Cycling In Europe

[Nora]

Posted by Nora, Indianapolis, IN

I'm interested in taking my family (4 of us, including boys 12 and 15) on a summer cycling trip in Ireland, England or France. Length of trip: 10 to 14 days. I've seen brochures for very luxurious cycling tours, with fancy hotels and all the amenities. We're more interested in organized trips that provide some of those amenities (such as mechanics, luggage handling, etc) but not quite so fancy. A clean bed and breakfast is more appealing to us than a 4-star hotel. Any suggestions on where I could find help planning this trip?
Thanks!

[thierry tondusson]

Posted by thierry tondusson on November 15, 1999 at 16:18:23:

In Reply to: CYCLING IN EUROPE posted by Nora, Indianapolis, IN on :

Do you know what area of France you would like to visit?wine region?coastal region?Mountains?Whatever you do in France,deal with the locals more than anything else,you will always be welcome for a meal in a restaurant,a night a the hotel...etc.In short when you are there,shop around!

[Alan Severn]

Posted by Alan Severn on April 22, 2001 at 15:06:22:

In Reply to: CYCLING IN EUROPE posted by Nora, Indianapolis, IN on :

Try the Chain Gang:
thechaingang.co.uk
(as I recall)
Choice of cross bikes and well-maintained, older racing-type bikes. Knowledgeable and solicitous guides. Reasonable prices.
In teh Dordogne, distances were 30-35 miles/day, with plenty of regrouping and optional extras for stronger riders.

By contrast, avoid Irish Cycling Safaris. Modest rates, good cultural guides, but run by non-cyclists.

[Mark]

Posted by Mark on May 18, 2001 at 19:59:53:

In Reply to: CYCLING IN EUROPE posted by Nora, Indianapolis, IN on :

I've cycled through all three countries. It's great. Simply get yourself a membership in the youth hostel system. It's about $15 - $20 a night in interesting little places, or big castles, which have been converted into hostels. The most interesting and plentiful are in England, and you're never more than 50 kilometers from the next hostel and the country roads are great. In France, the hostels are less frequent, but rooms can be found at just about every cafe and are very reasonable. i.e 200 FF = $35US, These will usually sleep 2 - 3 persons. You'll have no problem with accomodations and the experience will be great!!

[noelle taylor]

Posted by noelle taylor on July 31, 2001 at 06:52:22:

In Reply to: CYCLING IN EUROPE posted by Nora, Indianapolis, IN on :

try Celtic Trails in Ireland for a memorable holiday

[Joanna May]

Posted by Joanna May on March 01, 2002 at 05:26:41:

In Reply to: CYCLING IN EUROPE posted by Nora, Indianapolis, IN on :

hello Nora,just reading through this web site. Did you do the trip and was it good? We are a little family leaving from Australia to do much the same thing any hints?