Ferry/chunnel?

mr.z · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Karma :

Which one is better?

Been on the ferry before (no bike mind) wobbley it is..

Hered the channel tunnel is so smooth you could probably get away without strapping the bike down.. (can't remember where from mind)

Any other points? appart form price which tbh i have no idea of..

Just wondering Wink

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G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

Ferries can be cheaper if you book decently in advance.

Heard some dodgy stuff for the chunnel with bikes - like having to stay with your bike the whole time because they couldn't strap it down.

Haven't done either on a bike so can't comment from that angle.

v4forlife · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 31 Mar 2003 Karma :

chunnel....ya dont need to strap anything down, its a half hour journey, and you stay with the bike. just put it on its side stand and you could sit on it, or stand next to it, or even lay on or next to it...the possabilities are endless.
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EuropeanNC30R... · Gay Hairdresser Joined: 20 Jun 2002 Karma :

Chunnel you sit in a metal carriage next to your bike, takes half the time and costs more.

Wobbly isn't an issue on the ferry (with a decent operator) as bikes are securely tied down. Costs less, takes longer, use it as a walkaround break and chance to get a meal/fry-up.

mr.z · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Karma :

One thing is could possibly in future excursions take my girlyfriend allong and she reeeealy don't like the ferry... dont really bother me so i'd probably use that tbh

While the thred is up is there anywhere decent to camp arorund the area you get off? or a few miles down the road? what are the prices like?

(thanks for the replys up to now btw)
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G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

One thing worth considering is the, err, I forget which company, but one company does a night crossing where if you get a cabin you can stay in the cabin for a bit after the ship docks, then have breakfast on the ship.

Did this (quite) a few years ago and it seemed to work well. While cramped, cabin was well laid out with bunks and a shower.

PsychoHippy · Jammy Git Joined: 02 Jul 2002 Karma :

Another option is to get a fast ferry - they take 55mins to cross and cost only £19 each way for a bike Thumbs Up

Take a look at: www.speedferries.com
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Modo · Spanner Monkey Joined: 07 May 2006 Karma :

Been on both ferries and channel tunnel and I would reccomend the Speed ferry. It is fast enough to save time but comfy and relaxing.
The problem with the tunnel is even if you do a night crossing it can be quite warm and seen as there is nowhere to sit down other than the floor with all your gear on it much less relaxing. Speed ferries are a great way to cross, fast loading and unloading of bikes, very smooth ride even when the weather aint so good.
My advice ......Speed ferries Laughing

PsychoHippy · Jammy Git Joined: 02 Jul 2002 Karma :

karen_moomin · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Apr 2004 Karma :

When me and the other half went to France on the bike, we went on a short ferry trip and a longer (4 hour) crossing. Absolutely no problems, they make sure everything is secure.

Cheap too Thumbs Up

Then you just need to worry about seasickness Sick

Adam_P · World Chat Champion Joined: 23 Jan 2004 Karma :

I'll give a thumbs up for the chunnel. You don't strap it down, you stay with it and there's normally a load of other bikers in there with you to chat to about where you're going/what you're doing etc.

And it is a lot quicker. (And you don't have monkey's strapping your bike down either... Wink

)

Yes, it's more expensive, but its a lot easier.
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natv4 · Brolly Dolly Joined: 31 Dec 2004 Karma :

My vote goes to the ferry every time. You get a nice rest in between travelling. You can stretch your legs, eat etc. Nice views (especially around sunrise/sunset).

Channel is ok. Bit expensive, bit boring (dullest 35mins ever). Not very social (you meet other bikers on the ferry).

The only reason to use a ferry is if your pillion/mates get sea sick.
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divuk83 · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Nov 2003 Karma :