Hi Jez and Sharon, we travelled along the Loire, but turned away at Saumur.  If it is of any value, our blog is https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/boxofchocolates.  I hope you have a wonderful trip.

 

Deon

If you need a small set of panniers for the front keep a look out at Lidl or Aldi. I bought a small set from one of those (Lidl I think). Not quite the same quality as Ortlieb but look like Ortlieb roll tops and seem to be pretty waterproof. I have been using them out in all weather on my single for about 3 years. I think they would make ideal front panniers for a tandem and would use them on ours if at some point we need additional carrying capacity.
However, on that note, there is always a tendency to fill all available luggage space, so beware of overpacking. If you can get away with one change of cycling clothes do. The biggest problem we have found is getting washed clothes dry. A hairdryer might come in handy for finishing off whatever has been left to dry overnight but is still a little (or a lot!) damp.

Hi    Regarding clothes drying whilst on Tour, we found that firmly pegging items of washing over the rear saddlebag & panniers whilst riding along worked well & on a sunny day clothes were dry within the hour. Repeat until all your washing items are dry, good to dry the towels also. We did get some funny looks ,but many fellow cyclists thought it a great idea. Not very pretty maybe but very effective.

Tony 

 

Hi Jez and Sharon

My wife and I have ridden our Pino along Eurovelo 6 from the Atlantic to Budapest, including the section you mention along the Loire.  We did it in 5 stages, generally using trains to get to the start and finish of each stage (our tandem is splittable with S&S couplings).  If your tandem isn’t splittable the obvious option is to drive to your start point, but then at the end of your ride you will have to take a train back to where you left the car.  Or you could take the European Bike Express to Beaune, then cycle westwards and see how far you get – there are good local TER trains from the Loire valley via Rennes up to the coast, from where you can take a ferry home.

The key to reducing the amount of luggage is to stay dry.  If your outer layer of defence is watertight (a really good waterproof anorak each and waterproof panniers) then you only need two sets of clothing – one for the day and one for the evening.  We have found one pannier each is fine for touring without a tent.  If you are going to camp for some of the time, check the forecasts and avoid camping on wet nights.

I’d be happy to talk on the phone if you have specific questions – 07799 03 4488.  The map attached shows the main routes we’ve covered on our tandem since my wife started riding at age 57.

Peter 

Thanks fo all of the helpful tips for our journey.  This discussion board is so useful when members kindly offer valued comments.

Jez

Fantastic web resource 

Loire Route

 Neil

Fantastic web resource 

Loire Route

 Neil