last minute panic!
- Thread starter damj
- Start date
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Pale Rider
Legendary Member
Put another way, remember to use all navigational information available to you.
It's easy to get too hung up on what the smartphone screen says - it's just one of many ways of finding your way.
A basic paper map is one obvious aid, asking for directions is another, a cheap compass may help, or there's always the sun - it sets in the west so you can get an idea from that.
Keeping an eye on other cyclists is also an indication, if you see a few, say, turning left ahead and that's your general direction, there's a good chance they are using a route which will take you to the next place you want to go.
Another source of information is buses - they have routes written on the front, although you need to be sure of direction.
That one occurred to me because I used it today in the Scottish Borders to confirm I was heading where I hoped I was.
briantrumpet
Legendary Member
- Location
- Devon & Die
Oh yes, well worth remembering that often French road signs only give the name of just the next village or town on that road, not the big city or town you're heading for beyond that. But if you write down the sequence of villages, towns and road numbers, you'll barely need to consult the map again (unless you get lost!)
Re maps - these are the clearest IGN ones for cycling now: http://espaceloisirs.ign.fr/boutique/cartes/cartes-routieres/cartes-departementales-ign.html. I'd second the advice about treating Google mapping with caution - three women who cycled to Mont Ventoux from Paris, whom I met in Die, had been directed along all sorts of gravel paths and worse, by their GPS.
OP
OP
damj
Well-Known Member
Okay, Yes sorry, had attempted a few times but lack of time etc. May have to do in a few posts when a get a minute. but here goes for the first bit..
Day 1
Monday 12 Sept, 0800, my second connection at Darlington (photo 1) minutes later I was belting up the platform, a very long train, towards the first class and bike storage, the guard non to pleased as he hurried me along. Taking the first door back through first class, almost right to the back which took a bit of time. A very comfortable train, nothing like my usual commute consisting of two carriages and just about the same faces everyday. Two and a half hours later we arrived at Kings Cross. It's about twenty years since last got on a train to London, what a difference! I short hop over to St Pancras (2). At this stage I was following recommendations from my local railway station who'd kindly planned my UK route. I'd to catch the 11.25 to Faversham then the next to Dover to arrive at Dover 13.37. I soon realised my mistake when informed by the cheery ticket inspector my journey could have taken an hour if I'd got on the hourly High Speed. He also helpfully told me I didn't have to get off, as the train eventually got the Dover first terminating at Ramsgate!.
My arrival in Dover on to the port went very well, not too busy and thankfully within the time frame of the next P&O ferry to Calais. Before I knew it I was on board. I had to pinch myself as the boat sailed out, a beautiful day, incredible views of the cliffs (3) . On board I managed to find a Michelin Road map, this wasn't fantastic scale, however, in case of any technology issues, I knew I'd be okay now.
Arriving at Calais, I was advised to wait until all of the wagons got moving, this seem to take ages. Shortly after, my first mishap, I'd rested my bike up against a wheelie bin, as the last wagons pulled away one of the crew pulled away the bin sending my bike crashing to the floor. Fortunately only a few minor adjustments, but I was a bit rattled and admittedly cursed the crew member, who I'm sure didn't mean to do as he did, this was my own fault. up ahead there were only two other cyclists which surprised me. A young couple wearing tee shirts and shorts (making me feel very overdressed and over packed) I casually asked, 'where you headed' to which the replied 'were not sure yet', gob smacked I was to put it mildly.
Leaving the port I headed towards town, remembering advice to keep right and follow the canal. This went okay for about 300 meters, however, as the path continued I became aware of a railway crossing, and a number of males (possibly North Africans) who appeared to be moving around in various directions. At this point I decided to head back the port road, this done a little quicker than the last half mile I'd cycled. As I moved though Calais I came across, numerous groups of men of similar origin and other nationalities. I have to say I was given no attention at all and have to say I felt pretty safe. I can't imagine how difficult it must be for those people.
From this point I switched to GPS, (Here Maps Satnav), I'd adjusted settings to keep me away from highways toll roads etc. From here to Saint Omer, seemed pretty much plain sailing. The roads were flat a smooth, drivers were remarkably patient giving loads of space.
