airport. Hey ho.
Take it easy and don't damage youselves.
-Simon
-------exodusnine.club(at)neverbox.com--------
Its a full house! 16 of us! ranging from under thirties to seventy.. 10 boys and 6 girls...
Sounds like it could be a great group :-)
Its a full house! 16 of us! ranging from under thirties to seventy.. 10 boys and 6 girls...
Sounds like it could be a great group :-)
For those of us who don't like cycling with a bacpac, like me, Ollie has told me we can take a pannier and rack as all bikes they hire will take these. The baggage limit to Lhasa is 30kg including our bikes and 8kg hand baggage, anything more we pay extra. Paclite!!! A bientot, Paul
Hi All,
I just got an answer yesterday from Joanna/Exodus re costs and thresholds.
Longhaul with Jet Airways max is 32 kgs and 7 kgs hand luggage - £10/kg excess
Internal is 20 kgs and 5 kgs hand luggage US$13/kg excess
Im wearing my bike gear in the evenings too then and my pockets will be stuffed with Spd'S, tools, and anything I can cram in for the flights!
ha :)
Hi Paul, the trip notes read, on page 7
"The flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa is subject to a weight limit of 20kg (plus 5kg hand luggage)."
30Kg sounds like luxury.
I'll be taking a varierty of cycling tops - wear it clean in the evening, and erm, dirty it up the next day....
If Jet Airways let you have 32Kgs, you'll be fine Ali, your bike can only weigh about 10Kgs right? So 20Kgs should be enough for clothes!
-Simon
-------exodusnine.club(at)neverbox.com--------
Simon, I only quoted word for word what Ollie Townsend, Exodus Ops Manager told me recently. Remember my figs include the bike. He was quoting from his own experience of a year ago. Guess we'll just have to wait and find out. Hope the training is going well. Bit worreid about you carrying that bottle of ketchup on your training rides but only 4 chips to go with it! Best wishes, Paul
bike weighs 28lbs, bike clothes weigh about 30lbs, bike bag weighs 22lbs, then there is my clothes, bike shoes, spares, fuel bars, drink stuff - min 40 kgs!!
I am going to write to Jet Airways and tell them about my fund raising efforts for cancer and see if they will cut me some slack on the rate? I cant afford to insure my bike (circa £400) so I have to protect with a semi hard case so I pay the penalty on weight! cant win!
Cant now opt for hiring a bike cos of my injury. My bike now bio mechanicalled for me to assist in non recurrance of injury and, dont you dare laugh cos i'll be riding permanently with the TAPE. I cant risk it without haha! no choice on colour - its gonna be Pink, Blue and Black! Art Deco or wot!
All,
What are you guys taking by way of a warm coat? the exodus site says a 'down' type coat? I was just thinking of layering up and using my Endura cycling jacket? any thoughts?
and, do we need walking boots/sturdy shoes for the Everest section that we cant cycle?
and.... if anyone needs any Diamox, my GP seems to have calculated that for my body weight I need 112 x 250mg tablets for the duration !!!!!!! WHO advise 5mg/kilo bodyweight/day so that puts me around 42 stones !!! Hey, yes Im overweight but this heavy? :-)
Hi Paul, thanks for the info, I guess if we've got enough dollars to cover the extra weight it'll all be fine in the wash. Until about 3 weeks ago I was seriously thinking of taking a bike, now I've decided against it good and proper (Even though mine would be 4-5kg less than a hire bike...)
I also have a rather fetching fishing waistcoat from a local charity shop, which can probably carry, erm I don't know - a lot - like 10kg according to http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1292933/How-help-17-pocket-jacket-I-beat-Ryanair-game.html its looks a bit silly and since my home dying excercise went wrong its kind of purple, but it might just save me $200!
Ali, I dare say you could try and talk Jet Airways into some kind of discount, write them/call them, get on their case, good luck!
I'll be taking 1xCycling Shoes, 1xOther shoes and that will be that I think...I'll be taking 3xCycling Jackets: 1xWinter, 1xGeneral Waterproof and 1xLight weight windproof... this was fine for mongolia where it was -5C over night and +30C in the day.I'll be taking several cycling tops, long and short sleeved and the same with shorts/leggings....
As for the Diamox, not bothering, as Paul has previously itterated, the team should have everything we need and the best way to avoid is acclimatision, which is why we're spening two days in Lhasa... finger's x'ed....
As for your kinesio tape Ali, I'm sure its very fetching! Remember when we land, its not a race! [although clearly I'll be the fastest downhill, I carry more weight]
Bye for now, off on Holiday to Germany this week---
-Simon
-------exodusnine.club(at)neverbox.com--------
Hi there
I'm another of the riders and i live and work in London. I've done several long distance rides- Paris- Rome ( 20 years ago!) and more recently the exodus trips to Mexico and Vietneam. I've alwasy wanted to do this trip. I am also doing it to raise money for my late sister's charity BikeAbility. She died suddenly two years ago having established a charity for cycling for disabled kids in Swansea. The webpage to see more about the charity http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DianaLockwood and the opportunity to be philanthropic.
Looking forward to meeting all of you.
D
Hi Diana
Gosh, you sound a fit lady ? :-) I was 6 weeks ago but then I did my IT Band on some daft fundraising 12 hr non stop spin class! stopped me training for 5 weeks and I have only just got back into the saddle! Still, Im bringing some tow ropes with me to hook on to some unsuspecting male species haha!
I am very sorry to hear about your sister and what you are doing for the charity is lovely. No doubt you have already seen that I am also raising funds for charity as an outpatient of the Royal Marsden...
Anyway, Im excited, scared, brickin it! you name it, Im it! Paul, Simon and I are also friends on FB. If you are on too, message us.
Look forward to meeting you too,
Ali x
anyone else ? :-)
T-5 yikes!
Hi all, have been really busy lately as I decided whilst on a week's break in Turkey sailing along the coast that I needed a change in career!! Therefore handed my notice in and have spent the past 3 weeks clearing the decks so I could have this week off as a gentle wind down to our big trip!!!
I have to say that the week break sailing and deciding to just cycle to and from either Clapham Junction or Wimbledon to work has been really good.
I was wondering what time everyone was planning to get to Heathrow on Saturday evening? The flight is 8.40pm. I am planning to be there at 5.45pm depending on traffic (I know I am only about 40 minute drive away but the M25 can be unpredictable!)
I thought it would be really good to meet up and enjoy a drink before we board the plane.
Beverley
Good idea Beverley! take a note of my mobile number 07825 212882. I may be there a little earlier cos I will have my bike to sort out with Jet Airways Gen. Mngr ! everything xd!
Text me folks when you get there :)
Ali x
Ali,
No problems will text when I get there. Really excited now - only 2 days to go.
Checked the weather and it appears to be thundery and showery with temperatures in high 20's. I must say it has been like that for the past few weeks.
See you Saturday.
Beverley
