Parcours Mystere- An Update for 2010

Dear All

Hope you had a pleasant Xmas and are keeping fit for our upandcoming challenge in May 2010.
I have checked out a few options for planes, trains and ferries (Not quite as the film although automobiles will come into it at one stage or another I am sure of that)

One option from many is as follows:

Monday 17/05/2010

Train to Portsmouth (best route for an advance single – Birmingham-Oxford-Portsmouth around 3-4hrs (cycles need reservations!)

Brittany ferries sailing for Queistram (Caen) at 22.45 for £236.00 (inc. Cabin for 4 and 4 bicycles) ie £59.00each arrives 06.45 nice and early for a long day in the saddle!

Wednesday 26/05/2010

Ryanair has a flight for 20 euros -Bergerac to East Midlands- departs 21.30hrs arrives 22.15hrs (bikes cost 40 euros with limit of 21kg)

We really need to confirm dates before booking anything. We have a little time yet (Ferries might get even get cheaper with special offers)

I suggest we confirm dates in February and then organize individuals willing to book the ferry, accommodation and possibly flights (perhaps these like trains should be left to the individual –everyone should advise others of their personal arrangements so that we can rendez-vous or travel together were appropriate.

Can we all make a meeting at the Flowerpot on February 4th around 7.30pm?

Meeting to discuss le parcours mystère

May I suggest, as a date for our first meeting, to discuss possible dates and other matters, Thursday 17 December 2009? Taking everyone's homes into account - some to the south of Derby, some to the north of Nottingham - may I also suggest as a venue the Flowerpot in Derby, an excellent pub with a huge range of real ales (directions to follow for those who have never been there before). If I have the time, I shall cycle from Matlock during the afternoon and go back by train - probably to be the first decent ride from my new home. Time, say 1930?
I will bring IGN 1: 100 000 maps of our route from Caen to Issigeac, plus any other details I have found out by that time, eg lodgings. Issues you might like to address and share with others: how do I get to Portsmouth (or Caen)? How do I get back from France? (bring those railway timetables, those of you that have them) How long can I stay in France after the end of the ride? (as long as you want, within reason!) How can I get my bike back to Blighty? What do I do if my bike breaks down irreperably?! (Pass) What happens if I get lost? (everyone must have copies of the route and, preferably, maps with them on the ride at all times) Likely cost? (I haven't a clue!)
I shall be in France again in early January. Let me know if you can think of anything you'd like me to find out when I'm there. I look forward to seeing you all there Thursday week.

Any ideas about dates and venues for December meeting. I would prefer a thursday,sunday or maybe tuesday the 8th December as I am not working on these dates. Flowerpot again or any other ideas. I am easy! Clyde down to you!

Some pictures of Issigeac

I took these pictures during last Sunday's market (8 Nov 2009). Not as busy as I have known it, but it is November, after all.

Voilà!

Description from the AF3V website of the Thouet Valley Cycle Path from St Martin to Parthenay (alopogies in advance for any clumsiness of style!)
As the towns are situated on the crests, and as the route often goes away from the river, there are frequent climbs. That makes the route a bit difficult for beginners or well-laden trippers, who should think about short stages.
The route is described in the published brochure in 8 sections. It starts at the edge of the department, at 2 km to the N of the lake “La Ballastière” at St Martin.
The first section between this lake and Thouars, 22 km long, is easy for families as it is perfectly flat. It follows for a long time the River Thouet, on a little sheltered road which, at the entry to Thouars, borders family gardens. After a very steep climb (the only one!), you cross the center of Thouars, go down on foot from the castle and cross the Thouet by the Romanesque bridge from where you get a beautiful view of the town.
The second section from Thouars to St Généroux (18.5 km) presents some climbs but you run alongside the Thouet many times (eg at Missé and before Boué) and you follow a wild 'almost-greenway' of 3 km before St G. In this town, the Romanesque bridge and the church are magnificent.
The third section, from St G to Airvault (11 km) often goes far from the valley onto a plateau (to where it climbs!) but the arrival at Airvault by the meadow of Soulièvres and the crossing of this pretty town pay off.
The 4th section (8.5 km) links Airvault with St Loup, a pretty village with houses with dovecotes.
The 5th section (8.5 km) passes by the Cébron Lake, a nature reserve and agreeable site, then descends to Gourgé where it crosses the Thouet on the Romanesque bridge.
The 6th section from Gourgé to Parthenay (22.6 km) is the most hilly of all, for the route climbs up to Lhoumois, then continues, far from the valley, into the hills. On the other hand, the entry into Parthenay has been made safe by the creation of cycle paths which lead to the crossing of the town which is achieved by means of a beautiful greenway running alongside the Thouet for 4 km, up to the leisure center and the Green Wood campsite. You have to climb into the town by small roads. Note: when you find yourself in the lower town, in the St James quarter, you can cross the Thouet at the old port, in order to join the start of the Parthenay – Bressuire greenway 1 km away.

