A Solo Adventure

The Preparation

A month away in Scotland from mid April gave me the chance to do a few longer road rides, and some off-road pedalling. When we returned I had 3 weeks to get ready for my solo tour. In those weeks I did some local shorter rides off-road as this is my weakest skill. I did a 65km canal path ride a few weeks out and 10 days prior I did a fully loaded test on my own, with the sole aim of breaking 100km. Most of that ride was on the canal from Marple to Congleton so it was perfect training for the Rebellion Way – bumpy and mostly off-road. I also had my first puncture to fix without any help…which I managed and got home safely. I’m glad I’d practised changing inners only a few days before!

I spent time planning what kit I was taking, and weighing items to make sure I wasn’t carrying excess weight. It’s amazing how 10-30g saved on several items adds up!

My biggest fears going into this challenge were that a) I’d have a mechanical issue I couldn’t deal with, and b) that 4 consecutive long riding days would be too much. I really had no idea how I’d cope physically. Plus, would I feel vulnerable being a solo female traveller? 

In the end I know I can’t let fear take over. I know I need to do hard things to grow, build confidence through action, and prove to myself that I can handle whatever comes my way.

By the week prior to the trip I was eager to get the pedalling started. Those final days waiting to get started seem to enlarge any concerns so lots of chatter in my mind was happening.

Day 1 – Tuesday 4th June 2024

Train from Chinley to Thetford (via Sheffield) 

Ride Thetford to Kings Lynn

86.7km with 509m ascent

Total time 6:09:13 (moving time 5:00:38)

The day started early with a lift from Tim over to Chinley for the 0615 train to Sheffield, changing to a train for Thetford. I arrived in Thetford around 11am with the bike and myself keen to get going. 

Over the day I travelled along some lovely roads and trails mixed in with shoulder high nettles on single track, mud and massive puddles. There were a few miles of mostly unrideable sandy tracks that required the emergency use of a garage’s hose pipe so I didn’t kill the drive chain! I vowed never to do a bike trip that involves sand again.

Around 3hrs into the ride I stopped for a milkshake, cake and sausage roll at the Tea Pot Cafe in Swaffam. I stashed the cake for later as it was starting to rain and I was only just over halfway so keen to keep the momentum going. 

Writing this afterwards I’m finding it hard to remember what came in what order. I remember a massive puddle where I had to push the bike along a raised verge of deep grass. The puddle was so big you could have lost a tank in it! Talking of tanks….somewhere along the way I passed the Tank Memorial to the 7th Armoured Division Desert Rats. It’s quite a sight popping up alongside one of the few busy main roads I had to cross in Thetford forest.

The forest was an interesting place to ride – utterly beautiful and peaceful, it was total isolation for what felt like miles. Not another human around and whilst a great place to be I found it quite eerie and put me on edge at times. I was willing the bike to not puncture! Thankfully it didn’t.

This was a definite Type 2 day with half of it in the rain and around a third off-road! The wildlife was a good distraction –  I saw numerous buzzards, several deer, many pheasants and heard 3 cuckoos.

I stayed the night in a Travelodge, taking time to prep the bike, clothes and food for an early start the next day. 

Day 2 – Wednesday 5th June 2024

Ride Kings Lynn to Sheringham

127.75km with 978m ascent

Total time 9:51:25 (moving time 6:54:28)

The route through Kings Lynn loops you down to the Great River Ouse, through the town and a park to pick up the Sandringham Railway Path. Setting off early, I had the place to myself – so calm and peaceful. I was surprised to see deer right in the centre of town, hardly noticing me pass them close by. Wonderful quiet lanes took me through the Sandringham estate, though high walls and manicured hedges hide any sign of the buildings.

