Tuesday 31 May - Rest days

Safely on Bike Express to take us home

We planned for the remainder of our time in France to have a few days R&R. Ann wanted to lie on a beach. The weather changed as we arrived in Sete. So we have ridden around Sete, we have walked around and up to the highest point of Sete, we have had a bus ride in Sete. We now know Sete quite well and will move on tomorrow.
We meet up with the European Bike Express on Sunday for our trip home.
I have been unable to add photos this trip. I will put them in an album when I get home and add a Link to the blog.
A great trip, we had no problems, the bike was great, the food was excellent, the accommodation, varied as it was was very good. We are not sure what we are going to do next, the Loire, Eurovelo 6, west coast of USA, endless possibilities.

Saturday 28 May

Parkins leave to catch train to Arcachon.
We head off for Sete. Tarmac path soon ends and we are back on the rough stuff. We saw a pair of storks feeding their young.
Narrow gates at the Libron works caused us to use the road for a couple of miles. The Libron works were a way of diverting the flooding river over the canal.
In Agde we saw lots of people dressed up in historical costumes, tents were erected around the town and music and markets.
A very hot and open stretch of busy road led along the narrow strip of land that separates the bassin from the sea. We eventually found the cycle track which took us into Sete, found hotel and stopped.
Mileage 29 Total 718

Friday 27 May

The Med - notice warm clothing!

 Left tents and bags and rode down to Portiragres Plage and the Med. Weather was overcast and windy. Coolest day for weeks. It had rained heavily through the night.
The Plage was deserted, beach was empty. We took all the obligatory photos but refrained from swimming. We went to visit Seringnan which was surprisingly busy.
Enjoyed a last meal with John and Jenny.
Mileage 23 Total 689

Thursday 26 May

Another glorious day weatherise. Path still very narrow, bumpy, many tree roots and very close to canal. Have to think about which foot to put down when stopping. Canal side could be 2 wet people and kit.
Path eventually improved near Bezier. Arrived at an amazing set of 9 (8) locks, with options to choose different canals on the way down. We met a large crowd of French road cyclists who had completed Bordeux to Bezier, but had avoided all the rough bits by staying on the roads.
John and Jenny managed to book on the train for Sat. We carried on and camped in Villeneuve les Bezier.
Mileage 30 Total 666 miles

Wednesday 25 May

Close to the route!

After an enjoyable short day on Tuesday we set off back to CDM. The path quickly became very narrow, rocky, lots of tree roots and rutted. We had another puncture and fell off the bike twice. This continued the whole way to Le Somail, where we stopped for a Chambre d'Hote which turned out to be a gite. We arrived very dirty and tired, but after a few beers, showers and a meal we were fine. Temperature was in low 30s.
Mileage 41 Total 633 miles

Tuesday 24 May

John had a puncture before we left Les Magasin, but still away at a good time. We planned a short ride to Carcasonne, so we could have a look around the Citie, and have a bit of a break. Campsite was good and walking distance from the Citie. It was very impressive. Being on a hill there were great views.

Monday 23 May



The End of Tarmac

 We left campsite, shopped at Leclerc and were on our way by 10.30 After 20km Tarmac stopped and we were down to single track bumpy path. Character of canal quite different , lots of bends, narrower and older buildings. All very scenic. Path not as rough as expected. Port was very picturesque. We continued on to Bram where we are staying in an old store used by Pierre Riquet when building the canal.
Domaine les Magasins so far we have seen someone on a penny farthing bike, 2 pairs canoeing in double canoes and tonight chatted with 2 guys who are running the Canal du Midi.
Mileage 36 Total 574



The path narrows



Sunday 22 May End of Canal du Lateral - Start of Canal du Midi



Canal Du Midi

The small town of Montech was not quite as bad as we thought. Massive brick built church with a tall spire on one corner. There was also a farmers Market which gave us some supplies for the day. Quickly back on route and easy, fast riding took us into Toulouse. Turn left and we are on the Canal du Midi. A clear route took us quickly out of Toulouse, although it was busy with roller bladers, walkers and cyclists. Stopped to camp at Ayguesvive. Had to then cycle a few more kilometres for food
mileage 50 Total 538

21 May Saturday. Serrignac to Montech

A great ride along canal. Again very quiet and we often had the path to ourselves for long periods. One French bloke on a road bike, looked at the tandem and asked "why?"
We decided to head for a campsite in Montech, in order to get through Toulouse earlier in the day on Sunday. We found the so called 4* site, all overgrown, covered in rubbish and in a bad state of repair. Decided to stay in town in Hotel Notre Dame. Rooms fine and good meal in front of hotel.
Mileage - 52 miles Total 488

20 May Friday. La Reole to Serignac sur Garonne

We left the Chambre d'hôte in Reole at 10.00. A most amazing old house and couple. Looked nothing on outside, inside it was like a Tardis. Room after room, great big lovely garden and everywhere full of STUFF. Latest magazine in loo - 1984. Now on the Canal du Lateral. Lovely ride. 40 miles on traffic free quiet paths. Stopped in Le Mas-d'Agenais for lunch and to see the Rembrandt in the church, sadly on loan to Louvre. Lunch was good though, under the roof of an old grain store in the centre.

