A few questions about camping/touring in France

[patheticshark]

Hello! I am being really lazy as I'm sure all the answers are on this forum but I'm getting mildly overwhelmed and was hoping I could be cheeky and ask for an idiot's digest to the following.

1) As explained above, I am an idiot, and can just about work my MSR pocket rocket. I have no particular inclination to learn how other stoves work, so would the Superfly make most sense for France? I'm tempted to get two so I can cook more than one thing at a time but that may be madness. But Trangias sound complicated and I'm lazy.

2) Dynohubs are also beyond me, but I'd quite like some means of charging a phone. I keep trying to read up on how to do this but the threads seem to be full of electrical engineers custom building their own solutions. I'm assuming something solar powered would be sensible for touring France/Spain in July... does anyone have any recommendations for something straightforward and not rubbish?

3) I am marginally more comfortable with this but does anyone have any recommendations for portable speakers with which I can annoy my tandem captain by playing rubbish at him through my iPod?

4) Does anyone know a flat route through the Pyrenees? Also from France to Santander.

cheers!
shark

 

[vernon]

4) Does anyone know a flat route through the Pyrenees? Also from France to Santander.

cheers!
shark

You could take a flight over them apart from the take off and landing the rest of the flight is level.

 

[vernon]

1) As explained above, I am an idiot, and can just about work my MSR pocket rocket. I have no particular inclination to learn how other stoves work, so would the Superfly make most sense for France? I'm tempted to get two so I can cook more than one thing at a time but that may be madness. But Trangias sound complicated and I'm lazy.

Trangias are far from complicated. Add meths and ignite it. Simples. Even comes with two pans - one for the trangia and one for the MSR.

There's plenty of things that can be cooked in a single pot. Have a google for one pot camping stove recipes or something similar.

 

[vernon]

3) I am marginally more comfortable with this but does anyone have any recommendations for portable speakers with which I can annoy my tandem captain by playing rubbish at him through my iPod?

Why not fill your time with admiring the scenery. It will be one less thing to pack.

 

[chrtho]

Trangias are far from complicated. Add meths and ignite it. Simples.

Trangias are one of the simplest stoves available. And the most stable. And have the best wind shielding.

And ... meths is dirt cheap and available in any French supermarket.

 

[vernon]

And ... meths is dirt cheap and available in any French supermarket.

It smells nice enough to drink though I haven't tested that notion.

 

[patheticshark]

Hmm OK. I will revisit the mysterious world of the Trangia. Is the 25 about right for two people, or is that overkill?

 

[chrtho]

Hmm OK. I will revisit the mysterious world of the Trangia. Is the 25 about right for two people, or is that overkill?

I doubt it - the small version is only just big enough for me. In fact, if there are two of you, taking two lightweight stoves is not such a bad idea if you like cooking decent meals.

The easiest route for cyclists crossing the Pyrenees is probably the pilgrims route to Santiago (Puerto de Ibañeta).

 

[Yellow7]

Uh?!! "4) Does anyone know a flat route through the Pyrenees? Also from France to Santander."

You'd have more chance finding mountains in Holland.

 

[willem]

The Trangia 25 is the model for two, but it is a bit slow with quantities for two. That is solved with a Trangia gas or multifuel burner, but the problem with gas is that Coleman/Primus etc screw on canisters are hard to get in France. Camping Gaz canisters are easily available, but are not compatible (there are adapters). The multifuel burner is expensive, and not very convenient (but amazingly hot).My preference would be for meths, and just be a bit patient. There is no easier and more convenient type of stove, and you will not need to search for fuel. If you decide to get one, have a look at the various models. Some cheap sale offerings are the older heavier model, and not the new UL (for ultralight). I like the HA (Hardanodized) version because it stays nicer, cleans more easily, and is durably almost non stick. For the frying pan you could consider proper non stick (not as long lasting, but you can buy a replacement separately).
Bon appetit,
Willem

 

[srw]

It's not exactly through the Pyrenees (are there any flat routes through the Pyrenees?) but the last four or so days of our French end-to-end (see sig links) are probably the flattest route across the general direction of the Pyrenees avoiding suicidal riding along main roads. Looking at the google maps terrain model, the Eastern route is going to be considerably flatter than the Western route.

