The Retirement Thread

[PaulSB]

Good morning everyone. Is a weather report needed? Wet cold and windy.

This morning I'm going to pick up my new glasses, then my lad before we head to Ewood for Rovers v Swansea. Another big game. Mrs P raises an eyebrow. Mr P lives in eternal hope.

Tonight we do something new. We've been invited out for cheese and wine. Yes, we have been invited out before - that isn't new. But wine and cheese? My Mum and Dad used to have cheese and wine parties.

Am I old?

 

[Drago]

I have risen!

 

[Deleted member 1258]

Good morning folks

 

[Dave7]

No I'm happy to answer. The route is one published in France en Velo. It's also a route followed by a holiday company but I forget which. I've ridden it as far as the Dordogne.

We ride from St Malo to Nice and fly home. I have friends in Nice and we will UPS two bike boxes to them ready for collection. It's also where we will stay.

Accomodation is under discussion but the likely plan is visit the Office du Tourism in the morning and ask them to phone ahead. I am concerned by the more rural areas.

It's +/- 1000 miles. The plan is 80 miles a day so 13/14 days PLUS two rest days. How far on anyone day will be determined by finding accomodation and terrain. I suspect we will end up with some 60 mile days and some 100+.

We will carry our gear and it will be minimal. This is about riding, scenery and quiet roads not smelling good! 😄 One big concern for me is I had to bin my touring bike a few weeks ago - nackered frame. I'll probably take my Cervelo and I don't want to put a rack on that. Carrying enough water without panniers is a challenge and my buddy doesn't have the experience to understand this.

The climbing isn't as bad as the profile suggests. Over the ride it averages 600 feet every 10 miles. Most of the climbs are 4/5% but we will hit some 9/10% sections.

At one point we will be at the base of Ventoux. The route goes round but it might be rude not to try!!

I've spent a week plotting this, I haven't nicked it from anyone!

A few more questions/comments.
How will you get to St Malo or the uk ferry port??
Is your buddy used to those distances?
If you are going via the Verdon Gorge I suggest you spend some time there as it is mind blowing.
Would it be worth borrowin/hiring a tourer?
Whatever, enjoy the fabulous experience.
As lads aged 16, me and a mate cycled from the wirral, through Wales and round Anglesey. We slept in barns (that was cold) or cadged a bed when we could. But the memories stayed on.

 

[Dave7]

Definitely yours for me

 

[Dirk]

Good morning fellow skivers.
Another moist and windy day ahead.
A bit like living in @Drago Y fronts.

 

[Dirk]

I always thought @Mo1959 was an extremely good and unbiased judge of all things.*



*Cheque's in the post Mo.

 

[Dave7]

Another 'orrible day in store. On wet&windy Saturdays I ensconce to the conservatory and put the radio on. I (usually) enjoy the oldies at 1300, if they choose a good year. If there is a good footy game on tv I will put that on.
So far I have listened to Tony Blackburn while enjoying a coffee.

 

[screenman]

Perfect still day with lovely bright hot sunshine here, ok I am telling untruths.

 

[Dave7]

I always thought @Mo1959 was an extremely good and unbiased judge of all things.*



*Cheque's in the post Mo.

She is only trying to cadge a holiday by the sea.
Anyway, with this reforendum malarky do Scotish votes count
NB.....I am a very poor loser

 

[welsh dragon]

Good morning. Another bleh day I think.

 

[Mo1959]

Well, it rained during the night so all is wet, puddly and muddy underfoot again, however the rain eased off just as the daylight was coming in so I've at least had a walk.

Coffee and a browse then I'll get my Weetabix and banana soon.

 

[Dave7]

Good morning fellow skivers.
Another moist and windy day ahead.
A bit like living in @Drago Y fronts.

Please tell us you dont speak from experience

 

[PaulSB]

A few more questions/comments.
How will you get to St Malo or the uk ferry port??
Is your buddy used to those distances?
If you are going via the Verdon Gorge I suggest you spend some time there as it is mind blowing.
Would it be worth borrowin/hiring a tourer?
Whatever, enjoy the fabulous experience.
As lads aged 16, me and a mate cycled from the wirral, through Wales and round Anglesey. We slept in barns (that was cold) or cadged a bed when we could. But the memories stayed on.

Previously when I've gone to France I've used the train Preston >Euston >Victoria >Portsmouth. Cycling in London is one of the worst experiences I've ever had on a bike!!

This time we've got a direct train Manchester >Southampton. Then 17 miles to ride to Portsmouth to the ferry for St Malo.

Is my buddy used to the distances? Yes. On consecutive days? I believe so but this is why we have two rest days built in. We could either have a complete rest or four days of only 40/50 miles.

I've got a get out plan. When we hit the Dordogne we basically turn left and head southish. We could turn right and ride due west to Bordeaux literally alongside the Dordogne river. It's very quiet and the last +/- 100km is purpose built cyclepath which spits one out at the station. Bordeaux >Nice is 12 hours by train. It's a stopping train! I've ridden this route - its two days.

Yep. Completely agree re Gorge du Version. I've been before. We've been visiting Provence for 40+ years when we see our Nice friends. Mrs P has been going for 53 years!!!!!

You're bang on the money Dave, these experiences stay forever. My five long tours are as fresh as yesterday.

My big concern is accommodation. Some of the route is very rural. I have and would sleep in a hedge. I'm not sure my friend would. 😄

Bike hire is a great idea. Thanks. I hadn't considered this or thought of it

 

[Deleted member 1258]

Well it rained most of the night so its wet under foot, but no rain forecast, its also still, though I don't suppose that will last, I feel a bike ride coming on.