So having been back a few days, life is getting back into a normal routine. I’ve also had a bit of time to reflect. For a few years I’ve really wanted to get a longer tour out of the way. Partly because of the physical challenge, but also the mental one. As someone who likes … More Box ticked, or more to do ?

Total distance – 1477km – 923 miles – 10% (UK) 18% (Spain) 72% (France) Total climbing – 9748m – 9% (UK) 34% (Spain) 57% (France) Longest day – 125km – 78 miles Average cycling day (France/Spain) 78km/49 miles per day Total number of days in France/Spain 19 17 days cycling – 2 rest days Accommodation … More Some stats …

The morning started with a healthy supper as it was way past midnight by the time we were boarded and sorted out. Then it was off to bed, or more accurately a reclining seat, as all cabins were booked. The combination of the seat and sub zero temperatures on the ferry ( the only time … More Day 22 – Portsmouth to Home 73 miles

So another grey day dawned, again with the threat of rain hanging over us. For me it was to be my final day in France, Tim was still undecided. The plan was main roads until Pont – d’Ouilly, then pick up the Velofrancette which we assumed ran along the flattish riverside. As usual first it … More Day 21 – Flers to Ouistreham – 60 miles

No damp tents this morning. Instead a nice dry room to wake up in and pack the bags. With more unsettled weather expected, we booked a budget hotel, with the idea of heading towards that but cancelling and staying in a campsite if the day turns out dry (no chance) No serious re-packing, made for … More Day 20 – Laval to Flers – 55 miles

Another overcast day and very misty as we were near the river. There was no way any of the gear was going to get aired this morning, so after a healthy breakfast of yoghurt, banana and half a pack of chocolate biscuits we set off North. We decided to use small D roads, rather than … More Day 19 – Montreuil-Juigné to Laval – 48 miles

Woken in the early hours by rain on the tent, had a sense of foreboding about the morning. In fact there was more gentle rain, but opening the tent around 6 in the morning revealed a dry but very overcast day. Fingers were crossed for a bit of sun as we packed up later, it’s … More Day 18 – Montreuil-Bellay to Montreuil-Juigné – 49 miles

For the second day in a row, we woke up to clear skies. We decided to stay a third night at the campsite before continuing our journey down the Loire to Angers and then Northward to the coast. As Tim has not been to the Loire before, this gave us a chance to do a … More Day 17 – Montreuil-Bellay – 34 miles (circular tour)

Having decided to stay here at least two nights, today was a rest day. Suddenly with no cycling to do I feel very tired. Not helped by the fact I have had a touch of hay fever/cold since starting the trip. First duties were domestic chores, keeping down the amount of clothes we carry, means … More Day 16 – Montreuil-Bellay Rest day

For once we didn’t have to worry about mozzies as we were safe and sound in our mobile home. We even managed to sit down for a proper breakfast at a table. What hadn’t changed was the weather, again very overcast with the constant threat of rain. On the way out of Parthenay we were … More Day 15 – Parthenay to Montreuil-Bellay – 51 miles

Today was just one of those days, where everything was a bit challenging. Let me start by getting something off my chest. I’m sick of whining, I’ve had it morning and late at night and it’s get on my nerves. This morning I went to the loo and there it was again, a high pitched … More Day 14 – Marans to Parthenay- 50 miles

For once a beautiful start to the day, blue skies and sun and a gentle breeze, so everything was quick to pack away. Having spent most of the last week close to the coast, often using EV1 “The Velodessy” today we started to move inland. We will roughly follow the path of the “Velofrancette” a … More Day 13 – Rochefort to Marans – 39 miles

It was a familiar story – damp, drizzly start to the day again. We were lucky with the weather in Spain, but so far in France it has been pretty variable. Managed an early get away and headed up the coast, aiming for Le Verdon and the ferry across the Gironde to Royan. By our … More Day 12 – Hourtin to Rochefort – 71.5 miles

Woke up this morning to the sound of gentle rain on the tent. The forecast is for an unsettled day, with the possibility of violent storms again. Judging by the accuracy of French weather forecasts, we decided that meant a lovely day ahead. We agreed at the start of the trip that we would build … More Day 11 – Hourtin – Les Ourmes Camping (Rest Day)

