The day I cycled to Le Mans...
Discussion
So for one reason or another I found myself at shortish notice in the situation that I had some time on my hands, a ticket for Le Mans but no transport arranged. This evening I have taken the rash decision to cycle there. Seemed like more of an adventure and a bit cheaper than driving down on my own.
I'm going to drive to Portsmouth on Thursday evening and get the overnight boat to Caen as a foot passenger with bicycle, I'll land at 6:45 am on Friday morning (no cabins or reclining seats left! so probably a bit stiff) and cycle to Le Mans. Looks to be about 110 miles. My boat back is overnight on Monday, I'm keeping my options open for now - could get the train with the bike I gather if necessary, will see how I feel, what the weather's like etc.
A few questions for the experienced adventurers and the imaginative...
- Roaming in France... my giffgaff sim doesn't look too good for that, I generally rely on strava on my phone for gps tracking, navigation and comms so this all needs a re-think. Do I need to order a Garmin 810 or 1000 on next day delivery and if so what's the cheapest way to do that.
- Where best to try and find a spot on an overnight Brittany Ferry when you have no cabin or recliner booked?
- Any thoughts on routes? Have you done this before?
- By chance is anyone else attempting this?
- Excess Baggage... I'm going to appeal in a "Le Mans" area of the forums to see if someone can take a bag out for me with my trainers/jeans etc. and try to take the minimum on the bike (thankfully accommodation is taken care of so I don't need to carry a tent or a sleeping bag). Maybe I do need a bigger saddle bag though - any recommendations for that?
- Essential kit... What have I forgotten to put on my kit-list do you think?
- Any other tips etc. ???
Too late for extra training! 110 miles will equal my longest ride ever I did back in October last year. In the last few weeks I've done a couple of 60/70 mile rides. I feel in good form and the bike's in decent shape. Might stretch my legs tomorrow (Wednesday) but not over do it.
I'm going to drive to Portsmouth on Thursday evening and get the overnight boat to Caen as a foot passenger with bicycle, I'll land at 6:45 am on Friday morning (no cabins or reclining seats left! so probably a bit stiff) and cycle to Le Mans. Looks to be about 110 miles. My boat back is overnight on Monday, I'm keeping my options open for now - could get the train with the bike I gather if necessary, will see how I feel, what the weather's like etc.
A few questions for the experienced adventurers and the imaginative...
- Roaming in France... my giffgaff sim doesn't look too good for that, I generally rely on strava on my phone for gps tracking, navigation and comms so this all needs a re-think. Do I need to order a Garmin 810 or 1000 on next day delivery and if so what's the cheapest way to do that.
- Where best to try and find a spot on an overnight Brittany Ferry when you have no cabin or recliner booked?
- Any thoughts on routes? Have you done this before?
- By chance is anyone else attempting this?
- Excess Baggage... I'm going to appeal in a "Le Mans" area of the forums to see if someone can take a bag out for me with my trainers/jeans etc. and try to take the minimum on the bike (thankfully accommodation is taken care of so I don't need to carry a tent or a sleeping bag). Maybe I do need a bigger saddle bag though - any recommendations for that?
- Essential kit... What have I forgotten to put on my kit-list do you think?
- Any other tips etc. ???
Too late for extra training! 110 miles will equal my longest ride ever I did back in October last year. In the last few weeks I've done a couple of 60/70 mile rides. I feel in good form and the bike's in decent shape. Might stretch my legs tomorrow (Wednesday) but not over do it.
Brilliant spur of the moment adventure!
Carry weight on the bike rather than on your back.
I'd recommend an Altura bar bag from Evans (too late for mail) and as big a saddle pack as will fit.
http://www.evanscycles.com/categories/accessories/...
Carry weight on the bike rather than on your back.
I'd recommend an Altura bar bag from Evans (too late for mail) and as big a saddle pack as will fit.
http://www.evanscycles.com/categories/accessories/...
Nothing to add really apart from I'm so jealous!
Update the thread on your return. Have fun.
We used to go every year until 2009. Really miss it but life has had other plans since. Doubt I'll ever cycle there from Northumberland mind.
Some of the best memories of my life are from our Lemans trips.
Update the thread on your return. Have fun.
We used to go every year until 2009. Really miss it but life has had other plans since. Doubt I'll ever cycle there from Northumberland mind.
Some of the best memories of my life are from our Lemans trips.
richardxjr said:
Brilliant spur of the moment adventure!
Carry weight on the bike rather than on your back.
I'd recommend an Altura bar bag from Evans (too late for mail) and as big a saddle pack as will fit.
http://www.evanscycles.com/categories/accessories/...
I'll look at those. Evans is good - anything in stock I think I can get argos style by visiting their Gatwick warehouse which is only 15 mins away in the car.Carry weight on the bike rather than on your back.
