Channel to the Med 2022

🚴 Back in 2019, my cycling friends Liz and Annemarie invited me to join them on a two-week ride across France, from the Channel to the Mediterranean..

💭 It sounded brilliant — although had I known just how tough it would be, I might have hesitated! Still, quiet roads, French villages and café stops were hard to resist 🇫🇷🥐.

⏳ After Covid and Brexit delays, the day finally arrived. With training complete and bikes packed, we set off for France — adventure underway ✨🚴.

After flying into Paris ✈️, we travelled on to Caen by bus and train. Annemarie had hoped to be with us, but unfortunately she wasn’t able to make the trip in the end

Our accommodation that night overlooked the main square — a perfect place to start the trip.

We headed out for a short evening walk, with cafés still open and the town buzzing in the warm light around the old buildings.

A lovely first taste of Caen before the adventure began

The next morning we wandered the streets in search of breakfast — coffee, pastries and a bit of people-watching ☕🥐.

Soon it was time to collect our bags and catch the bus to Ouistreham, where the adventure would officially begin 🚍🌊.

We checked into our hotel and then headed out for lunch.

Ouistreham was a pleasant town, its main streets lined with elegant shops, cafés and bakeries.🏙️

Our next stop was the memorial, a really thought-provoking place to visit, and from there we made our way back to the hotel to get ready for the evening. 🇫🇷🕊️

Saturday 24 September – Day 1: C2M Ouistreham → Bagnoles de l’Orne

💛 The start of our Channel to Med adventure — that mix of nerves and excitement as we set off at last. The group photo says it all: legs ready, spirits high and everyone buzzing 🚴‍♀️✨.

Our 14-day ride from Ouistreham to Nice was underway — 870 miles from the Channel to the Med 🌊➡️🌊. A big challenge, but with plenty of training behind us, we felt as ready as we could be 💪✨.

From Ouistreham we rolled onto the Suisse Normande cycle way, following the River Orne on quiet, well-signed paths.

Our first pause was at Bénouville, home to the iconic Pegasus Bridge — a key D-Day landmark and now a peaceful memorial 🇬🇧🕊️..

We followed the cycle path through Caen to Isabelle’s legendary first brew stop ☕️.

Her rules were no gloves, hand sanitiser, and a named mug for each of us (to use and wash!).

With Covid still around, it felt reassuring — warm, friendly, and full of humour. The perfect boost for Day 1 😊.

Back on the bikes, the landscape opened up as we left town and headed into the Suisse Normande.

Quiet roads, gentle hills, and a mix of farmland and woodland gave us our first real taste of the area 🌾🚴‍♀️ — classic Normandy countryside with stone houses, small hamlets, and long stretches where it was just us and the road.

The hills gave the legs a bit of a wake-up call, but the views made it worthwhile 🌳.

We soon slipped into that familiar rhythm of pedal, chat, snack, repeat, with small groups forming and re-forming as everyone found their own pace 🚴‍♀️🚴‍♂️.c

Along the way we passed plenty of curious Charolais cattle — including one friendly local 🐄 who ambled over to the fence to check us out. A proper Normandy welcome

As we rolled into Bagnoles-de-l’Orne, the long shadows made it feel like the Channel to Med adventure had truly begun. The elegant spa town, with its lake and grand buildings, was a lovely reward after the full first day.

We stayed at the Hôtel Spa du Béryl overlooking the lake. With our bags already in our rooms, it was easy to unwind. The group dinner was relaxed and friendly and the tour jerseys handed out. 🍽️🎽.

A brilliant start — calm, easy, and a perfect way to ease into the weeks ahead 🚴‍♀️✨

🚴‍♀️ Route Snapshot – Day 1

A quick look at today’s route from Strava – a smooth start from Ouistreham down through Caen and into the rolling countryside.

Sunday 25 September – Day 2 – C2M Bagnoles de l’Orne to La Flèche

Rolling away from the lake at Bagnoles-de-l’Orne, we eased into a crisp, hilly autumn morning and the rhythm of Day 2 🚴‍♀️🍂. The roads were almost empty, villages still asleep on a chilly Sunday ❄️🏘️.

We rode through forests and quiet countryside, with views opening up around every bend 🌲. It was just us, the breeze, and our tyres on the road.

