St Malo to Nantes

[SotonCyclist]

Alright guys,

Has anyone done this route before? if so, how was it for you?

I have been asked to organise a charity cycle at the company i work for from one office in Southampton to another in Nantes.

I have found this route - http://www.cycle-route.com/routes/St_Malo_To_Nantes-Cycle-Route-810.html but i have no idea how to transfer it to my garmin, so if someone does, can you let me know?

Cheers for the help.

 

[Dave Davenport]

I've ridden in that area a fair bit, it's quite nice.
Depending on the experience of the people riding and what type of bikes you'll be using a couple of things to bear in mind;
Going that way, the first few miles out of St.Malo take you on a busy duel carrageway and if you're setting of first thing in the morning off the ferry it is likely to be very busy.
The cycle path running along the canal between Dinan and Rennes is nice, it's mostly hard packed gravel.
To get to the Portsmouth ferry port approach via Cosham and use the cycle path that runs past the old lido alongside the estuary.

I organised and led a three day trip for nine of us round Normandy last month, let me know ifyou want any info on hotels etc. I can't help with the GPS thing as I'm a bit of a luddite and still use paper maps.

Good luck.

 

[SotonCyclist]

Thanks Dave, as things progress I may have to tap into your knowledge

 

[andym]

I have found this route - http://www.cycle-route.com/routes/St_Malo_To_Nantes-Cycle-Route-810.html but i have no idea how to transfer it to my garmin, so if someone does, can you let me know?.

Click the button 'GPX' file (next to the Print icon). You may need to delete the.xml suffix f your browser has added it (mine did).

If you have a modern gps you could save the .gpx file to the Garmin>GPX folder on your device, or open it in Basecamp and then use the Send to Device button. (Sorry to be boring, but now might be a good time to get out the manual - or download a fresh copy - and have a quick refresher).

I'd suggest using the 'convert' page on gpsies.com to convert it to a gpx track - use the Add/replace elevations button to add in the elevations.

As far as the route is concerned I'd suggest staying on the eastern bank of the Rance and following the signposted scenic route, and then crossing lower down.

It would also be worth having a look at the maps on michelin.com - Michelin highlight scenic routes in green. I've always found these a reliable guide. I know you're doing a charity ride, but if the scenic route is there it's at least worth considering.