Temperature rising, though the trees do give much needed shade.

Found hotel, Le Prinz Noir. An old monastery, the monks must have lived well - this one had a great restaurant and a swimming pool.
Mileage 43 miles. Total 436

19 May Thursday

Just finished packing up tents etc when heavens opened. We had breakfast in Creon, rain stopped. Lovely long descent and a flat ride on cycle path all the way to Saveterre de Gryerre. Very good menu lunch. By this time rain clouds had gone and temp up around 28. ReachedRiver Garonne on late afternoon. La Reole, an old town dating back to before Richard the Lionheart.
Found a chambre d'hote in a very old rambling town house.
Mileage - 37 miles Total - 393
Cannot find anywhere to add photos to Blog.
We didn't see the old Frenchman and his trailer. John P had fears of a Gerhard repeat, but that is another Parkie story.

18 May Wednesday

We set off by 10.00 and into town for repairs. John needed a new wheel, and Jenny a new tyre and inner tube. All done in an hour and off again. A very enjoyable ride through Bordeaux, along the river and then onto the Roger Lapibie cycle path. The countryside is now changing from the pines near the coast to much more mixed woods and farmland.
Camped at Creon. Met a 76 year old who is on his own on a heavily laden Nike and with a BobYak trailer. He wanted to travel to the med with us, we declined the offer.
Mileage - 37 miles Total - 356

17 May Tuesday - Stage 2 - French Coast to Coast

 We left Arcachon on great weather, took the ferry across to Cap Ferrat. Mainly on cycle paths up to Lege, then St Helene. No campsites, but we found a chambre d'hote close to the cycle path. A very welcoming family, and we had a lovely meal outside with the family. Lots of nibbles, including radishes, salt and butter, followed by leg of lamb and harricot blanc, and then green salad and cheese finally followed by fresh home grown strawberries.
John P has damaged his wheel and Jenny has split a tyre so we will sort that tomorrow.
Mileage - 40 miles Total 319.
A good start to part 2

Saturday 14 May Arcachon

Our first wet start. Then a few wrong torns on the way out of Biscarosse Plage, followed by a double puncture. Luckily taking the back wheel off was very easy and soon on our way again. Rain stopped and wind arrived. Easy run into Arcachon, even though there were more hills than we would have liked. The Parkies managed to find the only hilltop campsite in the area. Rented a mobile home for a few days, time to clean up, reorganise and chill out.
John and Jenny are hoping to arrive Sunday evening.
Still nowhere to put photos on. I'll try in Arcachon.
Mileage 24 miles Total 280
Camping Club du Arcachon

13 May Friday

We were straight onto the cycle route in Mimizan Plage and again very good. Heading inland to go around the Zone Militaire. Nice to be cycling near the lakes. Very quiet, hardly saw a soul. Lunch in Biscarrosse Ville then a ride along the lake and turn back out towards the sea. We were warned of the Mont in the route but it still took us by surprise, but after a pause we managed it to the top, even passed a Frenchman on a road bike with no luggage. That made us feel good.
We haven't had to walk up anything, gears are great.
Arrived in Biscarosse in time for a walk along the beach, a beer and now for tea.
Hotel Les Vagues - suits us - we must have the look- it happened again today, momentary pause and someone stops to help.
Distance - 38 miles. Total 254
I will try and get some photos on in Arcachon.

12 May Thursday

Capbretton was cloudy but warm as we left. We followed cycle paths for most of the way today. The first half looked brand new. Smooth, wide and fast. After that the older narrower paths were still enjoyable, although the odd tree root did catch one unaware. Far better than the busy roads. Arrived in Mimizan Plage about 17.00
Hotel Chez Jean Paul, with a great Italian restaurant.
Distance - 48.5 miles Total 216

Wednesday 11 May

Left Hendaye with an overcast sky the ride along the Corniche was great, but it did get very busy. Saint Jean-de-Luz very bustling with Market in full flow. We found our way out to seaside promenade. Houses along this stretch were built behind the seawall and had small bridges linking them to the seawall.
On to Bairitz. Our route took us in above the old port, where we had lunch. The TI suggested we follow the cycle path around the Argent area to get to the next bridge. A very enjoyable ride that took us to the bridge to Bayonne. At this point an Australian bloke stopped and offered help. It must be the air of total confusion that surrounds us, as we only have to stop for a few seconds and someone will stop. Only a matter of time before they start taking us across the road. Anyway the Australian gave us some directions and chatted on for a while. Off again and after a minor mistake found the cycle track, paused to check the map and a French cyclist stopped to offer help. He then rode off on the same direction, but stayed a bit ahead so he could check we were on the right path. Finally got to Capbretton about 19.00.
Hotel du Parc and a meal - mistake - in The Boaboa.
We were woken in the night by the loudest thunder and lightening storm ever. Ann pleased we are not camping.
Mileage - 45 miles Total 167 miles

