Just a thought.

fofeg101

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Some years ago I was heavily into cycle camping, and as I retired at the age of 50 (17 years ago) I had the time, and was fit enough, to do more of it. I used to spend around 6 weeks each year cycling in France, not much in the UK, the UKs not cycle friendly or even camping friendly. When I got Internet access in 1998 I began to contribute regularly to several websites which had cycle camping forums, and I used to ask, and give, advice on cycle camping matters, particularly about cycle camping in France. Anyways, after awhile I suddenly realised there were a number of regular posters on the Forums who never actually did any cycle camping but gave out advice to others, they had all of the best gear, knew how it should be used, and had done a lot of research, they lived a kind of "Walter Mitty" existence, I guess they just liked the sound of their own keyboards. BTW, I'm not suggesting this applies to any posters on these forums.
 
fofeg101 said:
after awhile I suddenly realised there were a number of regular posters on the Forums who never actually did any cycle camping but gave out advice to others, they had all of the best gear, knew how it should be used, and had done a lot of research, they lived a kind of "Walter Mitty" existence, I guess they just liked the sound of their own keyboards. BTW, I'm not suggesting this applies to any posters on these forums.
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Really?:raofl:
 
Well now I know who to ask as we're planning on cycling from N to S France (via the W) next year with just a tent.....
 
activecampers said:
Well now I know who to ask as we're planning on cycling from N to S France (via the W) next year with just a tent.....
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A good place to get ideas is by reading "Down hill all the way" by Edward Enfield. I say ideas because Edward didn't do his own cooking, he ate out all of the time, I self catered with a Trangia meths stove, but the route he took is sound.

Downhill all the Way: From La Manche to the Mediterranean by Bike: Cycling Through France from La Manche to the Mediterranean: Amazon.co.uk: Edward Enfield: Books

However, things aren't the same now over the channel, there are personal security issues, there are Highwaymen about since the Iron Curtain collapsed, to be honest I wouldn't even take my van over there now. On a bike you haven't even got the security of a vehicle to lock yourself into, even when I used to go over there twice I was involved in attempted muggings, I had a "Thunder Flash" thrown at me, a bucket of, what I think was, water thrown over me, etc., perhaps I should write a book myself. It's safer, and cheaper, now to take a cab to the airport and stay in secure accommodation....but it's no fun is it? There are those who will say it's as safe as houses over there, my brother has been way-laid and robbed twice!! on the Spanish motorways. But, if you are serious, please PM me if you need further information.
 
Yes I am serious :)
And the van has been in France for many many months, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and have never once experienced any highwaymen!
If you drive a big white thing, look vunerable, drive on the Motorways around trouble spots, use motorway aires, then you may well be in a little danger.
My parents got robbed in france - but it was their own fault for staying in a motorway aire, they won't do that again. Oh - they are currently in France!

We're also backpacking off to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos later this year - so even less security there!

Hell - I'm going to get mugged and die at somepoint :)

French cycle trip ETA June-->September 2012, slow and steady. Cheers for tip on book - added to eBay wishlist!
 
Lots of muggings take place in the Doncaster area.

Old Arthur can confirm this.

He does most of them. :ninja:
 
nowt wrong with doncaster. me and arthur will gang up and get you if you dont watch out. i was born near donny. hay up arf you ok.get tooled up we know where they are.
 
Cycle Camping

Years ago we used a Middlesborough Coach company who ran down to Italy and Spain.They towed a bike trailer and dropped you off on route wherever you wanted and picked you up wherever you wanted all for not a lot of money. Had three fantastic holidays.I think they still operate this service.
 
fofeg101 said:
Some years ago I was heavily into cycle camping, and as I retired at the age of 50 (17 years ago) I had the time, and was fit enough, to do more of it. I used to spend around 6 weeks each year cycling in France, not much in the UK, the UKs not cycle friendly or even camping friendly. When I got Internet access in 1998 I began to contribute regularly to several websites which had cycle camping forums, and I used to ask, and give, advice on cycle camping matters, particularly about cycle camping in France. Anyways, after awhile I suddenly realised there were a number of regular posters on the Forums who never actually did any cycle camping but gave out advice to others, they had all of the best gear, knew how it should be used, and had done a lot of research, they lived a kind of "Walter Mitty" existence, I guess they just liked the sound of their own keyboards. BTW, I'm not suggesting this applies to any posters on these forums.
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You get that on all types of special interest internet forums, and I guess the general ones as well. You can only tell for certain when you meet someone in real life. Until then the age, sex, and everything else about the poster is a matter of pure conjecture:raofl:

The advice could still be good though, even if their experience is fictitious.
 
activecampers said:
Yes I am serious :)
And the van has been in France for many many months, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and have never once experienced any highwaymen!
If you drive a big white thing, look vunerable, drive on the Motorways around trouble spots, use motorway aires, then you may well be in a little danger.
My parents got robbed in france - but it was their own fault for staying in a motorway aire, they won't do that again. Oh - they are currently in France!

We're also backpacking off to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos later this year - so even less security there!

Hell - I'm going to get mugged and die at somepoint :)

French cycle trip ETA June-->September 2012, slow and steady. Cheers for tip on book - added to eBay wishlist!
Click to expand...

Absolutely agree - you can get robbed anywhere (in our case, Hungary, Malawi, Peru - and, of course, England) so there is no point in letting it affect your plans. We too are planning a backpacking trip to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia this coming winter - maybe our paths will cross (but we don't do long-distance cycling and will be staying in hostels!). Happy travels
 
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