Hi All,
I wonder whether anyone knew of any resources suggesting routes for the top-to-bottom traverse of France. Realistically, I'd like to start at Calais and end somewhere where I can get a flight back to Gatwick/Heathrow. I love mountainous scenery but I don't really want to over-do it with a loaded bike so Alpine passes are probably out!.
I have the 'Wine-ding Down Through France' book which has a documented route which I'm currently digesting, but I guess there must be other typically-used routes.
Any pointers would be useful - Thanx,
Regards,
Dave
Search found 48 matches
- 31 Mar 2012, 8:19pm
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Manche to Med Routes
- Replies: 1
- Views: 2209
- 5 Nov 2011, 6:09pm
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Touring Inspiration Required
- Replies: 16
- Views: 2161
Touring Inspiration Required
Hi All,
For the last three years I've done a single annual cycle tour in the summer months of about 3 weeks duration (LEJOG, Iceland and Norway). I'm looking for inspiration for next year. Something of the order of 1000 miles with great scenery and not too culturally challenging (I think Africa or South America are out). I usually prefer a route with a definitive end goal to inspire me on bad weather days. Whilst I love the flexibility of camping I prefer to use campsites rather than wild camp (I like showers too much!).
Any ideas?. You did a great job putting me on to Norway last year!.
Ta,
Dave
For the last three years I've done a single annual cycle tour in the summer months of about 3 weeks duration (LEJOG, Iceland and Norway). I'm looking for inspiration for next year. Something of the order of 1000 miles with great scenery and not too culturally challenging (I think Africa or South America are out). I usually prefer a route with a definitive end goal to inspire me on bad weather days. Whilst I love the flexibility of camping I prefer to use campsites rather than wild camp (I like showers too much!).
Any ideas?. You did a great job putting me on to Norway last year!.
Ta,
Dave
- 11 Jun 2011, 8:11pm
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: BA flights and Bicycle packing
- Replies: 16
- Views: 3270
BA flights and Bicycle packing
Hi All,
Has anyone any recent experience with BA (and SAS) with respect to their acceptance to certain forms of bike packaging?. The nature of my proposed tour is such that I cannot use a box or fabric bag so I was going to go for CTC's polythene travel bag approach. The BA website says:
'We will accept non-motorised bicycles of all dimensions provided they are packed in a recognised bicycle bag.'
However, I am concerned that BA will not recognise my polythene-wrapped bike as a 'recognised bicycle bag' even though that's what it is. To all bystanders it basically looks like a bike in a large clear polythene bag. I have tried having this conversation with them on the phone but on the rare occasions that I can get through to a human being, they just quote (literally reading!) the text on the website at me!. Has anyone any recent good/bad experiences relevant to this?.
Ta in advance,
Dave
Has anyone any recent experience with BA (and SAS) with respect to their acceptance to certain forms of bike packaging?. The nature of my proposed tour is such that I cannot use a box or fabric bag so I was going to go for CTC's polythene travel bag approach. The BA website says:
'We will accept non-motorised bicycles of all dimensions provided they are packed in a recognised bicycle bag.'
However, I am concerned that BA will not recognise my polythene-wrapped bike as a 'recognised bicycle bag' even though that's what it is. To all bystanders it basically looks like a bike in a large clear polythene bag. I have tried having this conversation with them on the phone but on the rare occasions that I can get through to a human being, they just quote (literally reading!) the text on the website at me!. Has anyone any recent good/bad experiences relevant to this?.
Ta in advance,
Dave
- 5 Feb 2011, 5:42pm
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Ortlieb Roller Panniers - Classic or Plus?
- Replies: 15
- Views: 147392
Ortlieb Roller Panniers - Classic or Plus?
Hi Guys,
I need to replace my halfords panniers. They've been surprisingly good and I've toured, Ireland, Scotland, LEJOG and Iceland with them but I think they've had their day.
