jay clock:-enjoyed the cgob journal - merci beucoup
pedaling:-ive met quite a lot of solo (cyclist) ladies on tours - mainly dutch and german doing in some case very long distances - as a bloke it is difficult for me to give an oponion on the security aspects - the two or three ladies that I discussed it with gave me the impression that once they had got over the hurdle of doing it once it was a matter of confidence and being experienced enough not to put themselves in situations that might go awry - non that I spoke to about it had experienced any problems
Bike maintenance is nothing to worry about if the bike is in reasonable shape to start with - its not a rocket - being able to mend a pun##ure or tighten things is about all you need in France - anything worse you will probably need a spare part so get on bus, taxi (I broke a seatpost at the end of a tour in france in 2008 and was able quite easily - bearing in mind that my french is non-existant and I am somewhat deaf - to find a taxi with a bike rack for the last 10k to St Malo) or train to the nearest place with a bike shop.
As to the solo aspects I nearly always cycle on my own these days - mainly because as I have got old and selfish I enjoy it like that - no compromises - and I find I end up speaking to more local people when I am on my own rather than the insular nature of being a pair
pedaling:-ive met quite a lot of solo (cyclist) ladies on tours - mainly dutch and german doing in some case very long distances - as a bloke it is difficult for me to give an oponion on the security aspects - the two or three ladies that I discussed it with gave me the impression that once they had got over the hurdle of doing it once it was a matter of confidence and being experienced enough not to put themselves in situations that might go awry - non that I spoke to about it had experienced any problems
Bike maintenance is nothing to worry about if the bike is in reasonable shape to start with - its not a rocket - being able to mend a pun##ure or tighten things is about all you need in France - anything worse you will probably need a spare part so get on bus, taxi (I broke a seatpost at the end of a tour in france in 2008 and was able quite easily - bearing in mind that my french is non-existant and I am somewhat deaf - to find a taxi with a bike rack for the last 10k to St Malo) or train to the nearest place with a bike shop.
As to the solo aspects I nearly always cycle on my own these days - mainly because as I have got old and selfish I enjoy it like that - no compromises - and I find I end up speaking to more local people when I am on my own rather than the insular nature of being a pair
so my experiences might not be the same as yours. When I was 19 I cycled around France for a month alone. I fitted a basic rack to my racer added a saddle bag and off I went 
. I was a bit nervous as I didn't speak much French unlike you but if you are an outgoing person who likes meeting people you will be fine. You meet so many more people travelling alone I feel. And being quite young people tend to take you under their wing so to speak. I met some really interesting and generous people. Honestly I say go for it. Be sensible with safety though as you are a lass like regular calls to your folks. Set up a call window so if you don't call then there could potentially be a problem. But honestly you will have a great time. If you are visiting people then you have the best of both worlds people you know and can be at ease with then those on the open road 
. Have you thought about contacting a few French cycling clubs, as you say you speak almost fluent French, they might have younger female members who would be really pleased to meet up with a young female Brit touring their area maybe put you up and show you around? Just a thought.
so my experiences might not be the same as yours. When I was 19 I cycled around France for a month alone. I fitted a basic rack to my racer added a saddle bag and off I went 
. I was a bit nervous as I didn't speak much French unlike you but if you are an outgoing person who likes meeting people you will be fine. You meet so many more people travelling alone I feel. And being quite young people tend to take you under their wing so to speak. I met some really interesting and generous people. Honestly I say go for it. Be sensible with safety though as you are a lass like regular calls to your folks. Set up a call window so if you don't call then there could potentially be a problem. But honestly you will have a great time. If you are visiting people then you have the best of both worlds people you know and can be at ease with then those on the open road 
)
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