Stormy night, lightning snd lots if rain. - Adjusted bike Chain tension at friends of Pats. Gave him an Aussie stubby holder. - BdB show lunch snooze, online time... - rainy day - More B d B festival good this time...one of the performers was Australian...

Brekky of coffee and butter free croissant. Ringing in my ears from 10 hours on the bike yesterday. Made Appointment at the traditional local markets which were busier than usual. Big local fête and free entertainment was happening. The band were a bit like a 19 th century madness band, enjoyed the sound especially the lead banjo! memo to self must take lessons again. Shopping for a thank you meal for my friends in the local markets has become a tradition whe...

Arrived in Bagnerre de Bigorre after the biggest day on my bike of the whole trip. Some 10 hours, was totally shattered and could hardly speak or think, bum sore and ears ringing. My welcome was nice though, freshly cooked monkfish (Jamie O recipe...) some red and collapsed into a deep deep sleep. The day started at a relaxed 10 am, from near Thueyts, in the Ardeche Gorge. I gave away some food and beer to my Dutch neighbours as packing was tight. A distance of ...

Will start at end ... Dropped into my favourite campsite near Ardeche. Very busy so was lucky to get in. Big family sang french folk songs to guitar in the restaurant - joined in ( recorded some songs) Fabulous way to end a hectic few weeks... Lots of reflection on my trip, love, life and the universe! Morning was Moto up Alp d'Huez Shopping 4 more gifts in the resort best bike & gear shops seen so far. Amazing high alpine ride above resort of Alp d'Huez...

Today is a significant day in my (our) life - Liz and I have been together for three years. After one of the coldest nights camping (wore all my clothes) brekky in the tent with an amazing vista of the towering massif above me. Name and blog picture says it all. The Alp D'Huez is infamous for being one of the most difficult climbs of the Tdf and high Alp cycle routes, for good reason. Left La Grave after chatting to a Dutch guy who also rides a BMW and has mad...