Last night, we had a long chat about the plans for the next few days, coupled with looking at every possible weather forecast we could find, hoping that one may give us (even the slimmest chance) of being able to camp (storm-free) on Wednesday night. But however hard we sought for a glimmer of hope, … More Day 14 … Exploring the Dropt valley
Last year, when the route for this year’s Tour de France was unveiled, we knew that on 22nd July, we would be somewhere on Mont Ventoux, and everything else in life would just have to work around it. Both Andy and I have been lucky enough to watch the riders on the fabled Giant of … More The Tour de France on Mont Ventoux . What an incredible day
Today felt very strange, as it felt as if we had really started the ride home and if we’re honest, we aren’t really ready for this little adventure to end. Of course, it can’t go on forever and the house-sitters leave on Sunday, so we can’t simply keep cycling, however tempting that may be! We … More Saddlebag of Memories Madrid to Sète. Day 16 Collioure to Peyriac de Mer
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
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 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
After the excitement of arriving in Aigues Mortes, during its Fete Votive, and the sight of the bulls and horses charging through the streets, we woke early the next morning and packed the bikes again, for the ride from the village to the beautiful small town of Saint Rémy de Provence. On the ride through … More Bikes and Brocante Day 7 … Aigues Mortes to Saint Rémy
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
It’s hard to believe that we only finished the ride a few days ago, as life has been a bit full-tilt since we pedalled back up the hill to the house, and finally unstrapped the bags from the bikes. The grins are still there though, as they come from deep inside, pushed up on a … More Saddlebag of Memories… A few days on… What we learned
Vaucluse Dreamer 