After I’d been riding a couple of hours I got my first puncture of the day at Heacham. I’d just been up a ramp to look out to the sea as the road you have to cycle along runs parallel to the promenade but is hidden by a banking. As I wheeled my bike back down to the road the front tyre was flat. It took me about 40 minutes to fix as the valve core came out 3 times after I’d pumped up the tyre. It’s hard work pumping a tyre up with a small pump so doing it 3 times was not only frustrating but it was really tiring!!! I was also starting to get concerned that I might be doing something wrong – though pretty certain I wasn’t. In the end I used my other spare inner and got pedalling again.

Cycled through Holkham Hall and Park you go past the 25m high Obelisk and several magnificent buildings. There was a large herd of deer too and a welcome sight was the cycle hire centre. I borrowed their track pump to top up my front tyre.

The route stayed by the sea for a short while then turned back inland to take me through the maze of crop fields and high hedges. Back to the sea briefly and into Wells. I was ready to stop and pause at this point, deciding I’d ride a few more kilometres to Wells-next-the-Sea where there was a good choice of places to sit for a break.

Then, around 40km after my first puncture, I’m whizzing along the path into Wells-next-the-Sea when my front tyre goes flat again. My heart sinks. Did I really do something wrong? Am I just unlucky? Fixing this will use my only spare inner – I’ve still got the one with the faulty core valve but don’t have pliers to get that back in firmly enough to hold under pressure. 

I found a bike shop/repair place but there wasn’t anyone around for another hour. I didn’t want to wait that long. I was conscious that time was ticking by – this was going to be my longest ever ride and I started to feel anxious that if I couldn’t fix the puncture I’d have to wait.

No option but to get on with it. I swapped out the punctured inner to one I had to fix with a patch. The bike place had a track pump which I borrowed, getting good pressure in the wheel again. I’d had some drink and food as I fixed the bike so just got going again – it had taken me about 45 minutes to sort this out. I had all fingers crossed that punctures don’t come in 3’s!!

I had to resist strong urges to short-cut the route. I just kept making myself ignore the inner negative chatter and told myself if something else happens I’ll deal with it. There’s always that voice in your head isn’t there, trying to sabotage you.

An hour and a half later I felt calm and decided to stop at a cafe. I needed to top up my food levels and just rest for a while as there was still around 50km to ride. This is still a big distance to me. Whatever the level of my internal pressure to keep moving, I knew that I needed to eat well or I’d not be able to move!

On the road once more and passing more fields and hedges, more deserted roads and villages. A few more hours in the saddle and I chose to stop again. I wasn’t hungry, but approaching the distance of my longest ever ride (110km), I was again aware that I needed to be off the bike for a short while. I got a tub of ice-cream…this meant a stop of at least 10 minutes. It was delicious and most welcome. It really did revive me for the final 20km.

The rest of the ride was good. My hands and wrists were pretty tired but I was pleased to be feeling strong in my legs. With no significant hills to climb I knew I could keep doing, and so, after nearly 10 hours I rolled into Sheringham. Somewhat frustrating, but satisfying, I arrived too early to check into the YHA so went for a short ride down into town, and to the supermarket to get supplies for dinner.

That was a long day. A very rewarding day to have successfully ridden my longest ride, and that I’d sorted two punctures. I managed to stay calm and deal with those, and not get too panicky about the distance. Feeling pretty chuffed, and fairly weary, it was no surprise that I was in bed early.

Day 3 – Thursday 6th June 2024

Ride Sheringham to Norwich

79.5km with 516m ascent

Total time 6:40:25 (moving time 4:55:18)

Today was an early start in chilly winds. It was the first time I wished that I had thicker gloves. I think the wind was a defining feature of the whole ride – how is it a headwind all the time even when your route changes directions?! Plus I’d not needed the suncream so far (and wouldn’t use it at all).

Riding out of Sheringham there’s a gentle ease into the day for around 3km, and then I hit a brutal climb on a muddy forest single track…lots of pushing through deep mud. Thankfully the Type 2 fun didn’t go on too long. The bike was looking quite a bit dirty once again. The route then settled into the now familiar quiet lanes, high hedges, crop fields and tiny villages.

