Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Audax => PBP => Topic started by: Phil W on 14 May, 2019, 09:09:21 pm

Title: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: Phil W on 14 May, 2019, 09:09:21 pm
I have worked out a route to Rambouillet from the Ferry Port at Dieppe.  I am a fan of Avenue Verte so it takes that as far as Forges les Eaux before departing onto the quiet D roads.  It leans a little on the route our ferry group took to Vernon in 2015 but strikes a bit more directly for Rambouillet.  I have plotted where suitable cafes / restaurants / bars exist for Normandy cider top ups but those details are not in Ridewithgps yet as I don't use Ridewithgps for plotting stuff.

It is 189km (I have stripped out the final 3km bit to where I am staying) with 1349m of ascent according to RideWithGPS

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30108965

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/cr54gfmz95kioh3/Dieppe%20-%20Rambouillet.JPG?raw=1)

Feel free to post your alternate routes if you have worked any out, but I thought I would get us started.

Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: Diesel on 14 May, 2019, 09:23:53 pm
Looks good Phil, looking forward to it
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: yanto on 14 May, 2019, 09:31:11 pm
Thanks Phil, I had a brief look, but from a point of ignorance in that I don't know any of the route, it looked a lot like yours!

Aidenf mentioned at the weekend about maybe increasing the route and doing a group perm 200 both ways (he's chasing points).
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: Phil W on 14 May, 2019, 09:37:02 pm
He can go do a 12km loop whilst I have another cider...

I rather like the fact that the to / from the event doesn't have time limits or become an Audax.  It makes for a more relaxing time either side of the event. I don't want someone twitching to go when there is still half a bottle of cider to be finished.
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: yanto on 15 May, 2019, 06:28:51 am
That does sound a more relaxed experience I have to say  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: Phil W on 17 May, 2019, 03:18:57 pm
Seems you can't add waypoints (in RWGPS) unless you have a subscription. 

List of potential stops along the route

37km Neufchatel-en-Bray - second breakfast - Coffee and Bakery stop (our ferry group stopped here at Nemrod bar in 2015)
94km Etrepagny - Lunch - Various pizza places, bakeries, restaurants, bars
121km Gasny - Supermarket and bakery
131km Bonnieres-sur-Seine - Various places including pizza, bars, cafes etc.
144km - Breval -  Our ferry group stopped here in 2015 at the kebab / burger / takeaway / cafe.

I have changed the route to leave the Avenue Verte after the first stop and bypass Forges-Les-Eaux as it gives simpler navigation (with no change in overall distance) along the D1 for the next 30km.




Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: Phil W on 22 May, 2019, 03:50:43 pm
I have put together a simplified route sheet from Dieppe to Rambouillet, the routesheet fits on one side of A4 and folds to A6.  The route sheet doesn't cover every roundabout and turn and only picks up where the road names change.  The French are pretty good at labelling their roads.  I have tweaked my route slightly to make the routesheet easier to follow. Route sheet is available to anyone that wants it.

I have broken the route down into  37km, 57km, 37km, 58km stages between food / drink stops.  Loosely breakfast, elevenses, late lunch, then maybe regather later on for supper in Rambouillet.

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/g1qh7008oo11g4v/dieppe%20-%20rambouillet%20route%20sheet.JPG?raw=1)
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: frankly frankie on 22 May, 2019, 04:25:42 pm
Quote from: Phil W on 22 May, 2019, 03:50:43 pm
... only picks up where the road names change.  The French are pretty good at labelling their roads. 

Though D road numbers often change 'not at a junction' with the only clue being a change in road surface.  Approaching Rambouillet you might want to consider hooking in with (or avoiding ! ) riders arriving from Caen, who will probably approach via Evreux and then Ivry or Ezy
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: Phil W on 22 May, 2019, 04:29:57 pm
Quote from: frankly frankie on 22 May, 2019, 04:25:42 pm
Quote from: Phil W on 22 May, 2019, 03:50:43 pm
... only picks up where the road names change.  The French are pretty good at labelling their roads. 