Tuesday May 10

We left Leikeito at 10.30 and somehow got on the wrong road, although it was heading in the right direction. Afterwards we realised it was probably the best route. It was again signed as a cycle route and on excellent roads. We arrived in Ondarroa in good time, had a rest by the Market and bridge and set off for Deba. A lovely seaside town. Had lunch on the beach, then decided to take the train to get past San Sebastoan and the increasingly busy roads as we could not find alternate routes. The train was no problem, rolled the bike on fully loaded, changed in San Sebastian and on to Henday for 17.00. Rode out to seafront on the north side and went to the TI. Met a Frenchman riding a "high bike", he was on his way to Bilbao, then Barcelona followed by Rome to attend a series of Critical Mass events. Gave him some route advice and went off to find a hotel.
Hotel Uhainak with sea views. Surfers on the beach across the road, which is the start of the Corniche de Basque, which will take us to Saint Jean-de-Luz
and north.
Distance 22 miles Total 122

Spanish Main. Monday 9th May

As always leaving cities is busy and seems to take ages. Very hot and busy. We followed the river past La Cruz and to Amorebieta, then turned north to Gernika. That part of the route started with a long hard climb, totally exhausted us but we rode the whole way up. Then we had a glorious descent to Gernika. Much bigger than expected and Market day. Met an English bloke, who has an IT shop there, he suggested a different route to Lekeito to our planned route. We took his advice and found his route was used by many cyclists and is signed as a cycle route. It went over a pass as high as the first one, but with a much better gradient. We passed through beautiful countryside, with houses and farms looking very alpine. After the pass most of the rest of the route was downhill. The road surface was great, putting English roads to shame. Lots of very fast sweeping bends, a great ride. Arrived in Lekeito to find the Tourist Office is still on Winter season. Booked into an old, but very pleasant hotel, right on the front. A very nice seaside resort and port. Had a meal round the corner almost on the harbour wall. 10 Euros each for 2 courses. I had fish soup, a large tureen enough for 6. Ann ordered a salad and got vegetable, mainly green soup. After mains of lamb, me, and anchovies for Ann. A very enjoyable day.
Tandem is working very well. Gears are great, and even loaded as it is, it feels very solid and stable at all speeds. The brakes are good, even without a drag brake, as long as I follow the advice for braking with a load on long descents there is no problem. The gear range suits us ideally as we have cycled up everything so far, even if slowly at times.
Hotel Palacio Oxangoiti
Mileage today :- 43 miles
Total mileage :- 100 miles

Along the coast tomorrow, which sounds great. Just have to avoid sunburn, temperature was around 28 today.

Sunday - Rest day! 8th May

We planned to have today to visit the Guggenheim Museum. A fantastic building, well worth a visit.
Have now planned Mondays route. Ann a little nervous of the hills, which appeaer to rise in every direction from the hotel.
Weather looks settled and good, roads so far have been very good, so hopefully we should be fine.
Mileage to date:- 56 miles. Max speed 40mph, with one nervous stoker.0

Saturday, 7 May 2011 Arrived in Bilbao

Train journey worked very well. Tandem no problem, separating or putting it back together. Had a good night in Southampton. Ncr 2 down to Portsmouth was very good, even though it is not complete yet. A brilliant warm day, country lanes, riverside paths, 2 ferries, one of which was only just big enough for us and the bike and was pink.arrived in Portsmouth between Warrior and the Spinnaker Tower.
Ferry was great, comfortable and not crowded. There were a great number of bikers and us.
Arriving in Bilbao, we cycled towards a motorway and a local waved us down and put us right. Then we turned down towards the river, very steep, Ann worried, sped down, a quick right turn and onto the transporter bridge over the river.
There were a number of cycle paths or lanes that took us along the river until we could see the Guggenheim, our hotel was almost opposite.
A very enjoyable ride in.
Food was Tapas in town, fantastic old bars and cafes. All full to bursting, no music, or Tvs, but full of life. And great food.
I will try and get some photos on as soon as possible.

Ready to roll. Penrith station for 8.22 and then Southampton, Portsmouth for 17.00 on Friday and ferry.

Nearly there.

Can we fill these? Yes we can. Not using the trailer now seems to be a little problematical. But we pack on.

Click on the link to get a rough idea of the route we hope to take.
http://bit.ly/jewwLf

Preparation and packing ...will it all fit in?

We are in the final stages of packing - a camping trip without the trailer. Panniers are full and we keep finding more essentials that have to go somewhere.
First trip on the new tandem - including trains down to Southampton. Cycle route to Portsmouth and ferry to Bilbao. Then along to France - canals paths across to the Med and Bike Express home.