last minute panic!

[damj]

Hi just one day to go before my long awaited cycle, on my tod, from Calais to Arras, I'm going to visit my great grandfathers war grave. He was killed 100 years ago next week, I understand I'm the first of my family to visit, so feeling pretty honoured

Even one year ago I couldn't have even contemplated doing anything like this. Two years ago I'd took advantage of cycle to work scheme after not cycling for around 30 years.

If I'm honest I've probably over prepared in some areas, the bikes ready, I've just about packed the kitchen sink...., trains booked(4xtransters), foot passenger(with bike)to Calais, b&b... but I'm starting to worry about finding the best routes. I've neglected to buy a decent map or cycling sat nav, I'm worried my 'here maps' navigation on my smartphone will take me on dangerous roads (or areas!)although I'm confident it won't let me down completely.
Is it just me , am I worrying unnecessarily? I'm trying to keep a brave face for my family, who are behind me, but are also worried about my safety..help!

 

[classic33]

I'd say you're worrying over nothing. If you have everything planned route wise, stick to it.

There's tracking apps that allow selected others to see where you are, if that'll put their minds at ease. Or agree a rough time when you'll send a text.

 

[Edwardoka]

It sounds like an awesome trip and you'll be fine - have fun!

As for mapping, Google Maps cycling mode is a bit flaky in France (It regularly led me down completely unnavigable paths), but so long as I knew the name of the next town in the general direction I wanted to go it was possible to follow signs along back roads.

Generally speaking, the quality of driving in Northern France is vastly better than in the UK; I rode 25km on a busy fast road without getting a single dodgy pass - virtually every single car put all 4 wheels across the centre line.

It may be worthwhile hitting up the Tourist Information Office in Calais and ask if they have any cycling maps of the area, the network of Voies Vertes are extensive, but they are of even more variable quality than Sustrans.

 

[Slick]

Of course it's just a bit of opening night nerves, as soon as you start turning the pedals, all this worry will soon dis shapes and be replaced by enjoyment and determination to complete.

Good luck with it all, and don't be frightened to post a few pics along the way.

 

[Katherine]

Good luck and have a great time.
Come back and tell us all about it.
Buying a paper map as a back up will help you to relax.

 

[steveindenmark]

The War Grave Commission cemeteries are very moving. You will not believe how well they look after them.

Stop worrying and just head in the general direction, you will get there in the end. The worse thing you can do is overplan because you plan out any surprises. There is always a train a the right direction. There is always a cheap hotel or B&B.

Enjoy the ride and relax. Don't forget to show us some photos of your trip.

 

[TheDoctor]

If you do decide to get a map, most French supermarkets have them. Michelin are my preferred ones. Although if you nip down to Smith's today, they do them too. Give you something to look at on the trains!
Coming out of Calais on the canals is a Good Idea. Once you've got past the passport control places, keep right and head for Centre Ville, which is the way everything else won't be going.
Have fun!

 

[jonny jeez]

Hi just one day to go before my long awaited cycle, on my tod, from Calais to Arras, I'm going to visit my great grandfathers war grave. He was killed 100 years ago next week, I understand I'm the first of my family to visit, so feeling pretty honoured

Even one year ago I couldn't have even contemplated doing anything like this. Two years ago I'd took advantage of cycle to work scheme after not cycling for around 30 years.

If I'm honest I've probably over prepared in some areas, the bikes ready, I've just about packed the kitchen sink...., trains booked(4xtransters), foot passenger(with bike)to Calais, b&b... but I'm starting to worry about finding the best routes. I've neglected to buy a decent map or cycling sat nav, I'm worried my 'here maps' navigation on my smartphone will take me on dangerous roads (or areas!)although I'm confident it won't let me down completely.
Is it just me , am I worrying unnecessarily? I'm trying to keep a brave face for my family, who are behind me, but are also worried about my safety..help!

You'll be fine.

I actually think you are doing this the right way. All my European rides have been garmin based and its often only when i get home and see the strava map that I realise where I was actually riding...or rather, what was close by.

Follow your nose and try to immerse yourself a little would be my advice.

Enjoy the trip.

 

[Dayvo]

It's all in the mind, but understandably you're suffering from pre-ride nerves, which will disappear rapidly once you're on your way.

This might be of some help - or not.

https://www.google.no/maps/dir/Cala...69aedb05652a21!2m2!1d2.777535!2d50.291002!3e1

Good luck and let us know how it went.

 

[bondirob]

A battery pack for your phone might be a good idea

 

[briantrumpet]

A battery pack for your phone might be a good idea

Absolutely. I've been using this one, and it is brilliant. No more worries about having to ration phone use, as you'll get two to three full charges out of it. Once upon a time I'd have made do with the French equivalent of an old penny in case of emergency, but once you've become accustomed to relying on the phone for so many things, the thought of being adrift without one leaves one a little uncomfortable these days. I mean, how would one know what people are saying about you on Facebook?

 

[dianelc]

Good luck. Enjoy your adventure.

 

[Slick]

Loads of good advice. I got this advice from a family member when things weren't going exactly my way on a far flung adventure. Soak yourself in every possible experience as before you know where you are, your back home, back at your work wondering if it ever actually happened. Worked a treat.

 

[Ajax Bay]

Using the 'Find' function on Ride with GPS offers this route which lloks pretty civilised and is 120km. First link is image; second link is 'actual' with directions etc. [This is not my route.]
Have a great ride, into the wind, a bit.
Image: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/full/984350.png?secret_hash=8ef5940e990414f3c4323f914487a5149048564e:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/984350
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/984350
(Distances in km)
CALAIS
16 Ardres
25 Tournemem-sur-la-Hem
31 Quercamps
Acquin-Westbecourt
39 Lumbres
D192
D193
Delettes
59 Erny-St julien
D77
67 Febvin-Palfart
D95
(Nedon)
D90
77 Pernes
D86E2
87 La Compte
D74
93 Frevillers
D73
101 Agnieres
111 Maroeuil
120 ARRAS

 

[Edwardoka]

Loads of good advice. I got this advice from a family member when things weren't going exactly my way on a far flung adventure. Soak yourself in every possible experience as before you know where you are, your back home, back at your work wondering if it ever actually happened. Worked a treat.

Yep. Whenever I had my fairly frequent down moments on tour I'd remind myself that I was actually doing the thing I'd been talking about doing for over a decade.
At the time misadventure and getting into a tricky situation might be a bit scary but in hindsight it's often the best part of the ride. Lay down some awesome memories.