I'd recommend an Altura bar bag from Evans (too late for mail) and as big a saddle pack as will fit.
http://www.evanscycles.com/categories/accessories/...
Yes you can buy at Evans HO at Gatwick.
Bar bag works cos you will notice if it falls off (it won't, but you'd be checking a saddlebag every 5 mins), is better for weight distribution, and you can keep money and food in front of you. A front hinged lid if possible, works much better. Just check width against your hands on hoods, and any cable issues.
Light bulky stuff in the saddlebag. Tubes can be taped on to the frame if necessary.
Bar bag works cos you will notice if it falls off (it won't, but you'd be checking a saddlebag every 5 mins), is better for weight distribution, and you can keep money and food in front of you. A front hinged lid if possible, works much better. Just check width against your hands on hoods, and any cable issues.
Light bulky stuff in the saddlebag. Tubes can be taped on to the frame if necessary.
Top idea for an adventure. I like your thinking.
Just a couple of things immediately came to mind:
1. You don't need data roaming for GPS nav. Use an app that uses maps you've preloaded onto your phone beforehand rather than downloading them on the fly.
1a. Likewise there must be GPS logging apps that don't download maps on the fly. Or use maps at all. All you need for Strava is a .gpx file you can upload when you return.
2. If you find a PHer going by car to take all your luggage that's great, but you'll want something warm to wear on the ferry. If they're not on the same crossing you could always take some old jeans and a hoodie and throw them away at Caen. Or buy some dirt cheap supermarket ones if you've nothing fit for disposal yet.
Just a couple of things immediately came to mind:
1. You don't need data roaming for GPS nav. Use an app that uses maps you've preloaded onto your phone beforehand rather than downloading them on the fly.
1a. Likewise there must be GPS logging apps that don't download maps on the fly. Or use maps at all. All you need for Strava is a .gpx file you can upload when you return.
2. If you find a PHer going by car to take all your luggage that's great, but you'll want something warm to wear on the ferry. If they're not on the same crossing you could always take some old jeans and a hoodie and throw them away at Caen. Or buy some dirt cheap supermarket ones if you've nothing fit for disposal yet.
Edited by SixPotBelly on Tuesday 9th June 22:55
Rob_T said:
I assume you are going to sticker up your bike with some suitably Le Mans 'livery'.
Sounds like a great idea, good luck. The roads through France are fantastic to cycle on!
I'm really looking forward to the roads, I do much prefer driving on the continent than here and I'm told the French driver/cyclist dynamic is a touch more harmonious than I might have experienced at home.Sounds like a great idea, good luck. The roads through France are fantastic to cycle on!
I think I left it too late to sticker up, if I get a few mins tomorrow I might martini my mostly white bike with insulation tape.
SixPotBelly said:
Top idea for an adventure. I like your thinking.
Just a couple of things immediately came to mind:
1. You don't need data roaming for GPS nav. Use an app that uses maps you've preloaded onto your phone beforehand rather than downloading them on the fly.
1a. Likewise there must be GPS logging apps that don't download maps on the fly. Or use maps at all. All you need for Strava is a .gpx file you can upload when you return.
2. If you find a PHer going by car to take all your luggage that's great, but you'll want something warm to wear on the ferry. If they're not on the same crossing you could always take some old jeans and a hoodie and throw them away at Caen. Or buy some dirt cheap supermarket ones if you've nothing fit for disposal yet.
I'm comfortable with my phone gps logging for strava and switching on non-data gsm for comms when necessary in order to give me battery life. That's worked for me on longer rides before.Just a couple of things immediately came to mind:
1. You don't need data roaming for GPS nav. Use an app that uses maps you've preloaded onto your phone beforehand rather than downloading them on the fly.
1a. Likewise there must be GPS logging apps that don't download maps on the fly. Or use maps at all. All you need for Strava is a .gpx file you can upload when you return.
2. If you find a PHer going by car to take all your luggage that's great, but you'll want something warm to wear on the ferry. If they're not on the same crossing you could always take some old jeans and a hoodie and throw them away at Caen. Or buy some dirt cheap supermarket ones if you've nothing fit for disposal yet.
I'd not thought of a non-live navigation app so I'll look into those.
Good thinking on the disposable clothes for the ferry bit. I'm going to look AMAZING on that boat. Wife has referred the pile I've created as the tramp outfit.
Now looking for a bar bag.
idiotgap said:
What newsdesk do you mean pablo? Do I need to pack my stylist?
On the far right of each post there are two links, "news" and "report". If you press news, it links the thread to PH grown ups who may take an interest if its relevant or newsworthy. I told them to get a welcome reception ready for your arrival with beerGassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff