Like others I found this tough but the route was brilliant and well done to the whole team that put this together (even though I might have 'hated' them at points about the hills). The BBQ at the end was great and I was just gutted that I wasn't feeling well enough to tuck in.
I chatted to one guy at Stow about PBP and mentioned that I'd got the coach over in 2015 and was planning to again in 2019. Then on Monday I got an email from Baxters Cycling trips about 2019 so if anyone prefers getting someone else to organise the travel, accommodation and to travel with other PBPers then have a look a this link:
http://www.baxterscyclingtrips.com/Paris-Brest-Paris-2019.html
Agree best way is to ride to PBP and ride back via oodles of cidre. There was a quiz at the meeting pub in Newhaven last time.
Bear in mind that when most Brits say "just ride there!" what they mean is ride from one of the French ferry ports [probably 100-200km from the start].Agree best way is to ride to PBP and ride back via oodles of cidre. There was a quiz at the meeting pub in Newhaven last time.
Anyone planning on riding there from Amsterdam or anywhere on route from Amsterdam?
Tho the idea of doing 540km, to the start to then ride another 1200 seems... optimistic...
J
Anyone planning on riding there from Amsterdam or anywhere on route from Amsterdam?
Bear in mind that when most Brits say "just ride there!" what they mean is ride from one of the French ferry ports [probably 100-200km from the start].
So I suspect this is mainly a British tradition - and one that I thoroughly recommend. Can you get to Portsmouth easily QG??
I was very time poor in 2011. I flew out on the Saturday morning, cross Paris to the bike check and to hotel, start Sunday evening, finished Thursday lunchtime, flight home first thing Friday morning. (I wasn't confident enough to book the flight home on Thursday evening as I was worried about finishing late and missing it.)
I was only in France for 142 hours, 88 of which was PBP itself.
Agree best way is to ride to PBP and ride back via oodles of cidre. There was a quiz at the meeting pub in Newhaven last time.
Anyone planning on riding there from Amsterdam or anywhere on route from Amsterdam?
Tho the idea of doing 540km, to the start to then ride another 1200 seems... optimistic...
J
Bear in mind that when most Brits say "just ride there!" what they mean is ride from one of the French ferry ports [probably 100-200km from the start].
So I suspect this is mainly a British tradition - and one that I thoroughly recommend. Can you get to Portsmouth easily QG??
I can, but it's very much going the long way round. Cycle to Dunkirk, ferry to dover, then NCR 2... Don't think this is any shorter you know...
If I got a train to the nearest Belgian station to France (simplifies taking the bike on the train) - Kortrijk, then it's about 266km. If I take the S&S bike, maybe it'll be easier just to take the Thalys direct from outside my door...
J
Belgian Railways announced a new crossborder train starting in december 2018, from Mons to Maubeuge and Aulnoye. There's a direct Intercity train from Maubeuge to Paris a few times per day, no reservation needed, 35 Euro and free bike transport. It's my favourite route to Paris, up till now it involved a 22k bikeride between Mons and Maubeuge.
It's not clear to me whether this is coming from Sporting Tours, which was Graham Baxter's old company, sold in about 2010, or a new venture in which Graham is personally involved (presumably because his non-compete restriction will have expired). It makes a difference.
Best way to get to Paris, IMO, is to ride there. There are usually groups meeting at Newhaven and Portsmouth for overnight ferries. A great way to start the event. Last time we rode back too.
Best way to get to Paris, IMO, is to ride there. There are usually groups meeting at Newhaven and Portsmouth for overnight ferries. A great way to start the event. Last time we rode back too.
Was looking last night, noticed that the Saturday night ferry from Caen (no Le Havre that night) back to Portsmouth is showing seats only.
Seems an excuse to spend the Saturday and Sunday exploring northern France before sailing back at night on their nice new ferry due for delivery in June (so probably late and get some old tub instead).
But not sure if Portsmouth is the most sensible route to take as I'll need to travel up to London first (probably on the sleeper though they're wanting 205 quid for a bed on the 14th august next year so maybe not...).
Sleeping on the ferry on the way back has never been a problem for me so I've been happy (ish) with the reclining seat option. Having said that, this time I intend to take a proper sleeping bag and air-bed and kip on the floor.
Edit - dismantling the bike post PBP is a total ballache I wont pretend otherwise.
I'm considering Hull to Rotterdam too. Went from Newcastle to Paris by train in 2015 but I'm not counting on that being as easy/cheap this time around.Agree best way is to ride to PBP and ride back via oodles of cidre. There was a quiz at the meeting pub in Newhaven last time.
Anyone planning on riding there from Amsterdam or anywhere on route from Amsterdam?
Tho the idea of doing 540km, to the start to then ride another 1200 seems... optimistic...
J
If I ride PBP then the idea of doing Sheffield --> Hull --> Rotterdam --> Paris is vaguely tempting, we could meet up....
QuoteEdit - dismantling the bike post PBP is a total ballache I wont pretend otherwise.
I can see that. Assembling and disassembling a bike in the garage is one thing, but on the floor of an airport or train or bus station is something else.
Packing a fixed wheel bike is easier!Riding it there & back is easier still.
Packing a fixed wheel bike is easier!Riding it there & back is easier still.
As if I'd do such a thing.Packing a fixed wheel bike is easier!Riding it there & back is easier still.
Have you ever done PBP on fixed Ian??