Postcards from our 2023 trip from Roscoff to provence
Despite all the storm warnings yesterday, the weather Gods were with us and we ended up spending the evening, eating supper and drinking a glass or two of wine by the river in Coutras, almost looking for some shade as it was so sunny. We clinked our glasses to celebrate the fact that we had … More Saddlebag of Memories… Day 9…Coutras to Lacenne
This morning started early, when we pulled up the blinds of the beautiful Chambres D’Hote that we had stayed in in Pons, and sat in bed watching the swifts playing around the church tower behind us. We sat, scouring the weather forecasts, trying to see what would be the best route to take, as we … More Saddlebag of Memories.. Day 8 … Pons to Coutras
Our day off in La Rochelle flew by far too quickly and it just reinforced how much we love the place and we are already plotting when we may be able to come back for another little visit (with the bikes of course) Our original thinking had been that we would take the ferry out … More Saddlebag of Memories…Day 7 … La Rochelle to Pons
Last night, after a long day’s ride and a superb, much-needed supper, we ambled around the Vieux Port and collapsed into bed, sleeping like babies until just after 7, this morning. The thought of having a day off had taken away the early-morning wakefulness, when normally we’re alert, planning the route and getting everything ready. … More Saddlebag of Memories… Day 6 … A day off in La Rochelle
I can hardly believe that I’m writing this, but we’ve just got back from supper by the old harbour in beautiful La Rochelle, after another amazing day on the bikes. The day started early, as we had been staying in a beautiful home on the salt marshes, just north of the Ile de Noirmoutier and … More Saddlebag of Memories.. Day 5 .. Bouin to La Rochelle
If yesterday was a good day on the bikes, then today has been even better, and quite emotional too. We woke early, as we knew we had a long day ahead and left the beautiful and very comfortable Chambre D’Hote before breakfast, being seen off by the donkeys and emu, in the garden … Yes … More Saddlebag of Memories… Day 4 … La Gacilly to Bouin
After yesterday’s epic and admittedly, rather brutal ride, we weren’t really sure how we would feel getting back on the bikes this morning Would our bums be sore? Would we have any strength in our legs? Would we even get half way to tonight’s stay? All these worries were very present when we woke up … More Saddlebag of Memories.. Day 3 .. Caurel to La Gacilly
What a day …. Apologies for not posting this last night, but after a full day”s ride we turned up at our delightful Chambres D’Hote in Caurel and got chatting to another couple, who are also touring on their bikes and ended up having supper with them too. So by the time we got back … More Saddlebag of Memories Day 2 .. Roscoff to Caurel
What an incredible first day’s ride we’ve had from East Devon, across Dartmoor to Plymouth, and I’m writing this, now that we’re through check-in and waiting to board the night ferry to Roscoff. I’ve only just admitted to Andy that I was actually rather worried about today, as I’d only ever ridden as far as … More Saddlebag of Memories Cycle Ride…Day 1 over Dartmoor to Plymouth
The days are ticking down and after so many false starts, it finally looks as if our long-hoped for ‘Saddlebag of Memories’ bike ride is actually going to happen. It’s nearly 7 years since Andy rode the Velodyssey with the boys on a Moor to Med cycling adventure down the west coast of France, whilst … More Cycling with a Saddlebag of Memories… 2 days to go
Postcards from Provence and beyond 