CycletoGibraltar

[jedcomyn]

Hi there,

I'm new to the forum and would just like to say how much important and useful info there is here. Congrats!

On to the important stuff: - I am organising a charitable cycle tour from London to Gibraltar, kicking off on the 1 sept. I have very little experience of this sort of cycling, over 2300 miles, and was looking for a few pointers.

1) Type of Bikes: I have been in talks with a few bike shops both here in France and in the Uk, and they both recommend hybrids as both durable and light(ish). Any ideas as to the best ones, price vs. specs etc. I have a few in mind but not sure how to choose between them: LaPierre Cheyenne Man 590/80, Cannondale Adventure 600, Cannondale T800, Bianchi Boardwalk. ????? Also if there are any other good bikes out there It would be great to find out about them.

2) Route: I have done a preliminary route and was wondering if a) anyone has done this before (london to Gibraltar) and b) HOw many miles a day would be average. I am looking for a 75 mile avg, but is this too high (This is meant to be a tough ride not a walk in the park)

3) Support team: Is a support team necessary? Personally I would def. have one but what sort of specialist kit would they need to carry, apart from spares, tools and camping kit. Would a auto air pump be useful? Any little things that a seasoned tourer would think of but I wouldn't!!

4) Insurance: Can you get 'touring insurance' ?

5)accomododation: We will be camping, could anyone offer some good campsites down the west coast of France and east coast of spain?


Thank you in advance for any replies. I hope this event will be exciting and fulfilling as a well as raise a considerable sum of money for charity!!

Jed

 

[Bis]

Hi Jed,

This time last year I cycled Asford, Kent to Valencia (1200 miles) solo. Also a charity ride. the journey took 24 days including 3 rest days. I followed an almostdirect route north/south from Calais to the Med at Tarragona. Crossing the Pyrenees over the Col Peyresourde, Col D'Aspin, Col Portillion, Porte de la Bonaiagua (2070m) Hitting the coast at Tarragona, I then followed the infamous N340 south to Javea south of Valencia.

When riding long distances the primary factors that determine average speed/distance are terrain, weather, traffic. The top two-thirds of France is extremely hilliy. The rivers (many) traverse east/west so going north/south involves crossing the valleys.

France also has a large agricultural plain which although relatively flat can suffer from stong winds, normally head-on. I chargecarded the journey so could keep the weight down without camping equipment. Loaded I normlly averaged about 15 to 16 mph depending on the above. Between Amiens and Orleans the 35km headwind dropped my average speed to less tha 9.5mph.

French hotelliers are really cycle freindly, providing safe storage for the bike each night. The drivers are excellent too. In Spain this changes quite dramatically.

I did the first 10 days solo and unsupported, my parents came down for 8 days across southern France and over the Pyrenees. This proved excellent as I could unload the bike. This makes a BIG difference, especially for the mountains. Long climbs and high speed descents

I used my road bike for the trip. Coppi frame, ultegra double 43/52, Ambrosio carbon aero forks, ambrosio Sonar rims. I had a tourtec rack attached to the seat post and rear axle. It worked really well. I used ortlieb panniers which were outstanding Everything stayed completely dry even through a week of solid rain. An Ortlib bar bag which proved very useful becuase it is quick release. I fitted Ironman aero bars which were brilliant for cruising in comfort.

I would think very carefully about the Spanish leg. Inland Spain has few roads. Distances between habitations can be massive and water consumption becomes a factor. These roads can be extremly hilly/mountainous.

The coast road (N340) is the only route north/south. Of course accomodation is much less of a problem, however this road is lethal. Simply put, it is no fun at all. Traffic is extremly dense with lorries travelling at high speed. Cycling is along the side reservation which is covered in broken bottles and debris.

I averaged about 60miles a day. Having support is a great idea. Unloading the bike makes a big difference to distance. Not only does the average speed leap 3 to 4 mph, but stamina improves If you have mechanical problems the support is a godsend. I shredded my rear wheel (suprisingly when unloaded) and needed a relacement (Kyserium equipes, light but very strong). In France cycle shops are few and far between. Often only in major towns. Open times can be highly erratic. I only had two punctures, the first 2km from the channel tunnel

Support works well also for carrying water/food. The support driver must understand to go at your pace not theirs. My father kept looking at the maps 1:100000 and saying lets go here today not realising the jorney might be 120 km with 3 large ascents!

I am sure you will have a great trip, mine was fantastic.

Any questions etc.

b-t-w I had an annual multi-trip travel policy which covered me for accidents. My household insurers added the theft cover for my bike f.o.c. when I told them it was a charity ride. Always worth asking. I took two long 1.5m security cables/locks and a short bike lock. These worked well as you can thread the long cables through everything such as panniers and reach around somthing solid. The short cable is very convenient for quick stops. The Spanish coast is a thieves paradise.

Hi there,

I'm new to the forum and would just like to say how much important and useful info there is here. Congrats!

On to the important stuff: - I am organising a charitable cycle tour from London to Gibraltar, kicking off on the 1 sept. I have very little experience of this sort of cycling, over 2300 miles, and was looking for a few pointers.

1) Type of Bikes: I have been in talks with a few bike shops both here in France and in the Uk, and they both recommend hybrids as both durable and light(ish). Any ideas as to the best ones, price vs. specs etc. I have a few in mind but not sure how to choose between them: LaPierre Cheyenne Man 590/80, Cannondale Adventure 600, Cannondale T800, Bianchi Boardwalk. ????? Also if there are any other good bikes out there It would be great to find out about them.

2) Route: I have done a preliminary route and was wondering if a) anyone has done this before (london to Gibraltar) and b) HOw many miles a day would be average. I am looking for a 75 mile avg, but is this too high (This is meant to be a tough ride not a walk in the park)

3) Support team: Is a support team necessary? Personally I would def. have one but what sort of specialist kit would they need to carry, apart from spares, tools and camping kit. Would a auto air pump be useful? Any little things that a seasoned tourer would think of but I wouldn't!!

4) Insurance: Can you get 'touring insurance' ?

5)accomododation: We will be camping, could anyone offer some good campsites down the west coast of France and east coast of spain?


Thank you in advance for any replies. I hope this event will be exciting and fulfilling as a well as raise a considerable sum of money for charity!!

Jed