Gatwick Airport has the best cycle network of any London airport, apparently. Clearly then, it's been designed with us in mind, and it would be rude of us not to put this claim to the test. I think definition of 'best' and 'cycle route' needs to be reconsidered but otherwise it is quite an experience. It look an hour to unpack the bikes, rebuild, pump tyres, reload our panniers and ride off (in the wrong direction first of course). Once on the A23 it was straight...

Step away from the sequinned bikinis. It's my new mantra. The micro triangles and floss that make up these 'swimmers' are wardrobe malfunctions in the making. But my holiday head, happily ensconced in the Italian riviera, is unable to differentiate between this surreal world of sun, sea and mopeds and the practicalities of home. I can't even discuss the cycling anymore because I sound like a broken record, stuck on endless blue skies, awe-inspiring coastal views ...

I have long dreamed of seeing that iconic photo of Riomaggiore's pink and yellow apartment blocks crowded on top of each other in person. I've often wondered 'is that for real?' and if so how? For me it captures romance and exotic travels all at once. I never though I'd get there by bike. There's few blogs/forums/commentary on cycling the Cinque Terre, perhaps it's not an obvious route. Maps are difficult to makeout, the road appears narrow and hair-raising and t...

We're on a train to La Spezia, south of the Cinque Terre, so we can ride the Italian Riviera. It's five hours and two changes, but pretty effortless (if you don't count hauling your bike up and down stairs as an issue). I am not sure exactly how the terrain will be for cycling (mountainous yes, winding roads, most definitely) but I don't know how long a few kilometers will take for us to ride so I've booked accommodation for a night at La Spezia to take the press...

For the past four days this is what we've done: eat, sleep, read, sunbake, swim, walk, repeat. It's an ideal balance. Long, warm days where the pace is best described as slow. The air feels like your favourite, most comfortable blanket that makes you smile in a dozy 'never-wanna-move' kinda way. You can swim happily until 7pm in water that is clear to the bottom. Beach too busy? Take the bike track to Bonassola through the mountain and find a secluded rock. The b...