Disturbed night back not great, mind active, or or is it the wine or g&t only one way to find out. Becoming used to the harsh reality that this trip is going to be very different to previous in past ten years less distance less physical. Went on easy 20 km cycle today flat with Claire and Sophie near Lourdes to test my back out. A rail trail with easy nice MTB loops besides the river. On Pats 29er Titanium hard tail. Gosh how MTB design has changed since I las...

Again almost 9.30 am by the time I raised my weary he’d, not a brilliant nights sleep. A Dairy free croissant awaited me with nice message. Claire had gone to the markets a fresh dairy free Croissant and coffee and sunny blue sky welcomed me. The BdB markets never disappoint and keep drawing me back, full of new surprises and some familiar. Little old ladies and men had bring a few veggies and wild mushrooms to sell to make a few extra euros. As you walk pas...

Awoke late again almost 9.30 am in one of my all time fave camp sites to date. It was difficult to find a small sign and long dirt track crossing an unmanned railway line. With so few people just a few long distance hikers and one long track I felt at home right away. What no wi fi and cold beer!!! When I said that to the owner … he said but you can go swimming in the river and it is warm. However thats what made it so special and Exclusive. Well living in...

Writing my blog from an awesome camp Site in Basque region of France, the gentle sound of running river and rapids. Stomach full and feeling happy. So after procrastinating finally departed for France which only 70 km away at lunch time. Stopped in Spain duty free town and bought enough food and 3 litres of water to last a night out. Alcohol in particular was crazy cheap and litre plus bottles. The meat and fish stores were like at the Christmas sales, crazy sc...

Sat in camp site in cafe catching up with my diary listening to Phil Collins. Yesterday a day off the bike, day on the MTB and it felt good to explore a new city. Chatted with fellow adventure riders Mark & Dave from Aberdeen and again very slow start, body telling me I’m needing it. Regretted that last beer with Dave one too many hey ho! we live & learn or do we!.. Tracing the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway—and many a bull—through Pamplona, and explorin...