We (Alan and me, joined later by Jon and David) are off again. The vanguard flies to Nice early on the 17th June and after a night in Nice we cycle through the mountains to meet Jon and David in Dijon (think mustard). We all then cycle to Calais, pausing for a few days to pay our respects at World War One sites, the centenary of the start of the war.

I am apprehensive of the Alps and some of the other rigours of the trip but there is sooooo much to look forward to, for example our first few days are on the Route Napoleon, a historic march that I am looking forward to following. We will be recording our thoughts via this blog, but - just between us - don't tell anyone, only believe me. AB

Here we go again. At the end of the last trip we vowed never again to involve ourselves in such an arduous trek but time slowly wipes the memory of the pain and torture endured just 12 months ago. Once again Andy and I lead the advance party to the south , however this year we will not be faced with the nightmare of 30 hours on a "luxury " coach with "club class " seats. We shall be relaxing on the "luxury" Easyjet flight from Liverpool to Nice followed by a restful night in the south, before tackling the French Alps. I have hidden the maps from Andy as one look at the road layouts incorporating hundreds of hairpin bends and gradient chevrons would surely be too much at his age. Foggy and Clegg join us later in Dijon on the other side of the Alps.....bless them. Our planned overnight stops obviously incorporate hotels with bars and TVs to watch the world cup ( That`s football David ). By the time we return on the 4th July England will be safely through to the Quarter finals ???? I am looking forward to the stripey jumpers and budgie smuggling trunks making their usual appearance. Holidays wouldn`t be the same without them. Anyway,I`m sure we will have the odd strange encounter along the way so watch this space if you really have nothing better to do. Lycra is packed and legs are spinning. Bring on the Mountains.

APL