Having really enjoyed my first 130 mile coast to coast cycle tour with friends from Ilfracome to Plymouth a couple weeks ago [watch video], I am now busy preparing for my next, slightly longer, solo coast to coast ride from the English Channel to the Mediterranean. This time I've decided to camp rather than stay in comfy B&B's, mainly because I haven't ever been camping and I'd like to give it a go, but also because I think it will make for a better overall experience.
Here is my route, starting on a channel beach near Caen and finishing on a Mediterranean beach just south of Montpellier - I'm not going to pin point every camp site or even try and predict where I will stop each night, but at an average of 50 miles a day I should be able to make it in 13 days (or less if I can knock out 70 or 80 miles a day in northern France (before it gets too hilly).
My journey goes through Milau (just south of point 'L' on the map below) - cant wait to see the record breaking Viaduct there!
View Larger Map
Went to look at the camping gear I'll be taking with me today. Including my tent, sleeping bag an panniers (unloaded) Im only adding about 4.5 kg of weight to my bike. Figure I'll need to carry at least a couple litres of water on the climbing days around the Tarn region and Languedoc so I need to try and save grams where I can. Amazed to be able to get a 2 man tent for £200 that weighs less than 1.3kg. If i can wash my clothes each night at the campsites, I shouldn't need to take too much clobber either. I will publish my Itenerary as soon as I've sorted it out.
I leave on Saturday 14th May.
If you fancy joining me, Ill see you at Portsmouth docks about midday on 14th - dont be late!
Alternately, if you happen to be on the med at Avenue de la Méditerranée/D137 near Valras Plage (near Agde) on 27th May, Ill see you there.
Here is my route, starting on a channel beach near Caen and finishing on a Mediterranean beach just south of Montpellier - I'm not going to pin point every camp site or even try and predict where I will stop each night, but at an average of 50 miles a day I should be able to make it in 13 days (or less if I can knock out 70 or 80 miles a day in northern France (before it gets too hilly).
My journey goes through Milau (just south of point 'L' on the map below) - cant wait to see the record breaking Viaduct there!
View Larger Map
Went to look at the camping gear I'll be taking with me today. Including my tent, sleeping bag an panniers (unloaded) Im only adding about 4.5 kg of weight to my bike. Figure I'll need to carry at least a couple litres of water on the climbing days around the Tarn region and Languedoc so I need to try and save grams where I can. Amazed to be able to get a 2 man tent for £200 that weighs less than 1.3kg. If i can wash my clothes each night at the campsites, I shouldn't need to take too much clobber either. I will publish my Itenerary as soon as I've sorted it out.
I leave on Saturday 14th May.
If you fancy joining me, Ill see you at Portsmouth docks about midday on 14th - dont be late!
Alternately, if you happen to be on the med at Avenue de la Méditerranée/D137 near Valras Plage (near Agde) on 27th May, Ill see you there.
Mon dieu, that'll break the Brooks saddle in.
ReplyDeleteCrazy foo'!
ReplyDelete