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BEGINNER IN FRANCE!

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01 / Original postBEGINNER IN FRANCE!maddoc · 27 Jan 2011 02 / This pagePosts 1–8Page 1 of 1 · chronological order 03 / Latest replyPost #8limerickman · 11 May 2011

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Original section
UK and Europe
Published
27 January 2011
Last activity
11 May 2011
Original author
maddoc
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8
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Public discussion
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1,418
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Cycling computersTouring

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  1. Original post
    maddoc
    Archived post
    #1

    Hi to everyone reading[IMG]/img/vbsmilies/smilies/smile.gif[/IMG], this is my first forum post[IMG]/img/vbsmilies/smilies/biggrin.gif[/IMG] and am very much a begginner in terms of my cycling aspirations. I have recently graduated high school in Sydney, Australia and am 18 and travelling around Europe for the next two years from April onwards with little direction other than starting with family in Uk and to family in Northern France (Brittany).

    I have an idea in my head to make my trip something significant by bike touring with tent/gear from the north to south of france around may/june/july (The channel to the Mediterranean), probably solo, and it would be my first ever touring trip.[IMG]/img/vbsmilies/smilies/biggrin.gif[/IMG]

    I am an absolute novice and therefore have many queries about the possibility of doing such a journey. If anyone has kind advice to offer it is greatly appreciated on:

    -What type of bike is needed for such a trip? and gear>>??? I would probably be on sealed roads for most of the time so maybe a road bike, or a mountain bike?? and can you carry fundamental gear such as a tent, clothes and food without being excessively overloaded?

    -Possible travel routes (maybe following Eurovelo routes) or partly following them and taking cross cuts etc, or good sites to see?

    -Would it be possible to sell the bike after the journey, does anyone have experience doing this in europe?

    I really appreciate if I recieve some advice from people of experience or suggestions/ criticisms of anyone interested, whether i am being nieve or if this is possible?

    Thanks in Advance!, Nic Fryer [IMG]/img/vbsmilies/smilies/smile.gif[/IMG]

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  2. rouleur23
    Archived post
    #2

    Hey Nic,

    I think road bike with a sturdy back wheel for baggage etc. MTB works too but use good slicks rto save energy. It's a great place to ride is France.
    I woz in Oz once with a Fryers family in Queensland way back. Nice folks.

    You can pick some ace roads if you use the Garmin system and pre programme it. Mega peaceful with no cars for most of the day. Saves on several maps. You'll only need one big map that way. Start in Calais I guess as that will be the cheapest route across the Channel. You can sleep wild if you have a way to heat food and call in to campsites to clean up every couple of days. depends on funds.

    If you go for a good 2nd hand bike then you will get a decent price if you sell it. But don't rely on it as it takes time and a base to find a buyer. If you go new you will get much less than the new price.

    I live in central france and you might head towards the Massif Central I may ride with you for a day. Who knows.

    Good luck either way

    Pascal

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  3. maddoc
    Archived post
    #3

    Hey Pascal, thankyou so much for your post, very helpful and much appreciated!🙂

    Yea 2nd hand bike it probably will be and I might have my best friend as a riding partner so hopefully all plans come together! A ride would be great if I come by your way!. Who knows.

    Thanks heaps again,
    Nic

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  4. Fahrrad
    Archived post
    #4

    North to south, at the time of the year indicated, could put the mistrale (north wind) at your back for a good portion of your ride. I rode from Provence in the south to Freiburg, Germany (against the mistrale) in 7 days (965 km), which included going over the Luburon range, and Mont Ventoux. There were 2 of us, and a Garmin, on road bikes, with backpacks. We travelled light, and stayed at hostels/modest hotels, and ate wherever we could. Realistically, don't plan on covering more than 140 km/day if you're going loaded, or even partially loaded.
    If you're realistic in your expectations, you'll have a fantastic adventure! The roads and bike paths are generally good, and the motorists are used to, and respectful of cyclists. Knowing some rudimentary french also helps.
    Good on you, Maddoc! I'll follow your posts.

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  5. maddoc
    Archived post
    #5

    Great to hear your advice Fahrrad, helping to construct some good ideas! sounds like a brilliant trip you had, and the point on the mistrale is well noted, thanks!!🙂

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  6. maddoc
    Archived post
    #6

    Just an update for anyone interested!

    The aspirations for the cycling trip have now amounted to getting my touring bike setup here in Sydney which is a TREK 7.5fx (black and red model), with vaude rolltop panniers, and assorted bontrager accessories such a bike computer, front and back lights, handlebar box, spares all up $1700. So pretty much journey worthy now, just need to take it out of its box and assemble it which i am taking on the plane over to London and making my way down to France across the channel.

    Have been touring my local area doing day trips and aqaunting mysel with my new way of life for a while, rides very well and with loaded panniers feels very doable! Have not worked out any routes yet but have been studying maps and asking around for advice, so will be a mixture of being spontaneous and going to where the going is good! (or canal tow paths).

    À la prochaine!

    [IMG]webkit-fake-url://9A803187-3C71-4C8B-A727-B06FC4714348/75fx_black.jpg[/IMG]

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  7. scartissue22
    Archived post
    #7

    North to south sounds good, you should do that.

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  8. limerickman
    Archived post
    #8
    Quoted post said:

    Originally Posted by maddoc [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

    Just an update for anyone interested!

    The aspirations for the cycling trip have now amounted to getting my touring bike setup here in Sydney which is a TREK 7.5fx (black and red model), with vaude rolltop panniers, and assorted bontrager accessories such a bike computer, front and back lights, handlebar box, spares all up $1700. So pretty much journey worthy now, just need to take it out of its box and assemble it which i am taking on the plane over to London and making my way down to France across the channel.

    Have been touring my local area doing day trips and aqaunting mysel with my new way of life for a while, rides very well and with loaded panniers feels very doable! Have not worked out any routes yet but have been studying maps and asking around for advice, so will be a mixture of being spontaneous and going to where the going is good! (or canal tow paths).

    À la prochaine!

    [IMG]webkit-fake-url://9A803187-3C71-4C8B-A727-B06FC4714348/75fx_black.jpg[/IMG]


    I thoroughly recommend this book by Tim Moore : he cycled the route of the TDF in 2000.
    It's a very enjoyable read for the touring cyclist!

    French Revolutions: Cycling the Tour de France (2001) (ISBN 0-09-943382-6)

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