Morning brew stop at Saint-Cyr-en-Pail with Isabelle and Ben — fresh coffee, big smiles, and loads of fabulous snacks: nuts, sweets, biscuits and cakes, plenty to keep us fuelled for the miles ahead. ☕🚴‍♀️🍪🍫🥜🌤️

We stopped for a buffet lunch at a small wooden lakeside restaurant in Sillé-le-Guillaume, tucked under the trees with picnic benches overlooking the water 🌳. Sunlight through the leaves, bikes propped outside, and plenty of time to sit and relax — a perfect pause before heading back out 🚴‍♀️💧

The afternoon was glorious, with easy miles through open countryside and past a couple of beautiful châteaux. The approach to Tinnie stood out — a long, tree-lined avenue leading up to the château, postcard-perfect in the sunshine 🚴‍♀️🌳🏰.

The riding eased as we followed the River Sarthe, with glass-smooth water and perfect reflections 🌿. Liz and Ed even spotted a kingfisher — which I somehow missed 💙. Being Sunday, we rolled past village brocantes, with everyone out buying and selling little treasures.

We gathered in the sunlit town square, relaxed and unhurried, sharing a drink and chatting about the day’s ride before heading back to get ready for the group meal 🍻😄. Day 2 finished on a real high — another brilliant day on the road 🚴‍♀️✨.

Route Snapshot – Day 2

Today’s route from Bagel de l’Orme to La Flèche — a steady day of rolling roads and open countryside.

🚴‍♀️ Monday 26 September – C2M Day 3 La Flèche to Loches

Waking up in La Flèche, the legs were warming nicely to tour life — a steady, hopeful start to a new day on the road. 🚴‍♀️🌤️

We rolled out of La Flèche in crisp early sunshine, gathering outside the hotel for the usual chatter, faffing and last-minute layers. Spirits were high, legs loosening up, and it felt like a great start to Day 3

One of the morning highlights was the Abbaye Saint-Pierre de Solesmes, rising above the River Sarthe with its tall spires and peaceful setting. We stopped on the bridge for a couple of photos — it was simply too lovely to ride straight past.

Once out of town, the countryside opened up into classic Loire landscapes — gentle lanes lined with stone houses, pockets of woodland and big, open fields stretching off into the distance. We passed several châteaux tucked among sleepy hamlets, each one appearing out of nowhere like a little piece of history dropped in the middle of the countryside.

Further along, we passed the elegant Château de Gizeux — long and graceful, rising unexpectedly out of the trees like something from a storybook. Another beautiful landmark on a morning full of scenic surprises.

Although the route was mostly flat, it was surprisingly hard going. A strong headwind pushed against us all morning with absolutely nowhere to hide. The land itself told the same story — vast fields of drought-stricken crops, rows of dusty stubble, and orchards littered with fallen apples. The dry summer still had the Loire in its grip. 🚴‍♀️🍏💨

Just before lunch we reached Langeais and the impressive Château de Langeais — a proper medieval fortress with huge round towers and a working drawbridge. Even in the grey light, the town had real charm, despite the howling wind 🏰.

We stopped for lunch just as we left Langeais. The setting by the Loire was gorgeous, but the wind was fierce — we were blown sideways riding over the bridge! A quick grab for extra layers from the van, then we tucked into our picnic, jackets firmly zipped up 🥪🌬️.

Leaving chilly Langeais — warmed up with a few extra layers — we followed quieter lanes as the scenery changed again. Before long we were passing troglodyte dwellings, with doorways and windows carved straight into the rock — an unexpected sight, and one of the things that makes the Loire so unique.

By now the weather had really turned, with strong winds, sharp sideways gusts and bursts of rain making every mile a battle. We were glad to reach the brew stop at Bardilon, huddling beside the bright red Peak Tours van for a hot drink and a quick regroup.

Spirits stayed surprisingly high and, after twenty tough miles into the crosswind, it was a huge relief when the wind finally swung round and turned into a tailwind. The last stretch into Loches flew by and we arrived damp and windswept — tired, relieved, and more than ready to stop.

We checked into the Best Western Premier Hôtel de la Cité Royale — an absolute gem in an old courthouse full of character. A dip in the pool felt amazing after such a tough day, and the rooms were modern and surprisingly high-tech.

