Hi,

this isn't really a cycle touring question (as the trip will only be one day), I just thought I'd take the opportunity to ask the question of experienced long distance cyclists.

I'm hoping to do a 'sponsored cycle' in late september. It's not an organised mass event, just me on my lonesome. I was going to raise money for a charity by doing the Edinburgh marathon this year, but my dodgy hip and knee proved to be a bit too dodgy to complete the training.

So, I've decided to do a section of the Sustrans 'Route 7' that goes through the Highlands and I'm trying to decide how far would constitute a reasonable challenge. I was thinking either do 100 miles or 200km (124 miles).

I will doing it on my mountain bike (fitted with slicks and drop handlebars). It will be on roads and high quality cycle paths. I am currently what I would call 'averagely fit'. i.e. after injuring myself training for the marathon I have lost a lot of fitness, but can still fit into my 32" waist jeans (but not for long if I don't start exercising soon!). My intention is to 'cross train'. 1 40 minute run, 1 half hour swim and two cycles a week, for the next two months. One short cycle (half an hour or so) and one longer at the weekend (building up distance as I go). I am 36.

It's a long time since I did much more than cycle round my local mountain bike park at Glentress, so I'd be interested in what people think. I'd like to do the 200km as it sounds good! but will satisfy myself with 100 miles if necessary. How would cycling 200km compare with running a marathon, for instance, in terms of how physically exhausting and difficult it would be.

Thanks,

Matt

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