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by bretonbikes
17 Jun 2019, 5:34pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Brittany Ferries Now Require Helmet, High Vis and Lights
Replies: 78
Views: 6904

Re: Brittany Ferries Now Require Helmet, High Vis and Lights

HobbesOnTour wrote:In fairness, looking at the quoted text above, it refers to lights, Hi-Viz and a helmet "while transiting the port".
The only other safety info is to follow instructions of staff and walk the bike on and off. (Of course, there may be other instructions not quoted by the OP). Following staff instructions and walking the bike makes perfect sense to me.

It's possible the helmet/HiViz/Light is a rule of the Port operator. Whatever your thoughts on HiViz & Helmets they ar entitled to make their own rules. And sorry, but anybody heading abroad without working lights is not going to win any awards for most responsible cyclist.

I'd happily join a campaign to email the ferry company/port company to voice displeasure at the helmet rule, but I'd struggle to put my name to a complaint against HiViz and would refuse for lights.

As a car driver, when I entered France I had to have a HiViz vest for every person on the car, accessible without getting out of the car and an alcohol breath tester. Them's the rules.

Without opening up a whole helmet/HiViz fight, when someone suggests wearing one I believe a confrontational answer is not very helpful to getting them to reconsider their (on first glance appropriate) view. In fact, it tends to harden attitudes and in the long term is counter-productive in my opinion.


It is the law in France to have hi-viz in cars - so I have no problem with BF wanting this. It is the law (in certain circumstances) to wear hi viz in France and the law to have working lights. All that I have no problem with (though of course you will not see lights on 95% of French bikes...).
by bretonbikes
17 Jun 2019, 5:31pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Brittany Ferries Now Require Helmet, High Vis and Lights
Replies: 78
Views: 6904

Re: Brittany Ferries Now Require Helmet, High Vis and Lights

You have to be VERY careful about this sort of thing.

If you had an accident and were seriously injured - perhaps by the transfer bus - and you weren't wearing a helmet although you were told (I don't think 'please' removes the implied obligation one iota) - BF would have a very strong case for making you partially responsible.

I have contacted the BF office and they have told me that they 'know nothing about it' so this is quite possibly a case of someone writing some minor advice above the heads of the company. However if so the legal implications still stand.

I will let you know how this develops with BF
by bretonbikes
17 Jun 2019, 2:49pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Brittany Ferries Now Require Helmet, High Vis and Lights
Replies: 78
Views: 6904

Re: Brittany Ferries Now Require Helmet, High Vis and Lights

Just to clarify

I know for a fact that people have been killed on BF boats by falling down stairs and dying from head injuries. No cyclist has died on any BF boat because of a lack of a helmet.

If you choose to walk around a ferry without a helmet then you do so at your own risk...

https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/ ... erry-fall/
by bretonbikes
17 Jun 2019, 2:43pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Brittany Ferries Now Require Helmet, High Vis and Lights
Replies: 78
Views: 6904

Re: Brittany Ferries Now Require Helmet, High Vis and Lights

skelo wrote:seems like sensible advice. If you don't have a helmet hi-vis gear and lights you are quite used to unnecessary risk, so what's the problem?


Going on a cycling holiday is an unnecessary risk...
by bretonbikes
17 Jun 2019, 2:31pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Brittany Ferries Now Require Helmet, High Vis and Lights
Replies: 78
Views: 6904

Re: Brittany Ferries Now Require Helmet, High Vis and Lights

Mike Sales wrote:
skelo wrote:seems like sensible advice. If you don't have a helmet hi-vis gear and lights you are quite used to unnecessary risk, so what's the problem?



Shouldn't you wear a lifejacket with hood and light too? The ferry might sink.


And of course a helmet for going up and down the stairs on the boat or in case you fall out of the top bunk (more common than you'd think). Last year 655 people died from falls on steps and stairs compared to 96 cyclists - is BF going to insist all passengers wear a helmet because the boat is full of steep stairs. Absolutely f***ing ridiculous. Plus of course as you are more likely to be killed in a car from head injuries than anything else why don't you have to wear a crash helmet in the car???

I'm an agent for Brittany Ferries and will be passing on this view...
by bretonbikes
17 Jun 2019, 2:27pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Brittany ...maps advice please, Voies vertes etc
Replies: 13
Views: 2872

Re: Brittany ...maps advice please, Voies vertes etc

SteppenwolfSM5 wrote:Hello folks, we are planning a cycle jaunt to Brittany shortly , I have the Red Dog guide to the Voies Vertes and have seen lots of onlien maps of the cycle network in Brittany. BUT I would like if possible to get hold of a paper map of the Voies vertes, ideally a bit like the nice online map produced by Brittany Tourism (see https://www.freewheelingfrance.com/wher ... -ways.html). Does anyone know if it's possible to buy a paper version? Thanks, Rob


You should be able to pick up a very similar map at the first tourist office. Otherwise the sections of the V6 and Canal Nantes-Brest are available as very very detailed (and lovely) maps from tourist offices in Cotes-D'Armor - I have scans of most available if you want some sections. Also feel free to crib the map off the route on our site - it follows the V6/ V3 and Canal to make a lovely loop and using the google map I've drawn you can download a .gpx file as well... https://www.bretonbikes.com/hotel-based ... -adventure
by bretonbikes
20 May 2019, 9:17pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Velodyssee Roscoff to Nantes - by Brompton??
Replies: 25
Views: 4225

Re: Velodyssee Roscoff to Nantes - by Brompton??

zenitb wrote:
bretonbikes wrote:
zenitb wrote:
I wont be on a Brompton Bretonbikes but am hoping to pitch my tent at your Gouarec campsite on Sunday night... if you see a confused old man on a battered red Cannondale its me :-) Looking forward to exploring the local area !!


