Saw a strange cat today. White all over bar a small black spot on its nose and a totally black tail. I stopped to talk to it outside a farm and it turned and ran fast down the road. But it didn't stop until it was out of sight, way way in the distance. Never seen a cat run so fast and so far. Not seen too many dogs en route. But came across two in a big cage cum compound thing last week, whilst peddling though a forest in Spain. Stopped because they were barkin...

Grim night's sleep. Due mostly to having the worst bed ever. It seemed to have a central pivot about which it rocked noisily from side to side. It was also a couple of inches too short which meant I couldn't quite straighten my knees (I guess oversize people like John Harris get this all the time). I was also suffering from a touch of bilateral chaffing which made me a bit concerned about getting back in the saddle. Other medical problems also seemed to take it i...

Crossed into France last evening. Strengthened by the mountains of Spain, we should now be ready for anything France can throw at us by way of hills. Today's was a long stage, from Hendaye to Orthez. Via-St-Jean-de-Luz (thanks Rob, lovely place), Biarritz and Bayonne. After Bayonne we cycled along the real back roads of france, with the massive river Adour on one side and mile after mile of Kiwi fruit orchards on the other. Cycling along, we thought back to la...

Fantastic meal last night in Mutiku. On the end of the quay. A choice of just two meals chicken or tuna. Both were cooked on an open charcoal fire. We had the chicken. They just ripped the chicken into four pieces then put a shovelful of chips on top. The wine came with pint glasses! Very hearty. And all for around a tenner(GBP) each! In the bar beforehand we watched the bull run (not sure if it was from Pamplona, but it probably was). I liked the commentators w...

Texted my friend Mike Russum re where to eat in Bilbao (he did a big project for the mayor there several years ago, so knows it well). He told me to go to La Terrazza in the Old City. So we took a tram there only to find that it had closed down some years ago. However, found a great restaurant to eat at. We shared some fried chicken pieces with dips then I had duck breast in port wine with poached pears and J C had the burger with goats cheese. Sweet and coffee. ...