Though D road numbers often change 'not at a junction' with the only clue being a change in road surface.  Approaching Rambouillet you might want to consider hooking in with (or avoiding ! ) riders arriving from Caen, who will probably approach via Evreux and then Ivry or Ezy

True and I have noted where road names change but road is straight.  As long as I do not think it will cause any confusion I have left instructions out in those cases.  The only examples I could see on my route was entering villages shortly before a turn to a new road anyway.
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: FifeingEejit on 22 May, 2019, 04:33:37 pm
Quote from: frankly frankie on 22 May, 2019, 04:25:42 pm
Quote from: Phil W on 22 May, 2019, 03:50:43 pm
... only picks up where the road names change.  The French are pretty good at labelling their roads. 

Though D road numbers often change 'not at a junction' with the only clue being a change in road surface.  Approaching Rambouillet you might want to consider hooking in with (or avoiding ! ) riders arriving from Caen, who will probably approach via Evreux and then Ivry or Ezy

Still to identify a route from Ouistream, and there's no thread, was kind of hoping somebody else would start one...
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: Phil W on 22 May, 2019, 04:37:53 pm
Quote from: FifeingEejit on 22 May, 2019, 04:33:37 pm
Quote from: frankly frankie on 22 May, 2019, 04:25:42 pm
Quote from: Phil W on 22 May, 2019, 03:50:43 pm
... only picks up where the road names change.  The French are pretty good at labelling their roads. 

Though D road numbers often change 'not at a junction' with the only clue being a change in road surface.  Approaching Rambouillet you might want to consider hooking in with (or avoiding ! ) riders arriving from Caen, who will probably approach via Evreux and then Ivry or Ezy

Still to identify a route from Ouistream, and there's no thread, was kind of hoping somebody else would start one...

Postie is probably the lead man for the Portsmouth crew.  Do you know if you are on the same ferry as them?
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: FifeingEejit on 22 May, 2019, 04:41:53 pm
Quote from: Phil W on 22 May, 2019, 04:37:53 pm
Quote from: FifeingEejit on 22 May, 2019, 04:33:37 pm
Quote from: frankly frankie on 22 May, 2019, 04:25:42 pm
Quote from: Phil W on 22 May, 2019, 03:50:43 pm
... only picks up where the road names change.  The French are pretty good at labelling their roads. 

Though D road numbers often change 'not at a junction' with the only clue being a change in road surface.  Approaching Rambouillet you might want to consider hooking in with (or avoiding ! ) riders arriving from Caen, who will probably approach via Evreux and then Ivry or Ezy

Still to identify a route from Ouistream, and there's no thread, was kind of hoping somebody else would start one...

Postie is probably the lead man for the Portsmouth crew.  Do you know if you are on the same ferry as them?

Not started looking around yet, there's ages to go, I haven't even got a rough plan on getting back to Ouistream.
I'll probably start a thread later not my though process is fired up
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: frankly frankie on 22 May, 2019, 05:10:46 pm
Last time I did it (2007) there were quite a lot of us leaving the Caen area via Troarn for breakfast, then very laney options avoiding Lisieux (but I can't remember the details - S of Liseux it soon gets a bit lumpy so we may have gone N) and avoiding Bernay and going through Beaumont-le-Roger (nice place) and overnighting at Evreux (chain hotels - up a bloody great hill).  Then easy half-day out through the Dreux Forest and Houdac.  I can dig out an old tracklog if wanted.  Sorry about off-topic Phil.
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: JulesP on 23 May, 2019, 10:26:37 am
The prospect of a ~200km ride to the start of a 1,200km ride is giving me pause for my travel plans – or, specifically, the prospect of a ~200km ride back to the ferry with a sore everything is. Is that the general plan? Ride there and back..?
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: FifeingEejit on 23 May, 2019, 10:52:32 am
Quote from: JulesP on 23 May, 2019, 10:26:37 am
The prospect of a ~200km ride to the start of a 1,200km ride is giving me pause for my travel plans – or, specifically, the prospect of a ~200km back to the ferry with a sore everything is. Is that the general plan? Ride there and back..?