Not confused or 'old' but the Cannondale is well used;-) Timed to the best weather as well...


Bretonbikes I really enjoyed the stay at your Gouarec campsite. I was a solo cyclist so it was a great place to meet up with other cyclists and swap stories. You both made me feel v.welcome. Will be back!! :-)


Glad you had fun - I'm trying to persuade other campsites on the route that being 'velo friendly' means giving out chairs and having a covered area/kitchen as the basic necessities but it's hard going. Just imagine if every campsite on the route had a kitchen and chairs - straight off most cycletourists would be able to leave 4 kgs at home and not have to worry about finding fuel etc;-) It'll come but cyclecamping doesn't have much of a history here and though it's growing really fast the basics are having to be learned from scratch.
by bretonbikes
14 May 2019, 7:33pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Weather in France (May'ish)
Replies: 11
Views: 887

Re: Weather in France (May'ish)

Anyone who tells you they know what to expect anywhere in Europe at a certain date should be treated as a charlatan! Here we have been in T-shirts and shorts in February and had a hard frost (-2) last week. 'Unpredictable' is the only way you can describe European weather generally...
by bretonbikes
14 May 2019, 7:30pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Velodyssee Roscoff to Nantes - by Brompton??
Replies: 25
Views: 4225

Re: Velodyssee Roscoff to Nantes - by Brompton??

zenitb wrote:
bretonbikes wrote:
MaccPaddler wrote:Thanks for the comments. Nobody has dissuaded us from trying the route on Bromptons.


Obviously know the route and area well. The canal sections are pretty good in most places being sort of beaten earth/cinder - it's better than tarmac as with the usual trees along the canal the routes break up tarmac pretty quickly. If it's wet you'll get covered so make sure you've mudguards but is dry (and it probably will be) the surface is pretty fast. You'll come across certain sections (around Glomel for example) where work has been done and the surface has rather more hardcore than cinder and can be quite dodgy, but it's a beautiful section to walk anyway;-)

Also be aware that some sections e.g. Carhaix to Gouarec - can have very little in the way of watering holes (if the bar at Glomel/Creherer is closed there's none) without leaving the canal and so be prepared to carry water and food. We got caught out 30 years ago and things haven't improved much. From Gouarec on things get a little more easy with stops every 20 km or so.

The section from Morlaix to Carhaix can be a little more problematic as it can be both muddy and a bit steep - Kate (SWMBO) walked some sections on her 700c tourer so a Brompton will have to take care. If it gets a bit much the main road running nearly parallel is a lovely quiet ride and much faster (D769) - worth the short detour to Huelgoat and the restaurant 'Le Relais de Diane' right on the cyclepath at Plounevezel is NOT TO BE MISSED!!!

BUT - it's gorgeous, varied and you will have an absolute ball - feel free to call in at our campsite at Gouarec for a beer.

Please U2U if you want any help


I wont be on a Brompton Bretonbikes but am hoping to pitch my tent at your Gouarec campsite on Sunday night... if you see a confused old man on a battered red Cannondale its me :-) Looking forward to exploring the local area !!


Not confused or 'old' but the Cannondale is well used;-) Timed to the best weather as well...
by bretonbikes
7 May 2019, 3:26pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Velodyssee Roscoff to Nantes - by Brompton??
Replies: 25
Views: 4225

Re: Velodyssee Roscoff to Nantes - by Brompton??

zenitb wrote:
bretonbikes wrote:
MaccPaddler wrote:Thanks for the comments. Nobody has dissuaded us from trying the route on Bromptons.


Obviously know the route and area well. The canal sections are pretty good in most places being sort of beaten earth/cinder - it's better than tarmac as with the usual trees along the canal the routes break up tarmac pretty quickly. If it's wet you'll get covered so make sure you've mudguards but is dry (and it probably will be) the surface is pretty fast. You'll come across certain sections (around Glomel for example) where work has been done and the surface has rather more hardcore than cinder and can be quite dodgy, but it's a beautiful section to walk anyway;-)

Also be aware that some sections e.g. Carhaix to Gouarec - can have very little in the way of watering holes (if the bar at Glomel/Creherer is closed there's none) without leaving the canal and so be prepared to carry water and food. We got caught out 30 years ago and things haven't improved much. From Gouarec on things get a little more easy with stops every 20 km or so.