On a tandem, unless you're extremely sure of the brakes (and take spare blocks/pads) and have the balls of a very brave thing indeed, you'll want to avoid long or steep hills, especially those with hairpins.

 

[patheticshark]

Uh?!! "4) Does anyone know a flat route through the Pyrenees? Also from France to Santander."

You'd have more chance finding mountains in Holland.

I wasn't being entirely serious.

It's not exactly through the Pyrenees (are there any flat routes through the Pyrenees?) but the last four or so days of our French end-to-end (see sig links) are probably the flattest route across the general direction of the Pyrenees avoiding suicidal riding along main roads. Looking at the google maps terrain model, the Eastern route is going to be considerably flatter than the Western route.

On a tandem, unless you're extremely sure of the brakes (and take spare blocks/pads) and have the balls of a very brave thing indeed, you'll want to avoid long or steep hills, especially those with hairpins.

Yeah, I had a feeling that was the case. Unfortunately the return from Santander and limited days means it's going to have to be more west than east. It is the bit I'm most worried about by far, but hopefully it'll work out. The Puerto de Ibañeta route might be a goer, though I might have to abandon my San Sebastian plans.

The Trangia 25 is the model for two, but it is a bit slow with quantities for two. That is solved with a Trangia gas or multifuel burner, but the problem with gas is that Coleman/Primus etc screw on canisters are hard to get in France. Camping Gaz canisters are easily available, but are not compatible (there are adapters). The multifuel burner is expensive, and not very convenient (but amazingly hot).My preference would be for meths, and just be a bit patient. There is no easier and more convenient type of stove, and you will not need to search for fuel. If you decide to get one, have a look at the various models. Some cheap sale offerings are the older heavier model, and not the new UL (for ultralight). I like the HA (Hardanodized) version because it stays nicer, cleans more easily, and is durably almost non stick. For the frying pan you could consider proper non stick (not as long lasting, but you can buy a replacement separately).
Bon appetit,
Willem

cheers! I'm still undecided, but I think it's more a case of being spoilt for choice rather than stuck, so a nice problem really. I am still tempted by the Superfly option - it's on sale for 30 quid which seems pretty good for something so adaptable and lightweight, but I do appreciate Trangias are held in high regard for good reason.

 

[Brains]

Stove; Buy the Trangia 27K. Sorted

 

[Yellow7]

"I wasn't being entirely serious." did make me chuckle though The Pyrenees mountain climbs [for me] are awesome, I've crossed it three times so far it's been the best bit of the tours (the european ones at least). You'll get an amazing sense of achievement, hair-pin climbs slowly meandering up to the pass, then free-wheeling down tother side! Grab the bull by it’s horns mate and go for it!!

 

[middleagecyclist]

1) ...But Trangias sound complicated and I'm lazy.

2) Dynohubs are also beyond me,...I'm assuming something solar powered would be sensible for touring France/Spain in July...

3) ...recommendations for portable speakers...

4) Does anyone know a flat route through the Pyrenees? Also from France to Santander.

cheers!
shark

1) Trangia stoves are simple and effective. Little to go wrong and easy to use albeit not the fastest.

2) Dynohubs. Great if you want portable charging as well as the ability to run lights. Beats solar easily. You are looking at £150-200.00 for a hub and wheelbuild I would reckon. SON are the best dynohubs but Shimano make one that gets good reviews. To charge gizmos you need a device like a B&W E-Werk or the PedalPower+ system (other types are available) to go between your dynohub and device(s). This allows the current to be modified and may also incorparate a battery so devices can then be recharged when the bike is not moving. I have the PedalPower+ system and love it. Add another £100-200.00 depending what you go for.

3) No. Perhaps sing to him?

4) No

Hope that helps.