Dinner was at Bistro Latin, a friendly Italian in the centre of Loches. Over pizza and a glass of wine, we shared stories and laughed about the day’s weather with the guys from Solihull

After the meal, Liz and I took a wander around Loches. Even in the dark, the old town was stunning — narrow cobbled streets, warm light glowing from old stone buildings, and that lovely sense of stepping into history. It was the perfect way to round off Day 3. 🍕🍷✨🌙

Today’s ride from La Flèche to Loches — steady miles, rolling countryside and another great day on the road.

Route Snapshot – Day 3

La Fleche - Loches

Tuesday 27 September — C2M Day 4: Loches → Argenton

After three big days in the saddle, it felt good to wake up knowing we had a shorter ride ahead — a little breather before the miles start stacking up again.

We set off through long stretches of farmland and quiet forest roads — steady riding through small villages, that familiar rural-French feel.

We rode through one heavy shower.

It didn’t last..

The scenery slowly opened up as we rode on.

Saint-Gaultier appeared ahead — spired buildings rising above the trees after the quiet roads of the Parc Naturel Régional de la Brenne.

The river, rooftops and slightly tumbledown houses gave it real character.

After Saint-Gaultier, the miles rolled by easily and we arrived in Argenton early afternoon.

We headed straight to the square for a drink before checking in 🍻

Yesterday’s accommodation had been luxury.
Tonight was more on the shabby-chic side.

The town itself was charming. From the bridge, you could see the rooftops, the church spire, and the river curving around the houses. A golden statue looked down from the hillside above, giving the place a slightly film-set feel ✨

Early evening, we headed out for dinner, meeting others at a local restaurant.

Part-way through the meal, there was unexpected activity next door, followed by the arrival of an ambulance 🚑.

Paul, one of our group, had suffered a heart attack.

It was a real shock. He was taken straight to hospital and stayed there for several weeks. Thankfully, he recovered and is now back on his bike ❤️.

It was a difficult end to an otherwise very good day.

Despite everything, I was still feeling surprisingly strong after 270 miles, with ten days still to go 🚴‍♀️💜.

Route Snapshot – Day 4

La Fleche - Argenton

Wednesday 28 September — C2M Day 5: Argenton to Aubusson

79 miles, 6,300 ft of climbing and the wettest day of the whole trip 🌧️🚴‍♀️

Day 5 had “big day” written all over it — long miles and plenty of climbing.

From the moment we set off, the rain was torrential.
Visibility was dreadful. We could barely see the wheel in front 😅.

The rain hid most of the views, but we were riding through the quiet, green heart of the Creuse — rolling hills, peaceful farmland, tiny hamlets, stone churches scattered across the landscape.

On a clear day it’s a beautiful region, full of wooded valleys and soft countryside.
Today, it was the backdrop to a very wet adventure.

Our first brew stop was in Crozant, where on a normal day the views of the château are spectacular.

Today, we got the misty, rain-soaked outline version — still atmospheric in its own way 🌫️.

The morning settled into a steady rhythm of climbing, descending and relentless rain — the worst weather I’ve ever cycled in 🌧️.

Every ten miles, the Peak Tours team appeared with food, dry layers and a much-needed check-in 🚐👏.

Lunch in Saint-Fiel was a complete lifesaver — warm, indoors, and a chance to peel off our soaking kit.

Isabelle treated us all to hot chocolates, courtesy of Peak Tours ☕️💜.

It felt like pure bliss.

By the second brew stop at the Abbey at Moutier-d’Ahun, the rain had finally eased.

We just took a quick look through the gate and a stretch of the legs 🚶‍♀️ — but it was a peaceful pause after such a wild morning.

Despite the awful weather, I really enjoyed the day.

It felt like a proper adventure 💪, and the miles passed quicker than I expected.

Even in the damp, grey light, the Creuse had real charm — quiet villages with steep rooftops, old stone bridges, gentle rivers and hilltop buildings.

I’d love to come back one day and ride this section in the dry.

That night’s hotel felt like a real Fawlty Towers moment — shoes off, breakfast forms on arrival, and our wet clothes whisked away with no indication of when they’d reappear.

Liz and I headed back out into the rain (again!) in search of food and stumbled across a lovely little restaurant.

We warmed up, ate well, and laughed about our drowned-rat look before making yet another wet dash back to the hotel.

Route Snapshot – Day 5

Today’s ride from Argenton to Aubusson — a tougher day with more climbing, stunning scenery and a really rewarding finish.