The section from Morlaix to Carhaix can be a little more problematic as it can be both muddy and a bit steep - Kate (SWMBO) walked some sections on her 700c tourer so a Brompton will have to take care. If it gets a bit much the main road running nearly parallel is a lovely quiet ride and much faster (D769) - worth the short detour to Huelgoat and the restaurant 'Le Relais de Diane' right on the cyclepath at Plounevezel is NOT TO BE MISSED!!!

BUT - it's gorgeous, varied and you will have an absolute ball - feel free to call in at our campsite at Gouarec for a beer.

Please U2U if you want any help


I wont be on a Brompton Bretonbikes but am hoping to pitch my tent at your Gouarec campsite on Sunday night... if you see a confused old man on a battered red Cannondale its me :-) Looking forward to exploring the local area !!


No problem - I'll look forward to it. There are restaurants open in the village (300m from the campsite) but be sure to book in as soon as you arrive. If you're after 7.00pm just camp up and I'll see you in the morning - feel free to pinch the plastic chairs etc...
by bretonbikes
8 Apr 2019, 12:34pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Velodyssee Eurovelo 1,. September
Replies: 23
Views: 4365

Re: Velodyssee Eurovelo 1,. September

mjr wrote:
bretonbikes wrote:Prompted by this thread I've posted up a guide to the first part of the EV1 - from Roscoff to Nantes - hopefully it'll help a bit and add a couple of places where you can have an alternative route https://www.bretonbikes.com/homepage/cy ... n-brittany

Small correction or update: "Surprisingly it begins in the UK rather than France, in Cornwall and Devon," - the continuous (AFAICT) part of EV1 currently begins in Dungarvan, Ireland, then crosses Rosslare to Fishguard and joins NCN 4 then 3 to get round to Devon. And at the Spanish end, reportedly the route now continues to Pamplona, but is little more than signs bolted to lampposts in many places.


Thanks for that - the offician Velodyssee site has it just in Devon and Cornwall - I wonder if they are differenciating it from EV1.

Sometimes they make these things so complicated - the Tour de Manche has chopped of a lump in the UK (Brexit?) but looks like it might be combined in some way...

Anyway thanks for that - I'll chase and correct as necessary
by bretonbikes
8 Apr 2019, 11:20am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Velodyssee Eurovelo 1,. September
Replies: 23
Views: 4365

Re: Velodyssee Eurovelo 1,. September

teamonster wrote:Sorry to hijack this thread briefly , but wondering how busy campsites in France will be first three weeks of July. Contemplating doing this then, but only heading halfway down, as did Santander to Caen last year, much on Velodysse


As others have said the first three weeks are out of season and the chances of not getting a place for a single tent even in the most touristy areas are close to zero. There are however three proviso - one is that more and more campsites are becoming little more than housing estates for chalets and mobile homes and so some have few IF ANY emplacements for lightweight camping. For example one campsite 10 km from here has no places for real campers and many consider a 5m square of rubble as the perfect place for a lightweight tent. As someone who relies on campsites for our cycling business and as proprietor of a campsite I'm pretty cheesed off by this and at the moment pushing hard to try and organise at least a classification of 'real campsites' where at least 50% of emplacements are for moving-on campers - in fact it's a campaign I may try to get the CTC involved in... For example one campsite 10 km from here has no places for real campers and many consider a 5m square of rubble as the perfect place for a lightweight tent.

So look carefully at campsite descriptions in guides to see the ratio of mobile homes etc to emplacement 'nu' and avoid anything with just a few like the plague.

The other proviso is 'local events'. For example here at Gouarec there is a big Triathlon and for the weekend in June that's on we will be rammed (though we always have a corner for lightweight campers in this situation we are the exception).

Lastly, I've rolled up to campsites to find that a campsite supposedly open in fact has just had the proprietor drop dead, the campsite toilets flooded, 'closed for renovation' etc - and so for that reason I'd always phone ahead - you never know...
by bretonbikes
6 Apr 2019, 2:35pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Velodyssee Eurovelo 1,. September
Replies: 23
Views: 4365

Re: Velodyssee Eurovelo 1,. September

Prompted by this thread I've posted up a guide to the first part of the EV1 - from Roscoff to Nantes - hopefully it'll help a bit and add a couple of places where you can have an alternative route https://www.bretonbikes.com/homepage/cy ... n-brittany
by bretonbikes
16 Mar 2019, 8:52pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: What should we have in our bunkhouse
Replies: 50
Views: 11133

Re: What should we have in our bunkhouse

JakobW wrote:One of these: https://www.lakeland.co.uk/25597/Dry%3A ... fer-Bundle ? We've got the smaller model at home and it's great; depending on how much you're drying you may want a dehumidifier as well, but I'd have thought that's still more eco-friendly than a tumble drier...


Brilliant thanks;-)
by bretonbikes
16 Mar 2019, 9:30am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: What should we have in our bunkhouse
Replies: 50
Views: 11133

Re: What should we have in our bunkhouse

Dehumidifier sounds cool;-)

Actually I've a drying rack knocking about somewhere. That's the great thing about this forum - it gets you THINKING!