The day I cycled to Le Mans...

[tobinen]

An excellent idea OP and a mini-adventure. Should be some great scenery and cafes along the way. Bonne chance!

[SixPotBelly]

idiotgap said:

I'd not thought of a non-live navigation app so I'll look into those.

Which platform are you on? If it's Android I could suggest one or two to look at.

[idiotgap]

pablo said:

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 beer

Very kind of you Pablo!
I am in touch with someone at PH, and they're being very supportive indeed, helping in lots of ways including storing the bike on site etc etc.

[timnoyce]

Not sure where you are coming from, but as far as a large seat pack goes, the Alpkit Koala is excellent. I use it for commuting and can fit shoes, change of clothes and lunch in it. It's light, and fastens very securely with no rattles.



Since having mine, I have only used a rucksack on a handful of occasions.

Good luck with your trip. It will be one to remember!

[olliethehut]

Can I just say that this thread is awesome. As I'm not going to LM this year I was hoping for a wet one. Now I see you're riding down I've changed my mind.
Hope you have a proper endurance weekend, you'll definitely have earned your 7 euro beers!
Chapeau!

[ecs]

If you want to ride from Calais:

https://www.myferrylink.com/ferry-offers/national-...

[idiotgap]

ecs said:

If you want to ride from Calais:

https://www.myferrylink.com/ferry-offers/national-...

Nice link - I already bought the Brittany Ferries crossing though and Caen is considerably closer!

It seemed a bit odd, but I managed to get a 10% discount on the ferry with my Mercedes Benz club membership - but not taking a car.

[Hackney]

timnoyce said:

Not sure where you are coming from, but as far as a large seat pack goes, the Alpkit Koala is excellent. I use it for commuting and can fit shoes, change of clothes and lunch in it. It's light, and fastens very securely with no rattles.



Since having mine, I have only used a rucksack on a handful of occasions.

Good luck with your trip. It will be one to remember!

I'd go with this. I tried a bag on the cross bar, it lasted one ride.
When I stood up it whacked my knees.

Good luck with the ride though.

[idiotgap]

timnoyce said:

Not sure where you are coming from, but as far as a large seat pack goes, the Alpkit Koala is excellent. I use it for commuting and can fit shoes, change of clothes and lunch in it. It's light, and fastens very securely with no rattles.



Since having mine, I have only used a rucksack on a handful of occasions.

Good luck with your trip. It will be one to remember!

I've been looking at these things and talking to a couple of people. I'm now coming round to the idea of buying some panniers or a big under seat bag like that and taking all my gear myself. Less hassle and not likely to upset my speed/handling too much. More fun shopping!

[richardxjr]

You'll not get Alpkit by tomorrow! (Koalas out of stock anyway I believe)

Barbag and a seatpost mounted big saddlebag will be grand.

[timnoyce]

Perhaps not that it helps, but I live just north of Portsmouth, and I would be happy for you to borrow my Koala and matching internal dry bag for the weekend if you wanted to stop in en route to collect it!

[timnoyce]

I have a medium sized bar top bag you could borrow too, if the aforementioned post was of any use!

[toohangry]

marky911 said:

Some of the best memories of my life are from our Lemans trips.

What sort of things?

[idiotgap]

timnoyce said:

I have a medium sized bar top bag you could borrow too, if the aforementioned post was of any use!

Hi Timnoyce- you are a legend.
I think I need a bit more space though and would be nervous about not packing until I'm actually in Portsmouth. Reading around, I like the idea of a rack and panniers to keep the weight low down. Probably brakes 'the rules' and I won't have quite as sleek a look.

Anyway, I have get my 3yr old from nursery in mo and then I think I'll take him out to the shops to get these things:-
Currys
1) Three PAYG sim for free roaming data. That way I can use Strava just like a do at home and navigate when I need to (sparingly) also be able to get a few pics up on here maybe! I need to top-up with a bundle to get the data roaming so total cost about £16 I think

2) £8 PNY T2600 portable phone chargerhttp://www.currys.... a little power boost for the phone, just in case.


Evans
3) £67.49 Ortlieb Ortlieb Back Roller City pair These look pretty waterproof and have the space I need, match the bike... What more could I want? - few quid off price match with wiggle if I'm lucky!


4) £30 Tortec Tour Ultralite Rear Rack Something to hang the panniers from - again chance of a wiggle pricematch and save a few pennies.

[TheInternet]

idiotgap said:

3) £67.49 Ortlieb Back Roller City pair
4) £30 Tortec Tour Ultralite Rear Rack

I have more or less that combo and have done long tours and many thousands of commuting miles using just one of the pair. Basic but tough and reliable.

[idiotgap]

TheInternet said:

idiotgap said:

3) £67.49 Ortlieb Back Roller City pair
4) £30 Tortec Tour Ultralite Rear Rack

I have more or less that combo and have done long tours and many thousands of commuting miles using just one of the pair. Basic but tough and reliable.

Good to know. It's bought and half fitted now, pics later!

[TheInternet]

idiotgap said:

Good to know. It's bought and half fitted now, pics later!

Fitting the bag I aim to get it as far forward as possible without interfering with feet.
I put it on the road/traffic side in the optimistic hope it'll result in more space between me and vehicles.
A spot of tape around the rack at the bag mounting points can get you a snug fit and stop any rattles.
I've got best results fine tuning the fit after a quick test ride with stuff in the bag.

[idiotgap]

TheInternet said:

idiotgap said:

Good to know. It's bought and half fitted now, pics later!

Fitting the bag I aim to get it as far forward as possible without interfering with feet.
I put it on the road/traffic side in the optimistic hope it'll result in more space between me and vehicles.
A spot of tape around the rack at the bag mounting points can get you a snug fit and stop any rattles.
I've got best results fine tuning the fit after a quick test ride with stuff in the bag.

Nice tips, thank you!

[Rob_T]

can i suggest a carradice nelson long flap and bagman qr support:

http://www.carradice.co.uk/index.php?page_id=produ...
http://www.carradice.co.uk/index.php?page_id=produ...

they are sturdy strong carrying systems that last well and can take a lot of luggage (upto 10kg). i use mine everyday for commuting and have done longer trips away over 3 / 4 days and the bag is volumonous!



i've been looking at google maps at the routes they suggest for cycling and it just looks great.... i think you could well be starting something special here...

[S10GTA]

Rob_T said:

i think you could well be starting something special here...