Paris Roubaix

I'm going to watch Paris Roubaix this year, and have decided to take the bike as renting a car is just nuts expensive. I was wondering if anyone else has done this and has any good tips of where to catch the race, logistics, recommendations... have found a few bits and bobs Googling around, but I don't really have much of a plan except buy L'Equipe on the day and try and end up at Le Carrefour de L'Arbre/Arenberg Forest...

yeah these people know alot about it and should have most of your answers. give them a try

www.parisroubaixthefullsp.com

Been several times but only in a car.
You need to plan everything and allow a lot of time.
The main problem is getting away when the race has passed; there are big traffic jams so it matters where you park/leave your bike. You can take your bike alongside the Arenberg path but if you go too far in getting out again quickly will be tricky.
You need a very detailed map; the roads used are tiny and with other roads closed it's easy to get lost.
Don't know if you'll be able to cycle from Arenberg to Carrefour quickly enough; easy on the motor way but on a bike... probably could but you need to know exactly the route you will take.
I think carrefour is a better place than Arenberg actually if you only catch the race once.
Go though; it's a unique and amazing experience. Gutted that I am going to miss it this year.

Thanks both - wiganwill, you're probably right. Without doubt I wouldn't make it to both the Forest and the Carrefour in time :) I'll take your advice and aim to do the latter rather than the former, and I'll be sure to pick up a Michelin map of the area.

Can't wait!