My thoughts for the route back includes use of the OUI.SNCF phone app...
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: Phil W on 23 May, 2019, 11:09:39 am
Quote from: JulesP on 23 May, 2019, 10:26:37 am
The prospect of a ~200km ride to the start of a 1,200km ride is giving me pause for my travel plans – or, specifically, the prospect of a ~200km ride back to the ferry with a sore everything is. Is that the general plan? Ride there and back..?

It's what we did in 2015 though we cycled down over two days then.

Going there you are off the overnight ferry by around 5am.  So even taking 14 hours to cover 190km you will be in Rambouillet by 7pm.  You then have two days before the 90 hour start.  On the way back we met at the Velodrome at 8:00am though some were a little late.  We then reached Dieppe for about 9-9:30pm for a meal then at 11pm on to the overnight ferry.  The route back in 2015 was 10km shorter at 178km but had an extra 300m of climbing.

It works ok and we have suitable breaks along the way for cider and food.
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: jsabine on 23 May, 2019, 11:26:54 am
Agreed, it worked well - easy pace, frequent refreshment stops ...
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: Phil W on 23 May, 2019, 11:49:52 am
I even had time to visit the Crack Bazar on the way back

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/p1xapy756jqfkwv/2015-Aug-21_0564.jpg?raw=1)

Did I say we had time for cider and beer?

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/dcpy9cpbynpgpad/2015%20Aug%2014_0707.jpg?raw=1)

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/shdhcvd6pbrbjf9/2015%20Aug%2013_0734.jpg?raw=1)

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/1ieg0onm5ui5tqv/2013%20Feb%2020_0533.jpg?raw=1)

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/8dyr1pm2rxwxusy/2015%20Aug%2013_0730.jpg?raw=1)
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: JulesP on 23 May, 2019, 11:57:24 am
I guess crack would take the edge off standing on the pedals for the return 180km.
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: cygnet on 23 May, 2019, 03:56:50 pm
I'm only planning to ride back, and I'll probably take it easy on the way back, taking Friday and Saturday to get to Dieppe (possible overnight in Vernon) but I'm following this with interest for routes and potential for food/cider stops.  :D

Current route thoughts:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29988786 (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29988786)
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: stefan on 23 May, 2019, 05:22:02 pm
Quote from: Phil W on 22 May, 2019, 03:50:43 pm
I have put together a simplified route sheet from Dieppe to Rambouillet

Phil W thank you for putting together this and the RwGPS route. Really helpful and looks a lovely way to get there.

The RwGPS file is obviously no problem to find, but I'm struggling a bit to download the route sheet or to see all of it on your post. I'm probably just being a bit thick, but do you have a link to a dropbox file or suchlike?
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: Laid Back Rich on 23 May, 2019, 05:25:37 pm
just seen this thread...planned my route to Les Essarts some months ago

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29218320?privacy_code=DlCa3JBGUZhcCPuE
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: Phil W on 23 May, 2019, 05:37:09 pm
Quote from: stefan on 23 May, 2019, 05:22:02 pm
Quote from: Phil W on 22 May, 2019, 03:50:43 pm
I have put together a simplified route sheet from Dieppe to Rambouillet

Phil W thank you for putting together this and the RwGPS route. Really helpful and looks a lovely way to get there.

The RwGPS file is obviously no problem to find, but I'm struggling a bit to download the route sheet or to see all of it on your post. I'm probably just being a bit thick, but do you have a link to a dropbox file or suchlike?

You're not being thick. I haven't put the route sheet up in Dropbox yet.  I like to have a quick scan through once produced to see if I've made any obvious errors. Will likely put a link here in early June once 600 qualifier out of the way.  I also need to update RWGPS so they align as I made some small tweaks to keep it on easier roads to describe in a route sheet.
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: Phil W on 23 May, 2019, 05:38:30 pm
Quote from: Laid Back Rich on 23 May, 2019, 05:25:37 pm
just seen this thread...planned my route to Les Essarts some months ago

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29218320?privacy_code=DlCa3JBGUZhcCPuE

