Cycling UK Forum

I bought an Airnimal Joey Explore to give me flexibility in getting on/off TGV trains. As I understand it you need to book ahead to get a full size bike on these trains. I found this impossible on a recent 2 week French tour as I had no fixed end point. Getting back was a pain. Although it's not the...

Can I publicise the recently opened "Old Rail Path" from Athlone to Mullingar in the Midlands. It's 40km and is proving very popular. From Mullingar you can join the much improved Royal Canal towpath E towards Dublin or W to the Shannon at Tarmonbarry (near Longford). You could complete a ...

Here's an excellent journal of the route: https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o= ... =8678&v=2V

We've used Vrienden numerous times over the years and have always found them excellent. Booking 4 weeks ahead is usually ok. We've always found the hosts to be very welcoming and helpful. It's much more interesting than staying in a "normal" B&B and the charges are very reasonable. Enj...

The Eurotunnel service can take up to 6 people + bikes per trip. The bikes are safely strapped into the trailer using (adapted) Thule roof rack mountings.
We travelled with 4 older ladies who were using trains to get to the West coast of France for a 2 week cycling holiday.

Some friends and I recently used the Eurotunnel Bike Service for the 2nd time and would highly recommend it. It is the fastest and cheapest way to get to France with a bike (£18 each way). Pick up (by minibus + trailer) is in Folkestone for an 8am or 3.30pm departure. Travel time is about 75-90 minu...

This is the new Thermarest self inflating mat: http://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/equipment-c3/sleeping-mats-c58/all-sleeping-mats-c146/thermarest-evolite-regular-sleeping-mat-p3608. It's 50 mm thick and I will be getting one when they bring it out in 3/4 length. A hiking friend has a Neo Air. H...

Does your starting point have to be Dublin? My concern would not be a large group cycling on quiet country roads but rather getting yourselves out of central Dublin and through the sprawling suburbs. Would somewhere on the SW outskirts (possibly with a rail station) be a better bet. Lovely idea, by ...

I did most of the Burgundy canal in May on my Ti tourer with 32 Marathons. No punctures and comfortable ride.

Thanks to all 3 of you for your replies. I will probably try out the Saone cycle route to see if it works. If it gets too complicated I can always revert to Edward Enfield's route ie skirting Lyon to the western side.

In May I did just over half of a leisurely Channel to Med trip (time ran out near Cluny). I aim to complete it next year mainly using the Rhone path. On the Bike Express home I heard some very differing stories about getting through/around Lyon. One guy said to get a train from just north of Lyon to...

In May I followed Edward Enfield's book a little over halfway to the Med (made it to Cluny). I would recommend you get a train from Paris as near to Tonerre as possible. The canal path is excellent from there. I followed it to Pont d'Ouche and from there took direct (very hilly) route to Beaune. Nex...

I'm just about to order a Joey. Airnimal do a 24" or 26" rack option. I'm not sure which to go for as I vaguely remember reading on here about someone who was having "heel clearance" problems with the smaller size. Also, are there (1st fold) bag options other than the Airnimal on...

This humorous book by Edward Enfield (Harry's Dad) is very encouraging to beginners cycling in France : http://www.amazon.co.uk/Downhill-Mediterranean-Enfield-Mar-05-2007-Paperback/dp/B009RK4QP4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1400273724&sr=8-2&keywords=downhill+all+the+way+edward He and his wife...

The last hotel I stayed at in Dieppe was at the top of a steep climb called Ave Gambretta (I think). To be avoided. If your ferry gets in mid afternoon then I would suggest the wonderful 2 hour-ish cycle along the Avenue Verte to Neufchatel en Bray. Lovely place and there are a number of guesthouses...