Touring in France

G1_ · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 May 2002 Karma :

Hey everyone.
It's been a long time since I've posted here! (probably in the region of 5 years Mr. Green

)

Here's the story:
I used to live in the UK but currently live in South Africa. I'm going to be in the UK from next week for a while and have been very keen to pop over to europe seeing is I'm that side of the world. I've been contemplating renting a bike in the UK and riding to Paris or somewhere like that.

Two questions:

Firstly I'm wondering if it's a good idea or if it's foolish. I will be riding solo, so I'm not sure if I'm taking a risk riding solo in France on a bike I'm not familiar with. Although I guess an adventure wouldn't be an adventure without a little risk.

Additionally I havn't owned a bike in 4 years so may be a little rusty, my last bike being a bandit 400. For touring purposes I guess I would need a >= 600.

Then more practically what would I need to organise. I have a full British bike licence and British passport. I would need to rent a bike from somewhere (any recommendations). I guess I would need insurance that would cover me abroad. Probably need to rent some kit. I'm 23 y/o so I'm not sure if that will cause me problems.

Thoughts, suggestions, insight? Smile

EuropeanNC30R... · Gay Hairdresser Joined: 20 Jun 2002 Karma :

Aim higher! Paris isn't very far; I managed to get to there from the ports in 2 days on a bicycle.

North of France is a bit tame, the middle, Central Massif, Alps and Pyrennes are the best parts for riding.

A bandit 400 or equivalent would be fine for solo touring, but I think you will have problems getting a hire bike you can take abroad for a reasonable amount. (it may be cheaper buying a 400 and selling when you get back)

G1_ · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 May 2002 Karma :

Sorry I forgot to mention. This is a 3 day excursion (4 at a push). And some time to look around Paris would be ideal too. How long would it take to get to Paris from port, a couple of hours? Maybe I can do some riding around the greater region of Paris, or are the roads not worth it?

Initial costs look to be about £300. I'm not sure if it's worth it tbh Neutral

Although bare in mind that I'm already spending a fair bit of money just to get to England from South Africa. So I'm in a bit of a spending mood / make the best of my time over there.

I could buy and sell but it would be a lot or organising just for a 3 / 4 day trip.

spnorm · Crazy Courier Joined: 18 Aug 2007 Karma :

Paris is a lovely city and you could easily occupy 2 or 3 days without riding a bike on boring roads to reach there - it'd be better to catch the Eurostar Wink

If you want to ride a bike in Europe, head to the Ardennes/Eifel/Mosel region which is an easy ride from the Channel ports Thumbs Up

G1_ · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 May 2002 Karma :

Cool thanks for the advice.

I may go ahead and rent a bike a head to the Ardennes/Eifel/Mosel region, but it's looking more likely that I'll save myself some money and just enjoy a few days in Paris Smile

G1_ · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 May 2002 Karma :

How far is the Ardennes/Eifel/Mosel region from paris?
If I were to blast to paris on the first day spend the afternoon / evening and following day there and then take a scenic 2 day route back to calais could I find some decent roads?

The Ardennes look like they might be a decent scenic route back to calais:
https://www.maplandia.com/france/champagne-ardenne/ardennes/

As you can probably tell I kinda keen to get in the saddle, and I've got access to a rental if I go ahead Very Happy

G1_ · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 May 2002 Karma :

For those that are interested. I managed to get some time in France/Belgium. Had a vague idea of where I was going but mainly made it up as I went along. Had a great time, although I wish I had a full week for the trip.

I have certainly been bitten by the bug now. I'm back home in South Africa and I'm itching to tour namibia by bike now!

Here's the France/Belgium photo's:
https://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=67429&l=9e50b&id=528485680
https://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=67431&l=ab23d&id=528485680

kitty kat · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 Jun 2007 Karma :

Enjoyed the pictures, it is great to just be able to go off on your own and stop when you want, that is what I enjoy about being on the bike. Good pictures and great that there is a description attached to most of them. Sounds like you had a fantastic adventure in Europe.
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