Only 14 days to go.....

It's hard to believe my last post was in 2025 after finally landing on my itinerary for this year. It's been a busy time since then with a birthday celebration, Christmas, a trip to the Tour Down Under with friends, lots of riding and a significant bout of illness. 

Unfortunately, I contracted viral meningitis recently and it's been a total reset for me. After a trip to hospital and the realisation that this was a significant illness meant a total halt to training, I've been completely focussed on recovery for the past few weeks. The impact of this virus has been so challenging both physically and emotionally. I am however extraordinarily grateful for my friends and the wonderful medical services we have access to in Australia.

Luckily, this illness has been far enough away from my departure, that I've managed to start to recover and get some strength back. Unfortunately, the headaches and fatigue can continue for up to three months but I'm confident that I'm in a good place to start my trip in 14 days, albeit at a little slower pace until I see how I go. 

I'm looking forward to sharing my adventure this year, 2000km +/- and seven countries. How lucky am I to be able to do this? I feel privileged with a passport that allows me to travel freely. 

Some pictures from the past few weeks, including questioning my life choices as I dehydrate dishwashing liquid. 😂

2026 - 7 Countries, 2000 +/- kms, 49 days

It's taken a little longer than normal for me to settle on my plans for 2026. 

I've been quite unwell since returning from Corsica and Portugal/Spain this year, so I decided to use the time wisely and plan for my big trip next year. I have a lot of options on my long list but settled on this trip to allow me to get back into full touring cycling mode after my road cycling and hiking adventures this year. 

I'll be taking seven weeks leave from work to travel to Brussels and then head south towards Switzerland, eventually heading east towards Hungary. I hope to pick up some of the Eurovelo routes and complete a portion of the Danube. My rough itinerary is linked in the tab at the top of this blog. I've started to do a rough map (subject to change) in Velo Planner, which I've snapped below. 

I hope to be able to catch up with friends along the way and explore some areas I've not seen before. There are some sections I have already travelled but not for many years, so I'm sure they will feel new again. 

Now to decide which bike to take???

Summing up.....

What a diverse trip, full of adventure with a combination of cycling in Corsica, hiking in Portugal and Spain and, visiting Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. 

Some stats for those interested in the numbers.

Cycling - 634km, 9897m elevation, 7 days

Hiking - 230km, 3249m elevation, 11 days

Sightseeing including rest days - 246km

Travel days - 8, Rest days - 6, Total days - 32

As my body starts to recover from such a physically exhausting trip, I'm finding time to reflect on what an achievement this has been. I did a lot of training in preparation and feel that definitely made a difference. 

Corsica was outstanding. Some of the most amazing scenery I have ever witnessed. Live Life Cycling did an outstanding job of supporting the riders. Being able to ride in such a beautiful place reminds me of how fortunate I am to be able to travel. 

Given my original plan for the Portuguese Camino was in 2020, I feel like I finally have closure. With delays due to Covid and broken bones, to finally finish feels complete for me. To be able to spend the last few days with my best buddy Brian, was such a privilege, and to finally get back to Notre Dame Cathedral was the icing on the cake. 

Barcelona was a whirlwind visit so I'll definitely head back there at some point. Some final words.

1. People are predominantly kind. Being truly cared for is fulfilling.

2. Mistakes happen. You won't always get everything right.

3. Hiking is not my jam.

4. Cycling is my jam.

5. Always take time to smell the roses, and take pictures!

6. Value those you love, and tell them!

7. I'm still learning how to be kind to myself. It's a work in progress.

8. Life is short. Don't put off those things that are important to you!

Paris 16km

I returned to Paris for one night to collect my bag from my cycling trip and to see Notre Dame! The fire was in 2019 just before I arrived in Paris and despite a few failed attempts since, I wasn’t going to miss it this time. There is something about Paris this I find so alluring, even though I’ve visited more than a dozen times. 

The refurbishment is amazing. It’s so different from the cathedral I remember. Everything is so bright and clean. 

It’s off home for me now. I’ll post my usual ‘summing up’ blog in due course. Thanks to all those following along. 

Barcelona 14km

My stopover in Barcelona was to spend one last day with Brian. Having never visited before, I knew the few hours we had wouldn’t be enough to see anything much. We stayed really close to the beach which was perfect. We dipped our tired feet in the ocean and I saw things on that beach that will remain unmentioned! 👀

We found an awesome wine bar owned by Pepa, a pharmacist. What an amazing final day and evening. 

Rest day in Santiago - 15km

After a very emotionally and physically demanding day yesterday (total 37km), today was intended to rest, reset, and see some more sights around Santiago. It’s a beautiful historic village with so much to see. Having been here before, I didn’t feel the need to do too much. Unfortunately, my feet finally decided enough was enough and I literally hobbled around the town. I needed my walking poles which I’d clearly disposed of too early! 

Padron to Santiago de Compostela 28km

I made it! We made it! I was in so much discomfort this morning that I wasn’t sure I could make it. My body has taken an absolute beating these past few years and the pain in my feet, hips, pelvis and back were enough to almost end it for me!  They say that Panadol and Nurofen are the Camino tic tacs and I made sure of that today. Six pain killers, 100mg Voltaren and Voltaren gel are what got me through. Brian was an absolute trooper! I feel so privileged to share this with him. 

It was so emotional to arrive at the cathedral after such a long time in my plan. Having Covid delay the trip for several years and then not being able to finish my cycling trip last year, it was always going to be a roller coaster!  Seeing the cathedral again after I was here 12 years ago also brought back so many memories. I was so grateful to be able to share this with Brian. It was nice to be able to hug at the end of such a difficult challenge. 

I did it! It was tough! I’m not a hiker! I’ve promised myself not to challenge myself in such a difficult way in the future. This one almost broke me! I’ve told Brian to tell me to f**k off if I mention such a stupid idea again! He didn’t bother waiting! 🤣

Now for a few days R&R and a some other things up my sleeve!