Cyclists - anyone done London to Paris?

[Deleted Member 1156]

I'm planning on doing this myself rather than on an organised charity event. Just wondered if anyone else has done it and if so, any tips or pitfalls to watch out for?

I've planned a route over 4 days, longest day is down to Dover which is about 75 miles if I start from somewhere around the M25. I reckon I can do it with minimal luggage in a backpack.

 

[Stuey01]

Don't underestimate the kent section. It's the hardest bit of the ride, hilly.

 

[SaintHacker]

Why don't you ride to Poole, then ferry across to Cherbourg. That way you'll get more time on French roads where they don't all try to kill every cyclist on the road!

 

[Waitforme]

Get a cheap rack fitted to your bike and fit a rack bag or even tie your rucksack onto it.
You'll be able to carry a lot more and wont have the weight on your back.

Wouldn't contemplate a rucksack on my back.

 

[Aztecs27]

Get a cheap rack fitted to your bike and fit a rack bag or even tie your rucksack onto it.
You'll be able to carry a lot more and wont have the weight on your back.

Wouldn't contemplate a rucksack on my back.

This. If you're touring like that and doing 70+ miles a day, the last thing you want is a rucksack on your back all day.

 

[Deleted Member 1156]

Paul...good suggestion about going from Poole but there is something iconic in my mind about the London to Paris route so will stick with that.

Not worried about a rucksack. All I plan to carry is 2 teeshirts, pair of shorts, flip flops for the evenings along with toothbrush and toothpaste and passport. Absolute minimal weight. Towels, shower gel etc from the hotels.

I can rinse out my cycling clothing each evening and leave it to dry overnight.

 

[stevelev]

Get a cheap rack fitted to your bike and fit a rack bag or even tie your rucksack onto it.
You'll be able to carry a lot more and wont have the weight on your back.

Wouldn't contemplate a rucksack on my back.

As above dont even entertain the thought of a rucksack. Get a good sleeping back lightweight kit, pack it all in racked waterproof luggage and be safe.
Take plenty of sudocreme and zinc oxide tape, take dehydrated meals youll have a great time. Ive done a few long bike rides aim for about 6 hours a day in the saddle and more if you can. I enjoyed st helns to st austell, not for me now my 6 miles chasing a ehite thing each week is my exercise.

I had a fried did birmingham to Barcelona, took 12 days.
If you can plan hostel stop overs en route

 

[Deleted Member 1156]

Got it sorted out, thanks for the input. 4 days, 3 nights, staying in hotels so no need to carry towels/toiletries as they will all be supplied.

 

[richart]

Paul...good suggestion about going from Poole but there is something iconic in my mind about the London to Paris route so will stick with that.

I could understand if you were going by train or even by car, but 'iconic' by cycle Best tip is pack a big tub of Sudacrem.:thup: