We rolled off the ferry to a black sky, wind and it was trying to rain. Ourselves and all the other cyclists came off first but were then told to wait. Shortly afterwards we were escorted through the port by a white van bypassing passport control straight onto the road into Calais. We fought a raging side wind to our first French supermarket where Donna looked at what gourmet delights we could rustle up on the stove. Such a choice of bread on their list but they ...

Another two and a half days and we reached Dover. Nearly didn't make it as some wild chickens almost took us out. Some great cycle paths and some bloody awful ones - overgrown, nettles, muddy, narrow - resorted to walking at one point. The South Downs proved to be very up. Last campsite in England - sofa, TV and charging sockets - luxury. Folkestone to Dover - two firsts, first time we walked up a hill and first time we used the big chain ring - great descent in...

From finishing work on Friday 11th August to setting off on Monday 14th August was an emotional rollercoaster for both of us - what on earth have we done! We were both glad just to get rolling (in the rain). Donna had an almost full bottle of Sloe Gin which she refused to leave behind and it was swiftly decanted into one of our water bottles and it's steadily going down. Three days on the road and 150 miles done. We dined out the first two nights but we have gone...

In readiness for our intended 'grand' tandem cycle tour, we thought it wise to see everything would fit on the bike! We have toured previously but packing for a week is not quite the same as packing for a much longer trip. The tandem and kit including camping gear weighs in at 170 pounds (77kgs), so wherever we go we will be going slowly! We are planning to set off mid August starting from home and heading for Europe and beyond.........