Clyde has proposed that we do the French equivalent of the C2C (Coast to Coast). In brief, this would be on a Greenway from the Bassin d'Arcachon (Atlantic coast, not too far from La Rochelle) to the Garonne Canal, then along the canal to Toulouse, finally following the Canal du Midi to Sete on the Mediterranean Coast. Clyde reports that he has 2 booklets on the route, including places to stay, assuming a start from Bordeaux (via two different routes). There is a third way, in many ways more obvious, starting from the Atlantic: a greenway from Mios to just before Bazas (76 km)
http://www.af3v.org/-Fiche-VVV-.html?voie=17
There is an extension to this, taking the rider to Roaillan. Then it's only a few km by minor road to Langon and Castets en Dorthe, where the Canal de Garonne begins. Almost all the rest is by towpath.
When Clyde is back in GB a meeting will be held on a suitable Thursday evening in the Flower Pot pub in Derby to assess demand for this ride and to consider any other suggestions. Please watch this blog for an announcement from Clyde.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
A quick look on Google Earth indicates the route is well signed and the surfaces are probably good enough for my Brompton. Some of the city centre paths are more Birmingham than Venice.
ReplyDeleteMartin
Clyde said: Credit where it's due - it was Malwyn's idea to ride the Canal du Midi. It had been one of three little projects that I had in mind to do on my own one day - but not sure when! Earlier this year I did a short bit near Béziers and soon after an even shorter bit by the side of the Canal de Garonne in the Lot-et-Garonne. It's very good. How about 13 Oct for our first meeting? 19:30?
ReplyDeleteOctober 13th is OK for me.
ReplyDeleteI am available on the 13th October so see you all there? FP 19:30
ReplyDeleteShawn
Are we on for the 13th or not . Can everyone add a comment confirming or otherwise
ReplyDeleteTa
Shawn
Thursday 13th fine for me.
ReplyDeleteAlready, I am sitting outside a cafe with a cold beer in the late afternoon sun, after a leisurely 30 or 40 miles along a flat towpath.
Martin
I shall be there. I am seeing Clyde tomorrow (riding Oxford to Milton Keynes with him) so will remind him.
ReplyDeleteThanks fellas see you there!
ReplyDeleteMaldwyn I assume will liase with Clyde
Anyone contacted Ian?
Ian was doubtful about his fitness when I spoke to him last Thursday, despite being assured it would be an easy ride.
ReplyDeleteMartin