I've settled on Ortlieb panniers and almost definitely the rollers which I perceive to be (either rightly or wrongly) more waterproof. Question is, should I go for the Classic or Plus variety?. I've done a bit of research:
Classic
- Uses the older QL1 mounting system
- Rubbery PVC material
- Heavier
- Look like my halford panniers
Plus
- Uses the newer (better?) QL2 mounting system
- Non PVC material
- Lighter
- More expensive
From what I've read the QL1 and QL2 are different but no one seems to have any probs with either - QL2 can be adjusted without an allen key but I guess once they're fitted once, this won't need to change anyway. I've always been really weight sensitive. I'll cut the end off my toothbrush and sleep naked to get the touring weight down. (Ok, so I don't really sleep naked but you know what I mean). Therefore I should favour the 'Plus'. Trouble is, the Classic looks tougher to me although I've never got my hands on either. As the Plus is newer it's tempting to just think that they are better period, but I'm not sure as for some reason I just like the look of the 'Classic'.
Has anyone had any experience with both of these and can therefore make a reasoned comparision?. In particular, is the 'Plus' material tough like the Classic material appears to be?. Seems to me that everyone loves their Ortliebs irrespective of what variant they have, but as I have a choice I would like to try to make an educated choice.
Finally, there's the issue of colour (why so many options?). I'll almost definitely go for black as I reckon the reflective ends are the same on all the colours and I think the black will look better with age. I think the red ones are quite funky but to be honest I like to try to blend into the environment I'm touring through and not draw much attention to myself.
Thanks for any comments or suggestions,
Dave
I need to replace my halfords panniers. They've been surprisingly good and I've toured, Ireland, Scotland, LEJOG and Iceland with them but I think they've had their day.
I've settled on Ortlieb panniers and almost definitely the rollers which I perceive to be (either rightly or wrongly) more waterproof. Question is, should I go for the Classic or Plus variety?. I've done a bit of research:
Classic
- Uses the older QL1 mounting system
- Rubbery PVC material
- Heavier
- Look like my halford panniers
Plus
- Uses the newer (better?) QL2 mounting system
- Non PVC material
- Lighter
- More expensive
From what I've read the QL1 and QL2 are different but no one seems to have any probs with either - QL2 can be adjusted without an allen key but I guess once they're fitted once, this won't need to change anyway. I've always been really weight sensitive. I'll cut the end off my toothbrush and sleep naked to get the touring weight down. (Ok, so I don't really sleep naked but you know what I mean). Therefore I should favour the 'Plus'. Trouble is, the Classic looks tougher to me although I've never got my hands on either. As the Plus is newer it's tempting to just think that they are better period, but I'm not sure as for some reason I just like the look of the 'Classic'.
Has anyone had any experience with both of these and can therefore make a reasoned comparision?. In particular, is the 'Plus' material tough like the Classic material appears to be?. Seems to me that everyone loves their Ortliebs irrespective of what variant they have, but as I have a choice I would like to try to make an educated choice.
Finally, there's the issue of colour (why so many options?). I'll almost definitely go for black as I reckon the reflective ends are the same on all the colours and I think the black will look better with age. I think the red ones are quite funky but to be honest I like to try to blend into the environment I'm touring through and not draw much attention to myself.
Thanks for any comments or suggestions,
Dave
- 24 Oct 2010, 8:41pm
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: camping
- Replies: 33
- Views: 3256
Re: camping
The main benefit of cycle/camping is the flexibility it provides. So in short, it seems to me that if you have to book in advance then you might as well stay at B&Bs and motels instead. I did the LEJOG just turning up at campsites without booking and I only had problem once and even on this occasion they eventually allowed me to pitch my tent. However, I did my research (http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/) and usually had a few options. It doesn't hurt to give the campsite a quick ring the night before just to test the water. There's usually no problem in the UK in my experience.