Thursday 29 September — C2M Day 6: Aubusson to Le Mont-Dore

Long climbs, big scenery, cold descents and a well-earned massage 🚴‍♀️⛰️

We left Aubusson on quiet roads, climbing steadily through patchwork fields as the air began to cool on the way towards the Massif Central.

By mid-morning we reached our first brew stop — a pause before the real climbing began.

Lunch was another tasty one, although we still looked like we were dressed for the depths of winter 🥶. Layers, gloves, buffs — the lot! It definitely wasn’t shorts-and-jersey weather.

By the afternoon brew stop the bikes had been unceremoniously dumped in a heap — always a sign of tired legs and hungry riders 🚲😅.

Just before Mont-Dore, the road dropped into the Gorge de la Dordogne — suddenly steeper and much wilder than anything we’d ridden so far.

The road wound steadily up through the gorge, climbing all the way.

The view from the top was stunning 🌄.

The descent into Le Mont-Dore should have been perfect.

The rain arrived a little too early.

By the time we reached the bottom, we were cold, wet, and ready to stop 🌧️🥶.

The hotel was a good one.

Even the bikes had a warm, cosy place to sleep 🔐🚴‍♀️

Liz and I had both booked massages — an absolute treat after such a big day 💆‍♀️.

Dinner was simple and close, straight across the road in a local bar.

We’d climbed steadily all day, caught a brief burst of sunshine, then dropped down into our stop — tired, happy, and ready to rest.

Route Snapshot – Day 6

Today’s ride from Aubusson to Le Mont Doré — shorter in distance but a big climbing day as we headed up into the mountains.

Friday 30 September 2024 C2M day 7 - La Mont Dore to Flour

A breakfast to die for, a frosty start, a climb straight into the clouds 🚴‍♀️❄️⛰️

What a start to the day — breakfast was exceptional 😍.

Fruit crumble with thick yoghurt, crème brûlée, and a pain au chocolat that was hard to beat.

I could easily have worked my way through the whole dessert table, but had to be sensible — the day began with a long, steady climb from the ski resort.

After a frosty night, we had a later start, wrapped up in full cold-weather kit ❄️🧤.

The air was crisp and bright as we rolled out into proper ski-resort country, high up in the Massif Central.

We headed straight into the climb of the Col de la Croix St Robert — 1,451 metres, and a Tour de France classic ⛰️.

☕ A welcome brew stop near Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise

Time to thaw out and admire the view.

Back on the bikes, we rolled out again, following quiet roads through small hamlets in the Auvergne 🚴‍♀️.

Stone houses, patchwork fields and big open views kept us smiling, even as the climbs continued 🏔️😊.

🍽️ Our next stop was Marcenat, and time for lunch.

The restaurant was warm and welcoming — just what we needed before heading back out onto the road 😊.

🌄 The afternoon took us through rolling green fields and big open skies, with herds of auburn Salers cattle watching us pedal past 🐄.

The villages had that classic Auvergne look — slate roofs, stone houses, and rocky hillsides rising behind them.

Our hotel for the night was a monastery.

The rooms weren’t quite up to the standard we’d been used to, but the building itself was impressive, overlooking St Flour.

That evening we ate in the refectory, long tables set beneath high ceilings.

There were no menus, so we had no idea what we’d be eating — which only added to the experience.

The food was delicious.

Route Snapshot – Day 7

Today’s ride from Le Mont Doré to Saint-Flour — a spectacular day over the volcanic landscape, full of climbing and dramatic scenery.

Saturday 1 October C2M Day 8 St Flour to Mend

A short day to day. Only 50 miles - not sure when 50 miles started being a short ride, but still plenty of climbing to do.

The day started with a long climb out of town.

A short descent to an aqueduct offered brief relief, before the road tipped up again for a long, grinding climb onto the plateau.

We stayed up there for the next twenty miles.

At 3,400 feet above sea level, the plateau felt surprisingly ordinary — farming country stretched out in every direction.
The views must be spectacular on a clear day.
We didn’t see them this morning.

Plenty of cattle out on the fields — and with all that grazing, it’s no surprise this area is known for its cheese.
John, meanwhile, was having a very bad morning.

A welcome lunch, then an easy roll into Mende and an early finish.

It wasn’t the most memorable for the cycling — long, flat miles in grey, damp conditions, with very little to see.

But it was Saturday, and we finished early

I took a solo walk into town.

Narrow streets, old stone buildings, painted façades, and umbrellas strung between them.

Smartly dressed afternoon shoppers passing by.