How many orchards do you stop at?
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: Laid Back Rich on 24 May, 2019, 07:14:43 am
I must confess that I've not done my homework on that, Phil  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: Phil W on 28 May, 2019, 11:40:11 am
Quote from: Laid Back Rich on 23 May, 2019, 05:25:37 pm
just seen this thread...planned my route to Les Essarts some months ago

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29218320?privacy_code=DlCa3JBGUZhcCPuE

I see you stick on the Avenue Verte to Serquex before picking up roads.  I didn't think much of the D915 which we used (on the group ride) on the way back from PBP 2015.  I thought the road was too busy with traffic and have avoided it completely this year.  I did plot alternate routes to see, using the D915 only saved about 5km at most from what I have planned. It saves more if we were still starting at the St Quentin velodrome. Hope you'll be joining us for coffee and the bakery at Neufchatel (where our routes split) rather than fly through on the Avenue Verte as you have planned. It was a nice stop for breakfast after the ferry last time.
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: Laid Back Rich on 28 May, 2019, 12:14:39 pm
absolument cher ami, bien sur  :thumbsup:

and quite ready to consider an alternative improved route plan
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: Phil W on 28 May, 2019, 03:26:17 pm
Quote from: Laid Back Rich on 28 May, 2019, 12:14:39 pm
absolument cher ami, bien sur  :thumbsup:

and quite ready to consider an alternative improved route plan

Here's a version of the route I have planned but splitting at Longnes (after the Seine and the last of our food / drink stops) to Les Eaarts. So you get to ride 152km of the same route then the last 37km to Les Eaarts solo (or with anyone else going that way).

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30110496?privacy_code=pw4MrFq0PbSBWuvc

A bit further than your planned route but uses much quieter (and good roads) based on our experiences last time.  Here is the view to the Seine from the approach I have chosen as it has great views as you descend its curves.

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/ah950e0saoyendk/Annotation%202019-05-28%20151324.png?raw=1)

Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: Laid Back Rich on 28 May, 2019, 03:44:10 pm
splendid service Phil, thanks, I think I owe you a glass of cider  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: Phil W on 28 May, 2019, 04:14:59 pm
It'd be rude to turn down that glass of cider, so I'll have to accept.  If we time it right we should also be able to converge for elevenses on the Seine during the ride back.
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: Phil W on 29 May, 2019, 10:32:50 am
In the final few km to Rambouillet we have a choice of the road or there is a paved cycle track right through the center of the forest. The distance covered on the cycle track would be 5km, no change in overall distance.  Are there any preferences, the route is mapped along the road at the moment?  The road is the way PBP departs / arrives Rambouillet

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/unrof2j9qweuvsj/Annotation%202019-05-29%20102255.png?raw=1)

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/f6w2f7qhq2tr9wv/Annotation%202019-05-29%20102410.png?raw=1)
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: yanto on 29 May, 2019, 10:35:49 am
I'm easy (ho-hum), as long as there aren't stupid gates/bollards on the cycle track it makes no difference to me.
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: Phil W on 29 May, 2019, 10:49:29 am
From what I can tell there are a couple of places with these along the route where it crosses trafficed roads. The horizontal wooden slats seem to be movable looking at one of the "gates".

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pdavhgwipcdsvxe/Annotation%202019-05-29%20104813.png?raw=1)

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/39ijnddkzb6wck6/Annotation%202019-05-29%20105052.png?raw=1)
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: yanto on 29 May, 2019, 01:38:22 pm
Chicanes! I just don't want to be having to lift the velomobile when it's full of stuff, or ask others to help (that's not fair), hard to say whether they can be negotiated as is even at an angle.
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: Phil W on 29 May, 2019, 02:01:00 pm
Yeah, will keep route on the road.  Will possibly explore the forest cycle tracks on the Saturday in between bike checks and drinking and eating
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: yanto on 29 May, 2019, 02:55:18 pm
I don't want to force a route that others may not want to do, I don't mind making my own way. We may be forced to split anyway as you are aware the differences in speeds between different bikes/weights multiplied by a factor of (x) for me as I will be twiddling my way up hills and not riding the brakes down them.

