Home to Portsmouth

I hoped to meet fellow cycle tourists on this trip but not as soon as meeting Pete (on his way to Spain ) on Steeton station. Virgin staff helpful for journey to London.
Someone in South West trainsЧитать далее
St Malo to Fougeres

Dry, sunny and warm although caught in a headwind all day. It took an hour to lose all the other cyclists from the ferry.
Dipped the wheels in the sea after struggling down the beach - the tide wasЧитать далее
Down to the Loire

Hot - 32 degrees this pm.
Met Richard on his ICE trike. He's been adjusting his holiday plans after an unexpectedly hilly and wet first week. On his recommendation I had a four course lunch withЧитать далее
Along the Loire to Fontevraud L'Abbeye

The Loire last night by the campsite.
Fellow campers are also cycling to Nice, heavily laden. Target 60 km a day.
Refreshments at a Petanque competition.
Lunch was a tasting menu in a cave (homeЧитать далее
South to Lusignan

If every day could be like this...
Stayed last night at a B&B; how far could I get on a bread and croissant breakfast?
Thanks to a kindly breeze, my average speed was 13mph for the day. DelightfulЧитать далее
South to Rochechouart

Ascension Day - a 'jour de fete' -so only a few businesses open and just in the morning.
Countless fields of poppies.
Curious Limousin cattle.
Man struggling to fit plants on his Harley Davidson.Читать далее
South to Brantome

A leisurely start due to a "short" day. Visit to Rochechouart chateau with an exhibition of contemporary art. This mixed in with 16th century frescos and beautiful wooden floors.
Classic 2cv inЧитать далее
South to Sarlat Le Caneda (Dordogne)

The nightingale last night was as loud and insistent as a car alarm.
Early away at 7:15 to avoid the heat.
Straight into Periguex for breakfast 2 and to top up on fruit in the market. DelightfulЧитать далее
East to Figeac

Victory snatched from the jaws of defeat.
The original plan was to have a relaxing start and have a "short" day of 49 miles ending in Gramat. Slow progress due to missing a turning and getting aЧитать далее
East to Entraygues sur Truyere

Essential laundry chores first then a short day's ride to Entraygues. First section very steep. Refreshments courtesy of a Belgian gent who serves pots of tea to weary travellers - when he's aroundЧитать далее
Lots of cycling

Thunderstorms overnight. Only slightly damp this morning. Mainly following the Lot today.
Breakfast 1 in tent. Breakfast 2 in a cafe in Estaing. Coffee break and lunch purchase in Lassouts. VeryЧитать далее
A day on the Mende

Calculated at breakfast that I could afford to take a day off and still keep on schedule.
A walk up the causse for the views and the exercise, picnic lunch and another stroll around town pm. AЧитать далее
Descent into Valley-Pont D'arc

Two passes conquered. The first hit the watershed between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. High pasture at over 1100 metres.
The second hit the entry into the Ardeche.
Long descents totallingЧитать далее
Chateauneuf du Pape etc

First the Ardeche gorge, with lots of climbs between combes and cols. Eagles ? spotted.
Then a flattish afternoon ride into Cote du Rhone territory and the Vaucluse.
Passed the Melox plant whereЧитать далее
Assault on Sault

Until yesterday afternoon drivers had in the majority been considerate but suddenly, below Orange, it changed: they passed close and fast. Today, after 20 km or so they switched back to considerateЧитать далее
The world is lavender

Blue skies after last night's thunderstorms. A couple on the campsite are travelling in miniature vintage cars made from wood. But they are pedal powered - amazing handiwork and dedication.
AllЧитать далее
High plains drifter

Early start in order to tackle the hilliest stage so far. 1300 metres of ascent with no access to water along the Gorge du Verdon. Looking up at the road twisting above me and the gorge made me feelЧитать далее
Castellane to Vence ↗↘⤵

Last night chatted with Oliver and Jutta who had me round for a glass of wine. Then met Bill from the US, a former travel book writer now full time cycle tourist. We went for a pizza together and alsoЧитать далее
Nice - day trip

Hung around the port in Nice, observing the luxury yachts, some of which were for sale or hire.
Pre - booked "guests" leave their shoes on the Quay. Wow, I thought, this boat's asking price isЧитать далее
Vence and Nice

Breakfast in Vence. Funeral underway, dress code - wear something black even with jeans.
Bus to Nice and lunch with Carole at a Lebanese restaurant.
Bus back, sitting opposite two English women oneЧитать далее
Nice - near the airport

With the window open I hear the regular roar of jet engines as planes take off opposite the hotel.
Free wheeled from the campsite to Cagnes sur Mer where a seafront cycle path leads to Nice; prettyЧитать далее
Magic

Bike with luggage.
Everything in bags a few minutes later....
(60 minutes to be precise - had to unbag the bike twice because of basic errors, I'm out of practice).
Next error: wearing cycling shoesЧитать далее