150cc Route to the boat

[Steffan]

If you were a young (ish) man full of enthusiasm who wanted to go over the water via the chunnel to all parts east (ish) on a 150cc bike and wanted to get there withour being crushed by an large lorry (ie motorway) which route would one take once one finally reached Newport (Mons).

Just a thought

[Richard]

The train ?

[guest7]

Go on to the old bridge via the Chepstow road. Cross the Severn and get off onto the B4461. Work your way across from there via Yate and Chippenham onto the A4. That's a pleasant way to make some headway East.

You can stop off in Thatcham for a cuppa with Simon  I reckon IndianTim is your man for directions though... you there Tim?

I'm not sure of my way through the South East so perhaps someone can take the baton.

Why the Chunnel? Why not a ferry out of Portsmouth?

GC

[Steffan]

First Richard, as you know the useless trains won't take bikes any more, not even and engine on its own

Why the chunnel, because I am thinking of somewhere in northern Europe and so hacking up through France seems silly especially as the ferry from there is more expensive.

[guest987]

Try this Steff. as if you need any inspiration of course. 

http://www.panther-publishing.co.uk/default.asp?contentID=42

Rob.

[Andy M]

Google maps has an "avoid highways" function if that helps. Finds some nice routes.

Andy

[indiantim]

Steffan,

I've tried this many times, even ridden through London on a 1929 Rudge to avoid M25.  However you must resign your self to some motorway use. If not you will endure many suburban hold ups.  Ultimately some times it is easier to cruise at truck speeds of 55mph than to ride through endless traffic lights and town centres.  Even head south towards Andover, Winchester, Brighton could be good.

[Mark]

First Richard, as you know the useless trains won't take bikes any more, not even and engine on its own

Why the chunnel, because I am thinking of somewhere in northern Europe and so hacking up through France seems silly especially as the ferry from there is more expensive.

Have you priced Norfolkline(DFDS) Dover-Dunkirk.

[Velton]

As they say in Somerset
"Well, if  I were goin' thurrr I wouldn't start from yurrr!"

At the risk of being old-fashioned, why not use a map?
Maybe break your journey by visiting with T-C members?
Unless you're some sort of "marathon distance without a break" masochist.

If you will be passing through East London (not advisable in this context!) then PM me and we will offer you a sofa for the night. (Sorry, but that's where I live!)

[Velton]

Thinking about this......
If you are going somewhere further North in France or Belgium etc......

Would it be worth looking into going slightly North East from Chepstow to a ferry further North on the East Coast of Britain?

The ferry might be a great overnight "stop."

What bike will you be using?
150 MZ perhaps?
 

[Steffan]

The thinking is maybe to try for the alte elefant next feb in place of the dragon and yes the bike would be a 150 MZ

Steffan

[Richard]

Steve - serious answer this time.  Brecon route to the bridge - hop to Bristol on the M4 sadly - then the old A4 to London.  You may be better off going through London to Harwich and getting that ferry rather than Dover-Calais - shorter journey the other side I suspect.

It will take a long time on any other day than a Sunday.

Sorry to hear that UK trains don't take bikes any more.  I remember putting my 125 on the train to London from Aberystwyth once.

[002]

Steve - serious answer this time.  Brecon route to the bridge - hop to Bristol on the M4 sadly - then the old A4 to London.  You may be better off going through London to Harwich and getting that ferry rather than Dover-Calais - shorter journey the other side I suspect.

But longer on this side,and Ferry more expensive !

Dover-Dunkirk £41 for Motorbike and Sidecar for me this year.

Its all swings and roundabouts.
Know someone that might have room to put you up for a night or two.

Jethro