Mileage across France

[Motocod]

Hi All,

I'm off down to Barcelona to watch the MotoGP in June. For one reason or another we're getting the ferry to Roscoff and riding down through France. Just trying to get an idea of sensible mileage in a day, and wondered how many of you have blitzed across France in a day, and how many miles you've done?

Most I've done in a day on a bike is around 700 miles, which included riding across Southern UK to the Channel Tunnel, and then down almost to Switzerland. I've also been across down towards Bordeaux a few times.

We're trying to decide how far we can go in a day. Last year we did a pretty easy 400 miles across Spain and it was really nice - a lovely mix of back roads and motorways. Something similar seems do-able, although I'm hoping to do 500+

Thoughts?

Nik

[Blackal]

On main routes, I think 9 hours on the road would be the most I'd contemplate - in a day.

That should equate to around 700 miles?

Make sure you have dual compound touring tyres for that length of journey too?

Al

[Motocod]

Indeed - 2CT rear will need replacing - squared off after only about 2000 miles.

[tanneman]

It depends on the pace you want to set and the type of roads you'll use. D roads mostly then budget 250 miles a day. Motorway all day then you can easily do mega mileage. For a 12 hour day you can expect between 400 to 500 miles. You can do more miles on your own. When in a group the pace usually slows down, stops take longer and is more frequent.

Best all day mileage for me is 1100 miles in 21 hours. That's in the UK. Never again, well never say never.

[Motocod]

I also did something similar - Southern Uk to Pisa, Italy. 21 hours in the car. Kind of fun, in a slightly weird kind of way.

We're not in a group, and just trying to get as far south as possible, to make best use of the time we have available. Looks like we're going to aim for around Toulouse or Carcassonne, as it means a much shorter and more enjoyable ride across the Pyrenees for day two. I'm going to figure out a route that gives a good combination of autoroutes and main roads.

[popsky]

For one reason or another we're getting the ferry to Roscoff and riding down through France.

Nik

I understand that your going to be doing big mileage and small detours are probably not what you'll do especially just of the ferry but if the weathers good then the D769 from Morlaix to Carhaix is excellent 27 miles of backroads virtually no cars and bends from end to end, and you do have to cross Brittany somewhere. I'd try to post a link but I'm on my phone and can't seem to share the route soz.

[Motocod]

Thanks Phil, I'll check that out.

[tanneman]

In the mountains passes the average mileage drops to 150 miles a day.

[Motocod]

Indeed - we did three days in the Pyrenees last year, and that was our daily average. Amazing riding though - highly recommended!