Search found 32 matches

by greyhead
13 Apr 2018, 5:03pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Loire valley - suggestions.
Replies: 4
Views: 865

Loire valley - suggestions.

I am thinking of taking the caravan over to France in the next month or so and staying on a site probably somewhere on or near the Loire and then using it as a base for leisurely day touring. Would appreciate any suggestions as to the best part of the Loire Valley to locate. May possibly consider a couple of sites but I don't want to keep moving around.
by greyhead
26 Jul 2015, 4:31pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Best airline for bike travel - Lufthansa ?
Replies: 28
Views: 6544

Re: Best airline for bike travel - Lufthansa ?

Interested to read of the OP's experience with Lufthansa as I have been sorely tempted to use them to get from Brum to Frankfurt or Munich. I tend to use the various ferries to start and finish my annual continental tours but flying directly to Frankfurt (for say a Mosel or Romantica Road tour) would save a significant chunk of time and add extra possibilities regarding the trip. The faff of bagging or boxing the bike has put me off flying so the idea of wheeling the bike fully assembled up to the check-in appeals greatly. I have phoned Lufthansa and they coinfirm that this is their policy and they claim to have a special place in the hold for bikes. But, but, but ............. I still can't bring myself to trust the baggage handlers. Damage on the outbound flight could really spoil the trip although maybe worth taking the risk on the return leg.
by greyhead
26 Jul 2015, 12:28pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Caen Normandy cycle tour route?
Replies: 4
Views: 5549

Re: Caen Normandy cycle tour route?

Hi Terry Macca

I used the BF Caen cycle route as the basis/inspiration for my tour last September but modified as follows:
Ouistreham (n), Pegasus Bridge, Beuvron en Auge, Trouville(n), Honfleur, Pont Audemer(n), Conches en Ouche(n), Rugles, St Evroult Notre Dame du Bois(n), Vimoutiers, Livarot, Le Mesnil-Durand(n), Ouistreham(n). Overnight stays denoted (n).
Unfortunately I can't give advice on campsites as I use B&Bs, wherever possible finding interesting Chambres d'Hôte (to practice my French) or small provincial hotels. Also, as you may guess from my username, I take a more leisurly approach - 7 nights - with plenty of sightseeing and pottering around - total mileage 230.

I used the late ferry to Ouistreham and so spent the first night there and similarly the last night, taking the early morning ferry back to Pompey. I took the coast road between Trouville and Honfleur (rather than BF's inland route) which I found a bit of an undulating slog (and not many views of the sea). From Honfleur (which I knew from my sailing days - very picturesque and touristy) I took the riverside cycle path along the Seine which runs under the Pont de Normandie. A very dramatic bridge which I would hardly call horrid (maybe this refered to cycling over it?) although the actual cycle path to Berville-sur-Mer I found a bit rough for my tourer bike. I enjoyed the cycle route which broadly follows the River Risle on quiet country roads and was well sign posted. The rest of the route was mainly improvised to fit in with my B&Bs and mainly through quiet rural back lanes where possible. I also followed an off-road cycle path from Vimoutiers to Livarot which was not paved (rather grassy I seem to recall) but OK for my bike.

I'm sure you and your son are younger and fitter than me but I feel that attempting this for a first tour, especially camping and with mountain bikes, is very ambitious.
Previously I have also done Ouistreham, Pegasus, Arromanches, Bayeux, Carentan, St Mere Eglise, St Vaast and Cherbourg and I agree with al-yrpal that this would make an interesting trip if your can alter your return ferry booking.

I've also done a modified version of BF's St Malo round trip which you may wish to consider next time!!
by greyhead
24 Jul 2015, 12:19pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Antwerp to Amsterdam
Replies: 11
Views: 6192

Re: Antwerp to Amsterdam

Many thanks for all the suggestions. I had considered taking the North Sea route but having in the past started my continental trips from one of the ferry ports, I thought that this time I would try Eurostar and start inland - hence Antwerp (chosen to avoid the urban sprawl around Brussels). I may well, however, take in the coastal route on my way back to Hoek, perhaps after a round trip to Texel (any thoughts on that??) Have already been to Bruges, by the way and have visited some of the coastal areas on sailing trips.

The Fietersbond route planner looks very interesting. I was rather concerned that some of the recommended Dutch cycle routes (good as they are) would involve a cycle path along a busy highway so the option to select a scenic route is particulary useful. This leads to the next question - some of these look quite complicated so I'm now wondering how best to follow them. So far I've tended to avoid a dedicated GPS device prefering to use paper maps on top of my bar bag although I still use my smart phone GPS (with pre-loaded Google Maps to avoid roaming costs) as a back up if I get lost! In that case I need to find suitably detailed maps. I understand the Dutch use a complicated(?) numbering system that covers the country's cycle routes. Maybe OK if following something like LF2 but would it work with the recommended scenic route? Your comments would again be appreciated.