Actually that has me thinking, that maybe we should have "controls" to re-group just in case that happens and a split occurs?
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: Phil W on 29 May, 2019, 03:23:42 pm
"controls" ? Wash your mouth out. Save the controls for PBP itself.  There are planned refreshment stops if you get ahead but last time we all managed to stay together.  If the pace is too slow for you, you are of course free to make your own choices.  If you think full value or touring pace you will have the right idea.  There's no rush during the ride down / back.

Don't worry about the forest cycle track. It's only 5km at the end and besides I may yet leave the road route I've planned to follow that instead.  So there well may be a split in the last 5km or so. It is also an option for Saturday during down time.

Besides we do get some forest roads earlier on in the ride

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/y9p939niijwx4qx/D241.JPG?raw=1)
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: Phil W on 30 May, 2019, 07:30:51 pm
Here is a link to the route sheet for this route.  Be aware it does not mention every junction or turn but does cover where the road number changes.  Places passed through are in bold as per convention. I have stuck with the road for the last bit to Rambouillet.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/5yh63tfq4tya9in/Dieppe%20-%20Rambouillet.pdf?dl=0
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: yanto on 30 May, 2019, 08:23:39 pm
 :thumbsup:Thanks Phil, I have the feeling that you enjoy this planning phase.
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: aidan.f on 31 May, 2019, 10:30:30 am
Thanks also to you  Phil. Will enjoy using your route.
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: Phil W on 31 May, 2019, 12:06:33 pm
Thanks.  I do enjoy planning routes.  In 2015 didn't pay as much attention to places to stop to eat / drink on the way.  It turned out ok but we were left guessing as to how far it was to a place we could stop at.  So this time paid more attention to the potential food / drink stops.

Just the matter of getting my 600 qualifier out of the way (this weekend) now!
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: yanto on 31 May, 2019, 07:10:33 pm
Good luck  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: Tomsk on 06 July, 2019, 06:16:36 am
I'll get me maps out.

Bearing in mind I'll be on fixed and with camping gear in a couple of panniers, I might not keep up with the 'credit card tourists'. I'll be saving the legs for another ride ...
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: yanto on 06 July, 2019, 06:29:42 am
A change of plan has resulted in me not riding to Rambouillet or back to ferry, the car will be taking the strain, this does mean that I will have some capacity as baggage carrier to and from (if peeps so wish me to be), first come first served at the car park of the Flying Fish, the only caveat is that I will not be roaming around Rambouillet looking for people to unite them with their baggage, they will have to find me in the campervan section parking, although mine will probably be the only non campervan vehicle there.
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: Phil W on 06 July, 2019, 07:39:54 am
Quote from: Tomsk on 06 July, 2019, 06:16:36 am
I'll get me maps out.

Bearing in mind I'll be on fixed and with camping gear in a couple of panniers, I might not keep up with the 'credit card tourists'. I'll be saving the legs for another ride ...

Cue Tomsk sprinting off the front...

I will certainly be taking at least one pannier of stuff for before / after the ride.  Plan is relaxed ride from my point of view. No intention to wreck legs.  Link to route sheet up thread if you want to use that.
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: JStone on 06 July, 2019, 07:56:15 am
I rode up & down the St-Léger-en-Yvellines - Rambouillet section yesterday / Thursday. There’s a paved cycle path alongside the road for about half the distance. It changes sides once, and ducks into the forest once to pass behind a house, but very rideable (25mm tyres, solo, touring load). Traffic on the road was moderate, and quite fast, but minimal HGV. Used flashing rear light for added confidence. Final bit in Rambouillet goes round the houses because of major drainage works, but easy to follow. Not riding PBP, but just done done the route from Brest as a 6-day tour. Bonne route, et bonne chance!
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: grams on 15 August, 2019, 01:08:35 pm
If you’re riding the Avenue Verte, turn right where the railway part ends by Serquex. If you turn left under the bridge and try to follow the extra bit you’ll find the road bridge is being replaced and have to walk your bike over a temporary footbridge.
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: marcusjb on 16 August, 2019, 04:05:06 pm
Good route phil!

Apart from the headwinds.