A damp and misty start this morning, but at least the predicted evening storms didn’t happen. We were hoping to dry a few things out this morning, but a plague of hungry mosquitoes meant we didn’t hang around too long at the campsite. We left Biganos by some minor roads, but soon came across a … More Day 10 Biganos to Hourtin – 45 miles

It was a luxury to sleep in a hotel last night, but after 77 miles we felt we had earned it. The hotel was OK, but some of the facilities were a bit lacking. Fortunately Tim with his decades of experience in the building industry and attention to Health and Safety came up with a … More Day 9- Mimizan Plage to Biganos – 63 miles

A good nights sleep after the rest day, greeted with a dry and windy start. The idea for the day to start riding on Euro Velo 1, known in France as “The Velodessy”. It follows the Atlantic Coast all the way up to Norway. I think we will be turning right and leaving it before … More Day 8 – Saint Jean-de-Luz to Mimizan Plage – 77.5 miles

Bit of a wet night last night and a damp view from the tent this morning. Tim was late getting the kettle on, standards are slipping ! Talking of kettles and tea, learnt a great lesson this morning-never take a cup of tea inside a tent – I did and I knocked it over, I … More Day 7 – Lezo to Saint Jean-de-Luz – 19 miles

For the first time this trip we awoke to a very overcast day. Another leisurely start and then off. At Deba we saw an impressive viaduct – we missed this and got a 3 mile coastal Climb instead. Breakfast a bit late today, but nice view across the harbour at Zumaia Then it was relatively … More Day 6 – Saturraran to Lezo – 46 miles

There wasn’t a lot of enthusiasm for getting going this morning, at least on my part. Because we wanted to air the tents we didn’t get going until 0930. Basil Fawlty was at reception again, but quite cheery this morning. Pleasant (i.e) gentle hills to Mungia for a breakfast stop. Then onto Guernica. Lunch by … More Day 5 – Solpena to Saturraran – 46 miles

On the way back from dinner last night we discovered that we could have had a nice warm shower had we used the new toilet block, not the one that was meant to be out of use. I did think at the time it looked a bit of a mess ! Tim is still speaking … More Day 4 – Laredo to Solpena – 39 miles

All hope of a good nights sleep was dashed by a guy snoring in the cabin next door, but at least the sea had been calm for the whole journey. Managed a full traditional English breakfast, which helped pass the last few hours on the ferry. I’ll never complain about a long long flight again, … More Day 3 – Santander to Laredo – 28 miles

Early start and off we go, after being searched (not with rubber gloves) by customs, we’re off. Next stop Spain tomorrow afternoon. Lovely though it was to sit on deck enjoying the sun, I can’t imagine ever going on a cruise, 3 or 4 hours of being on the ferry was enough for me. Still … More Day 2 – Hotel to Ferry ! (2 miles) and

Well here we are ! The start of a little adventure. It’s a nice sunny day, perfect for a less than challenging ride into central London to get a train to Portsmouth before setting off on my long sea voyage. There may even be time for some sightseeing on the way ! Just need to … More D – Day Home to Portsmouth (20 miles)

After more repacking or to be accurate unpacking and ditching things, the Surly is ready to go. Short final test this afternoon and all seems good. Now just need to haul the bike, 22kgs of gear and me, along (up and down) the Basque Country and through France. That’s assuming I can lift it on … More D -1

Now my pre- tour shopping is complete !

There’s a sudden realisation, that this tour really is happening. I’ve done all the fun of buying bits and pieces and making endless lists, now I have to gather all those piles together and pack them onto the bike. I’ve done one test pack, but that was more to make sure everything fits, rather than … More D -3

Bit of TLC for “The Tank”, thanks to Gerald at Hounslow Bikes  – She scrubs up quite well. Won’t look this clean again for a long time. My turn next !

In a week’s time, I will be wheeling the fully loaded bike out of the house and cycling off into central London and then catching a train to Portsmouth. Then after an overnight in a B+B, there’s an early start and a long ferry journey to Santander before arriving Sunday afternoon. Ferries are booked, train … More D -7 !

So, it looks like a decision has been made, I have a destination and travel date. Forsaking all easy options, it will be a ferry to Santander in Spain and from there along and up and down the coast until France, where I will head vaguely northwards to one of the channel ports. Departure day … More South it is ! D-17 and counting….