Velodysee - Baggage transporting?

[dodger]

Travelling from Roscoff to Redon in early June with my rather unfit brother. Whilst I know I don't have a problem carrying panniers, he hasn't ridden in many years, is rather overweight and I'm afraid he won't have done much training! So I'm looking for a way to ensure he can complete the route over 6 days.
So, does anyone know of a baggage carrying company for this route? There will be 3 of us; all happy to travel light if we can.

[francovendee]

I've never heard of anything like that, maybe others know more.

[Morzedec]

Dodger, hello again, we have spoken on similar lines before.

280 km, almost exactly, via the VV to Carhaix, and then along the Nante - Brest canal towpath. As you are in E Cornwall it will mean either an 'overnight' crossing from Plymouth and then an 8am kickoff; or a day crossing to arrive at around 3pm. I guess that you will be camping, and, depending on how your brother gets on, there are a number of different options for the first day. After that, campsites along the canal arrive at regular intervals, so finding a home for the night will not be a problem.

There are no companies that transport baggage along the route, but during the last four years I've started to act as an 'escort' for newbie cyclists arriving at either Roscoff or St Malo; mainly Americans, but also some from NZ, South Africa, and, would you believe it, some tentative French cyclists as well.

Depending on exactly what you are likely to be carrying, I may be able to help. If you like we could arrange a 'meet' (I'm now in the UK for another three weeks) to talk things through, because we can't be all that far apart.

Please PM me.

Happy days,

[dodger]

Hi Morzedec
Thanks for that. A kind thought, although, of course, we would be happy to pay.
As it happens I think we will now be staying at hotels/B&Bs. I've checked the prices and it looks very reasonable compared to the UK. And I'm getting too tired for camping. Brothers 1 and 2 also not very keen!
Provisionally, looks like overnight ferry on 1 June, first night at Huelgoat, then, Gouarec, Pontivy, Josselin and Rochfort en Terre.
Train back to Morlaix, then easy cycle back to Roscoff.

So we shouldn't have too much stuff. The usual easily dried clothes, water and a small amount of food, so not too many Kgs.

Day 1 is the tester, with around 40 ish miles, but most of it's on the level.
If they still want baggage carrying I would certainly like to talk, especially for day 1.
Meanwhile, we are near Looe if you're ever around this way.
Regards

[simonhill]

What you are talking about would fit in 2 rear panniers. You could carry all the stuff.

Do they have panniers? If so, you start out carrying any heavy stuff and then transfer a bit each day as time goes on.

Think of the brownie points for martyring yourself.

[dodger]

Simonhill - Yes, no problem for me or brother number 1, but number 2 is really unfit.
Guess we could carry some of his stuff! I'm sure he will be OK if gets through days 1 and 2, but he was wondering about support in advance.
Think I should tell him to think positive!

[simonhill]

Another point is how much stuff will you be carrying that you don't want during the day.

Evening clothes, shoes, wash stuff, plus ?? I can't see there being too much to transport, unless you are taking your tuxedos. Last year I did 10 days in W and NW France and off bike I only wore shorts, shirt and sandals, plus fleece and rain top that I needed in the day. Casual is accepted most places now.

Unless there's a lot of climbing, I don't think a few extra kilos makes much difference once you are rolling.

[bretonbikes]

first night at Huelgoat, then, Gouarec, Pontivy, Josselin and Rochfort en Terre.
Train back to Morlaix, then easy cycle back to Roscoff.

Hotels we use on that route - All good, all cheap.

Huelgoat - Hotel du Lac

Gouarec - U2U me as I know lots of options)

Pontivy - Hotel L'Europe - magnificant place run by sisters;-)

Josselin - Au Relais De L'oust - just outside the town, but cheap as chips, good food and friendly family run. Right on the towpath.

Morlaix - Hotel du Port - excellent...

[dodger]

Thanks Breton Bikes. Your local knowledge is always useful.