FNRttC The Tour 2017

[velovoice]

Yes, only those who have expressed an interest in the Tour are in this conversation. You can chat away in private.

@mmmmartin, this is the public thread!

 

[velovoice]

@Ian at fleet is in the PM though, so he does have that as a place to ask questions.

 

[mmmmartin]

This isn't that conversation though.

Oops. Sorry. Brain refusing to work after a hilly and very cold 100 today. A hot bath seems to have made me more knackered. Had the pleasure of two visitations from the p fairy to boot. Very enjoyable. Not as enjoyable as deciding to ride through a ford in spite of the routesheet saying use the bridge. Having lost time on the puncture I tried to save time by rushing through the ford and was delighted to find it was so deep my feet were soaked by the other side. They never recovered. It was a cold day as well, although I only really discovered how cold while fixing the second puncture deep in a dark cold wood. And when it got dark it became even more excitingly cold. Feet are all tingly now in excitement at finally receiving some blood for the first time in several hours.
Hence brain not working. Beddie-byes very soon.

 

[User169]

Not sure if anyone reads this thread anymore, but a recommendation for Eindhoven.

http://www.velosoof.com/

Really great bike cafe I went to yesterday. V close to the center of town, loads of space for big groups and a super friendly owner.

Standard Dutch cafe food and Kwarwmont on tap.

 

[User169]

All of us, avidly

Cool. I'll keep the recommendations coming!

 

[mmmmartin]

All of us, avidly

Abso-bloody-lutely!
Thanks, @DP - it's open until 11pm when we're there. Very useful.

 

[ianmac62]

Thanks, @DP +1.

 

[velovoice]

Abso-bloody-lutely!

+1 !

 

[Snail Bait]

Getting there slowly. Ferries booked but a couple of hotels still to go. Is anyone else on the 1400 ferry from Dover?

 

[mmmmartin]

Nine at least are on that ferry.

 

[mmmmartin]

Just for the record, in case anyone wants to repeat these routes.

Dunkirk ferry to the Ibis hotel in Dunkirk via the quiet residential streets, avoiding the dual carriageways. Be aware there are two bridges to cross, these went up and down a lot, but might be left up (ie closed to traffic but open to boats) if you're riding in the middle of the night or very early morning:
View: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/16744826


Ibis hotel in Dunkirk to Ostend via Veurne (a pretty town square) for coffee:
View: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/16744827


Ostend-Gent - we stopped at the strange bicycle museum outside Gent - recommended http://www.oudesmisse.be/
View: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/16744830


Gent-Leuven-Maastricht (note this is two days joined together) - you could cut a few corners on these days, particularly the first but we wanted to visit a specific town.
View: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/16744832


Maastricht-Eindhoven-Breda-The Hook - note at Willemstad we took the ferry which was far better than the huge bridge. Might not run out of season, best to check.
View: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/16744835


It was a good trip. If in future years someone copies them after doing a search, I hope you enjoy the trip as much as we did.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Just for the record, in case anyone wants to repeat these routes.

Dunkirk ferry to the Ibis hotel in Dunkirk via the quiet residential streets, avoiding the dual carriageways. Be aware there are two bridges to cross, these went up and down a lot, but might be left up (ie closed to traffic but open to boats) if you're riding in the middle of the night or very early morning:
View: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/16744826


Ibis hotel in Dunkirk to Ostend via Veurne (a pretty town square) for coffee:
View: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/16744827


Ostend-Gent - we stopped at the strange bicycle museum outside Gent - recommended http://www.oudesmisse.be/
View: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/16744830


Gent-Leuven-Maastricht (note this is two days joined together) - you could cut a few corners on these days, particularly the first but we wanted to visit a specific town.
View: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/16744832


Maastricht-Eindhoven-Breda-The Hook - note at Willemstad we took the ferry which was far better than the huge bridge. Might not run out of season, best to check.
View: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/16744835


It was a good trip. If in future years someone copies them after doing a search, I hope you enjoy the trip as much as we did.

Brilliant, thanks!
Martin in the excitement of getting back etc. I forgot to extend my hearty thanks for a great tour! The routes were good, pace and organisation just peachy.
Once again, thanks for a good trip and amiable leadership :-)
FF

 

[mmmmartin]

Thanks. Thoughts now move to next year. Looks like France, might not be. There'll be a poll and a thread and a chance to comment.

 

[mmmmartin]

Just stumbled upon this: for those whose memories extend to the first evening in Dunkirk and can remember the standing joke about cucumbers:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09dcd92
and if you're lucky enough to live in t'frozen north:
https://www.ents24.com/uk/tour-dates/sir-ken-dodd

for those without the time to listen to the full programme: here's a taste: "I first saw you 50 years ago....." "You're not asking for your money back are you?" This followed the line: "What a wonderful day for taking off all your clothes and putting on blindfold and walking round a nudist camp trying to shake hands with everyone."

In Other News - thoughts about next year's Tour have been had: dates, routes, accommodation, recce etc. An announcement will be made via the email list soon, after the other ride leaders have had their say and the plan has been given their thumbs-up.

 

[ianmac62]

With Gary Richardson, the voice of the 0725 & 0825 sports bulletins on the Today Programme.