Oh, and yes, I am particularly partial to mussels and a good glass of beer to finish the day, after having pottered around museums and old churches!
by greyhead
23 Jul 2015, 10:27pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Antwerp to Amsterdam
Replies: 11
Views: 6192

Antwerp to Amsterdam

For my annual tour this autumn I have been considering taking the Eurostar to Brussels followed by a local train to Antwerp, this last leg being included in the Eurostar price (except 5 Euro for the bike). From there I would cycle leisurely (note username) up to Amsterdam, perhaps via Utrecht, staying overnight in B&Bs.
Any suggestions as to the itinerary would be appreciated, also some idea of the scenery in the Belgian part of the trip.
The return leg is still undecided but may involve the Hoek - Harwich ferry.
by greyhead
7 Oct 2014, 4:56pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Ouistreham ferry disembarkation hazard.
Replies: 12
Views: 1790

Re: Ouistreham ferry disembarkation hazard.

Re Davetb's posting and just to reiterate there was no problem at Portsmouth. Like everyone else I just used the ramp with the cars. In fact I don't recall seeing a separate pathway anywhere but at Ouistreham.
by greyhead
7 Oct 2014, 4:49pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Ouistreham ferry disembarkation hazard.
Replies: 12
Views: 1790

Re: Ouistreham ferry disembarkation hazard.

Interested to hear all of your comments. Can I assume that you all rode or walked off the ferry at Ouistreham using the same ramp as the cars?
The passageway I am referring to actually runs alongside (i.e.parallel to) and to the left of the car ramp and is separated by a barrier. This finishes after, I would guess, 75 metres when you reach terra firma (and the drop!) and you rejoin the normal road with the cars. In 2009 I was directed by the crew to use this separate pathway and on my recent trip I recall a gate opening automatically (presumably controlled by the crew) as I left the ship to give me access to the pathway so I assumed that again I should use it. I can't remember if there was any signs. As well as the drop there is also a vertical rib sticking up so forming two holes before the actual drop to the ground. It's as if the last floor panel of the pathway is missing exposing the framework underneath. Pity I didn't take a picture but I was anxious to get to my chambre d'hôte without delay.
I've used many other ferries to France and also to Ireland and Denmark and normally would use (often walking if told to) the normal exit ramp with the cars. I'm sure in this case I could have ignored the crew and used the car ramp as usual. Boarding the ferry for the return trip I used the normal car ramp so no problem.
by greyhead
6 Oct 2014, 2:40pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Ouistreham ferry disembarkation hazard.
Replies: 12
Views: 1790

Ouistreham ferry disembarkation hazard.

Have recently returned from a Normandy tour using the Portsmouth - Caen (Ouistreham) Brittany Ferry each way. No complaints with the ferry journey itself but beware when disembarking in Ouistreham. As a cyclist, when leaving the ship you are directed to a dedicated pathway to the left of and segregated by a barrier from the car ramp. So far so good but when you reach the end of the ramp there is a significant drop (about 12 inches) to reach French soil! There was also another sort of ledge sticking up but, bearing in mind that this was at 21.30 and dark (I did have my bike lights on) so quite difficult to see.

Fortunately I was prepared for this hazard because in 2009 I used the same ferry and on that occasion my chain ring came down heavily on the same obstruction and caused slight damage and I nearly fell off the bike. Ironic that that was the first metre of my cycling tour on French soil. Amazing that in FIVE years nothing has been done to correct this problem. I had previously mentioned it verbally to the crew but this time I am awaiting an email response.

Surely I'm not the only one to have experienced this?
by greyhead
11 Aug 2014, 1:54pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Bikeroutetoaster - elevation data smoothing factor?
Replies: 1
Views: 599

Re: Bikeroutetoaster - elevation data smoothing factor?

Correction, the data for V51 should have read: The elevation gain with a factor of zero is 1715 meters whereas changing the factor to 50 gives a gain of 462 meters over a distance of 215 km.
However, still a very significant diference.
by greyhead
11 Aug 2014, 1:33pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Bikeroutetoaster - elevation data smoothing factor?
Replies: 1
Views: 599

Bikeroutetoaster - elevation data smoothing factor?

I have used Bikeroutetoaster for several years when planning my tours and not being in my first flush of youth I'm quite interested in establishing how hilly the route will be. However I have only recently realised that the elevation smoothing factor could be adjusted between 0 and 50 - very remiss of me considering I have a scientific/engineering background - and I now see what a large difference this can make. I have always used the program with the default value and am now in the process of checking my previously saved routes to see at what value this was set - so far it seems to vary between about 10 and 20. Although I understand the basic principles of smoothing I'm not clear as to what BRT's numerical factor actually relates, but if the value is consistent, as least there is some degree of comparability in determining the effect on my legs - as well as other parts of my anatomy!!
I'm also wondering how does their smoothing factor relates to other similar plotting programs so that comparisons can be made? The effect of the factor first came to my attention when comparing a route on the V51 in Burgundy from Joigny to Dijon. The elevation gain with a factor of zero is 2932 meters whereas changing the factor to 50 gives a gain of 443 meters over a distance of 215 km.