Passing through Aylesham I spotted a bakery that was open, even though it was super early. Second breakfast was a delicious pastry devoured while chatting to a local cyclist. I was then on my way to pick up the Bure Valley railway. This is a very narrow path lined with vicious nettles and brambles on one side and a wire fence on the other to stop you getting on the train tracks. It’s a great traffic free link between Aylsham and Hoveton & Wroxham.  I was too early for any of the steam trains to be running so it really was a peaceful hour or so riding.

I’d planned to stop at a cafe at the end of the railway but felt good enough to continue. In Ranworth the cafe is right on the Broads – such a relaxing place to have a brew and a snack while watching the boats on the water.

Only about 10km later there was another cafe I also really wanted to stop at. The Walled Garden cafe and community shop. The shop had a fabulous selection of everything you’d need on a bike tour and the cafe had indoor and outdoor seating. I sat for a while in the sunshine admiring the meticulous gardens. There was no rush – it was still before lunchtime and only an hour or so more riding to do.

The ride into Norwich was straight forward, mostly on road and quiet cycle tracks that took me over the River Wensum on the Jarrold Bridge.  I opted for an early check in at the Travelodge so I could shower, change and then go off to explore Norwich town centre.  I stumbled across a place doing 10, 20 or 30 minute deep tissue massage so I jumped at the chance to relieve my tired shoulders, arms and hands!! Best thing ever, followed by a soak in the bath with a lavender and epsom salts bath bomb!!

Norwich was a big contrast to the rest of the trip, it’s a bustling city – noticeably far more populated than anywhere else I’d been. It’s a good stop off on this route with 2 or 3 bike shops close to the centre if you need them.  Another early night for a tiring cyclist!

Day 4 – Friday 7th June 2024

Ride Norwich to Thetford

Train from Thetford to Chinley (via Sheffield)

Total time: 4:58:35 (moving time 4:20:05)

Final day riding and I was awake far too early but couldn’t settle back into sleep so thought I may as well start pedalling. The hush of the quiet streets of Norwich at 5am was lovely. It was just me and a deer wandering along as I crossed the River Yare. Trowse Newton is less than 2km from the centre of Norwich but you’re immediately transformed into a small village. About 500m further and I was away from buildings entirely. This transition from city to rural country lanes was quite astonishing.

The lanes gave me plenty of deer and pheasants sightings. The whole day was a mix of rolling lanes with high hedges and views of crop fields and sprinkled with sleepy villages.

Wacton Common is seriously type 2 fun. Beautiful buttercups gently blowing in the breeze hide the hindering marshy muddy deep grass,  and there was one bit that seemed to be directing me through a crop field. I managed to bypass that bit (only after exploring someone’s garden because it looked like there was a track going through it to the other side 😂 sorry!). 

Back onto roads and tracks and then shortly before Diss I thought I was going to get wet feet. Faced with a ford and no obvious footbridge I seriously considered wading across. Then, thinking a little more with my tired brain, I remember someone telling me there’s always a bridge at each ford. In fact I’d seen some bridges and dried up fords so I retraced my steps. After a little hunting I found a way through the thickly overgrown banking to the bridge. Not an easy one to negotiate with panniers, but my feet did stay dry.

I had a short pitstop in Diss to top up tyre pressure and get supplies. The bike shop there – The Cycle Shack – is run by a super friendly and helpful chap. I felt bad that I didn’t need to buy anything. The Friday weekly market was just setting up so I got lucky on a decent selection of supplies – a pastry for later, a banana and a sausage roll from the local bakery. 

This was the best day for weather, crisp morning and sunshine…still the headwind to fight but sunshine does help take your mind off it. The sandy lanes nearing Thetford thankfully were mostly compressed well so didn’t feel too much like riding through sludge. This time the bike didn’t get caked in wet sand like my first day.

As I’d woken up so early I managed to get a decent way through the ride by 9am. I probably only had 20km left to ride. Some calculations were made and I realised that if I kept going at a nice pace – not pushing hard, but not dawdling – I could get to Thetford for the train around 1030am. 