Cycle camping gives great freedom for this very reason. You have to carry the extra weight but for this you have the ability to adjust your own schedule to account for unexpected weather, injuries, mechanics or fatigue. I've had to do this on both of my long tours - if I'd booked everything in advance I would not have been able to complete the routes.
Dave
Cycle camping gives great freedom for this very reason. You have to carry the extra weight but for this you have the ability to adjust your own schedule to account for unexpected weather, injuries, mechanics or fatigue. I've had to do this on both of my long tours - if I'd booked everything in advance I would not have been able to complete the routes.
Dave
- 23 Oct 2010, 9:11pm
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Inspiration Required
- Replies: 5
- Views: 699
Re: Inspiration Required
horizon wrote:dave:
Question 1: to fly or not to fly?
Question 2: challenge ride (i.e. one way with a "destination") or "tour"
Question 3: exotic (i.e. cuturally challenging) or familiar (e.g New Zealand, Norway, North America)
Yes, will need to fly. A tour with a challenge element is attractive IMO. Nothing too culturally challenging - your suggested countries are all good candidates.
- 23 Oct 2010, 8:35pm
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: what shoes for touring
- Replies: 21
- Views: 2904
Re: what shoes for touring
Recently got back from Touring Iceland and had similar problems. Originally I took a pair of shimano shoes with SPD for the bike and a pair of North Face Hedgehogs for light hiking and wearing around camp. In the end I binned the shimano shoes as they aren't warm enough, not wind proof and not water proof. Result was very cold feet even with overshoes on. The answer was to wear the Hedgehogs on the bike. These have a goretex liner which (even with no socks) kept the wind and rain from my feet and kept them warm. They also dried quicker than the shimano shoes so that I was less likely to put on wet shoes in the morning. The loss of clipped in shoes was no loss and probably a benefit.
Dave
Dave
- 23 Oct 2010, 7:06pm
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Inspiration Required
- Replies: 5
- Views: 699
Inspiration Required
Hi All,
Thinking about what to do touring-wise next year. Wondered whether you guys had any good ideas. Here are the criteria:
1). 3 week duration
2). About 1000miles.
3). Great Scenery.
4). Not in the UK.
Looking forward to your ideas!! - thanks,
Dave
Thinking about what to do touring-wise next year. Wondered whether you guys had any good ideas. Here are the criteria:
1). 3 week duration
2). About 1000miles.
3). Great Scenery.
4). Not in the UK.
Looking forward to your ideas!! - thanks,
Dave
- 17 Aug 2010, 10:22pm
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Iceland Tour Photos - July 2010
- Replies: 6
- Views: 757
Re: Iceland Tour Photos - July 2010
Mattie wrote:Pictures have come out very well, looked through them all.
Just wondering if they were taken with a point and shoot or a DSLR
Just a point and click Canon IXUS camera. I probably couldn't justify the additional space and weight of an SLR.
- 16 Aug 2010, 7:35pm
- Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
- Topic: Tyre Size
- Replies: 22
- Views: 1680
Re: Tyre Size
I've done LEJOG on 28s and would not recommend it. I'm my view they cannot hack it with a loaded bike. I would recommend 35mm minimum. You can get 35mm Schalbe Marathon tyres with a road tread which will take 85 PSI and roll well on roads, apart from being indestructable. I think when you are touring, the last thing you want to do is to be worrying about your tyres. Get something safe and beefy.
Dave
Dave
- 16 Aug 2010, 7:24pm
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Iceland Tour Photos - July 2010
- Replies: 6
- Views: 757
Re: Iceland Tour Photos - July 2010
iviehoff wrote:They seem to have been having a very good summer this year, with "drought" claimed in some areas.
Assuming the photos are in the order you took them, I can see you followed the ring road along the south coast, east coast and part way along the north. You then seem suddenly to turn up on the Golden Circle all of a sudden. Is that because you took a bus back to Reykjavik at that point, noticed that the W of the ring road is so boring it wasn't worth showing the photos, or did actually ride Kjolur to Gullfoss but had bad weather so took no pictures?
