Search found 51 matches
- 17 Jun 2013, 9:09pm
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Cycles and Planes
- Replies: 22
- Views: 2147
Re: Cycles and Planes
Any opinions on sending the bikes on their own? £63 per bike (two) from Alta (northern Norway) to London with us on the planes seems like a lot of money.
- 29 May 2013, 1:17am
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: A Cycle Through France
- Replies: 19
- Views: 2661
Re: A Cycle Through France
The Canal du Midi may not be a bad option. We did a section between Toulouse and Montpellier. The quality varies massively according to department and the view can become monotonous. Local French roads on the whole, though, are excellent cycling.
- 29 May 2013, 1:12am
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Scandinavia
- Replies: 5
- Views: 1078
Re: Scandinavia
iviehoff wrote: The Vikings did there conquering because of a land shortage, remember. But there are plenty of organised campsites.
Sound advice. Camping does seem fine on the whole, though.
As for transport, we generally go at a fair pace, so I reckon it would be better to cycle back (at least as far as civilisation) rather than haul our bikes down from the end of the earth. A round trip to Copenhagen seems expensive at the moment, at least £300 with EasyJet. Any ideas?
Thanks
- 20 May 2013, 10:56pm
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Scandinavia
- Replies: 5
- Views: 1078
Scandinavia
Hello,
A few of you may remember my friend Tokopah and me asking about touring in Peru. Unfortunately this has been pushed back by safety concerns. In its place, Scandinavia, end-to-end.
We will be reading through these threads:
viewtopic.php?f=16&t=20575&p=167421
viewtopic.php?f=16&t=72192&p=628265
viewtopic.php?f=16&t=72452&p=628889
viewtopic.php?f=16&t=71404&p=619152
viewtopic.php?f=16&t=54821&p=457467
viewtopic.php?f=16&t=23854&p=192247
Our questions so far:
1. Transport: We live in Bristol and Hampshire and aim to start in Copenhagen. What's the best way to get there? We're currently looking at the ferry from Harwich to Esbjerg, then the train to Copenhagen, or EasyJet from Bristol direct to Copenhagen.
2. Route: The fundamental idea is to start in Copenhagen, go down to Malmo and up to Hammerfest. Maybe even back down to Helsinki? We aim to leave around 9 July and aim to get back around 13 August. Any ideas?
3. Wild camping: Apparently it's allowed in Sweden and Norway
Any other thoughts?
Thanks
A few of you may remember my friend Tokopah and me asking about touring in Peru. Unfortunately this has been pushed back by safety concerns. In its place, Scandinavia, end-to-end.
We will be reading through these threads:
viewtopic.php?f=16&t=20575&p=167421
viewtopic.php?f=16&t=72192&p=628265
viewtopic.php?f=16&t=72452&p=628889
viewtopic.php?f=16&t=71404&p=619152
viewtopic.php?f=16&t=54821&p=457467
viewtopic.php?f=16&t=23854&p=192247
Our questions so far:
1. Transport: We live in Bristol and Hampshire and aim to start in Copenhagen. What's the best way to get there? We're currently looking at the ferry from Harwich to Esbjerg, then the train to Copenhagen, or EasyJet from Bristol direct to Copenhagen.
2. Route: The fundamental idea is to start in Copenhagen, go down to Malmo and up to Hammerfest. Maybe even back down to Helsinki? We aim to leave around 9 July and aim to get back around 13 August. Any ideas?
3. Wild camping: Apparently it's allowed in Sweden and Norway
Any other thoughts?
Thanks
- 20 May 2013, 10:30pm
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Newbie long tour kit / equipment questions
- Replies: 40
- Views: 3407
Re: Newbie long tour kit / equipment questions
Hi,
My friend and I were in your position a few years ago and got to where we are today in large part thanks to the wisdom of the CTC forum. So my first advice is to go back through the posts on my profile and find 'Cut that kit!' among other topics where you'll find some great advice, especially if you want to travel light.
Some specific thoughts:
1. Number your lists on these sorts of things - it makes it easier for other posters to refer to what you're on about.
2. 100 miles a day is a lot; budget for 70 on your first proper tour and surprise yourself pleasantly
3. Michelin maps, 1:200 000 scale or below
4. Schwalbe Marathon 700c x 28 tyres on dedicated touring (that means heavy ones with drop bars) are what we use
Good luck
My friend and I were in your position a few years ago and got to where we are today in large part thanks to the wisdom of the CTC forum. So my first advice is to go back through the posts on my profile and find 'Cut that kit!' among other topics where you'll find some great advice, especially if you want to travel light.
