Deja Vu!

A new year and new plans. Well, actually old ones remade. 

It was my plan to travel to Portugal in 2020 to ride the Portuguese Camino. Unfortunately, Covid put a stop to that. For those that follow my blog, you may remember that I had planned to do this ride in 2022 but with changing rules around Covid and Australia being considered a 'red zone' by some countries like Portugal, I decided to go back to France. 

Then 2023 happened - an accident preventing me from travelling just six weeks before my departure for a trip through France and Belgium. 

Fast forward a few months, multiple surgeries, lots of rehab, physio, osteo and pain management. 

With perseverence, I'm back on the bike and despite a hiccup with a virus these past few weeks, I continue to improve my strength and fitness.

Planning for Portugal 2024 is now complete! Fingers crossed, this year is it, finally!

And it’s all over before it begins…….

Unfortunately a training mishap has seen my trip cancelled. 

An innocuous accident resulting in a broken hand and wrist. It’s now pinned and plated but I need at least ten weeks to recover from surgery and build strength again. 

To say I’m devastated is an understatement. This trip was special to me. So many people got me to this point in my recovery from a fractured pelvis and long Covid, any many more through planning procrastination.

Europe will have to wait another year. In the interim, I’m focussed on healing and accepting all the love and help around me. Stay tuned.

How it started……

How it ended……

Recovery…..

Only 8 weeks to go....

 Only eight weeks to go until I fly to Paris! 

Time has flown (pardon the pun) by as I try to get myself more and more organised for my next solo trip. I've been grateful to have my coven around me during the past few challenging weeks. Some helping me with my training, others supporting me emotionally, some feeding me, giving me a spare room, and others just helping me drink more wine! It's all energy drink, right?

I've ridden some gravel on the touring bike, some fast rides with a bunch and some slow recovery rides solo, all adding to my overall strength and fitness. It's my preference to have company but given this will be a solo ride, I'm okay for those rides as well. 

I still have a few jobs to do, again with help from the coven. New touring tyres, testing the cooker (it's 17 years old this year - can't fault the MSR Whisperlite for value!), checking the sleep mat, organising last minute admin stuff - you know the drill!

Here are some pictures of various rides and activities over the past few weeks. As always, I'm grateful for you following my blog and I hope it inspires you to follow your dreams. 

Finally - Ready, Set......

The planning is finally done albeit after much procrastinating. A big shout out goes to my cycling buddies, Ian and Brian, for helping during some of the most challenging moments I've ever had planning a trip. Without their kindness and patience, I'd probably still be sitting at the my table poring over maps!

It's been quite a journey to get to this point and despite having mapped multiple tours, for reasons at the time that were unknown to me, I just couldn't bring myself to sit down and get it done. It does take a lot of research to plan a trip, but particularly a solo trip. This time, the trip is just for me. I'm not doing it to please anyone else, to prove anything, it's just for my enjoyment. 

Following a serious cycling accident in late 2021 and then contracting Covid in recovery, it's taken the best part of twelve months to get back to somewhere near my pre-accident fitness - currently at about 90%. I was unfortunately one of the unlucky ones with lingering Covid symptoms including tachycardia. Quite challening when cycling! 

So, I have a new bike, a new tent, new cycling shoes, new panniers and a whole lot of grit and determination to continue to see the world by bike. I hope you'll join me on the journey. 

You can find my itinerary on the blog. Stay tuned as my July departure approaches.  

Summing up - 1380km

These comments are purely my thoughts and experiences in relation to a particular event or day. I hope they are helpful. 

SNCF are still poo. Mostly unhelpful staff. Old trains not suitable for loaded bikes. That said, the train system is efficient and got us out of a sticky situation with a broken bike. 

This is the most continuous hot weather I’ve ever experienced in France. Day after day of 38+ degrees on the bike takes its toll. The water in my bottles was hot enough to make coffee! 

When riding in hilly areas, consider your gearing. I need a lighter bike with more gears. 

When booking accommodation in summer, check for air conditioning. In Australia it is standard but not in France. And you will likely pay extra for the cost convenience. 

Electric bikes are the norm here, adults and kids alike. I’ve never seen so many electric bikes particularly in Annecy! 

French campgrounds are so variable and quality can’t be determined by stars. The best facilities for cyclists was provided at Les Violettes just outside of Toulouse. They provided tables and chairs and free electricity for cyclists. The campsite was grassy and shaded. Five stars from us. 

Never underestimate the generosity of people. We had a shitty campsite in a beautiful location but no possibility of food apart from a few small provisions. The restaurant at the lake was booked out. The lady running the restaurant was also celiac so had the kitchen prepare us paella for two and gave me a loaf of gluten free bread. So kind. 

Travelling with Elodie was a highlight and then having her meet us in Lyon was icing on the cake. Such a beautiful person. 

Lyon is a beautiful city and quite possibly my new favourite. It seemed so clean and well organised with so much to see. I would definitely go back. 

Always, always check the bolts and fittings on your bike. Use Loctite and be vigilant when you hear new noises. Always check them out. 

Some routes are not suitable for a loaded touring bike despite suggestions to the contrary. The Canal du Midi and the Voie Bleu are in my opinion only suitable for mountain bikes. 

The Hotel de La Porte Doree in Paris was again outstanding. Holding my bike boxes until my return. Great breakfast and lovely people. Would definitely recommend. 

Riding the Champs Élysées was a highlight. So happy I got to do this. 

In general, beautiful and safe cycling. More impatience this time than I’ve ever experienced before but still delightful cycling. I’ll be back. 

Emirates vs Singapore Airlines: interesting debate. Personal preference. I really dislike the long haul to and from Dubai. My vote is Singapore Airlines. I prefer their airport. They also seem to have more control of the plane - enforcing day and night. It didn’t happen on Emirates. We were in darkness for 24 hours. Totally 💩 for jet lag. 

Always clean your bikes and gear when coming into Australia. Don’t bring food and always declare anything you are uncertain about. It makes for an easy transition through security. 

Another amazing successful trip of almost 1400km. Drink wine out of the bottle if you have to.  🤣🤣🤣

Now for the next adventure. 🤔 🤔🤔🚲🚲🚲✈️✈️✈️ ☀️ ☀️☀️

Last day in Paris

What a final day. 

After riding the Champs Élysées, we packed the bikes, had a sneaky drink at Samaritaine, went to Printemps, Galleries Lafayette and visited the Crypt of Notre Dame. Oh, and also had one of the worst meals and service ever in the Latin Quarter. 😬🫤

Tomorrow we head home. We can’t wait to see friends and family. It’s been a great trip. I’ll post my summing up blog soon. 

Thanks for following.

Riding the Champs Élysées

This morning we rode the Champs Élysées. The video is posted to my Insta account as it is too large for this blog. 😬

Here’s some pictures instead.