I stopped at a patisserie for coffee and cake, enjoying the stillness — and my own company.

Route Snapshot – Day 8

Today’s ride from Saint-Flour to Mende — shorter on paper, with rain, low cloud and plenty of climbing.

Sunday 2nd October - C2m Day 9 - Mende to Vallon Pont D'Arc

We started in low cloud and 6 degrees.

By the first brew stop, the sun had appeared.

By lunch, all the cold-weather gear was ditched. It was hot.

Atlantic to Mediterranean — a real turning point.

Lunch was a picnic beside a lake, and spirits were high — sunshine, warm air, and a real sense of having turned a corner.

It felt as though we’d crossed into another country when we passed the watershed — rivers behind us flowing to the Channel, ahead of us towards the Mediterranean.

The rest of the day flowed easily.

Better weather, amazing views, and a noticeable lift in spirits.

We finished with a long downhill — ten easy miles all the way to the end of the day

Route Snapshot – Day 9

Today’s ride from Mende to Vallon Pont d’Arc — a brilliant day on the bike with changing landscapes and a fun, flowing route.

Monday 3 October - Day 10 C2M Vallon Point d'Arc - Vaison Le Raison

This was to be just an absolutely fabulous day. An amazing morning cycling through La Gorge de la Ardèche.

A big climb first thing and then shorter ups and downs. We stopped so many times as the views were just amazing.

After a picnic lunch we cycled through the Rhone area. Really gusty winds, the Mistral was blowing sideways on which made cycling a bit scary at times especially over the many bridges we crossed but thankfully there were no casualties. This was Cotes to Rhone country with lots of vineyards

As the day wore on we could see Ventoux looming in the distance, this was to be next days challange and the highlight of the tour. What a day!!

I managed to take the wrong turn in one of the towns and lost the group for a whilst but luckily it was a shortish day and everyone had stopped for a beer or two on the way. It was a really lovely hour with everyone on great form.

We stayed in a medieval hotel that night in the ancient historical centre of Vaison la Romaine.

The day ended with a fabulous meal is a nearby restaurant - the food and ambience was brilliant - a lovely end to a great day.

Route Snapshot – Day 10

Today’s ride from Vallon Pont d’Arc to Vaison-la-Romaine — a brilliant transition day with quieter roads and some fantastic sweeping views.

Tuesday 4 October - C2M Day 11 Vaison de la Raison to Sault

This was going to be a day to remember, climbing up Mont Ventoux. This classic ride was going to prove to be a a tough climb but we were well rewarded with fine panoramic views over area.

After a short ride to Malaucene we all regrouped ready to start the long climb of Mont Ventoux. The weather was superb, blue skies and hardly a breath of wind. After cycling through the mistral the day before it was a big relief.

There were to be two red vans leap frogging up the mountain making sure everyone was doing okay. Isabelle ready with the brew wagon and Ed with just snacks. Ben was to be back marker on the bike.

As we started the climb it did seem that it would not too bad a climb. The road was very busy with lots of groups of cyclists also doing this climb.

It started to get steeper the higher we go. The road zig zagged its way up the mountain with plenty of kick backs. There was no rush to get to the top so we could stop to admire the views and take photographs.

We stopped at Isabelle's van for coffee and snacks quite early on and then Ed was about 2/3s of the way up. Isabelle had just left when I reached Eds van. This was going to give me bit of battery anxiety as I really should have made sure my battery was the correct van.

This is a photo from the last bend and secondry carpark. I really was running very low on battery.

I cycled on and then spotted Isabelle, I went to stop to change the battery, she said 'Its only 100 metres'. I managed about half of it and the battery died. Never mind, quick U-turn battery changed and off back up the top.

It was just so great to see everyone making it to the top, lots of clapping as they cycled past the van. The weather was just fabulous and there was no rush to leave.

We stopped for lunch on the way down and then it was time to finish the day's cycling.

We all met up that night for a group meal. It was a great night and the perfect end to this special day.

Route Snapshot – Day 11

Today’s ride took us up the mighty Mont Ventoux — a big day of climbing but absolutely incredible in perfect weather.

Wednesday 5 Oct - C2m Day 12 Salut to Salles du Verdon

Wednesday 5 October - C2M Day 12 Salut to Salles du Verdon

What a difference a day makes. Yesterday we were climbing mountains and today we were bombing it along lovely rolling hills with some good climbs and great descents. Perfect weather and stunning scenery

The scenery changed all day with beautiful villages and towns

We spent some time in this town hunting for the ice cream shop that Isabelle had recommended. I never found it but I believe the icecream was worth the hunt.

