vireo
Registered user
Right...I think I've finally sorted out a GSA (see attached) to buy near Baden-Baden, so I need some advice.......
I intend to fly over and ride home next week. So, after doing the deal, I'll hopefully have time to spend half a day riding in the Black Forest area near here before then heading in the general direction of Calais, thence onwards and West to Wales hoping to arrive back in Ireland on the Sunday.
So, questions: I can see from various route planners that I have approx 700km/450ml to make Calais - it seems reasonable that I could make this in one day with a few stops, but I'll probably stop enroute for an overnight and then hope to make the next hop to somewhere in the mid UK the following day. Any thoughts on the practicality of this idea? I'm used to 250km or so in a single ride, and my longest daily distance to date has been about 500km. I'm hoping the GSA will be a bit comfier than my old viffer (it wasnt bad).
I have some info on biker-friendly hotels in Germany, but not northern France/Luxembourg/Belgium, so if anyone has recommendations, I'd be glad to hear of them.
As to the Channel crossing, not wanting to be too tied to a schedule, I think that if I arrive and hope to get a Chunnel spot, that the tariff is likely to be quite high (€150 or thereabouts) V's standard ferries. Not sure if the Tunnel is the best option ? I have the Ferry discount info from this site, but again, if anyone has any particular recommendations/advice, I'd be glad to hear of it.
Lastly, advice on somewhere to stay south of London (Sussex/Hampshire area) - assuming that I still feel like riding once I get to blighty...........otherwise somewhere in the Dover area! Secure parking for the new baby would be important. This last hop from Dover across to Fishguard or Pembroke, I'm used to. Im allowing 8hrs with stops, which should be fine if I make some distance the first night.
So, any advice/thought/criticism would be gratefully appreciated
I intend to fly over and ride home next week. So, after doing the deal, I'll hopefully have time to spend half a day riding in the Black Forest area near here before then heading in the general direction of Calais, thence onwards and West to Wales hoping to arrive back in Ireland on the Sunday.
So, questions: I can see from various route planners that I have approx 700km/450ml to make Calais - it seems reasonable that I could make this in one day with a few stops, but I'll probably stop enroute for an overnight and then hope to make the next hop to somewhere in the mid UK the following day. Any thoughts on the practicality of this idea? I'm used to 250km or so in a single ride, and my longest daily distance to date has been about 500km. I'm hoping the GSA will be a bit comfier than my old viffer (it wasnt bad).
I have some info on biker-friendly hotels in Germany, but not northern France/Luxembourg/Belgium, so if anyone has recommendations, I'd be glad to hear of them.
As to the Channel crossing, not wanting to be too tied to a schedule, I think that if I arrive and hope to get a Chunnel spot, that the tariff is likely to be quite high (€150 or thereabouts) V's standard ferries. Not sure if the Tunnel is the best option ? I have the Ferry discount info from this site, but again, if anyone has any particular recommendations/advice, I'd be glad to hear of it.
Lastly, advice on somewhere to stay south of London (Sussex/Hampshire area) - assuming that I still feel like riding once I get to blighty...........otherwise somewhere in the Dover area! Secure parking for the new baby would be important. This last hop from Dover across to Fishguard or Pembroke, I'm used to. Im allowing 8hrs with stops, which should be fine if I make some distance the first night.
So, any advice/thought/criticism would be gratefully appreciated
