Steady Pedals

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….