Help/Advice Required.

[SquareDaff]

I'm seriously considering attempting a Paris to somewhere ride next year (2012). I've done some scanning of the web and there are loads of events from London to Paris. Personally I'd rather do my own thing - and the missus has agreed to drive as support if it takes off. I say Paris to somewhere as if I do my "own thing" I'll ride Paris to Doncaster. Seems a little bizarre but the company I work for has offices in both places so I could ride between both. Nice publicity for the company so hopefully some sponsorship would be forthcoming!!

So I'm after advice as there are lots of things I don't know. I know nothing about French terrain or possible routes. Are there any resources out there I could use? Similarly, staying overnight. Hotels or camping? Can anyone sugguest anywhere they might have stayed? The only other thing is Ferry costs. What are the best times to cross to keep costs to a minimum.

On the UK side I should be OK. However if anyone could recommend any training guides/resources for a trip in excess of 430 miles (hope to do that in 4-5 days) then I'd appreciate it.

 

[superbadger]

Hi SD... I just did similar milage in my trip last month. I did mine solo on my rigid MTB thats kitted-out as a tourer. Could you give a bit more info? Type of bike?(race or tourer?). Whats your exp? (how fit are you,miles you do etc..) and sounds like there is a tight budget so would you do it unsupported if you needed too?.

 

[SquareDaff]

I'd be using a Boardman Hybrid Pro - carrying just essentials for a days riding. So pretty close to the 9.25kg manufacturers weight. It has bar ends. Have heard people ride these with clamp on tri bars - but have no experience of these. Are they worth investing in?

As for me - been back riding for a year now. 100 miles a week commuting duties. 10 miles each way. Recently had to ride the full way home. 28 miles in 1.5 hours. I have no idea how fit that makes me. I don't think an 18.5 mph average is too bad but am willing to be corrected. I'd be planning on riding around Jun 2012 so have plenty of time to train up to 80-100miles per day for 4-5 days. Current weight is 12stone 12lbs and I'm 5ft 6ins. Aim to tackle this issue 1st and the target is to reach 11 stone 7lbs for Xmas. Previously I've done the C2C in a couple of days and was putting in 50 miles per day training for that.

Budget isn't tight but as a Yorkshire man I'm very much of the "why spend more than you have to" persuasion. Obviously I want to be comfortable in an evening and I'm a keen camper already (hence the suggestion). As for doing it unsupported - maybe if I did it again. This would be my 1st attempt though. Maybe it's psychological but having support there would give me one less thing to worry about. That's my theory anyway.

 

[superbadger]

Well i aint a 'pro' but with your fitness levels as they are at the moment you could do the trip next week!!!. Am serious... Having said that,keep training all the same.... No point doing a trip when you can't stop and take in the scenery because you feel 'dead to the world!!'. Love the comment about Yorkshiremen . Lets say your thrifty eh! Me too.... Okay so the support is a must; Thats good because then you can just concentrate on the road and have minimum weight to carry. The point you made about work is interesting as maybe you could swing it to stay at a persons house from the French office? Just a thought but you don't get if you don't ask!.

I cannot help with regards to France(i planning a trip next year too) or the clamp for the bike(never used em) but your bike is certainly capable of the trip; From a logistical point of view i would camp since your gear in the support vehicle and it is so much cheaper. Just keep your training up and it will be a breeze,you will suprise yourself. Your time frame for the trip sounds about right but try and treat it like it is (an adventure) if you put pressure on yourself to get somewhere at such a time you will miss out on the fun! And i might be mad but a 5-6 day ride is fun . Oh yea a few other things. use a frame bag for your supplies/tool kit as oppose to using a backpack; You may suffer pain at top of your neck with a pack(trust me i know!!!) On the same note check your bike set up correctly,handlebar and seat height or that can cause it too. Oh and i did another thread on here about cleaning chains!!! Make sure you give it a good service before the 'off'...

I don't know if i been about as helpful as a 'chocolate kettle' or maybe i have raised the odd point; Whichever way the very best of luck to you...

 

[rich p]

You're only going to be in France for one or two nights. Municipal campsites are widespread, cheap and good standard. Dieppe is reachable in 2 days and Calais 3 without busting a gut. Others could do it quicker.

http://en.camping.info/

I'd do it solo and save your wife a boring holiday personally but that's obviously up to you!

As far as the ferries are concerned, I'd book up as soon as you can for the best price. With a car there are many offers available these days if you check on SeaFrance, P&O etc.

 

[shirokazan]

I don't think an 18.5 mph average is too bad but am willing to be corrected.

On my road bike, I've never managed to go that fast. More typically I do about 15mph average. On my tourer, I'm usually around the 10mph mark. So, I agree with superbadger that there's nothing wrong with your fitness now.

 

[SquareDaff]

Thanks for all the advice - especially the camp site link. I'm on leave next week so will be doing lots of homework then.

I'm happy with my speed over 1-2 hours. I don't really cycle long distances though and that's where the doubt comes in. No point blasting off for 20-30 miles and then struggling for the remaining 50-60 miles! So my training would be geared towards regular longer distances at, realistically, lower average speeds.

 

[superbadger]

All i could do was sprint and regular short rides before my trip but that did the trick.... You have just answered part of your own question.... Just pace yourself; I just went at a very comfortable 12-14 mph at the start of each day and sometimes that would increase if a tailwind came up.... Don't be worried about using the very easy (Granny) gears going uphill coz thats what they there for and if you try and attack every hill you WILL suffer later on.. You will soon find the comfort zone.

Oh a quick point on the missus. Best way for her to act as a support vehicle would be to send her on ahead to set points(quaint towns etc...) You both have a copy of the same map,both have credit on mbls and you agree on times for the 'said' meeting points. That way she can be out and about shopping and having a croissant while you pound the road!!! Ok its a raw deal but she cant drive behind you the whole way!!!!