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
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
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 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
I hope I’m not tempting fate by writing this post, but if all goes well, in a little over seven weeks time, we will finally be boarding a ferry at the start of a cycle ride from our little place in Devon, back home to Provence. I mention that we may be tempting fate, as … More Planning to cycle with a ‘saddlebag of memories’
Over the last few days I have been asked the question ‘Why do you cycle?’ by a couple of people I’ve met and yesterday it was posted by one of the women’s cycling groups as well. It got me thinking about the reasons why, and I thought I’d share them with you, so hopefully you … More Slow Tourism and Active Travel by bike in Provence
Cycling in and around Provence is simply delightful, there are plenty of Bike Hire companies for both traditional and e-bikes and lots of great routes to find and ride: Velo Loisir Provence – this is a superb local organisation that promotes and supports cycling across the area. A font of all knowledge on cycling in … More Cycle Hire and Info
Distance cycled …… 69.2 miles So boys how would you sum up today in 3 words?…… Heat, Mileage, Flowers! So yesterday certainly wasn’t the easiest of days for the boys, in fact it’s probably best to say that they’ve had a rather eventful first couple of days in France. Yesterday’s major wheel-failure meant they had … More Velodyssey Day 3 Rohan to Guenrouët
Postcards from Provence and beyond 