cycling tour in U.K.

On Sun, 23 May 2004 11:43:29 GMT someone who may be onl5923
<[email hidden]> wrote this:-

Quoted message said:

This is my question(s) to you all: is there a good route (singposted)
where I can cycle safely? Where can I find any information on B&B,
things to see.....

http://www.sustrans.org.uk is a good place to start for long
distance leisure journeys in the UK.

--
David Hansen, Edinburgh | PGP email preferred-key number F566DA0E
I will always explain revoked keys, unless the UK government
prevents me using the RIP Act 2000.

Quoted message said:

Hello everyone,

I recently joined this forum. My name is peter 45 and from Belgium. I
have plans to cylce in the U.K. somewhere in 2005 2006 depending on
preparations.

My aim at first is to cycle from Dover to Cirencester or Swindon,
hopefully via scenic and cycle friendly routes.

This is my question(s) to you all: is there a good route (singposted)
where I can cycle safely? Where can I find any information on B&B,
things to see.....

And maybe most important: what can I expect from car drivers while
travelling with my bike.

Thank you very much !!

Peter

Hello Peter from Belgium :-)

You've already been told about Sustrans. You can buy maps from them which show
their cycle routes. Quality of Sustrans routes is *variable* in terms of
surface and also the routes can be very ah, less than direct from A to B.

B&B etc -
have a look at
http://www.visitengland.com/

Quoted message said:

And maybe most important: what can I expect from car drivers while
travelling with my bike.

Most aren't out to get you ;-)
Seriously - remember we drive on the left-hand side of the road here, so we
also cycle on the left-hand side of the road.

Key to remember - you have a right to cycle on the road but for a few
exceptions.

You must not cycle on a motorway - a road identified by it's "M" naming, e.g.
M3, M25, M4

"A" roads can be difficult to identify as reasonable to cycle on without local
knowledge. Some can be motorways in all but name, some can be filled with
fast-moving traffic, others can be perfectly fine to cycle on.

"B" roads are usually quieter but again, local knowledge helps.

There's many a lovely quiet country lane too.

The main cyclists' organisation in the UK is the Cyclists' Touring Club (CTC).
It has a web site at www.ctc.org.uk It may be worth contacting the CTC to see
if they can offer any help either directly, or by putting you in contact with
local CTC groups in your area of travel, who may be able to offer good advice
based on local experience.

I hope this helps and that you have an enjoyable trip over here.

Cheers, helen s

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onl5923 said:

Hello everyone,

I recently joined this forum. My name is peter 45 and from Belgium. I
have plans to cylce in the U.K. somewhere in 2005 2006 depending on
preparations.

My aim at first is to cycle from Dover to Cirencester or Swindon,
hopefully via scenic and cycle friendly routes.

This is my question(s) to you all: is there a good route (singposted)
where I can cycle safely? Where can I find any information on B&B,
things to see.....

And maybe most important: what can I expect from car drivers while
travelling with my bike.

I live just south east of Swindon and I can give you a couple of routes
from Swindon to Cirencester as I do it regularly. The most obvious
route - the A419 dual carriageway - is not pleasant!

Sustrans paths are not always tarmac and most are only suitable for
mountain bikes. I would get a map and stick to unclassified roads
(those with no numbering). If you're in the Swindon area you MUST visit
Avebury, which is 8 miles to the south. Do a Google search for it.

British drivers are not as tolerant of cyclists as French drivers (for
example), but few are really dangerous. Ride about a metre out from the
(left hand!) kerb, then if you sense that a vehicle is passing too close
you have room for manoeuvre. But you probably know that already ;-)

Thanks for your comments everyone. We do love to spend our holidays i
the U.K. but only done it by car sofar and it is time for a change

Zog I've been to the Royal Air Tattoo every yearsince 1989. Being fro
Swindon you will no doubt know this is held at RAF Fairford

Well my aim is to cycle from Dover to Fairford or any place in the are
where I will be staying. I usually stay in Great Rissington, close t
Burford but been to Swindon many times before. I'll keep the left han
drive comments in mind :

Any other comments on cycling in the U.K. would also be welcome

-

"David Hansen" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

On Sun, 23 May 2004 11:43:29 GMT someone who may be onl5923
<[email hidden]> wrote this:-

Quoted message said:

This is my question(s) to you all: is there a good route (singposted)
where I can cycle safely? Where can I find any information on B&B,
things to see.....

http://www.sustrans.org.uk is a good place to start for long
distance leisure journeys in the UK.

Sustrans routes can be good, but they also have drawbacks, and many long
distance tourists prefer the roads.

An even better place is the CTC (Cyclists' Touring Club)
www.ctc.org.uk
which provides information, routes, lists of places to stay, third party
insurance and lots more, and a warm welcome from local members who are
usually only too willing to pass on their knowledge of local roads.

--
cheers

Rich

Quoted message said:

--
David Hansen, Edinburgh | PGP email preferred-key number F566DA0E
I will always explain revoked keys, unless the UK government
prevents me using the RIP Act 2000.