A day ride in France - Sat. 11th April

[TheDoctor]

Ferry is more convenient in every conceivable way. And cheaper.

 

[Flying Dodo]

Due to other possible commitments, probably the only other Saturday in April/early May that I'm available, is 11th April.

 

[Jimmy Doug]

I might be interested in tagging along. I've been waiting for an occasion when I can meet with some fellow cyclechatters.

 

[ianmac62]

Having read of your plans to go via Wimereux, I'm now stuck with "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" as an earworm. Thanks for that.

Ah Wimereux, ah Wimereux, ah Wimereux. ..

Karl Denver, the Cowcaddens Cowboy!

 

[User10571]

Due to other possible commitments, probably the only other Saturday in April/early May that I'm available, is 11th April.

Works for me.

 

[Flying Dodo]

OK. As no-one's objected to the date, full steam ahead for 11th April.

Departing 06:37 St Pancras HS1, arriving Dover 07:41 (or make your own way to Dover if more convenient). Then get the 09:25 P&O sailing* arriving Calais 11:55 local time. Cycling south from Calais, having lunch somewhere, then heading off west to the coast around Wimereux, then following the coast road all the way round, back to Calais. Depending upon time, either have something else to eat in Calais, or eat on board the boat. It'll be the 20:35 boat arriving back in Dover 21:05 local time, to get the 21:49 HS1 arriving in St Pancras 22:54.

P&O Ferry tickets can be booked here. Although if you're on Quidco, go via their web site as you can get 6% cashback but that may run out after today. Also the Fully Flexi ticket seems to be the same price as Standard at £20 return, so go for that option, as you can cancel without penalty if you change your mind.

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK YOU'VE GOT A VALID PASSPORT (and make sure you bring it)!!

* Bearing in mind it only takes 10 minutes to get from the train station to the port in Dover, although P&O say you should check in 45 minutes before departure, it's entirely possible they may let us on the 08:25 sailing.

 

[clivedb]

I was intrigued by this plan, but you ended up on about the only Saturday around then that I have a commitment...in Newcastle...
Disappointing, but still, there will be other opportunities.

 

[mmmmartin]

there will be other opportunities.

Such as the Fridays' Tour of the Low Countries, f'rinstance? Just sayin......

 

[AKA Bob]

Like the idea and very tempted but need to work what I am doing as I would like to repeat @swarm_catcher excellent Brussels ride.

As an idea if someone was willing to drive you could take the Eurostar with bikes which would keep the cost down.

 

[velovoice]

Like the idea and very tempted but need to work what I am doing as I would like to repeat @swarm_catcher excellent Brussels ride.

As an idea if someone was willing to drive you could take the Eurostar with bikes which would keep the cost down.

@AKA Bob Do both! This ride is the 11th April, Els' is 2nd May.

Eurostar options discussed (and discarded) upthread.

 

[AKA Bob]

In that case it's a strong possibility then.....

 

[Arthur]

I like the sound of this a lot. Providing my diary stays free for that date I'm definitely interested.

 

[User10571]

Why won't this work for me?
I've tried both standard flexy, and fully flexy and and both return a one way fare of £20.00
Comme ca

What am I doing wrongo?

 

[ianrauk]

I get the same, £40 return instead of £20
@Flying Dodo

 

[Hill Wimp]

Can i dip my toe in the channel for this one as i only live 10 miles from Dover so i can meet you at the Eastern Docks.

Need to make sure i am off that day first but very interested.