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Planning to ride LEJOG rout first week in May over 5-6days. Having ridden from Wiltshire to North Wales last year in one hit, I was glad of the south westerly breeze which accompanied me most of the route. I've now read conflicting reports that most of the winds tend to be North Easterly during the late spring summer, which kind of goes against my experience. Any first-hand experience on winds and weather in May?
I'm planning on doing the same in May too, although I looked at doing it in 5 days and then changed my mind and will aim for 7. The reason being my mate did it (or attempted it) and said that 5 days was a massive undertaking - the first few days were fine (200 mile days) but then he got some severe knee problems. Also, he took the slightly shorter but much less scenic route ( I think < 900 miles) which meant it wasn't very enjoyable either.
My biggest worry would be midges...you [i]may[/i] be ok in May
May should be fine for midges, they tend to come out a bit later don't they? Early May should be no probs.
5-6 days is a big undertaking, it doesn't leave much time for sightseeing or much leeway in case of mechanicals/bad weather.
No idea on the wind. We did it in September (took 9 days) and some days had horrible headwinds and other days had screaming tailwinds.
I did it last year at the end of March over 10 days self supported covering roughly 1000 miles. We tried really hard to miss the dual carriageways and succeeded to the greater part.
Our shortest day was around 70 we did 2 or 3 days around 130. We had headwinds quite a lot and were really glad we were on a sort of relaxed schedule. 5 to 7 days is going for it a bit.
You should be fine with midges in May just keep moving (which is something you are going to have no choice over).
It is hard work, it is hilly and you don't know what is going to happen next. Remember to schedule so you are confident of finishing.
Oh - also it is one of the best things I have done on a bike and that includes Morocco and Moab.
And good luck.
And stay with friends / relatives because it is nice to do so and they have washing machines you can abuse.