Euro tunnel and beyond.

[Dodgy69]

Well,

I've booked the crossing for May 11 and camp No.1 and 2. First camp about 12 miles from tunnel, 2nd about 160 miles from Calias. Just in Belgium somewhere.

I've got a month tops, a 10 year old armchair, a tent and some cash on my card, what could possibly go wrong.

[KungFooBob]

Did you buy the ticket with Tesco Club Card vouchers?

[Dodgy69]

Ain't got one...£62 paid. Cheaper later in the day but bollox to that.

[Noggin]

Well,

I've booked the crossing for May 11 and camp No.1 and 2. First camp about 12 miles from tunnel, 2nd about 160 miles from Calias. Just in Belgium somewhere.

I've got a month tops, a 10 year old armchair, a tent and some cash on my card, what could possibly go wrong.

I'm not near Belgium, but if you end up around the French/Italian border on the Alps, give me a shout!! (Nearest big town is Bourg St Maurice, about 40 mins down from where I live!!)

[Demannu]

Likewise, if you're in the Dordogne area, could take you out on some of our local routes.

[dern]

Well,

I've booked the crossing for May 11 and camp No.1 and 2. First camp about 12 miles from tunnel, 2nd about 160 miles from Calias. Just in Belgium somewhere.

I've got a month tops, a 10 year old armchair, a tent and some cash on my card, what could possibly go wrong.

What time is your crossing?

Haven't done these places on a bike but in a banger rally car and later a couple of trips in a camper van. Luxembourg is really pretty as it Switzerland and Austria. Watch your speed though. Stelvio pass is worth visiting but be very careful of coaches emerging from the tunnels.

[Dodgy69]

9.20am may 11. Riding down day before and camping 10 miles away from train. Wanted to get the other side at a half decent time. 160 miles to camp.

I keep looking at my map book alongside via Michelin app for most scenic routes. It'll be a suck it n see trip, not really knowing how far I'll get each day.

At this moment plan is, head towards Baden-Baden and down into Switzerland, then east through northern Italy and Austria. I'm now thinking of heading south from there and down the Croatian coast to Split, overnight ferry to Ancona. Up Italy and west towards Cannes, partway to Grenoble then southwest towards northern Spain, N260 west then up west coast France and back. That's the plan.

In reality, if I get pissed off I'll cut it short and head home, I really don't know tbh. I'm hoping after the first few nights I'll settle in and really enjoy myself. We will see.

[ChrisW]

At this moment plan is....

Have you seen the series BaronVonGrumble has put out recently? It's in essence the exact same trip, it'd be worth a look if you've not. There are some places on the route he took that I've added to my 'definitely want to visit' list.

[KungFooBob]

Bled in Slovenia is worth a visit if the weather is nice.

[Dodgy69]

At this moment plan is....

Have you seen the series BaronVonGrumble has put out recently? It's in essence the exact same trip, it'd be worth a look if you've not. There are some places on the route he took that I've added to my 'definitely want to visit' list.

I'll have a look.

[dern]

9.20am may 11. Riding down day before and camping 10 miles away from train. Wanted to get the other side at a half decent time. 160 miles to camp.

Ah ok. I’m going over the same day. I’m riding from Newbury to get the 12.20 train and then riding south 300 miles to my campsite.

Check out the Huttopia campsites. We’ve used them a few times and they’re always pretty good.

[Dodgy69]

What's your eta at camp.?

[Demannu]

A ride through the Julian Alps is well worth it
Stelvio........meh!
Plenty of great roads nearby.
If you're in Croatia, then down the coast to Senj then up the dragons tail to Plitvice lakes

[Noggin]

At this moment plan is, head towards Baden-Baden and down into Switzerland, then east through northern Italy and Austria. I'm now thinking of heading south from there and down the Croatian coast to Split, overnight ferry to Ancona. Up Italy and west towards Cannes, partway to Grenoble then southwest towards northern Spain, N260 west then up west coast France and back. That's the plan.

In reality, if I get pissed off I'll cut it short and head home, I really don't know tbh. I'm hoping after the first few nights I'll settle in and really enjoy myself. We will see.

If you have any advance warning of how 'partway' to Grenoble you'll be, let me know. Grenoble is about 2 hours from me but with notice I have a couple of places I can stay there or on the way back!!

Sounds like an awesome trip. Very envious!!

[dern]

What's your eta at camp.?

About tea time I think.

[Dodgy69]

Well, bikes all packed and looking heavy. Feels bloody heavy aswel, all the camping shit is the problem but I need it and a chair. In the garage I can get it on main stand but not on the drive for some reason and I don't want to put my back out.

Heading for Stowton common, Ashford in the morning for first camp then tunnel Thursday morning. Tbh, I'll be glad to get the tunnel bit out of the way and get to 2nd camp in Viroinval, Namur, Belgium.

Not sure if food and drink is available on site at the moment, so it might be a ration pack or a walk. Ain't done more than a couple of nights in a tent for a good while, so maybe hotel calling in a few days. See how things pan out.

[KungFooBob]

Last bike trip to Fronch I mostly stayed in B&B Hotels, they're very cheap and cheerful if you need a night or two away from the tent, they're all over Europe.

[Dodgy69]

Yep, I can see that happening. My new mat is only about an inch thick with foam inside, not sure what that's like to sleep on. I usually have a blow up one but this is easier, next to no blowing up involved.

Pic of the big overweight girl.

what would i be without you

[dern]

I bought a Big Agnes Rapide insulated sleeping mat. Rolls down very small, weighs next to nothing and very comfortable.

The tunnel is a piece of piss on the bike, it's just the hanging around. Way better than the ferry though.

[Bigyin]

Everytime i have been to Europe on the bike its been the tunnel. They tend to be flexible with booking times for bikes as well, or always used to be as its been pre covid since i used it. Once turned up a day early on way back from a Euro tour and showed them the following days booking and they stuck me on the next train at no extra charge

Have fun and enjoy the trip