At this stage I had a niggling worry of darkness, I'd booked a room at St Omer, through Airbnb, I'd estimated I'd arrive at around 19:30. Things appeared to be going well, I'd spotted the first road signs to St Omer, however, I appeared to be getting no closer, I rechecked my satnav before moving on. I couldn't work it out so I just kept moving. I appeared to get back on track. Moving on my satnav guided me to a roundabout. 'take the third exit' which I did. The road didn't initially cause me any concern. However, after a few hundred meters I noticed I was cycling down a fast road, I was cycling down the hard shoulder of a dual carriage way, I think I yelped something like S*%X@(^"OOOO# !. As I cycled a couple of wagons sounded their horns, it was getting dark, I was terrified. I could do no other than peddle as fast as I could, I had absolutely no idea if I was heading in the right direction, to road continued for a good four or five miles, I imagined a police car would soon be stopping me and interrogating me, why had I done such a foolish thing?
Part 2 tomorrow ( sorry it's getting late)
Day 1
Monday 12 Sept, 0800, my second connection at Darlington (photo 1) minutes later I was belting up the platform, a very long train, towards the first class and bike storage, the guard non to pleased as he hurried me along. Taking the first door back through first class, almost right to the back which took a bit of time. A very comfortable train, nothing like my usual commute consisting of two carriages and just about the same faces everyday. Two and a half hours later we arrived at Kings Cross. It's about twenty years since last got on a train to London, what a difference! I short hop over to St Pancras (2). At this stage I was following recommendations from my local railway station who'd kindly planned my UK route. I'd to catch the 11.25 to Faversham then the next to Dover to arrive at Dover 13.37. I soon realised my mistake when informed by the cheery ticket inspector my journey could have taken an hour if I'd got on the hourly High Speed. He also helpfully told me I didn't have to get off, as the train eventually got the Dover first terminating at Ramsgate!.
My arrival in Dover on to the port went very well, not too busy and thankfully within the time frame of the next P&O ferry to Calais. Before I knew it I was on board. I had to pinch myself as the boat sailed out, a beautiful day, incredible views of the cliffs (3) . On board I managed to find a Michelin Road map, this wasn't fantastic scale, however, in case of any technology issues, I knew I'd be okay now.
Arriving at Calais, I was advised to wait until all of the wagons got moving, this seem to take ages. Shortly after, my first mishap, I'd rested my bike up against a wheelie bin, as the last wagons pulled away one of the crew pulled away the bin sending my bike crashing to the floor. Fortunately only a few minor adjustments, but I was a bit rattled and admittedly cursed the crew member, who I'm sure didn't mean to do as he did, this was my own fault. up ahead there were only two other cyclists which surprised me. A young couple wearing tee shirts and shorts (making me feel very overdressed and over packed) I casually asked, 'where you headed' to which the replied 'were not sure yet', gob smacked I was to put it mildly.
Leaving the port I headed towards town, remembering advice to keep right and follow the canal. This went okay for about 300 meters, however, as the path continued I became aware of a railway crossing, and a number of males (possibly North Africans) who appeared to be moving around in various directions. At this point I decided to head back the port road, this done a little quicker than the last half mile I'd cycled. As I moved though Calais I came across, numerous groups of men of similar origin and other nationalities. I have to say I was given no attention at all and have to say I felt pretty safe. I can't imagine how difficult it must be for those people.
From this point I switched to GPS, (Here Maps Satnav), I'd adjusted settings to keep me away from highways toll roads etc. From here to Saint Omer, seemed pretty much plain sailing. The roads were flat a smooth, drivers were remarkably patient giving loads of space.
At this stage I had a niggling worry of darkness, I'd booked a room at St Omer, through Airbnb, I'd estimated I'd arrive at around 19:30. Things appeared to be going well, I'd spotted the first road signs to St Omer, however, I appeared to be getting no closer, I rechecked my satnav before moving on. I couldn't work it out so I just kept moving. I appeared to get back on track. Moving on my satnav guided me to a roundabout. 'take the third exit' which I did. The road didn't initially cause me any concern. However, after a few hundred meters I noticed I was cycling down a fast road, I was cycling down the hard shoulder of a dual carriage way, I think I yelped something like S*%X@(^"OOOO# !. As I cycled a couple of wagons sounded their horns, it was getting dark, I was terrified. I could do no other than peddle as fast as I could, I had absolutely no idea if I was heading in the right direction, to road continued for a good four or five miles, I imagined a police car would soon be stopping me and interrogating me, why had I done such a foolish thing?
