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
We had a lovely day exploring Madrid yesterday, but by the evening we were just itching to get on the bikes and start cycling. We needed the day just to sort a few things out, but once we’d done that, we just wanted to get on the bikes and escape the city. We really aren’t … More Saddlebag of Memories Madrid to Sète. Day 3… Madrid to Pastrana
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
After a wonderful few days in Pezenas, ambling around the stunning old town, exploring the brocantes and finding some beautiful rides around the area, we had to repack the bags and load the bikes up again to start heading back towards Provence. We woke to the first really autumnal morning of the year, with the … More Bikes and Brocante Day 6 … Pezenas to Aigues Mortes
We topped off the first day’s ride and train journey, with a lovely walk around the narrow and colorful streets of Montpellier, before having supper in one of the old city’s vibrant squares. I do love Montpellier, it’s always a great place to explore, with its stunning architecture, beautiful trompe l’oeils and superb artisan studios … More Bikes and Brocante … Day 2, Montpellier to Pezenas
Honestly, it’s hard to believe that 4 months have passed since we did our cycle ride from Devon to Provence. Where has this year gone? The summer has been an absolute whirlwind and our feet haven’t touched the ground, so we thought we needed to have a few days away together, just to settle ourselves … More Bikes and Brocante … Day 1 Caseneuve to Montpellier
It’s quite hard to believe that today is the last day of our ride down through France, to our home in The Luberon. In many ways it feels as if it is months, since we left Devon, yet at the same time, it feels as if we left just a couple of days ago. I … More Saddlebag of Memories… Day 17… Tarascon to Home
Over the last 10 days, we’ve chanced on some wonderful Chambres D’Hotes, and last night was no different. We had decided to stay just north of Agen, after crossing The Lot river, finding a peaceful little chateau that offered rooms and a swimming pool. It was an incredible place, that has been in the same … More Saddlebag of Memories… Day 10 … Lacenne to Toulouse
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
Postcards from Provence and beyond 