Cycling to the Tour De France

Scuba_Steve84

Hi guys

I was planning to go see stages 10 & 11 of the TDF this year, 10 finishes in Saint Malo and 11 finishes at Mont Saint Michel, which could be pretty spectacular! The ferry is pretty pricey to bring the car, so then I had the brainwave to cycle (from Co Armagh) down to Rosslare and get the ferry to Cherbourg, then cycle from their on South. This is probably me being wildly over optimistic of my own fitness, BUT for anyone who has done a bit of touring before:

1. Are there any roads in France other than obvious main motorways that are illegal to cycle on? So far my route is based on google maps using 'avoid highways'.

2. Is a touring bike really necessary or will a road bike suffice?

Any other insights would be much appreciated!

Many thanks

Steve

Captain Havoc

Scuba_Steve84 wrote: »

1. Are there any roads in France other than obvious main motorways that are illegal to cycle on? So far my route is based on google maps using 'avoid highways'.

2. Is a touring bike really necessary or will a road bike suffice?

Any other insights would be much appreciated!

Many thanks

Steve

I have cycled to the Tour twice before.

Just to advise, I would recommend avoiding national roads, they are not illegal to cycle on but coming out of Cherbourg they tend to be full of trucks, stick to the Departmental roads. When you get to France buy a road map.

2. Road bike would be sufficient, I did my tours on an aluminium frame with a light rack on the back.

You have a couple of options to get over, Rosslare to Cherbourg or Cork to Rosscoff. The Cotentin is lovely in July, if the weather's nice. I've not cycled to Mont St. Michel or St. Malo but I'd imagine you could just head down the coast. Personally, if it was me doing it, I'd sail to Roscoff and cycle to Cherbourg. In relation to accommodation, I generally try and stay in Formule 1 as they're cheap, clean and have showers.

If you've any further questions, just ask.