Would appreciate the views of other BRT users as to what smoothing factor is the most realistic when planning a route.
by greyhead
11 Aug 2014, 12:04pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Getting to Germany with bikes
Replies: 41
Views: 6788

Re: Getting to Germany with bikes

Like the OP I've spent hours juggling with the options of getting to the start of a new touring area on the Continent having exhausted most of the obvious tours starting/finishing at ferry ports.
As you may have seen in my recent posting, one of my options was to fly Lufthansa from my home base of Birmingham to Frankfurt and then a train to Wurzburg for a ride down the Romantische Strasse.
Lufthansa claim that the bike needs no dismantling or packaging, just wheel it up to the check-in. Not a cheap option but apparently very straightforward and all completed in one day thus loosing less touring time. However, I'm still struggling with the idea of trusting my bike to the baggage handlers at Brum and Frankfurt, so has anyone any experience of travelling with a bike in this way on Lufthansa?
by greyhead
29 Jul 2014, 5:52pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Burgundy, Holland or Germany?
Replies: 11
Views: 2088

Re: Burgundy, Holland or Germany?

Thanks, Galloper and Foxyrider. So two votes for Germany. Also been looking at other German tours mentioned in recent thread. Must admit I'm very tempted but still nervous about trusting my bike un-packed to Lufthansa , or rather the baggage handlers at Brum and Frankfurt. I know flying with bikes has been discussed many times but was wondering if either of you (or anyone) has experience of checking in an un-packed bike with Lufthansa or, more importantly, collecting it at the other end?

Anyone with experience of the Burgundy tour?
by greyhead
28 Jul 2014, 1:13pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Burgundy, Holland or Germany?
Replies: 11
Views: 2088

Burgundy, Holland or Germany?

Each year from my Birmingham base I try to fit in a one week (or longer, SWMBO permitting) overseas tour based on the various ferry crossings from the UK e.g. Portsmouth/Caen to Cherbourg, St Malo round trip, Fishguard/Rosslare round trip, Harwich - Esbjerg with train back from Copenhagen and last year the Donald Hirsch route from Dieppe to Paris with train back to Dieppe. This autumn, inspired by Edward Enfield's book "Downhill all the Way" I thought I might try the Burgundy part of his route taking Eurostar to Paris, then a local train to somewhere south of Paris say Fontainebleau, and then cycling to Dijon. From there I would return by train to Paris and then Eurostar to London. Being a decade older than Edward when he wrote the book I take things rather leisurely doing about 40 miles a day and staying B&B/small hotels.
Does anyone have experience of this area which I understand takes in part of the Burgundy canal? Although I take the title of the book with a pinch of salt, I'm assuming that it it is not particularly hilly (well, at least mountainous) but hopefully fairly scenic with the usual charming French towns and villages.
I've also considered round trips based on Hoek of Holland or Amsterdam but am rather put off by some of the long straight (albeit flat and perhaps windy) Dutch roads - however I'm sure that some areas are very scenic.
Another thought was the Romantische Strasse flying Lufthansa from Birmingham to Frankfurt then train to Wurtzburg - a fairly straightforward journey If I could just convince myself that my bike would survive the flights! Lufthansa claim the bike needs no packing/dismantling - just wheel it up to the check-in although they do charge €50 each way for the bike.
So any thoughts or advice on these, or indeed, any other options would be much appreciated.
by greyhead
25 Apr 2014, 4:21pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Bikehike help please.
Replies: 3
Views: 1359

Bikehike help please.

Having previously used Bikeroute toaster I am now trying to get to grips with Bikehike.
My first problem is to get elevation data for a route in France - it seems to work for the UK but shows a flat line for France. (Perhaps time to dispense with all my unecessary gears!) I have, of course, ticked the "show elevation data" box.
Secondly how do I save the route for future reference - not to a Garmin GPS but simply to my PC or, as with BRT, to a list of personal routes?
I have tried using the revised BRT but it seemed to crash after a couple of minutes.
Your help would be appreciated.
by greyhead
7 Jan 2014, 3:03pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Bike rental and touring near Boston, Mass.
Replies: 3
Views: 27031

Bike rental and touring near Boston, Mass.

I'm spending 5 nights in Boston (the US one) in April supporting my son who is doing the marathon there.
I have been considering the possibility of extending the trip for 4 or 5 days, either before or after, so that I could rent a bike and tour the surrounding area. Probably a leisurely 40 miles per day round-trip. Does anyone have experience of touring in this area and where I can rent a suitable bike with panniers or some means of carrying a limited amount of luggage? I would hope to be staying in motels or B&Bs (although B&Bs over there seem to be rather up-market) so would only need to carry basic overnight clothing, toiletries plus waterproofs etc. but all the rental bikes I've found so far seem to be town bikes with, at most, a front basket.
Any advice/suggestions re the bike or an itinerary would be appreciated.