Journey biking has change into a Huge Factor now. Bicycle manufacturers embody travel-focused machines of their product lineups, elaborate mapping software program is on supply, and you will discover a specialised bag to suit each handlebar, body triangle and seat extension. What was as soon as the purview solely of nutters attempting to finish Paris-Brest-Paris within the requisite 90 hours has exploded in quite a lot of long-distance bikepacking occasions or makes an attempt at record-setting. The accessibility of retailers similar to YouTube and Vimeo and light-weight digicam and drone gadgetry have supplied an outlet for the two-wheeled adventurers to seize and share their journeys.
It appears to be mandatory for hardcore bikepackers to point out off their dedication and resilience by driving by way of all types of inhospitable terrain. You’ll simply discover movies about driving on barely-there roads in North Africa. Or within the oxygen-free atmosphere of Tajikistan. Or slogging by way of the peanut butter mud of the Nice Divide. There are sometimes extra challenges, similar to harmful wildlife, menacing native inhabitants, and mechanical failures. So it’s with a way of reduction that we generally get to share in what quantities to a Actually Good Bicycle Experience. Right here enters Oscar Boyd and his story of LEJOG.
In April 2025 Oscar, a younger London-based rider, set out along with his brother Milo to trip Britain’s iconic Land’s Finish to John o’Groats route. This runs from the westernmost tip of England to the far north of Scotland. Often known as LEJOG, the normal route is 1,407 kms and appears to have been used for each conceivable file.
The quickest completion on a traditional bicycle took 43 hours and 25 minutes however data exist for tricycles, recumbents, tandems, folding bicycles, quadricycles, staff relays and unicycles, apart from folks working and even doing a return journey on the route. The file time for a penny-farthing bicycle set in 1886 was lastly damaged in 2019. Readers can be gratified to know that Richard Thoday did it then in 4 days and 11 hours. That is mind-boggling.
However we digress. Oscar Boyd was not out to set any data and his model of LEJOG was fairly totally different. The standard route avoids Wales fully however having loved the surroundings there, he included it in his plans. This meant that his model can be nearer to 1700 kms and contain some extra spectacular climbing. Disembarking from the practice in Penzance he and his brother made their option to Land’s Finish for the launch of what was to be a 17 day journey.
Someway “bikepacking” has supplanted the time period “bicycle touring,” maybe as a result of it sounds extra rugged. This video is of what seems like a conventional vacation on bikes. There aren’t any savage wild animals, mechanical disasters, being hopelessly misplaced, or sleeping in ditches. Sure, there are some bouts of unhealthy climate, though surprisingly little given Spring within the UK usually. Varied different riders come alongside to hitch Oscar at totally different factors (together with his mum!) so he normally has firm. He stays in motels, eats very properly, and manages to stay in good spirits more often than not.
He was proper to decide on his detour by way of Wales. It seemed arduous as he needed to cross all three mountain ranges within the nation–the Brecon Beacons, the Cambrians and Snowdonia. They’re magnificent. However so too, another way, is Exmoor in England or the Highlands of Scotland. On a bicycle one sees the modifications in panorama acutely.
Evidently many individuals cycle LEJOG however what makes this video so recommendable is how properly accomplished it’s. Oscar Boyd is an interesting character, effervescent over with enthusiasm shared by his pals. Even the adversity of a brutal headwind for the primary two days out or the chilly and rain of Scotland doesn’t sluggish him down a lot.
To fulfill his deadline of 17 days it’s essential to trip a median of 100 kms every day. That is no small feat when accounting for climate or gradients. He does really feel the bodily results as he comes close to the top, driving along with his buddy who joined him for the ultimate week. Sharing a celebratory dram of top quality Scotch upon reaching John o’ Groat anchors that accomplishment.
Oscar Boyd’s intent with this video was to encourage others to take their bikes out and luxuriate in their nation. With this in thoughts, he additionally produced a brief video in regards to the nuts-and-bolts of planning a visit like his. It must be emphasised that he didn’t use fancy tools however his aluminum Cannondale CAAD 14 bicycle with 28 mm tires was enough. Nonetheless, he did observe that in some locations that will be the minimal advisable tire width. Plus higher gearing for these brutally steep inclines would have been a bonus! You possibly can take a look at his suggestions right here:
One’s first thought is sure, possibly that is “bikepacking” in that the riders simply sit on their bikes for 17 days straight fairly than “tourism.” However Oscar does have a watch for the great thing about his atmosphere. Even when he didn’t cease at each fortress or Loch Ness Monster vacationer entice the viewer is actually in a position to respect what’s to be seen on LEJOG. What impressed this viewer is how in depth the community of cycling-dedicated trails is in Britain. This makes driving an amazing deal much less anxious if motor site visitors will be averted.
An actual accomplishment of this 49 minute characteristic, nevertheless, is the excellent video and enhancing work. It makes use of each cameras and a drone and, frankly, is sort of fantastic. There’s a good soundtrack composed by Oscar’s sister Alice. The quick trailer for the video is entitled “Britain is Stunning!” and that isn’t over-promising. That is the center of the video: the concept that with some effort you may “uncover” your personal nation. Watch it and discover your personal inspiration!
“What 17 Days Biking Taught Me About Britain: Land’s Finish to John o’ Groats”
by Oscar Boyd
49 minutes, launched on YouTube in October 2025
Hyperlink to the video HERE.
Along with the featured video and the shorter one with sensible data, Oscar Boyd additionally has a Substack web page with extra phrases and pictures HERE.
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