Recreational & Family - Long distance virgin!!

Hi,
I am a keen cyclist, though I only use my bike for practical purposes. I am very keen to cycle from my home town of Nottingham (England) to Lincoln, a journey I guess is 30-40 miles. I have never planned a similar cycle journey before and as I don't drive a car have no a idea of how to plan any long-didstnace journey I navigate myself.
Where do I start?
How can I reasearch and plan the journey?
Thank you!

http://www.mapquest.com/directions/europe.adp?go=1&do=nw&rmm=1&un=m&cl=EN&qq=hltF3hzNT9vgCYgFpG%252fDI6Zd139xgLqWl5mHnyn%252b%252b8o%253d&ct=EU&rsres=1&1y=GB&1a=&1c=Nottingham&1z=&2y=GB&2a=&2c=Lincoln&2z=&r=f

If you zoom in to a bigger scale you can see smaller roads going more or less parallel to the direct route shown. If you are planning on doing it in a day, you should try some shorter trips first, like Newark and back. Plan for the places to stop for rest/refreshments every hour or so, but take water bottles with you, so you can keep sipping as you go along. Take lights in case you dont get back before dark. Take some clothes in case of rain or temp change. Take a camera. Enjoy your ride - dont try to meet a time schedule.

http://www.mapquest.com/directions/europe.adp?go=1&do=nw&rmm=1&un=m&cl=EN&qq=hltF3hzNT9vgCYgFpG%252fDI6Zd139xgLqWl5mHnyn%252b%252b8o%253d&ct=EU&rsres=1&1y=GB&1a=&1c=Nottingham&1z=&2y=GB&2a=&2c=Lincoln&2z=&r=f There are better maps. E.g. www.gmap-pedometer.com . It allows you to plot your own route and measure your own distance. I believe the maps of the UK are there.

It may also be helpful to find a cycling map of the area (possibly through local cycling clubs). They show the world from the cyclists' perspective: good roads for cycling, trails (something you won't see on online maps), etc.

You might get more responses, btw, if you post on the Long-Distance or Touring forums instead of Family & Rec.

Plan on an average travelling speed of 10mph (inc navigation and pit stops). 40 miles will take 4 hrs.

The sustrans routes (http://www.sustrans.org.uk/default.asp?sID=1100017547343)are good for entering and leaving cities.
OS 1:50k maps (nos 129, 121 and 130 ) are a bit detailled for cycling but very good. I prefer a 1:100k scale but these are hard to find.

I usually start routeplanning from the end pint, from which direction do I enter the city. Then I work backwards through country lanes, usually through some chock epoint (bridge or mototway crossing)

also
Stop every hr for a drink and snack.
You keep pretty warm on the bike but you will need some extra clothing if you a stop in the cold.
I carry 1 large water bottle and refil at pubs.
Take a pee behind a hedge before entering a big city, the logistics of stopping for a pee and securing the bike in cities are a nightmare.

"I usually start routeplanning from the end pint, from which direction do I enter the city."


Listen to this man, he knows the correct way to plan a route. ;)