sponsored ride, help with distance please

[LHep]

Hi im new to this forum but i thought i would see if anyone had any advice for me. i am planning a sponsored ride for september to raise money for the GREAT NORTH AIR AMBULANCE as i was picked up from them after a riding accident i thought i would try to do something for them and what better way than a ride.

I am going coast to coast which is maryport, cumbria to whitley bay it is roughly 110miles and i was hoping to complete the ride within 3-4 days which is roughly going to be 30 miles a day, my horses is fairly fit anyway and we always go for long rides so if i was to start getting her fit now do you think this is ok remembering I plan to complete the ride on the 1 horse even though i will fitten up my other horse in case anything was to happen to shy (god forbid). any advice would be much appreciated.

 

[touchstone]

The Long Riders Guild website might be worth a look to get some tips; 30 miles a day might not seem too much, but remember it is over pretty rough terrain and I think that it may be tough going to cover that distance, cyclists tend to do the coast to coast over 2 or 3 days. Well done for doing it though, wish you all the best!

 

[EstherYoung]

I've done quite a few long distance trails and the main piece of advice I'd give is don't over estimate the mileage per day. Most of the places I've stopped have said that's the main issue they have with guests, too, even experienced endurance riders. Just because it's possible to cover x mile a day in competition, at 15+kph, it doesn't mean you're going to manage the same off your own back, over unknown terrain, especially if there are hills or moorland involved.

I've made the mistake myself - factored a 25 mile a day section into our exploration of the pennine bridleway, figuring it should be do-able as we are endurance riders after all, but the terrain was so tough and there were so many gates we barely came out of walk and that section took us nine and a half hours.

Personally, if I'm planning a trip, I'll set myself a limit of 20 miles a day, with the odd day of just 10 miles. That way, you're setting yourself up for success, and if things go wrong or the weather turns on you, you've got time to sort yourself out and you're not racing the clock and the encroaching darkness. And you've got time to enjoy the experience, too. If you know them there hills like the back of your hand you'll be able to cover more ground, obviously.

Good luck