Some specific thoughts:
1. Number your lists on these sorts of things - it makes it easier for other posters to refer to what you're on about.
2. 100 miles a day is a lot; budget for 70 on your first proper tour and surprise yourself pleasantly
3. Michelin maps, 1:200 000 scale or below
4. Schwalbe Marathon 700c x 28 tyres on dedicated touring (that means heavy ones with drop bars) are what we use
Good luck
- 7 Feb 2013, 2:20pm
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Touring Peru
- Replies: 17
- Views: 2474
Re: Touring Peru
Excellent, thanks. I'm going to start combing through the blogs this weekend.
- 30 Jan 2013, 8:17pm
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Touring Peru
- Replies: 17
- Views: 2474
Re: Touring Peru
Hi, I'm CrazyFerret's friend. Thanks for the advice so far, this is a whole new level for us so we're glad of any information available.
1. Safety:
We have already read (and re-read) the FCO and OSAC reports on Peru. But they aren't necessarily comprehensive, so we would appreciate whatever you can tell us.
2. Route:
The point about gaining altitude too fast certainly seems important. We'll post an initial route soon and do some reading on it Vaguely, the current idea is to bear east out of Lima then head towards Huascaran etc. To avoid the moe dangerous towns and more heavily-populated areas I expect we will be tending towards the east of the Cordillera Blanca.
3. Food and water:
We will be carrying at least one Platypus, so our combined maximum capacity will be at least 4L. Chlorine dioxide followed by a coffee filter is the current frontrunner for water purification. We will certainly have to investigate how we are going to get food.
I shall have a look at crazyguyonabike's Peru entry now.
Here is our kit list: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc ... Et6VkZZUEE
Thanks again
1. Safety:
We have already read (and re-read) the FCO and OSAC reports on Peru. But they aren't necessarily comprehensive, so we would appreciate whatever you can tell us.
2. Route:
The point about gaining altitude too fast certainly seems important. We'll post an initial route soon and do some reading on it Vaguely, the current idea is to bear east out of Lima then head towards Huascaran etc. To avoid the moe dangerous towns and more heavily-populated areas I expect we will be tending towards the east of the Cordillera Blanca.
3. Food and water:
We will be carrying at least one Platypus, so our combined maximum capacity will be at least 4L. Chlorine dioxide followed by a coffee filter is the current frontrunner for water purification. We will certainly have to investigate how we are going to get food.
I shall have a look at crazyguyonabike's Peru entry now.
Here is our kit list: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc ... Et6VkZZUEE
Thanks again
- 21 Jun 2012, 11:08am
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Cheap touring bike
- Replies: 20
- Views: 6026
Re: Cheap touring bike
I'd look at good 80s steel tourers. I've got an old Claud and it's fantastic (set me back £220 admittedly, but still good value)
- 21 Jun 2012, 10:47am
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Spain, France, Switzerland and Germany
- Replies: 11
- Views: 6105
Re: Spain, France, Switzerland and Germany
Hello again,
We are back route planning now, and have included your suggestions so far.
The route is here and open to editing by anyone: http://goo.gl/maps/9QHR
A few key points. We will be leaving some time around 18th August and for around three weeks. We will be unsupported and camping. I'm not sure whether this is the correct place for the kit list, but here it is https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc ... G1mRkFOcGc The route runs eastward, starting in Santander and ending in Nancy. We generally ride about 80-100 miles a day but this time we will take some time to enjoy the culture etc.
So, what we would like from you is your knowledge of the regions; any scenic routes, convenient routes, interesting areas, places and things worth visiting, and generally anything of note. We've already got a few things on there (although I can't see the area iviehoff says the Spanish rock-cut churches are in) and hope you can add more.
Thanks,
Cachao and crazyferret
We are back route planning now, and have included your suggestions so far.
The route is here and open to editing by anyone: http://goo.gl/maps/9QHR
A few key points. We will be leaving some time around 18th August and for around three weeks. We will be unsupported and camping. I'm not sure whether this is the correct place for the kit list, but here it is https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc ... G1mRkFOcGc The route runs eastward, starting in Santander and ending in Nancy. We generally ride about 80-100 miles a day but this time we will take some time to enjoy the culture etc.
So, what we would like from you is your knowledge of the regions; any scenic routes, convenient routes, interesting areas, places and things worth visiting, and generally anything of note. We've already got a few things on there (although I can't see the area iviehoff says the Spanish rock-cut churches are in) and hope you can add more.
Thanks,
Cachao and crazyferret
- 4 Mar 2012, 12:03am
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Touring saddle
- Replies: 26
- Views: 5810
Re: Touring saddle
Brooks B17.
It's not cheap but this is not the place to save money.
It's not cheap but this is not the place to save money.
