Paris to London

[caitlinandrews455]

Firstly I am actually cycling from Paris to London as I want to arrive in my home country and I am doing this for charity. I have made a provisional route with the places to stay on Google maps and wanted to know if anybody could scrutinize it and tell me if they know of parts that are in passable etc etc. I would really appreciate it as its my first tour as I'm only 16 and I know I am not covering many miles a day and it will take me longer than most other people but I am injured but I have to do it know or never. Thankyou so much I will happily take any criticism. Thanks again https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Eiffe ... 89!3e1!4e1

[stu1102]

Perhaps if you could post the link to where your route is located we could then check it out for you?

Google Maps is very good but there are dedicated cycling route planners which may be more appropriate try this one for example;

http://cycle.travel/map

There are a lot of very experienced touring cyclists on this forum so I'm sure they are willing to help

[Graham]

Have a look at Donald Hirsch's route. It looks like a good 'un to me.

Put Hirsch in the Search box on the top right-hand side . . . . other wise try +Donald +Hirsch

[caitlinandrews455]

Hi i have created a route on Google maps. I know I am planning on doing it in more days than others but I am not peaking my physical fitness but I have do it now as it is for charity. Could you give me any ideas on how to improve and if you know the route I have chosen has any quiter alternative routs i would be very aprecietivw

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Eiffe ... i0!2i0!3i7

[Vorpal]

I can't advise on routes, as I have never done this trip.

But for improving, I suggest building up gradually. Don't try to do a 40 mile ride, if you aren't fit for it. Ride a little bit further each time, or get used to one distance, then add 5 or 10 miles at a time.

Cyling often may have more benefit, so run errands by bicycle, commute by bike, if you can; once or twice per week, even if you can't do it everyday. If you live too far away, try mixing transport modes. Drive and cycle, or if you use the train, ride your bike to a somewhat further station.

And remember that it is more down to hours in the saddle than distance, because you will go slower on a long journey, or carrying the shopping than commuting.

Good luck and enjoy the cycling

[stu1102]

I would abandon the Google maps route you have posted and do this one instead, as you asked for an alternative route to Paris, I have rode the routes below many times:

http://travelloglewes.co.uk/index.php?p ... -bike-ride (From London to Newhaven)

Your Google route from what I can see takes you on the A20. The route in the link above is quieter and more cycle friendly. You will land in Dieppe once in Dieppe you can follow this route below as was suggested above:

http://www.donaldhirsch.com/dieppeparis.html (From Dieppe to Paris)

this route is much better in my view for a new cyclist

BUT whatever route you choose you need to think about how you intend to navigate, get from one point to another=maps, printed instructions or GPS?

As was suggested above you need to start thinking about training. Perhaps the best advice I can give you is to join the Cyclist Touring Club http://www.ctc.org.uk/join-membership

[DonaldHirsch]

Dear Caitlin

I agree with others that it's unwise to use a route from Google Maps for this purpose as you'll end up on busy roads and my route via Dieppe and Newhaven is only lightly trafficked and shorter than via Calais.

http://www.donaldhirsch.com/dieppeparis.html

Even though my main descriptions are London, Paris, there is a Paris-London set of instructions here

http://www.donaldhirsch.com/reverse.html

and you can use the main pdf printable guide to see maps of the route which work in either direction.

Good luck, Donald Hirsch

[Barrenfluffit]

I cycled Mr Hirsch's route last year. The route is good throughout and the entry to Paris is brilliant.

There is a gpx track of it online; it was really helpful at junctions if I wasn't sure exactly where in the instructions I was. The only tricky bit was working out which way you were going when the route isn't going south.

Like everyone I got lost around the hospital area roundabouts trying to work out which tower block was which.

I found googlemaps very good within Paris for getting to a specific address; the spoken instructions via headphones were easier to follow than a screen.

Thanks Mr Hirsch

PS I had problems in Surrey; tree's overhung so many lanes that the signal was obscured. Also dark / lights were needed.

[chrissmith]

You can find GPX files and instructions (both ways) for the Travel Log route Newhave/London at http://travelloglewes.co.uk/index.php?p ... -bike-ride

Chris Smith, Travel Log Lewes