Le parcours mystère: un petit problème!

Hi folks. Sorry about the delay in the updated spreadsheets. I have met a problem on Day 4. This makes use of a greenway which we would be on from St Martin-de-Sanzay to Parthenay. This is 91 km according to the af3v website and our total for that day comes out at 116 km, the longest day up to that point (I thought initially it was going to be one of our shortest). I have been checking all the distances along the way, using Autoroute Express and, unless the route is extremely tortuous, this package didn't make it anything like this. I sent an email to Luc at af3v and, using Google Maps, he made it about 20 km less (in line with what I thought at first). But he also referred my question to Julien who knows the route well. Julien has just come back to say that the distances given on the website are spot-on and moreover the route is very hilly! Whoops - maybe we won't go on that one after all!
Any thoughts anyone? Any means of checking once again? BTW, Julien has referred me to the website for this greenway. The link is http://www.valleeduthouet.fr/cote-tourisme/le-thouet-a-velo/le-guide-decouverte/ I'd like to hear from anyone who can prove that our route is 20 km shorter than my latest figure! I haven't begun to study these pdf file maps yet myself.

Ride through France 2010

Je verifie que ce blog marche encore. Just checking that the blog still works.

Oui, ca marche! Yes, it does!

Tant mieux! So much the better!

A Trial Run

On Wednesday 6th I went to Bangor (N.Wales) to try out my intended train journeys on 18th May. All went well - trains on time, connections made and ample cycle capacity on all 3 legs. The final leg, Bangor to Holyhead , should not present any problems. The only small irritation was that there was a Race Day at Chester so the train from Crewe to Chester was full and standing. I did manage to get a seat and, after Chester, all was serene. I took the opportunity to check out the route from LanfairP.G. to Caernarfon and was pleased to note that the railway path from Felinheli into Caernarfon has been considerably improved since I last rode it. I have located the (very modern) Travelodge - it is more or less on the harbour side and almost on route 8. I am looking forward to the trip which is now not far away.

Sportive on our Doorstep bah May 17th

Hi guys

Anyone fancy stretching their legs lol. The day before our welsh adventure there is a 100k sportive utilising route 63 to Ashbourne organised by CCGiro starting from of all places Rosliston Forestry Centre. Would you adam and eve it . I am tempted to do the sportive anyway as one more day on the bike can't do any harm. Can it?
Anyway if anyone els is interested check out the following link...let me know if you're tempted..

http://www.wheelsinwheelscc.com/midlandmonster/Map-route.html

Another DragonRide

I went to Llangollen last weekend to see some lovely steam locos on the local heritage railway. To do so involved catching a Birmingham New Street to Holyhead train service as far as Chirk and cycling from there. I was first on the train with my bike at New Street as I was luckily standing on the platform in the right place. I was followed by 4 other cyclists. That we were able to get 5 bikes on a small train supposed to carry only 2 was down to a Conductor with common sense. The owner of the bike stored with mine in the "correct place" explained that he and his friends (all 60 plus years of age) were travelling to Conway to ride from there to Cardiff using bridleways. They were camping and had a support vehicle carrying their tents etc. They are due in Cardiff next Thursday and presumably are currently in Central Wales in very wet conditions. In return I told him we were doing a very similar journey next month but were making it easier for ourselves by using the Sustrans route and B&B/Hostels. I hope they leave us some Dragons.

Train Tickets/Reservations for 18th May to Holyhead

This is the situation (as I understand it) regarding our proposed travel to Holyhead on Monday 18th May:

There are 4 of us involved - Martin is cycling direct to Dolgellau and Phil will possibly join us later in the journey.

Shawn is travelling by road (and has offered to transport one other cycle)

Keith and Clyde have travel reservations for the 10:49 service onward from Crewe and I believe that they may also have cycle reservations. (Can Clyde confirm this, please?)

