However as much as I have been meaning to buy gear and prepare, all I have done is buy a nice book called 'Cycling in France' and a rather delightful looking travel book Amazon suggested I buy to compliment it.
Getting the gear
First thing's first, I needed the gear. I googled the nearest cycling shop, which happened to be in Chiswick, and cycled there. Start as you mean to go on I say.
I explained to the man behind the counter my predicament, with wanting to go to France that evening, but with no gear whatsoever. He knew a novice when he saw one and his eyes lit up. However we soon found out that my useless bike is probably the worst for any sort of cycle touring.
This meant for the the next two hours I went between Halfords and Evans cycles implementing what I call a two shop strategy - Halfords provided the rack and Evans provided the paniers (bike bags I had never heard of this time last week). I also bought some padded shorts (not lycra) for good measure. Chaffing is not a place I want to be.
Next was a tent, and again my desperation made it clear to the shop assistant that the £100 one, was the only suitable option for me. With time getting on I reluctently bought it and rushed home to pack.
Packing
I had found out that there was an 8:30pm boat leaving Portsmouth to go to St Malo. Getting to Portsmouth for 8pm required 20 minutes packing time. I threw all I could in to my new paniers and back pack, including Emad's oversized bright blue sleeping bag, and set-off on my way.
It was on the train to Euston that I realised I wasn't wearing a cycle helment, my bicycle lights were still in my top drawer along with my never opened puncture repair kit. To put my parents' mind at ease, I will buy a helmet as soon as I hit the continent. The puncture repair; well let's just hope I don't need that.
Arriving in Fratton
From Fratton, I jumped on my bike and followed signs to the 'cross channel ferries'. It definitely wasn't as close as I had imagined (hoped). As furiously as I peddled, I didn't seem to get anywhere near the sea let along a boat.
I arrived at about 8:20pm and saw cars still lined up. Yes. I must just be in time. No was the answer.
I asked the steward: "What's the chances of getting on the 8:30 to St Malo"
He replied: "Abbbbbbbsolutely no chance at all. For a start it went at 8:15pm, and you see that boat over there? That's it sailing away."
"Where is that one going?"
"Caen"
"hmmm What's that like?"
"Lovely"
"Sounds good."
Change of plan
Further investigation, a berry slush and 20 minutes with my book made me reconsider Caen when I saw that a seperate ferry company was running ferries to Le Harve. What's more, these ferries were half the price. It was a no brainer.
So here I sit. In Portsmouth Harbour. Waiting to board a ferry to a place called Le Harve. Wonder where I will end up tomorrow.
Getting the gear
First thing's first, I needed the gear. I googled the nearest cycling shop, which happened to be in Chiswick, and cycled there. Start as you mean to go on I say.
I explained to the man behind the counter my predicament, with wanting to go to France that evening, but with no gear whatsoever. He knew a novice when he saw one and his eyes lit up. However we soon found out that my useless bike is probably the worst for any sort of cycle touring.
This meant for the the next two hours I went between Halfords and Evans cycles implementing what I call a two shop strategy - Halfords provided the rack and Evans provided the paniers (bike bags I had never heard of this time last week). I also bought some padded shorts (not lycra) for good measure. Chaffing is not a place I want to be.
Next was a tent, and again my desperation made it clear to the shop assistant that the £100 one, was the only suitable option for me. With time getting on I reluctently bought it and rushed home to pack.
Packing
I had found out that there was an 8:30pm boat leaving Portsmouth to go to St Malo. Getting to Portsmouth for 8pm required 20 minutes packing time. I threw all I could in to my new paniers and back pack, including Emad's oversized bright blue sleeping bag, and set-off on my way.
It was on the train to Euston that I realised I wasn't wearing a cycle helment, my bicycle lights were still in my top drawer along with my never opened puncture repair kit. To put my parents' mind at ease, I will buy a helmet as soon as I hit the continent. The puncture repair; well let's just hope I don't need that.
Arriving in Fratton
From Fratton, I jumped on my bike and followed signs to the 'cross channel ferries'. It definitely wasn't as close as I had imagined (hoped). As furiously as I peddled, I didn't seem to get anywhere near the sea let along a boat.
I arrived at about 8:20pm and saw cars still lined up. Yes. I must just be in time. No was the answer.
I asked the steward: "What's the chances of getting on the 8:30 to St Malo"
He replied: "Abbbbbbbsolutely no chance at all. For a start it went at 8:15pm, and you see that boat over there? That's it sailing away."
"Where is that one going?"
"Caen"
"hmmm What's that like?"
"Lovely"
"Sounds good."
Change of plan
Further investigation, a berry slush and 20 minutes with my book made me reconsider Caen when I saw that a seperate ferry company was running ferries to Le Harve. What's more, these ferries were half the price. It was a no brainer.
So here I sit. In Portsmouth Harbour. Waiting to board a ferry to a place called Le Harve. Wonder where I will end up tomorrow.
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