We’ve wanted to visit Collioure for many years, but we haven’t found a reason to come this way, until now. So building in a day off from the ride, in this pretty little place, seemed like a perfect way to do it. It’s hard to believe that we’re approaching mid-October as it’s glorious weather, with … More Saddlebag of Memories Madrid to Sète. Day 15 a day in Collioure
Today was always a big landmark day in the ride. The day we reached the border of Spain and crossed back into France. It’s hard to believe that we have cycled that far. Of course, it should now go without saying that we were up early and ready to go by the time the sun … More Saddlebag of Memories Madrid to Sète Day 14. Girona to Collioure
It doesn’t matter that this is a day off the bikes and we have nothing to do, other than amble around a beautiful city… Our body clocks seem to be thinking differently! I know we’re larks and are always happier being up and active before the sun, but after the last 9 days of cycling, … More Saddlebag of Memories Madrid to Sète. Day 13 Rest Day in Girona.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, today was a truly spectacular day on the bike. As usual, we set off at 8 and quickly cycled out of Lleida, enjoying the quiet roads of an early Saturday morning. Having spent the last 2 days cycling on some busy roads, I’d managed to find … More Saddlebag of Memories Madrid to Sète Day 10 . Lleida to Igualada
We had every intention of having a slower morning today, as we only had an 80km ride planned, so felt we could have a bit of a lie in. We managed it, sleeping until 6.30, which is the latest we’ve slept all week, but even after a leisurely start, we were out of the door … More Saddlebag of Memories Madrid to Sète. Day 9 Caspe to Lleida
We really did have the most perfect day off in Zaragoza, a beautiful city and a great place to explore the sites, sit at cafes and generally just relax a little after the first 4 days of riding. Yesterday afternoon, the weather closed in and we spent the evening watching sheets of water fall from … More Saddlebag of Memories Madrid to Sète. Day 8 Zaragoza to Caspe
I would be lying if I said the last few days have easy cycling, but they have been amazing, spectacular and exhausting all at the same time. This afternoon, we arrived in Zaragoza, after another beautiful ride through ever changing landscapes. We left Daroca just before 8, walking across the cobbles, as my nether-regions were … More Saddlebag of Memories Madrid to Sète. Day 6 Daroca to Zaragoza.
I’m sitting on the terrace of the apartment that we booked for the night, typing this, after a truly superb day on the bikes. If I had to sum up today’s ride in three words, they would be exhausting, exhilarating and magical. It was always going to be a big ride, as when we were … More Saddlebag of Memories Madrid to Sète Day 4.. Pastrana to Beteta
I can hardly believe it, but after months of planning and a lot of fears that something would happen to throw a spoke through our wheels, we are actually on our way to Madrid. We will have a day to find our feet tomorrow. Then on Saturday, we’ll cycle out of the city, beginning the … More Saddlebag of Memories Madrid to Sète … Day 1 Aix to Madrid
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, this year has been far from what we imagined. As the night sky above the Arc de Triomphe was filled with the colour and sparkle of New Year’s Eve Fireworks, we were asleep, dreaming of a settled 2024, with a late spring cycle ride from Amsterdam, … More Espagne à Velo
Postcards from Provence and beyond 