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.
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/...
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.
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 beerI 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.
ecs said:
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.
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!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!
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 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.4) £30 Tortec Tour Ultralite Rear Rack
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.
JustinF said:
What time are you setting off from home for Pompey and what size are you?
I'm in t.Wells and can get a PH jersey to you.
Wow - that would be amazing! I think I need to be leaving by about 8pm to make the 22:45 boatI'm in t.Wells and can get a PH jersey to you.
S10GTA said:
I'm in Southampton and can give you a large jersey if you are passing?
Or depending on the time of the ferry I could drop it down to you even.
I won't be going through Southampton, but it would be so great to have a jersey.Or depending on the time of the ferry I could drop it down to you even.
Co-incidentally it seems according to google it's 28 mins drive between my place and T.Wells and takes the same time between Southampton and Portsmouth.
Lowest impact to all concerned might be for me to meet JustinF half-way. Perhaps at www.sussexcaravancentre.co.uk on the A264 (TN8 7EA). I'll pm him.
Getting excited now - in 24hrs time I'll be on the boat!
Still a work in progress... but here's a first photo of my ride!
It's a 2009 Specialized Allez Sport with full 9sp tiagra bought approx 1yr ago to try out cycling. I paid £200 including spesh helmet, spesh shoes, tri-bars and a blackburn mini-pump. Since then over time it's had a new lh shifter (2nd hand), new cassette (old one was a silly 11-23) and a pair of gatorskins. I've covered about 2k km on it.
As of this morning it has approx 1kg insulation tape martini style.
It's a 2009 Specialized Allez Sport with full 9sp tiagra bought approx 1yr ago to try out cycling. I paid £200 including spesh helmet, spesh shoes, tri-bars and a blackburn mini-pump. Since then over time it's had a new lh shifter (2nd hand), new cassette (old one was a silly 11-23) and a pair of gatorskins. I've covered about 2k km on it.
As of this morning it has approx 1kg insulation tape martini style.
I've put a route together on Strava which I'm going to try and roughly follow. It's closely related to the route googlemaps suggested for a bike:
https://www.strava.com/routes/2561367
https://www.strava.com/routes/2561367
I'm in Trun... Doing OK so far. Got stuck in some mud at frenouville due to a navigational oversight but diverted round it.
Can't upload pics from my phone but will email some to justinf on the off chance he can stick them up.
Shout out to David and Steve, some cyclists I met on the ferry and who put me up for the night in a spare bunk in their cabin. A real stroke of luck for me, very grateful for the sleep.
Can't upload pics from my phone but will email some to justinf on the off chance he can stick them up.
Shout out to David and Steve, some cyclists I met on the ferry and who put me up for the night in a spare bunk in their cabin. A real stroke of luck for me, very grateful for the sleep.
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