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Days 7 & 8
Day 7 The campsite in Allevard was up the valley, meaning an early descent down to the main road. It was only 7°C so a bit chilly, but soon warmed up. It’s that time of year when it’s cool in the shade, but noticeably warmer in the sun. The road rose at a lovely gentle…
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Day 6
Well it was going to happen sooner or later. Having waxed lyrical about my tyres, I clearly jinxed myself. After a reasonably good night’s sleep and a sunny but chilly start, I wasn’t far behind my mental schedule when I set off. After a breakfast of coffee, bread and jam, and pain-au-chocolat (not chocolatine in…
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Day 5
Rest day Zero miles. Admin has been our main focus for the day, starting with finding a launderette. Because apparently my cycle clothing has a distinct odour about it 🤷♂️. After a reasonable night, but not the best (it’s amazing how quickly you get used to sleeping in a tent, as opposed to a house…
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Day 4
Not a great nights sleep. Partly due to the wind, but also the proximity of the N102 (main road) which had heavy traffic on it whilst it was still dark. Two cups of coffee soon got me over that. The first climb out of Aubenas came soon. Hairpins on the map concerned me, but it…
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Day 3
The morning brought more wind. Further checks of the weather forecast along the proposed route didn’t look great. Climbing further and being more exposed didn’t seem like a great idea, so based on safety I opted not to ride from the campsite. Day three and I’m already hitching a lift. Not a brilliant feeling, but…
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Stage 1; Day 1
So, after about 38 years of thinking about this, and a good few months of actually planning it the day has finally arrived. It’s all a bit surreal. This morning seemed really busy with last minute things, most of which I could have done ages ago. Family phone calls & messages, last minute jobs done,…
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My Kit List
Another geeky post for the travel nerds amongst us. Despite one piece of feedback telling me that there was too much detail and information about my bike in the post titled, erm, “The Bike” 🙄, I have forged on with a post about the kit I am taking with me. I have no doubt that…
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The Bike.
My touring bike has developed over many years of changes and upgrades. It started as a 1980’s Raleigh 531C frame, which sort of wore out and was also rather large by modern standards. I then bought a cheap alloy frame and forks (Tifosi) which I rode to Santiago de Compostella on, followed by another slightly…
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August 2024 Update
Getting nervous now. Mixed emotions which are flitting between being excited and wanting to set off tomorrow, and feeling wholly unprepared with regard (lack of) mileage on the bike and the task ahead which I have set myself. Sometimes you can overthink things… That said, the preparation has continued. We have now booked Jane and…
Dave and his Bike
Hello and welcome to my cycling and travel blog…
