Following my disappointment of not being able to do the El and Back now, i'm looking for a cheaper alternative for a bit of adventure and stumbled across this.

Was thinking of doing it in the next few weeks. Driving to Reading and leaving the car at a mate's and then riding the route over 2 days with an overnight bivvy and pub stop (Barge Inn, Honeystreet?). Finish in either Bath (likely) or Bristol and then get the train back to Reading.

Should be a cheap and straightforward trip. Anyone done it? Any tips?
Found an article in Cycling Plus that describes the route and it seems pretty relaxing with little climbing.

I'll be doing it single speed (36 x 18). I'd bought a 20 sprocket for the El and Back but am wondering if it will be worth swapping it for this trip? What do more experienced single speeders reckon?

I have done bits of it on a barge and it is of course flat. 36:18 will be fairly spinny, wouldn't go for a 20 along the canal. Enjoy.

Blackhound wrote:I have done bits of it on a barge and it is of course flat. 36:18 will be fairly spinny, wouldn't go for a 20 along the canal. Enjoy.

Guess the gearing will be fine then. New to single speeding so wasn't sure.

Cheers!

Did it in a day last year on my London to Wales route.

It's very dull (may not have been dull for everybody as I later realised I had a massive hole in the back of my shorts)

Accidental hole eh Matt?

Looks like an easy route but I want to get some easy miles in and the transport links work and there are regular pubs.

There is a nice pub along the way, can't remember exactly where though.

Here's my photo's http://www.flickr.com/photos/fantasticm ... 331496608/

None from the towpath though.

Dan_K wrote: .... and there are regular pubs.

vaguely exciting logic 8-)

Fantasticmrmatt wrote:Here's my photo's http://www.flickr.com/photos/fantasticm ... 331496608/

None from the towpath though.

Nice pics especially the extended extended stop.