Uk to Austria

[Modo]

Thanks for the info, I had a route in my head but after looking at your route it does seem a better option

 

[Modo]

So, which bike are they getting for you?

They have recommended a Tricross...is this a good choice?

 

[vernon]

In the past I would have said yes without reservations. I am just back from cycling along the Doubs, Rhine and Danube and only saw one drop barred bike in the three weeks I was out.

Mountain bikes and hybrids seem to be the mainland Europeans' choice and the UK appears to the stronghold for traditional tourers like the Dawes Galaxy and close/distant relatives.

That's not to say that the Tricross is unsuitable. Just explore your options a bit more.

FWIW I am a 24 stone tourer/audax rider and use a Decathlon hybrid bike bought in Orleans when my Dawes Galaxy fractured its rear drop outs two years ago. I've subsequently toured on the Decathlon bike for 3000km since it usurped my Galaxy.

 

[bigjim]

and only saw one drop barred bike in the three weeks I was out.

That must have been me

 

[snorri]

Mountain bikes and hybrids seem to be the mainland Europeans' choice and the UK appears to the stronghold for traditional tourers like the Dawes Galaxy and close/distant relatives.

Yeah, drop bars are so 20th Century, but still appeal to UK fans of the retro look.
That's not to say we should write off the Galaxy which looks every bit as smart with butterflies.

 

[Monsieur]

Great story!
I'll be following this with great interest.
I'd love to hear what tips and advice you can give the rest of us 'heavy' cyclists!

 

[yoyo]

Good luck with your plans. I have cycled the DAnube from Passau to Vienna and the Rhine from Chur to Vaduz as well as the Inn 25 miles each side of Innsbruck. It's excellent, easy cycling mostly on smooth surfaces with routes that are well-signposted. My daughter felt that she'd had no exercise after a 40 mile stint. Cycling is such a great way to see the countryside. Safe cycling.

Yoyo

 

[vernon]

Great story!
I'll be following this with great interest.
I'd love to hear what tips and advice you can give the rest of us 'heavy' cyclists!

The simplest advice is: Get out there and do it!

I don't think that I have been under 22 stones over the past seven years and have simply got on my bike and ridden it:

From Land's End to John o'Groats
John o'Groats to Land's End
Channel to the Mediterranean
Along the Loire Valley Twice (Euro Velo six)
Along EV6 from Beaune to Passau though not in its entirity I spent to much time sight seeing, eating and drinking to ride the entire distance within the seventeen days that I'd allocated myself.
4 x C2C
One Hadrians Cycle Way
Walney to Wear
80 plus 100km Audax rides.

There's no secret other than having the determination to getting out there and doing it.

 

[Modo]

Thanks for all the reply`s

TBH the one thing I was unsure about with the bike they recommended was the drop bars. It has been a great many years since I rode a bike with drop bars. ATM I am using an old pass me down MTB and although it is certainly not up to the challenge of my charity ride it has become quite comfy

 

[Modo]

Another update

Carradice of Nelson, suppliers of cycle panniers have kindly offered to supply me with all the bags I need for my charity ride.

 

[upsidedown]

Another update

Carradice of Nelson, suppliers of cycle panniers have kindly offered to supply me with all the bags I need for my charity ride.

That's extremely generous of them and fantastic news. Be sure to check out who made them when they arrive, they should be signed on the label inside. I used my Super Cs for years until my laptop wore a hole in them. Brilliant quality kit.