London to Barcelona

[Littgull]

My son and I are considering cycle touring London to Barcelona in May this year. Returning from Spain via the Bike Express coach.

Which would you consider tougher, JOGLE or London to Barcelona? I believe the total mileage is quite similar. Although if going from Cherbourg this reduces the miles quite a bit.

We both cycle on average 40 miles a week in relatively undemanding terrain although I live in a very hilly area. Our plan would involve training rides prior to taking this tour on.

We would allow 14 days from start to finish.

We both have bikes capable of completing a tour of this nature with laden panniers etc.We are open minded at present about whether to cycle camp, hostel or b/b. Or a mix of both.

I would appreciate views and advice regarding the physical considerations in particular. I am 56 and in good health, my son is 29 and in good health.

 

[jay clock]

just a personal preference but the culture, language, weather and food would mean the Barcelona option every time. And getting to or from JOG by public transport is a massive hassle

also have a look at ferries to St Malo.... this gives a shorter route

hae you done any touring before? If not, then do go out with all the kit and weigh weigh weigh what you take.

Do plenty of long steady rides, including a couple of back to back days (eg 2 x 100k)

And finally read this avidly www.crazyguyonabike.com

 

[frank9755]

Completely agree with that. Cycling through France in May is bliss: London and Barcelona have better transport connections than LE or JoG.


The toughness of the actual cycling depends on your choice of route. Western France is fairly flat, but you will then hit the Pyrenees. If you want hills you could cut in to the Massif Central (beautiful) and / or ride along the Pyrenees for a few days. Western Britain has lots of ups and downs, especially on the back roads. For fewer hills, use more main roads (as long as you are confident) or go East of the Pennines.

 

[srw]

Inside 14 days you'll need a direct route - which means lots of hills as you go through France. Northern France is hilly, the massif central is hilly, the Pyrennean foothills are hilly. And that, in turn, means it's more difficult to keep going.

Take a peek in the link in my sig for a longer, flatter route - and for a warning about what june in France can be like.

 

[Brandane]

Even as a Scotsman, I would say there is no contest. Barcelona via France every time!! No midgies, MUCH better chance of better weather, better road surfaces, less broken glass, nicer scenery, and dare I say it a "different" culture to savour. As others have said it is also easier to get to/from Barcelona (and probably a lot cheaper too) from London.

When I went to Caen with Brittany ferries last year there was a group of guys celebrating their graduation by cycling to Barcelona. They invited me to go along with them. I was very, VERY tempted but just didn't have a long enough holiday to be able to do it! I think it would be a great experience. LE/JOG could be fantastic if you were lucky with the weather; on the other hand it could be absolute torture.....