Routes Database

I'm heading to North Norfolk this weekend (Cley next the Sea).

Does anyone have any decent gravel routes to share or failing that any road routes as I can take both bikes?

Does anyone have any experience riding around the southern Drome region in France? Heading there for a week soon, hiring a bike for 4 days. Ventoux is on the list, but some rides a bit more local to there would be good.

Second request, has anyone got any shortish routes, 60k-ish, that include Ventoux? I'm in half decent nick at the moment but parenting for the past two years has meant my long ride stamina has disappeared so don't really want to attempt 100k involving a mountain that big and die on my arse and have to call in the cavalry to rescue me, as the cavalry will be my wife and kid in a hire car with no bike rack...

I did a week of riding round that way in September last year, last few days were in and around Malaucene . Although I only went up Ventoux on one of the days and it wasn't combined with anything else, I'll DM you a link to my Strava and if you look at the rides in the last few days of that week you'll be able to see a few that you can combine bits of. Other than Ventoux itself, the riding round there is as you probably know absolutely amazing, Gorge de la Nesque is a must.

Amazing, yes that would be great. I haven't done any research so far, but we're heading off in 10 days so need to get on the case!

Here's the Gorge de la Nesque which is a must do IMO. A beautiful ride along a beautiful gorge with tunnels carved out of the rock, it's a classic. Start & finish in Bedoin.

Comfort Eagle video to whet your appetite

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29847048

Here's a Luberon loop that was recommended to me by someone else but I never got a chance to ride due to the weather conditions but it is supposed to be beautiful scenery

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29847117

and here's the single ascent of Ventoux using the classic Bedoin/TDF approach. All you need to do is cut out the part from Avignon and you are left with a nice loop that meets your distance criteria

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29846960

Incredible, thanks very much for taking the time to dig those out

NP

A couple of weeks ago I did a London to Brighton ride with a few colleagues from work.

It was good but work is in Westminster and the ride out was a bit shit.

We can probably get away in the afternoon on a Thursday, and put the bikes on a train for a nice 50 or so miles, either in a loop or to somewhere with chips.

I've planned this route using part of a Southend route I've done before.

Does anyone have any suggestions for similar which are:

1. Nice
   
2. Around 50 miles
   
3. Easily reachable from a reasonable train ride from Central London
   
4. Ending somewhere with chips and beer
   

Malaucéne route up Ventoux is definitely more beautiful. Really enjoyed riding around this bit of France the past few days.

Ride Westminster to City Thameslink (along Embankment), train to St Albans (40mins)... and I can help with a 50mile loop if you don't know the roads out that way.

Thank you - I will take you up on that in September.

This time we're going to Hastings for a one way rather than a loop.

I did a good ride yesterday. And works as a day trip from London for the beer fans.

Train to Didcot > Ride to DEYA in Cheltenham > train back.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37282395

Are there any nice routes out of north London?

I'm looking at this but seems like there's a lot to slog through

I ride out North and North East of London a lot due to location, but there's a reason that Kent and Surrey, rather than Hertfordshire and Essex, are the more celebrated target areas for Londoners to get some drama... I have hundreds of routes which you're welcome to peruse, but they're along similar lines - nice riding in the countryside but less in the way of stunning scenery and big hills.

So, the premise is I'm taking my best mate for a couple days cycling in France as he's always looked enviously at my bike trips abroad and for his 40th i said I'd plan a trip for us. We only have two days because he has loads of kids. Current favourite logistically is chunnel to Calais Thursday evening, 5 hours sleep in an F1 motel or similar then early start and ideally less than 3 hours driving on Friday before getting on the bikes. My question is where is the nicest riding country within 3 hours drive of Calais? Basically want charm, scenery and ideally some elevation but obviously not going to make it to any big hills. Currently looking at Reims and some bimbling around Champagne country but any other recommendations/suggestions much appreciated! Cheers

I remember cycling through here and thinking it was nice

Parc naturel régional de l'Avesnois
+33 3 27 77 51 60
https://maps.app.goo.gl/NR2y7iyDcTohaJJk9

Then Ardennes below also.

That would be my recommendation too, easily the best riding I know within about 3 hours of Calais.

Thanks both. Not quite the vineyardy idyll I was rather hoping for but I can't even find any around Reims on gmaps anyway so better to go with these recommendations than a hopeful punt...

Could you drive through the night, or fly / get train much further in (and rent bikes when you're there if needed)?

Layhams?

We could do, but for 2 days on the bike it just seems a bit ridiculous to go much further. Trying not to fly (he is, not me) so that's out. I've looked at the boat options and they don't quite line up. We could do a couple hours from Calais, then grab some sleep and do a couple more, so could possibly push it as far as 4-5 hours I guess. This would open up the Loire which I've cycled before and know is lovely... hmmm...

Tempting. I do have some old carpet I need rid of...

It's a cycling trip not driving. I spend 3 days cycling from Ipswich to Norwich with a mate. It didn't matter where we were and we had a great time.
Don't waste time going further.