Steve_M

We’ve just changed our BT contract to a slightly more suitable one, still with BT. Just attempting to understand the options was a nightmare. My good lady said you needed a degree to understand it (which is why I left it to her). The whole rigmarole is a nightmare.

PEBKAS… I forgot to change privacy to public. D’Oh. If at first…

Cumbria it isn’t but I have been (reliably ?) informed that Norwich is one of the hilliest cities in the country. Gas hill, Ketts Hill, Grapes Hill, Gurney Road…

A bit (fashionably?) late to this party, I guess. I use Michelin maps to draught a route, looking for roads with a green border line (ie, scenic), then load them to MyRouteApp so they can be exported to whichever satnav I’m using at the time.

A rough outline option for a jaunt around Switzerland. Included are a couple of stretches of motorway ‘cos the alternative minor roads are awful. And the Mont Blanc Tunnel just for the experience (probably not recommended). It all starts at the Freddie Mercury statue in Montreux ‘ cos that’s got to be visited. Edit. I forgot to mention the Tremola pass… it’s in there. Great fun if you like cobbled roads and hairpins. Say “Hi” to Freddie for me.

Agreed about the coast. We ended up in Nice. It was anything but. The D902 from Thonon le Bains is ok up and over past Morzine. The locals are good at warning you about the local rozzers with mobile speed traps. Not that I was exceeding the speed limit.

I’d say that two days is ambitious unless all you want to see is tarmac and not take time to appreciate the scenery. I agree with heading up the Cime though our first time there was in cloud, which cleared a little, and last year it was -1C with snow patches across the road while the col was clear. Still worth the effort. And you might get your photo taken on the way up!

Over the course of several visits to the French alps we have covered pretty well the whole route, and some sections several times. Our first tour as a couple took in much of it and we thoroughly enjoy riding it and seeing the views, as well as the excellent food! It may not be strictly accurate to the designated route but it is full of roads and scenery that are amazing. MyRouteApp is somewhat optimistic about how long it would take to ride the route, so I would take the timings with a large pinch of salt. Link: Route Des Grand Alps (ish).

This site has a map which is looks handy. May be worth clicking on the variants box if you have time to explore. Link I have a few videos from our pottering around… eg… Link

For a brief period I owned a VFR800fi and a Suzuki GN125. The 125 being intended for commuting. Part of my commute included an uphill section of the A47 dual carriageway south of Norwich - sufficient to reduce the little bike’s top speed down to 45mph. This proved scary on a winter’s night with lorries and other traffic bearing down on me at speed in the dark. It had to go… Had the commute been solely urban then it would have been ideal, returning around 120mpg! Something to bear in mind?

You might find that the Route Des Cols would form a good basis for that ride. Based on our experience you can book hotels as you go… Link.

I feel a poll coming up… May I suggest I create a single thread in the touring section, holding a selection of routes for a specific region (I’m thinking of the French Alps since I have some already) to judge people’s reaction / get feedback? If positive then it might be worth creating a new section?

That sort of thing. Yes.

My first thought was not to report on my rides but to provide a route resource for others wishing to tour. Whether U.K. or Europe (or anywhere?). Obviously open to everyone to contribute if they so wish.

It was awful I tell you.

This is just after the warning sign bends for 5 miles…

I’ve always run a cold rinse with an empty washing machine before treating my kit. Just to be sure.

Having posted my intended route for this afternoon’s little jaunt out, and another post requesting guidance for three days in Wales, I got to thinking (in a manner of speaking). We create a photo album for some of our tours (with the intention of making a full set over time). I create a map image of each day’s ride to be included. Or, at least, the more interesting days’ routes. This means I have a record of our tour routes. Those that are on MyRouteApp are shareable. While not a recommendation for people to follow due to the way we develop a route, they may be a handy indicative starting point should anyone be heading to the area. EG. 2013 French Alps from Lyon. My good lady’s first tour so she caught the train to Lyon where I met her to head to the Route Des grand Grand Alps. The days were kept short with plenty of stops to admire the view and for coffee and cake. Would this be of any help to anyone? Would others care to share their routes?

I have a couple of hours to spare this afternoon so I’ll be out on the bike doing one of my favourite short routes. I usually do it anti clockwise. Today, for a change, I’ll reverse direction.

Building more steps in the garden.

I’m 5’ 9” and have yet to find a road bike that’s too tall for me. I set my seat to the High position when doing a long motorway stint. There’s another thread (Thread here) which covers off much of what you’re asking.

Nice one. I’ve been following Playing for Change on Youtube for a while. I don’t think I’ve heard anything I don’t like, and much I think is amazing.

I’ve mocked up a Route on MyRouteApp which has a mixture of roads, most of which I’ve ridden at some point. I’ve assumed Winchester as the start/end - no idea of the best route from there to Wales, mind. This route can be downloaded to a satnav if you have one. Wales from Winchester You’re more than welcome to copy / edit as you see fit. Or, you might find Simon Weir’s website has resources you could utilise (buy!). Simon Weir

A selection, in no particular order. Big Car Steve Ramsey Itchy Boots Playing for Change Allen Millyard Autosport Bunny Guinness Get Gardening Paul Sellars Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain The Classic Rock Show NAEffectivefighting Bret Tcaks Sylvain Guintoli Fighting Fit AbervegennyJudo Travis Stevens

My ST1100 was much easier to get on the centre stand than my GS is. The centre stand arm is much shorter, giving less leverage (thank you Archimedes).