ww1 battlefields bimble 2015. not to be confused with 2018

[bth2bth2]

the problem with going for the furthest base first is that some of us will have done 250mls to get to dover. it would mean an extra day and extra dosh. ill have a think on it.

brian

[Blitz]

Well their is only 3 of us discussing this so it's hard to make any decisions.

[bth2bth2]

it matters not. we should just set an itinery and sort some accomodation. all seem ok with the dates and any itinery.if we book acc for 8 persons then if anyone else at a later date want to go then they can camp or fill in for any drop outs.
as for getting to dover ,ill sort something out. 5 or 6 am ferry out would be ok.

brian

[Pirate]

A decision needs to be made Bastogne/Verdun YES or NO As this will have a great impact on the whole itinerary. At some point we will have to do a lot of miles to reach them as they are kind of stuck out away from the main theatre of interest.

I did a teaser itinerary sent to both of you and I guess it sank like the Titanic. Looking at maps I am with Blitz on Bas for the first day. As according to the guide the museum is closed on a Monday, which is when my teaser would have us arrive. I would suggest a sort of 'round robin' route. Up through Belgium to Bas, we could be there by 13.00. Overnight stay (as cheap as pos). Then onto Rheims via Verdun and another overnight stay.

Then up to the Somme area visiting some of the places I suggested in teaser but backwards. Base camp either somewhere near Arras or the £8 caravan. Branch out from here each day but most places of interest, unless on doorstep, are around the 60min + traveling time.

Menin Gate. If still planned for the last day, then some sights near Ypres in morning and the afternoon spent in the town of Ypres. Their are many interesting buildings and museums plus cafe's to while away the time till 20.00. Then a dash for home.

[Blitz]

I think it also comes down to how cheep is cheep. I personally don't mind staying overnight at Bastogne then at Verdun so their is no backwards travel. So say an afternoon and morning at each. Then from Verdun for pm visits on the way to our West Base Camp. Stay their for 3/4 nights branching out each day.

Menin Gate is a must but we can change the day.

I guess most people are saying 9 days to play with although no one wants to be back late on sun to go to work mon morning.

[Blitz]

Bastogne hotel showing same price for the sat or sun night stay. Which is surprising.

[bth2bth2]

dont panic the titanic took ages to sink
first glance it looks ok.
havnt had chance to sit down and check the route on a map yet.
bastogne / verdun is a yes for me but will always go with the majority.

brian

[Blitz]

Verdun with secure bike parking
Triple single bed rooms or quad single bed rooms avaikable
£15 ish a night each

http://www.booking.com/hotel/fr/ha-tel- ... ailability

[bth2bth2]

that looks ideal.

[Pirate]

I think it also comes down to how cheep is cheep.

Well that's the £64 million dollar question. I'm working on a budget of £500 not including the ferry. Fuel shouldn't be too bad and once we are at main base then things will drop. Lunches and attractions will eat into things and of course the box of Belgium Chocolates to keep SWIMBO happy.

Also members will need to look at travel insurance, more for the repatriation side of it, should the worst happen and you forget which side of the road your on

Pirate