Cycling to Le Mans

[-Lummox-]

Two of my mates are planning on cycling from London to Le Mans next year, for charideee. They are also attempting to do it in approximately 24 hours...

Anyone on here attempted this before? Strikes me as quite ambitious... Neither of the guys concerned is a professional, they are both casual cyclists and have, so far, not attempted anything on this scale.

[CoolC]

Have a read of this thread http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... - Paris

There was talk of including Le Mans in the London to Paris ride.

[icepop]

Good on 'em.

Either way, wish them all the best, and post up the charidee on here so we can all sponser them.

[BeeGT]

Have you thought of London to Portsmouth / overnight ferry and then Caen to Le Mans. It is certainly achievable in less than 36 hours but 24-hours seems improbable to me, it's a 160 mile stint through France, and is certain to ruin your enjoyment of the race weekend itself have a look here for some routes and good luck

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/caen-le-mans

[thanetspeedshop]

I'm planning to cycle his year, Portsmouth - Caen. It's the shortest route and is only 100m (160km) through France. If you time leaving London for the ferry just right 24hrs should be very do-able, 160 miles in 16 hours?

[-Lummox-]

thanetspeedshop said:

I'm planning to cycle his year, Portsmouth - Caen. It's the shortest route and is only 100m (160km) through France. If you time leaving London for the ferry just right 24hrs should be very do-able, 160 miles in 16 hours?

I'm not doing it myself, I'm going to enjoy the comfy seat, stereo, roof, ability to carry more than a tent and a spare pair of pants etc that is afforded to me by driving... But I have bet my 2 mates who are doing it that they won't do it in under 24 hours.

Personally as others have said, I think even if you could do it, it might put a dampener on the weekend if you're knackered and stiff, and don't feel like walking anywhere...

[Sortie 10]

Should be do-able, particularly if the ferry crossing is not part of the 24 hours. A few years ago I took a night crossing to St Malo and spent my first night in Laval (80 km due west of Le Mans) - this was my first big ride and the majority was in teeming rain after a very gentle start. I arrived in Laval at 5pm (IIRC) - so definitely on the cards. I would be tempted but thinking seriously about riding across to watch the Tour a few weeks later.

[ellroy]

Suggest you speak to Dorset TVRCC.

They did it for charity a few times about 5 or 6 years ago, although not in one day as I recall, they may have some hints and tips about routes etc.

I think a chap called Paul (Regional Organiser?) was involved on the support side.

[-Lummox-]

Sortie 10 said:

Should be do-able, particularly if the ferry crossing is not part of the 24 hours.

The way it stands at the moment, they are trying to do the whole journey (including ferry) in under 24 hours.

[adsvx220]

My dad and a few pals thumbed it to the 24 from Buckinghamshire back in the 70's. Not sure how long it took them.

I know it's nothing to do with the cycling but its a similar ambitious journey.

[adsvx220]

My dad and a few pals thumbed it to the 24 from Buckinghamshire back in the 70's. Not sure how long it took them.

I know it's nothing to do with the cycling but its a similar ambitious journey.