Cycling UK Forum

bikepacker wrote:They are very aggressive around the larger cities. Within 20 miles of Dublin and Galway I found to be the worst.

On the subject of France: During lunch today I was discussing possibilities for next year's tours. My wife categorically refuses to cycle again in France and Andorra, that is how bad it was this for her this year.

I'm sorry your most recent experience of France was not good. Perhaps you might consider Provence. During 2 weeks spent there this August with my wife and daughter I noticed only one really bad driver (too fast on a twisty road) and nobody was aggressive towards us. I just wonder if it varies from region to region.

We have cycled South East France many times in fact the Vercors is one of my favourite places. However we now prefer to keep moving on for most of our tours rather than stay in one area.

Why are people surprised that UK is not dead last in any and every survey? Why do people in UK love to say UK is useless? UK is much better than you realise. The grass really is not greener on the other side. I've cycled in countries from UK all the way over to Malaysia and even China (I've lived and worked in S. E. Asia for too many years now). I was in UK last month for a holiday and only managed a couple of rides but it was so good to be back on UK roads.
There are many areas throughout UK that are unbeatable for cycling with something for everyone from the flat roads around the Norfolk Broads to the grandeur of the Scottish Highlands. With UK being not being too big it is possible to sample a wide range of different roads and scenery types in one tour.
Compared to most countries that I have cycled in, UK roads are safe and in general cycle tourists are respected on the roads (we all know commuter cycling is a different matter anywhere). Ask people for directions and they help whenever possible. Overall it is a place to cycle where you are left feeling good about it.

+1. Well said.

TimP wrote:Why are people surprised that UK is not dead last in any and every survey? Why do people in UK love to say UK is useless? UK is much better than you realise. The grass really is not greener on the other side. I've cycled in countries from UK all the way over to Malaysia and even China (I've lived and worked in S. E. Asia for too many years now). I was in UK last month for a holiday and only managed a couple of rides but it was so good to be back on UK roads.
There are many areas throughout UK that are unbeatable for cycling with something for everyone from the flat roads around the Norfolk Broads to the grandeur of the Scottish Highlands. With UK being not being too big it is possible to sample a wide range of different roads and scenery types in one tour.
Compared to most countries that I have cycled in, UK roads are safe and in general cycle tourists are respected on the roads (we all know commuter cycling is a different matter anywhere). Ask people for directions and they help whenever possible. Overall it is a place to cycle where you are left feeling good about it.

I agree with that. When I think of the Welsh Marches and parts of North Yorkshire, even France struggles to produce anything better.

Not only the Marches where I lived for many years but the whole of Wales is excellent cycling country. That is why my wife and I spend at least three weeks touring there every year.

bikepacker wrote:Not only the Marches where I lived for many years but the whole of Wales is excellent cycling country. That is why my wife and I spend at least three weeks touring there every year.

The only reason I didn't mention "the whole of Wales" is that significant areas (as with Scotland) are not well endowed with quiet lanes. For example, getting to and from Aberystwyth is a bit restricted if you want quiet roads. Around the Welsh Marches, on the other hand, you can enjoy a maze of lanes with options all over the place. But yes, there are wonderful routes in Wales if you study the maps carefully. In the right weather the narrow road between Machynlleth and Staylittle is truly spectacular. Anyone who has not been there has not lived.

pwa wrote:But yes, there are wonderful routes in Wales if you study the maps carefully. In the right weather the narrow road between Machynlleth and Staylittle is truly spectacular. Anyone who has not been there has not lived.

Truly wonderful road as you say, the view over the lake before the descent into Llanidloes is beautiful on a clear day. My favourite Welsh road has to be Bala to Dines Mawddwy over Bwlch y Groes (or Hellfire Pass as it was once known).