Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.damboyer
05-05-07, 01:09 PM
I'm planning to take a little ride on my (somewhat) trusty Trek 1500 road bike bringing along a notebook, camera, two changes of clothes, small tent and a sleeping bag. I'll attend most of the races I've dreamed about seeing in one cycling and motor racing tour:
Isle of Man races: 4-8 June
24 Heures du Mans: 16-17 June
Assen MotoGP: 28-30 June
Silverstone British GP: 6-8 July
Tour de France prologue - London: 7 July
This is the first time I've planned a tour. I'll be on my own so I'm a bit concerned about breakdowns. I plan to navigate using 1:275,000 Michelin maps as they were detailed enough for driving in France. Is this a good choice or should I use more precise maps? I'm also a little concerned about the terrain at the border between France and Belgium because I'm not (yet) very good at sustained climbs.
I'm thinking to buy a set of Altura Fusion 40 panniers to carry everything. Is there a better product to consider? What about sleeping bag & tent? I'm hoping to camp most days.
Any suggestions? What questions should I be asking for a first timer?!?
Many thanks, Don
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Liverpool to London: 207 miles, 333 km
London to Portsmouth: 91 miles, 146 km
Le Havre to Le Mans: 242 km, 150 miles
Le Mans to Assen: 833 km, 517 miles
Assen to Calais: 493 km, 306 miles
Dover to London: 99 miles, 159 km
Assen to Rotterdam: 236 km, 146 miles
Hull to London: 212 miles, 341 km
Main trip: 965 miles, 1 554 km
Op 1: 405 miles, 652 km
Op 2: 358 miles, 577 km
London to Silverstone: 74 miles, 119 km
Isle of Man races: 4-8 June
24 Heures du Mans: 16-17 June
Assen MotoGP: 28-30 June
Silverstone British GP: 6-8 July
Tour de France prologue - London: 7 July
This is the first time I've planned a tour. I'll be on my own so I'm a bit concerned about breakdowns. I plan to navigate using 1:275,000 Michelin maps as they were detailed enough for driving in France. Is this a good choice or should I use more precise maps? I'm also a little concerned about the terrain at the border between France and Belgium because I'm not (yet) very good at sustained climbs.
I'm thinking to buy a set of Altura Fusion 40 panniers to carry everything. Is there a better product to consider? What about sleeping bag & tent? I'm hoping to camp most days.
Any suggestions? What questions should I be asking for a first timer?!?
Many thanks, Don
---
Liverpool to London: 207 miles, 333 km
London to Portsmouth: 91 miles, 146 km
Le Havre to Le Mans: 242 km, 150 miles
Le Mans to Assen: 833 km, 517 miles
Assen to Calais: 493 km, 306 miles
Dover to London: 99 miles, 159 km
Assen to Rotterdam: 236 km, 146 miles
Hull to London: 212 miles, 341 km
Main trip: 965 miles, 1 554 km
Op 1: 405 miles, 652 km
Op 2: 358 miles, 577 km
London to Silverstone: 74 miles, 119 km