I know I could have slowed down, soaked up the journey a little better, but to be honest at this point I really wanted to be off the bike. My whole body was aching, my right knee kept twinging forcing me to change my foot position on the pedal. Everytime I stopped I did a big sigh, lent on the handlebars and had to tell myself to get going because no-one was coming to rescue me! It seemed easier to get the riding done quicker.

I’m sure I could have wandered around Thetford for a while too,  but the pull of a seat on the train and returning home a little earlier than planned spurred me on. Plus, for all the beauty and peace, after 4 days riding I hesitate to say it, but Norfolk is fairly similar to look at. I had put some thought into what didn’t quite feel right. The reality was, I was missing having hills to ride up and down (not something I thought I’d ever say). I realised that what I was missing were the big views, the wide open vista that constantly changes with every peak and valley you pass through. I’ve looked over my photos since returning home and there’s not many I could be certain where they were taken apart from the time stamp and checking on strava where I was at that time.  

Reaching Thetford station I did make the earlier train, and the bonus was that I could get on with my bike as no others were on. Travelling with a bike on a train is always a little tense. On the outbound journey 3 guys got kicked off the train as the guard is only allowed to permit 2 bikes on. Such a frustrating thing to happen, so I was glad I got a space. 

After the ride

It took me a couple of days to recover. Over those days I reflected on my journey. I tried to write this in that time but I needed some time to let the journey sink in.

The Rebellion Way is indeed a wonderful route. It was amazing to have the space and time to myself, to push my body with the 4 back-to-back days riding, and to work on my inner voice. The latter was the hardest for sure. 

Doing a solo multi-day tour is hard, doing it in an unfamiliar place added to the adventure. The route is about 20-25% off-road and some of that was delightful, and some was horrible. The nettle stings have subsided but the memories of those hard sections are still fresh in my mind.  I am so pleased that I had a successful trip, and I’d certainly do another.

Here’s the 5 takeaways I’ve got from this trip: 

1. Preparation is worth the time: Thorough preparation, including off-road training and fully loaded test rides, really contributed to my ability to handle unexpected challenges (punctures and tough riding conditions). This trip reinforced the importance of practising bike skills on my own, like changing inner tubes, before setting off. I spent a good amount of time looking at the route on maps and talking with other’s who’ve recently done the route – this helped immensely in knowing what was coming up.

2. Mental Resilience: Tackling the mental challenges of this solo multi-day tour was as important as the physical aspect. There was a lot of internal chatter that was necessary to keep myself not only calm, but present in the moment rather than in the future ‘what-if’s’. Overcoming the fears I faced helped to build my confidence and inner strength.

3. Be Adaptable: The journey emphasised the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness. Handling punctures and finding alternative routes around difficult paths and fords showed the need for flexibility and quick problem-solving in unpredictable situations. You can plan as much as you like, but you still need to deal with the situation out on the road when you’re there.

4. Self-Care plus Listening to My Body: Knowing when to rest, eat, and take breaks played a vital part in maintaining my stamina and overall well-being. Knowing when to refuel and rest, even when not feeling hungry or tired, ensured that I could continue riding and enjoying the journey. Bonus points for finding somewhere to have a massage at the end of the 3rd day!

5. Enjoy the Journey: The trip reinforced my belief that we have to embrace the entire experience, including the tough moments and type 2 fun. Appreciating the beauty of the route, the wildlife, and the solitude, while also acknowledging the physical demands of nearly 400km in 4 days, allowed me to find that balance of enjoyment and physical challenge.

---

If my story has sparked a desire in you to embrace your own challenges and step beyond your comfort zone, I’m here to support you. I offer tailored coaching designed to help you expand your limits and build confidence. Reach out to start this journey together – let’s work together to turn your aspirations into achievements!

Reach out to me [lynnetaylorcoaching@gmail.com] to schedule your coaching session today!

---

---

Download your free Reflection Questions and Prompts here

---