Oh and the typical French lack of anything open in the last 60km - the shop at gambais was a life saver.

The view of the Seine at the top of the toughest hill of the day was spectacular and well worth the effort!

(https://dgtzuqphqg23d.cloudfront.net/fO2ym40WZ_ERXvBBRbNE1mkOqEpJHC6NDURhXvMlYYs-2048x1536.jpg)
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: jsabine on 16 August, 2019, 10:45:23 pm
Quote from: marcusjb on 16 August, 2019, 04:05:06 pm
Apart from the headwinds.

Indeed. If I'd wanted to ride into the Fenland Hairdryer I'd have gone to East Angular.

Aside from that, as Marcus says that Seine view *almost* made the climb worthwhile - it would be fair to say that when I caught sight of the slope my joy knew no beginning - while the rest of the roads were never less than pleasant.

I fancy that 2015's route might have had better lunch options (note to self, Restaurant aux Specialites Turcques is French for kebab shop), and Gambais could have done with an open bar (ok, ok, in addition to rather than instead of the shop), but I suppose we could tolerate it ...

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: Phil W on 23 August, 2019, 10:55:31 am
Quote from: marcusjb on 16 August, 2019, 04:05:06 pm
Good route phil!

Apart from the headwinds.

Oh and the typical French lack of anything open in the last 60km - the shop at gambais was a life saver.

The view of the Seine at the top of the toughest hill of the day was spectacular and well worth the effort!

(https://dgtzuqphqg23d.cloudfront.net/fO2ym40WZ_ERXvBBRbNE1mkOqEpJHC6NDURhXvMlYYs-2048x1536.jpg)

Last place I had marked as definitely open was the pizzeria in Breval, 45km from the end, which was indeed open. Longnes did have an open tabac but that was 200m off the route where you crossed the roundabout.  Tilly had an old school water pump, just 70m off route, on a side road, Houdan had a range of cafes but off route and added extra distance.  It's a difficult one as you always have to compromise between the distance ridden, and facilities along the way.   

You will have noted that it was possible to avoid the toughest hill of the day by crossing the ridgeline about 3km away.  But when I was researching, saw the sweeping curves to the road descent to the Seine and did a streetview I decided it had to be ridden.

On the way back I struck north from Gasny along the Voie Verte to Gisors.  Gasny (going south it is the last place before the turn to Grommecourt and the toughest climb) had a large supermarket with a nice attached cafe, just 300m off the route.  Note in the route sheet but perehaps missed by those on GPS.   

I've decided I prefer a two day ride there (and back) anyway. So should I do this again I'd plan a route for two days, in which case some extra overall distance to take in more places for cafes would be good.

I did note on my alternate route back via Gisors that the centre of Gisors is a fantastic tourist spot for restaurants, cafes and shops. You've got bigger hills between Gisors and Forges Les Eaux (than going via the route I shared), but the Voie Verte between Gasny and Gisors is super flat.  Over two days I'd be tempted to go this way on the way out with a hotel or camping stop (lakeside camping at Dahu just south looked nice) at Gisors or a bit further down the Voie Verte.
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: Martin on 23 August, 2019, 11:13:01 am
There's a campsite at Dangu not far South of Gisors; I intended to use it last year but it was all shut up for the night when I rocked up so I just went back and pitched on the AV. It's probably a moustique-fest this time of year  :-\

I think the idea was to use the railway between Gisors and Forge for the AV but they decided to re-open that section of the line, the actual AV is quite lumpy along that section but there are flatter lanes along the valley.

Planning to join the section South towards Giverny for our next one way ticket

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30465776
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: grams on 23 August, 2019, 11:15:38 am
I normally ride to Forge to Gisors. The road isn't that busy and there are some parallel lanes at the Gisors end. Depends on your final destination / route into Paris though.
Title: Re: Routes: Dieppe ---> Rambouillet
Post by: Phil W on 23 August, 2019, 11:18:43 am
Spotted this on the way back as well, at the bottom of the hairpin ascent from the Seine.

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/6see2ts9qpu4h7s/2019082013360008.jpg?raw=1)