Wheeler's Wheels - July 2022

Date published: 16 May 2023


Professional about cycling, David Wheeler cycles 30 miles a week and is a member of Saddleworth Clarion Cycling Club


Following on from last month with cycling abroad and hiring bikes, the other option is taking your own bike with you.

Airlines are now geared up to accept bikes, however, to take a bike on a plane you do need a bike box, but these can be hired from cycle shops at competitive rates.

Clearly the simplest method is to take your car and put the bike on the car there is no further charge made by ferry companies for cars with bike racks.

However, there is an alternative. Take the bike on the ferry with no car.  I have from Dover left my car in Dover gone to France on the ferry, had a great day riding in Northern France and returned later in the day. Ferry companies usually let bikes of first so you are riding while most cars queue to get of the ferry.

Another option is what a group of friends and I did from Hull. You can book a mini cruise. You take the overnight ferry from Hull to Rotterdam you get the full day in Holland and return that night on the same ferry as you came on. Therefore, the company allow you to leave your clothes etc on the boat and no need to take them with you.  It makes for a great weekend and there is ample parking at the port in Hull for the car.

Cycling abroad opens up so many opportunities and is well worth considering.

Safe riding to all and give fellow cyclists a wave.


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