Paris - Angouleme - Riberac 68km

We set out early to the train station to ensure we had plenty of time. After being slightly misplaced at the rear of the train station we eventually found our way inside. A crazy time finding the bike carriage and then trying to get loaded bikes through a narrow door up two sets of stairs only to be told by a camp supervisor that we couldn’t put the bikes where they needed to go because there were children sitting there. 🫤 A lovely French lady came to the rescue and the bikes were secured in the correct location. Only problem left was finding other seats as the children had ours. 🙄 Enter SNCF, who tried to sort out the problem which resulted in us travelling in first class seats. 😁 Karma! 

I’ve been using Kamoot for the second time and I’m still not convinced it’s the best app to find appropriate routes. We used it to find our way out of Angouleme and it had us going up a 20% pinch with stairs at the end. 😬

After eventually walking into the centre, we used google maps to find our way out. It was beautiful riding through rolling hills of farmland with sunflowers and wheat the most popular crop. We got to see our first Chateau! 

We were meeting Elodie at the campground but unfortunately got a little misplaced with two campgrounds by the same name, so frustrating but lucky we didn’t head up an unnecessary climb. We figured out beforehand that we were being misdirected. Apparently a Google issue.

It’s a lovely campground on the river Dronne and we have the company of my beautiful friend Elodie. 

Another day in Paris-dise

 Another amazing day in Paris. A test ride to Gare du Montparnasse - in crazy Paris traffic! 🫣

A visit to the Louvre, Tour Eiffel, and the famous Arc de Triomphe. Apparently Keith Urban was there today as well! 🤫

A few sweetie treaties from Noglu and a lovely Italian meal at Tasca made for another huge day. Over 20,000 steps again. 

Time to get riding and give up this walking stuff! 😬

Paris - you warm my heart

After an extremely long flight, we finally arrived in Paris. The airport transfer had some issues but we eventually were collected from CDG. The Hotel De La Port Doree was again my choice of accommodation being so bike friendly. Our room now looks like a laundromat after trying out our new wash bag. Works a treat! It even did a great job on the unused metro tickets! 

Paris never disappoints with so much to see and new places to explore. I never get bored of the attractions. I could see them over and over again. It’s nice to be able to show someone else around. France has always felt like my second home and to share that is comforting. 

Getting fuel for the MSR Whisperlite was high on the agenda and again the Mr Bricolage in Paris came through. Yay! 

Assembling the bikes and doing a reconnaissance to Gare de Montparnasse was number two on the list. With a train strike on at the moment, who knows what Friday will bring. 

Sampling some great GF restaurants and cafes was also on the agenda. They didn’t disappoint. And the wine! So cheap in comparison and amazingly good! 

Ready, Set, ……..

 With only a week to go, we have spent this weekend packing. And success! 54kg checked in baggage. 12kg carry on. Winning! Now for the final list of things ‘to-do’! 

Three weeks to go and it is getting real

With only three weeks to go until I leave Australia for France, it’s time to get packing. Amazing how all of this fits. Two bikes this time. :-)

Portugal declines Australian travellers so it's back to France!

 After booking flights to Lisbon, spending countless hours researching bike routes on the Camino, and even more hours trying to locate camping grounds, Portugal has decided to decline entry to Australians except for essential travel. The only option was flying into a third country and then crossing into Portugal. Given the complications of COVID testing and time constraints, I have decided that Portugal is too complicated for 2022 but will remain on my must-do cycle tour list. Hopefully in 2023!

So.......

It's back to France! 

For those who follow me, you will already know that I always feel like I'm going home when I travel to France. It is this deep affinity I have with the land and the people, even though my French language is poor. My great Uncles are buried in Northern France and perhaps that is why I feel so drawn to this country. I also have my dearest friend Elodie there and I can't wait to see her. The last time I was in France was 2019 when I did my first solo tour, on which Elodie joined me for part of the trip. 

After some frantic flight changes and route planning, I have come up with a plan! This might look like a long trip but there are trains invovled! 

The itinerary is flexible to a point but timing is tight due to flights. Any issues and I'll jump on a train. So the almost 1300km will likely turn into 1500km by the time you add in getting misplaced and sightseeing, supermarkets, etc. 

I can't wait to get on the road again. Cycle touring is such a wonderful way to travel. It's hard, but so worth it!

Portugal - When???

Well it's over 18 months since the pandemic hit in Australia and grounded us all. 

My desire to cycle in Portugal remains and as soon as borders open, I hope to be there.  

Being Australian, there may still be complications for returning home despite being fully vaccinated. Hopefully government arranged quarantine restrictions will be relaxed and Australians can get back to travelling the world. 

Fingers crossed for July 2022!