Part 2 tomorrow ( sorry it's getting late)
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Hill Wimp
Fair weathered,fair minded but easily persuaded.
Excellent news well done. Looking forward to the next installment.
Mod Note. Thread moved to the Touring section.
Mod Note. Thread moved to the Touring section.
robing
Über Member
That looks a good one Briantrumpet. I need a new one as my power monkey extreme was nicked at a french campsite last month.
OP
OP
damj
Well-Known Member
Day 1 Continued -
I realised only later my mistake, my satnav settings sent me along D942, still not sure if riding bicycles along this type of road is permitted in France. It certainly didn't feel right. By the time I reached Saint Omer it was dark, mercifully my gps guided me directly to the front door of the b&b it was around 20:15. My host didn't seem to mind at all, showing me my room and offering me tea which I gratefully accepted. At this point I was still in fairly agitated state, I must have looked a bit of a clown trying to unstrap my pannier bags, this while my bike rolled uncontrollably from side to side. From there I reported home. It took some time to settle, the room was in a loft conversion a little on the warm side, but after a welcome shower and a reorganize. I began to feel more positive. One thing I couldn't help noticing riding around St Omer, was the different aromas floating through the air, very different pleasant scents not known to me from home.
I didn't sleep well, but I couldn't wait for the next day.
Day 2 (13th Sept 2016)
Next morning my host was school teacher, she had asked politely the previous evening could Leave around 8am, I obliged, washing down toast and jam with Clipper Earl Grey tea. Leaving in the direction of Thérouanne and Estrée-Blanche, I'd jotted down village names the previous evening to keep me on track. I passed through many little villages. Again all roads relatively quiet other road users gave courteous distance (I've never experienced being overtaken and cars approaching at the same time slowing down , even stopping to give way). Each village appeared unique but each having at least one bakery and café. On a budget, unfortunately, I didn't indulge too much, however, I did manage to sample a few baguettes and croissants along the way. My main concern was keeping up with fluids, many water stops along the way. The heat was also an issue, unexpectedly warm. The terrain was also quite surprising, fairly hilly. Not according to Google maps of course which had me down as flat.
Just south of Estrée-Cauchy, I spotted my first war cemetery
I realised only later my mistake, my satnav settings sent me along D942, still not sure if riding bicycles along this type of road is permitted in France. It certainly didn't feel right. By the time I reached Saint Omer it was dark, mercifully my gps guided me directly to the front door of the b&b it was around 20:15. My host didn't seem to mind at all, showing me my room and offering me tea which I gratefully accepted. At this point I was still in fairly agitated state, I must have looked a bit of a clown trying to unstrap my pannier bags, this while my bike rolled uncontrollably from side to side. From there I reported home. It took some time to settle, the room was in a loft conversion a little on the warm side, but after a welcome shower and a reorganize. I began to feel more positive. One thing I couldn't help noticing riding around St Omer, was the different aromas floating through the air, very different pleasant scents not known to me from home.
I didn't sleep well, but I couldn't wait for the next day.
Day 2 (13th Sept 2016)
Next morning my host was school teacher, she had asked politely the previous evening could Leave around 8am, I obliged, washing down toast and jam with Clipper Earl Grey tea. Leaving in the direction of Thérouanne and Estrée-Blanche, I'd jotted down village names the previous evening to keep me on track. I passed through many little villages. Again all roads relatively quiet other road users gave courteous distance (I've never experienced being overtaken and cars approaching at the same time slowing down , even stopping to give way). Each village appeared unique but each having at least one bakery and café. On a budget, unfortunately, I didn't indulge too much, however, I did manage to sample a few baguettes and croissants along the way. My main concern was keeping up with fluids, many water stops along the way. The heat was also an issue, unexpectedly warm. The terrain was also quite surprising, fairly hilly. Not according to Google maps of course which had me down as flat.
Just south of Estrée-Cauchy, I spotted my first war cemetery
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