- 1 Mar 2012, 10:15pm
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Starting to tour
- Replies: 32
- Views: 2782
Re: Starting to tour
As a new tourer who jumped in at the deep end I can see where you're coming from. Two points:
1. Start immediately. This weekend cycle 50 miles to a B&B, stay the night, then return. Doesn't matter if you take your own stuff or how you do it. The key is to get cycling properly. And this leads on to the second point.
2. Experience is king. If possible, cycle with someone who is experienced, it makes all the difference. If that proves impossible then these forums and resources already mentioned should do well but never come close to being a substitute for miles on the road.
Good luck
1. Start immediately. This weekend cycle 50 miles to a B&B, stay the night, then return. Doesn't matter if you take your own stuff or how you do it. The key is to get cycling properly. And this leads on to the second point.
2. Experience is king. If possible, cycle with someone who is experienced, it makes all the difference. If that proves impossible then these forums and resources already mentioned should do well but never come close to being a substitute for miles on the road.
Good luck
- 1 Mar 2012, 10:08pm
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Spain, France, Switzerland and Germany
- Replies: 11
- Views: 6105
Re: Spain, France, Switzerland and Germany
iviehoff wrote:Cachao wrote:2. How do we cross the Pyrenees?
In approaching Santander, see if you can find time to route yourself through the village of Orbaneja del Castillo (Google Maps knows it), which is more or less due south of Santander. It is located on a section of the Ebro river which runs in a wonderful gorge. Then from the western end of the gorge head by minor roads northwards to the coast, through less well-known parts of Cantabrian mountains. Or, if you are interested, the region just to the west includes a lot of ancient rock-cut churches, which are an ancient monument of a variety little known in Britain.
Is this the route you're talking about? (The map is open to be edited by anyone, so if it isn't, go ahead and draw what you were thinking):
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?msid=2 ... 9,1.352692
Thanks for the help - we'll try to do our bit on here too!
- 27 Feb 2012, 12:52am
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Ortlieb Roller Panniers - Classic or Plus?
- Replies: 15
- Views: 147456
Re: Ortlieb Roller Panniers - Classic or Plus?
I've only had about 2,000 miles touring with them, but in short, the classics are excellent.
- 27 Feb 2012, 12:36am
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Spain, France, Switzerland and Germany
- Replies: 11
- Views: 6105
Re: Spain, France, Switzerland and Germany
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?msid=2 ... ,21.643066
Here's the map again, I've opened it up to editing so feel free to make your suggestions along this vague route.
It's late now, so I'll look over the previous posts tomorrow. Thanks for the detailed help so far
And about the maps, I can speak rudimentary French and am planning to pick up some Spanish and German, so the maps don't need to be in English. (If anything it's more fun in a foreign tongue.)
Here's the map again, I've opened it up to editing so feel free to make your suggestions along this vague route.
It's late now, so I'll look over the previous posts tomorrow. Thanks for the detailed help so far
And about the maps, I can speak rudimentary French and am planning to pick up some Spanish and German, so the maps don't need to be in English. (If anything it's more fun in a foreign tongue.)
- 19 Feb 2012, 11:25am
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Spain, France, Switzerland and Germany
- Replies: 11
- Views: 6105
Spain, France, Switzerland and Germany
[Note that this has been pasted in from the post further down]
Hello again,
We are back route planning now, and have included your suggestions so far.
The route is here and open to editing by anyone: http://goo.gl/maps/9QHR
A few key points. We will be leaving some time around 18th August and for around three weeks. We will be unsupported and camping. I'm not sure whether this is the correct place for the kit list, but here it is https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc ... G1mRkFOcGc The route runs eastward, starting in Santander and ending in Nancy. We generally ride about 80-100 miles a day but this time we will take some time to enjoy the culture etc.
So, what we would like from you is your knowledge of the regions; any scenic routes, convenient routes, interesting areas, places and things worth visiting, and generally anything of note. We've already got a few things on there (although I can't see the area iviehoff says the Spanish rock-cut churches are in) and hope you can add more.
Thanks,
Cachao and crazyferret
Hello again,
We are back route planning now, and have included your suggestions so far.
The route is here and open to editing by anyone: http://goo.gl/maps/9QHR
A few key points. We will be leaving some time around 18th August and for around three weeks. We will be unsupported and camping. I'm not sure whether this is the correct place for the kit list, but here it is https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc ... G1mRkFOcGc The route runs eastward, starting in Santander and ending in Nancy. We generally ride about 80-100 miles a day but this time we will take some time to enjoy the culture etc.
So, what we would like from you is your knowledge of the regions; any scenic routes, convenient routes, interesting areas, places and things worth visiting, and generally anything of note. We've already got a few things on there (although I can't see the area iviehoff says the Spanish rock-cut churches are in) and hope you can add more.
Thanks,
Cachao and crazyferret