10 years on.

[gavroche]

In 2014, I took part, as a driver , in a two week tour following the TdF with 5 other guys. I really enjoyed the experience as we all got on very well. I spent most of my time driving them to different locations and they rode their bikes. I also had a bit of time riding mine.
Yesterday,
I received a message on Messenger from the organiser from 2014, asking me if I would like to do it again for the 2025 TdF. Obviously , I assume it will be with a different group of guys but I am now 74 years old and wonder if I will be up to it as it requires a lot of driving. Also, the van hire firm might refuse to insure me because of my age.
I don't really know what to do.

 

[fossyant]

Does this work out as a possibly cheap holiday for you - I'd be expecting that if you aren't the one cycling. Are you happy to drive a van for many hours ?

 

[gavroche]

Does this work out as a possibly cheap holiday for you - I'd be expecting that if you aren't the one cycling. Are you happy to drive a van for many hours ?

Yes, it would be a cheap holiday for me as they provide the accommodation. I only have to pay for my food which I don't mind. I didn't mind driving for hours in 2014 but not so sure 10 years on although I do enjoy driving. Also, there are many new driving restrictions in France now especially speed limits which varies in different parts of the country.

 

[HelenD123]

Why not enquire as to whether the van hire company will insure you. Could you find someone to share the driving with?

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Why not ask that your food and drink is covered as well? If you decide it’s something you’d like to do.

 

[Gillstay]

Sat navs show speed limits so you could get one set up to assist you with that.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Personally, I've found driving in France to be relatively stress free (Caen Péripherique excepted) and limits well signed.

But it's up to you really. You're not sure and only you know if you're really up to it or not. Saying "yes" could introduce stress and worry that could outweigh the benefits your cheap hol.

 

[quilkin]

How long ago did you drive the sort of mileage that you'd be expected to do in France? The answer may help you decide. Also, having looked briefly at the TDF route for 2025 it seemed to me that the (non-cycling) gaps between stages were longer than usual.

 

[bikingdad90]

Sat navs show speed limits so you could get one set up to assist you with that.

In many European countries you need to turn that function off to comply.

 

[Dogtrousers]

In many European countries you need to turn that function off to comply.

I think it's just GPS speed camera warnings that aren't allowed in France. AFAIK it's fine to have the current limit displayed. At least I've never read that this is a problem.

 

[alicat]

Did it give you a frisson of excitement when you were asked? If not, I'd leave it. Trust your gut....

 

[Alex321]

In many European countries you need to turn that function off to comply.

I don't think that is true.

Camera detection equipment is banned in many countries. And POI information showingh the loc ations of fixed cameras is banned in a few (but not France). Showing of current speed limits is never banned, although there are some units you can't turn off the POI information without also turning off speed limit information.

 

[dicko]

Ten years ago today, November 6th 2014, we had just arrived at Birmingham International to catch the Emirates flight to Auckland NZ via Dubai and Melbourne. Our first Camper Van adventure awaits us.