A day ride in France - Sat. 11th April

[Arthur]

Mine too, funnily enough.

I'll be zooming round the route probably some time next month (unless I'm snowed in/under), and I'll see if I can post some pictures of the countryside.

Nice to see the wheat is ripening...

 

[User10571]

Looks like Kent.
But with a bit more cheese.

 

[Jimmy Doug]

Looks like Kent.
But with a bit more cheese.

It would it wasn't for the fact that some of the fields are the size of Thanet. <cough> Slight exaggeration there.

 

[Flying Dodo]

Nice to see the wheat is ripening...

Winter wheat.

 

[man in black]

Going to book the train from Ebbsfleet anybody on the train going down let me know the time so I am on the right one there and back please!

 

[Flying Dodo]

It's the 06:37 departure from St. Pancras, calling at Ebbsfleet 06:55, arriving Dover 07:41. Coming back, we're aiming for the 21:49 train from Dover, calling at Ebbsfleet 22:35 and back to St. Pancras 22:54. So don't forget some lights.

 

[man in black]

That's what I thought just checking, many thanks, will book these times

 

[ianrauk]

The first Northampton train is the 05:16 arriving Euston 06:38, so too late if we look at the earlier St Pancras HS1. However you could get the 07:08 train arriving Dover 08:31 which should still allow you to just make the 09:25 boat.

Have just booked a train ticket for this train (I'll board at Tonbridge). Adam, will it leave enough time to get to and check in on the boat. Can you let me know where to go from the station.
Ta.
Ian

 

[User10571]

http://cruisesouthampton.com/markers/dover-priory-rail-station
Scroll down - read paragraph 2 & 3 in conjunction wivva map.
Having said which...... the suggested route looks like you'll be mixing it with artics in a not very pleasant way.
There does appear to be a cycle path (check out the satellite view on Google maps) which runs parallel to the A20 to the south of it, with a controlled crossing of the A20 and a further cycle path to the north of the A20 which looks like it takes you straight into the ferry terminal.

Edit : I've sent a tcx file to your email. Worth taking a look here http://www.doverport.co.uk/ferry/ as well.
Apparently, once you enter the port, there's a red route line painted onto the road surface to guide cyclists into the terminal.

 

[TheDoctor]

There is, and its easy to miss. It does keep you away from the lorries though.

 

[User10571]

So, having looked at the list of esteemed parties, is anyone planning on doing this on fixed. Or am I likely to be the sole nutter?

 

[Flying Dodo]

http://cruisesouthampton.com/markers/dover-priory-rail-station
Scroll down - read paragraph 2 & 3 in conjunction wivva map.
Having said which...... the suggested route looks like you'll be mixing it with artics in a not very pleasant way.
There does appear to be a cycle path (check out the satellite view on Google maps) which runs parallel to the A20 to the south of it, with a controlled crossing of the A20 and a further cycle path to the north of the A20 which looks like it takes you straight into the ferry terminal.

Edit : I've sent a tcx file to your email. Worth taking a look here http://www.doverport.co.uk/ferry/ as well.
Apparently, once you enter the port, there's a red route line painted onto the road surface to guide cyclists into the terminal.

The A20 is fine through Dover, as it's dual carriageway, and at that time of the morning won't be too busy. I'm doing a recce next Saturday anyway so will be able to confirm things.

 

[Flying Dodo]

Have just booked a train ticket for this train (I'll board at Tonbridge). Adam, will it leave enough time to get to and check in on the boat. Can you let me know where to go from the station.
Ta.
Ian

Follow the yellow brick road.

Or User10571's directions.

Time-wise, you'll be fine. They say you should be there 45 minutes before but it will be OK.

 

[ianrauk]

Cheers all. Route received ok thanks @User10571
Really looking forward to this.

 

[User10571]

The A20 is fine through Dover, as it's dual carriageway, and at that time of the morning won't be too busy. I'm doing a recce next Saturday anyway so will be able to confirm things.

I think you are probably right Adam.
However, as one who jousts with the traffic every day, it is good to know there is a quiet alternative (If running parallel to the A20 can be regarded as quiet!) available.