Lifeonmove
New Member
Hey everyone!
A few weeks ago I completed a bucket-list challenge: riding solo and unsupported from London to Paris on my Brompton to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
It was an incredible 4-day adventure, but doing long-distance touring on 16-inch wheels definitely brought some unique challenges.
Quick Trip Stats:
Highlights & Surprises:
Reaching the Eiffel Tower on Day 4 after fighting through Parisian traffic was an unbelievable feeling!
I filmed the entire journey—from the Greenwich start line, tire changes, missing the ferry, to rolling up to the Eiffel Tower. If you'd like to check out the full vlog, you can watch it here:
View: https://youtu.be/710EzXYU43k
Happy to answer any questions about route planning, packing gear, or touring on a Brompton if anyone is planning a similar trip!
A few weeks ago I completed a bucket-list challenge: riding solo and unsupported from London to Paris on my Brompton to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
It was an incredible 4-day adventure, but doing long-distance touring on 16-inch wheels definitely brought some unique challenges.
Quick Trip Stats:
- Total Distance: ~350 miles (took a few scenic detours!)
- Time: 4 Days
- Setup: Solo & Unsupported with front bag & gear
- Punctures: 2
- Ferries Missed: 1 (by about 5 minutes!)
Highlights & Surprises:
- The Good: Riding along French canal paths and quiet countryside roads on day 2 and 3 was absolute bliss. The folding bike is surprisingly comfortable for long flat stretches once you hit a good rhythm.
- The Bad: The off-road / gravel cycle paths in Kent and northern France were ruthless on small tires. I got stuck in thick mud that completely jammed up my mudguards (had to use a stick to scrape it out on the trail).
- The Brutal: Strong headwinds on Day 2 really slowed my average speed down to about 7–8 mph, and pushing up steep Kent hills meant walking the bike a few times.
Reaching the Eiffel Tower on Day 4 after fighting through Parisian traffic was an unbelievable feeling!
I filmed the entire journey—from the Greenwich start line, tire changes, missing the ferry, to rolling up to the Eiffel Tower. If you'd like to check out the full vlog, you can watch it here:
View: https://youtu.be/710EzXYU43k
Happy to answer any questions about route planning, packing gear, or touring on a Brompton if anyone is planning a similar trip!