There are many stunning cycling areas you missed, a good excuse to go back.
I did the whole ring. A total of 1875kms. Anticlockwise and no motorised transport involved. The photos aren't quite in the right order actually. Luckily I had some time near the end to do the golden circle stuff. Had originally planned to use route 35 to cross the interior north to south but the weather wasn't great and I much prefer smooth roads to bumpy gravel tracks if I'm honest. Certainly agree that the best parts are in the south but the north is still good cycling. If you are prepared to cycle a lot of gravel roads, then the Western fjords and interior would offer other areas. However, I'm pretty happy that the ring road offers a good taste of Iceland for someone with only 2-3 weeks to spare.
Dave
- 15 Aug 2010, 9:30pm
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Iceland Tour Photos - July 2010
- Replies: 6
- Views: 757
Iceland Tour Photos - July 2010
Just got back from a touring trip in Iceland. Pretty damn good. Here are a few pics:
http://daveydave.jalbum.net/Iceland%202010/
Thanks for all your help in answering my queries beforehand.
Dave
http://daveydave.jalbum.net/Iceland%202010/
Thanks for all your help in answering my queries beforehand.
Dave
- 28 Jun 2010, 9:19pm
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Tool Weight
- Replies: 7
- Views: 809
Tool Weight
Hi All,
Just preparing for tour and looking at the kit I'm going to have to haul around. Obviously I want to keep both the weight and bulk to a minimum, but at the same time be safe and self-reliant. I'm going to Iceland where I understand I could be a few days from a bike shop at times, and so being able to change spokes (inc. cassette removal), have spare tyres/tubes, repair patches, and a spare chain etc... all seem like a must. The trouble is, this means a lot of tools/parts and a lot of weight. Has anyone any tips or words of wisdom?.
My camping kit is all pretty lightweight anyway and I'm not taking many pairs of pants either, so I reckon rest of my kit is suitable minimal.
Ta in advance,
Dave
Just preparing for tour and looking at the kit I'm going to have to haul around. Obviously I want to keep both the weight and bulk to a minimum, but at the same time be safe and self-reliant. I'm going to Iceland where I understand I could be a few days from a bike shop at times, and so being able to change spokes (inc. cassette removal), have spare tyres/tubes, repair patches, and a spare chain etc... all seem like a must. The trouble is, this means a lot of tools/parts and a lot of weight. Has anyone any tips or words of wisdom?.
My camping kit is all pretty lightweight anyway and I'm not taking many pairs of pants either, so I reckon rest of my kit is suitable minimal.
Ta in advance,
Dave
- 30 May 2010, 8:21pm
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Charging mobile devices on tour
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1394
- 29 May 2010, 9:17pm
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Charging mobile devices on tour
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1394
Charging mobile devices on tour
Hi All,
I am looking at how I can charge my mobile phone whilst touring. I've found a couple of items, which seem to have very mixed reviews. I wondered whether anyone on this forum had experience which either of these in UK-like weather conditions (ie. unguaranteed sunlight).
PowerMonkey Explorer:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Powermonkey-Exp ... 758&sr=1-1
And, the Freeloader Solar Charger
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Freeloader-SC80 ... B000ODRNDA
I guess another option might be to have some form of AA battery to USB converter to use AA batteries to charge your phone??.
Any ideas?.
Ta,
Dave
I am looking at how I can charge my mobile phone whilst touring. I've found a couple of items, which seem to have very mixed reviews. I wondered whether anyone on this forum had experience which either of these in UK-like weather conditions (ie. unguaranteed sunlight).
PowerMonkey Explorer:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Powermonkey-Exp ... 758&sr=1-1
And, the Freeloader Solar Charger
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Freeloader-SC80 ... B000ODRNDA
I guess another option might be to have some form of AA battery to USB converter to use AA batteries to charge your phone??.
Any ideas?.
Ta,
Dave