Cycling UK Forum

Next year I will be in my 75th year. I had intended cycling Holland to Gibraltar, COVID willing. Then I thought that I should try cycling for 75 days. However, what might be a suitable expedition starting from the North Sea ports in Holland with a May start? Any suggestions?

A bit more information about you will help in useful suggestions. Such as;

Hotels or camping.

What's your preference as to weather? I like hot weather so would head for Southern France and Spain. Other complain about the 'heat of the day' when it gets to 20 degrees, if so probably better heading to Denmark/Germany (although both can get some warm weather).

Do you like hills or do your best to avoid them.

How experienced are you?

You could use EV15 (below) either as an objective in itself or to access other routes.

Circular or one-way preferred?

Jonathan

Another idea I fancy is flying to the southern tip of Italy and riding home might just make 75 days if you took your time?

Cheers James

I take it you are 73 now. Don't wish your life away by talk of your 75th year.

I set off from Leeds and reached Palermo on my fifty-ninth birthday – a lovely route I'd happily do again.

No personal experience but would going north be an option. Maybe arctic circle then cross to Finland. I will now look at a map so apologies if this is a rubbish idea.

You don't say why you are not doing the intended trip to Gibraltar. You could cycle there and then cycle back. Job done.

When it comes to touring: finding routes, what to see; where to stop; etc; etc. I always recommend having a good think about it. I know it sounds obvious, but I find that the more I start to think about a trip, the more I can hone it up. Thinking out each facet shows if it will work or not. What's more, all the research and planning are part of the fun of the trip.

I tour a lot and am usually planning my next trip in my mind as I am cycling along. It's amazing how a good idea can suddenly come into your mind. Then you can build on this with detailed research later.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I like the idea of going to Gibraltar as first planned. The idea was to then fly home (Sunderland) from Malaga. Given more time it might be an idea to then go west along the southern coast of Spain followed by the coast of Portugal to Santiago. Back along the north coast then back up through France to the Dutch ports. Very roughly that would be 3,300 miles. At an average of 50 miles per day, 66 days. Add in several rest days/breakdowns and that should do it. Thanks for your help!

David75, have you ever bike toured before? Do you already own all the bits and bobs?

The road between Gibraltar and Malaga is well worth avoiding.

Late May or early May ? Southern Spain could be 40 degrees by July......Gibralter to Sunderland would make far more sense weatherwise.

Have you thought about cycling around the British Coast? Should take about 75 days.

djb wrote:David75, have you ever bike toured before? Do you already own all the bits and bobs?

Not a lot, but I've watched videos!!!

nirakaro wrote:The road between Gibraltar and Malaga is well worth avoiding.

Yes, I'm sure it is. My plan is to stay inland on the east coast before cutting down to Gib.