Am I mad? I'm cycling to Switzerland!

Am I mad? I'm cycling to Switzerland!

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Original Poster:

729 posts

260 months

Wednesday 23rd August 2006
quotequote all
Have just booked a ferry crossing for next month. I am going to ride from Somerset to Portsmouth in two days, catching a night boat to St Malo then go by backroads and cyclepaths/towpaths to the Swiss border. I am hoping to do the French leg in a fortnight - stopping in Youth Hostels, B & B's etc (saves carrying camping kit), I hope to average 50 - 60 miles per day - some days more, but no doubt when it gets lumpy it will be less! May pay homage to the Mulsanne Straight (no danger of getting pulled by the flics this time!)
So what's the collective view on this - am I certifiable? any tips of places to go or cycle paths to use? This is my first serious cycle ride - I reckon it will be 600+ miles. My steed will be a mid-range Raleigh tourer (Venture GT) that should be suited. Training has gone reasonably well since buying the bike in Feb.

orgasmicliving!!

5,964 posts

228 months

Wednesday 23rd August 2006
quotequote all
Wow. What distances did you ride while training? How frequently? And what kind of saddle do you have? That seems to be my biggest problem when I do longer distances--the incredibly sore/tender pelvic girdle (at least that's what I think it is).

I am hoping to do SF to LA in a year. Maybe.

Edited by orgasmicliving!! on Wednesday 23 August 02:39

boRED S2upid

20,357 posts

248 months

Wednesday 23rd August 2006
quotequote all
Yes your mad.

But seriously good luck your never going to forget that trip. And if you find an internet cafe on the way drop us an update.

pombstard

7,120 posts

250 months

Wednesday 23rd August 2006
quotequote all
Utterly bonkers!

Couple of friends did Somerset to Biarritz a few years back. Their other trek was then five weeks round Spain'ish which managed to include the south coast, Madrid and into Lisbon.

I hope you have a great time, though - sounds like a great trip.

The Londoner

3,961 posts

246 months

Wednesday 23rd August 2006
quotequote all
orgasmicliving!! said:
I am hoping to do SF to LA in a year. Maybe.


Even on a bike, shirley it won't take you that long ? hehe

orgasmicliving!!

5,964 posts

228 months

Thursday 24th August 2006
quotequote all
The Londoner said:
orgasmicliving!! said:
I am hoping to do SF to LA in a year. Maybe.


Even on a bike, shirley it won't take you that long ? hehe
Plan to go the long way around!

Check this out:
www.crazyguyonabike.com