London to Paris

[Moscow Mule]

10 hours for 100 miles is so slow it's almost a walking pace.
Under 6 if you push it!?

I'd say under 6 hours would be pretty easy. As Students with some mates we used to do 50 miles into the peaks (some of the steepest hills in the UK). All that would be after a night on the sauce too!

100 miles in fairly flat terrain @ 20mph is a piece of p1ss

Yes, but you haven't factored in the 1.5 hour stop for ale & lunch in the 10 hours...

Doing the maths, 6 hours would be an average of 16 mph - pretty average touring pace - for 6 hours with out stops? For an amateur? Not likely, hence the "if you push it".

[Mich the Tester]

10 hours for 100 miles is so slow it's almost a walking pace.
Under 6 if you push it!?

I'd say under 6 hours would be pretty easy. As Students with some mates we used to do 50 miles into the peaks (some of the steepest hills in the UK). All that would be after a night on the sauce too!

100 miles in fairly flat terrain @ 20mph is a piece of p1ss

When I was 20 I regularly played rugby for the students team on Wednesdays, got lashed afterwards, trained Tuesday and Thursday nights, got lashed afterwards, went out on the piss on Friday nights, played for the club U21s on Saturday morning and then the 2nds or sometimes 1sts on Saturday afternoons and then got lashed afterwards. Then I went to Snowdonia on Saturdays and walked up and down mountains, got lashed afterwards, and spent Monday sleeping in lectures. I was, of course, 20 years old. I would not attempt to renew this lifestyle now.

[Mich the Tester]

Geometry. Racers are built purely for speed, not for comfort. If you take a racer, you'll end up with more pain than you need.

What you're (we're ???) really doing is touring.

The classic touring bike is the Dawes Galaxy but they cost an f'in fortune and are built like the proverbial tuliphouse (my uncle has a 1998 vintage that is still brilliant).

But, for a one-off trip, it's over-kill really. I suggested a hybrid/sport commuter as they are lighter than a mountain bike and have the benefit of bigger wheels, and I don't really like drop handlebars any more.

I guess you could get a cheaper touring bike, but I don't really know what to suggest on that front.

Can you get Gazelle bikes in the UK? If you can I could recommend a Gazelle Bahia. Good solid entry level hydrid, perfect for weekend tourers. I’m very happy with mine.

[Bagpuss]

Just take away the beer and all is possible

[lilelvis2000]

So I have been conned into doing this cycle ride in September for charity. It's around 330 miles in 4 days worth of cycling. First day is nearly 100 miles and if you don't catch the Ferry on time it's game over . Given that I presently don't own a bicycle is this madness or can I do it? Any suggestions (smartass or otherise) welcome.

If you're not fit now...I'd get to work. That's a lotta miles for an outta shape person. And there are gonna be a lot of hills to go over too. You'll be screaming at the top of each one no doubt.

Good luck.

[oracleslave]

That's the key phrase. I'm assuming OS is a gentleman of fairly advanced years ?

33. Enjoyed the gentleman bit though

[threaded]

So I have been conned into doing this cycle ride in September for charity. It's around 330 miles in 4 days worth of cycling. First day is nearly 100 miles and if you don't catch the Ferry on time it's game over . Given that I presently don't own a bicycle is this madness or can I do it? Any suggestions (smartass or otherise) welcome.

Get something like a hybrid, swap the tires for 'Dutch Perfect' (accept no substitute).

Give yourself a good 10 hours to get to the ferry.

Drink lots of fluids.

And remember: Pain is temporary ... quitting lasts forever.

[sasguru]

33. Enjoyed the gentleman bit though

Bah! A mere spring chicken.
You haven't hit that downward spiral that hits when you're 35, then again at 40, then?

[EternalOptimist]

And remember: Pain is temporary ... quitting lasts forever.

thats good that. I'm gonna use that

[TheRefactornator]

I see you got your bike sorted OS - keep your average speed up now the fuzz are chasing
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8035603.stm