I have a cycle reservation on the 09:49 Crewe to Bangor and am confident that I can blag my way onto trains for the rest of the journey.

If , for any reason, cycle reservations on the 10:49 Crewe to Holhead are not forthcoming for Keith and Clyde I can see a way of getting to Holyhead on alternate services to arrive there at or about the same time. Details to be revealed if needed.

Peter

The Gospel Pass near Abergavenny

A ride in Herefordshire to see relations finished at Abergavenny with enough time before my train to find the Youth Hostel we will use on 21st May. It is actually on route 42 so we don't need to divert much but it is very much in the shadow of the Black Mountains which tower some 600 metres above. Knowing that we have to climb to almost that height over the Gospel Pass from Hay-on-Wye is a sobering thought. On the other hand, maybe we should take on board some liquid courage at Hay before we start!!

I hope its not this busy on the mountains of Wales this May. Dizziness and altitude sickness may be the order of the day!

Dragons beware!

Further to the January postings accomodation of varying sorts has been confirmed for the 4 locations to be honoured by the visit of the First Battalion, Derby Sustrans Rangers, in May of this year. The overnight stops are, as suggested, Caernarfon, Dolgellau, Rhaeadr Gwy (Rhayader) and Y Fenni (Abergavenny). This is not an exclusive trip and we would welcome riders to join us for a day or more, as appropriate. Rangers can find contact details in the Sustrans VolunteerNet Calendar.

Martin's Schedule

I intend to to take the opportunity of reliving, in part, an end of term journey I made from Crewe Technical College to Trawsfynydd nuclear power station in 1965.  So, I will cycle from Derby to the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway for an overnight stop in Llanfair Caereinion on the Monday.  Tuesday will be a short 33 mile hop over Dinas Mawddwy to Dolgellau and, if I have any energy left, will continue along the Mawddach Trail towards Barmouth, to meet you on the way up.  Then, I hope to stay with you all until the end of the week.

DragonRide - Preliminary Schedule

Following a constructive meeting in the Flowerpot pub on 22/1/9 an outline schedule of the proposed Ride is as follows:

Monday 18th May, arrive at Holyhead by some means, assemble and cycle to Caernarfon for an O/Night stop - app 40 miles
Tuesday 19th May, cycle Caernarfon to Dolgellau via Porthmadog, Harlech, Barmouth and the Mawddach estuary. O/Night stop - app 60 miles
Wednesday 20th May, cycle Dolgellau to Rhyader via Machynlleth. O/Night stop - app 65 miles
Thursday 21st May, cycle Rhyader to Avergavenny via Builth Wells, Hay-on-Wye and the Gospel Pass. O/Night stop - app 65 miles
Friday 22nd May, cycle Abergavenny to Newport, Mon via the Clydach Gorge and Pontypool. Finish and return home by appropriate transport. App 25 miles

Accomodation: There were varied opinions on this, from 5 star B&B to Bunkhouses. It was agreed that research would be done for each stop, Shawn and Keith to do Caernarfon and Dolgellau, Clyde to check out Rhyader and Peter, Abergavenny.
More investigation to be done on the best/cheapest way to get to Holyhead and back from Newport.

The First Planning Meeting

Following replies from most of the interested parties, I suggest a meeting in the Flowerpot pub on Thursday 22nd January at 20:00. The "back" room we use for Ranger Meetings might be available but, if not, we will just have to find a table. If anyone CANNOT make this suggested date please use the comment facility as before. If you can come, just turn up!

First Planning Meeting

This meeting was to be held on Friday 23rd January at Willow Tree Cafe, Mercia Marina, Willington but Shawn is unable to make this date. He has suggested Thursday 22nd or Sunday 25th. Clyde should be back from la belle France by then and Shawn does not start his vacation until Jan 28th. I could make either Thursday or Sunday morning at (say) 10:30. Please use the comment facility to agree date/suggest others. (It may be that we cant get a date and time to suit us all in which case it's going to have to be a majority decision.)
pcf

A blog for the Dragon Ride

This blog will contain details of the ride (to be called the Dragon Ride) to be undertaken in May 2009 by Derby Sustrans Rangers and friends. It will contain notes of meetings, plans, maps, accomodation details and, eventually, an account of the ride. The plan is to use NCN route 8 (Lon Las Cymru) and route 46 (Lon Geltaidd or the Celtic Trail) to get from North to South Wales (or vice-versa). The hope is to achieve this in about 5 days.