Stunning views, especially in the afternoon as we entered the Gorges du Verdon. The landscape had changed to rather arid, steep sided valleys. We passed by Lac de Saint Croix - the water level was very low.

A brilliant spa at the hotel and I enjoyed an hours relaxation in pool, steam room, jacuzzi and very posh cold shower. We also had a great meal in a lovely restaurant at the hotel.

It was beginning to feel a bit like a holiday.

It’s getting boring but what a fabulous days cycling this was.

I started to feel a little sad that this incredible journey is nearing its end. We only had two more days to go. The next day we were going through the Gorges du Verdon and we were told it was to be one of the best days of the tour.

Route Snapshot – Day 12

Today’s ride from Sault to Salles-sur-Verdon brought a huge change in scenery — warmer air, bigger views and a real sense of the Mediterranean getting closer.

Thursday 6 October -C2M Day 13 L'Ermitage to Castellan

Well what a day this turned out to be. A proper tourist day, riding through the Gorges du Verdon.

Beautiful views all the way. Lots of stopping, relaxing and no one was in any rush. A brilliant day.

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A great lunch stop at a local bar after a fab morning on the bikes. We had a bit of a wait for the food but is was well worth the wait.

It was a fabulous afternoon, just so many stops for photographs

We wandered round the lovely old town through quiet streets before returning to the hotel for a top notch meal at the hotel. The staff thought I was very strange ordering a hot chocolate night cap as in France it is a breakfast drink.

Route Snapshot – Day 13

Today’s ride from L’Ermitage to Castellane — a shorter day but packed with dramatic scenery and some brilliant climbing around the Verdon area.

Friday 7 October - Day 14 Castellan to Nice

Well it was the last day,

After lunch it was downhill all the way into Cagnes Sur Mer just outside Nice, our final destination

Cyling into town knowing we were nearly there was brilliant

And then we were there 870 miles 62000 feet of climbing. It was just the best end we could have, warm sunny weather, a glass of fiz and a dip in the Med.

Route Snapshot – Day 14

The final ride from Castellane to Nice — a brilliant last day with sweeping descents, warm air and that first glimpse of the Mediterranean.

We all ended up sitting outside a pizza restaurant for a few drinks before heading back to the hotel for our final evening together.

It felt strange knowing the journey was almost over. The meal itself wasn’t particularly memorable, but after fourteen incredible days crossing France, nobody was worrying about that.

We had made it from the Channel to the Mediterranean — and what an adventure it had been. 🇫🇷🚴‍♀️

After the meal we went for a wander along the promenade, it was a lovely hour and good to stretch our legs.

Saturday 8 October - Playing Tourist in Nice

Liz and I had a brilliant day sightseeing in Nice. What a beautiful city. A rest and recovery day - ha ha - not quiet, 8 miles walking to and from station and walking around Nice. I was blown over by the stunning buildings of both the old and new towns. So much to see.

We caught the train into Nice, just down the bay

When we arrived we popped into the local tourist office and picked up the leaflet for the bus tour and then worked out the best way to walk the sites, Liz really is a good tour guide.

Sunday 8 October Day 16 - and then is was all over

We woke up to torrential rain and thunder but luckily it had eased a bit by the time we finished breakfast

After breakfast with umbrella in hand I set off for a solo walk along the prom to the marina.  It was nice to stop for a beer and just people watch after two weeks of go go go.

And then it was time to make my way back to the hotel ready for our flight home

It had been  an absolutely amazing holiday, stunning scenery, some really fab hotels in beautiful towns and lots of laughs and groans along the way.

It was the best cycling I have ever experienced, not many pot holes and most of the roads were smooth.

Exploring so much of France in such a short time has given me a real love for this country.

A big thank you to Isabelle, Ed and Ben for doing such a fabulous job of looking after us.

Thanks also to all the riders Clare, Jane and Jill , Graham, Colin and John, Fiona, Lisa, Mel, Noreen, and Wendy, Jeanette and Paul, Joe, Dale, Steve and Chris, Muir, Guy and Jeff and Paul who unfortunately did not get to finish the trip.

My last thank you is to my cycling buddy Liz Williams for inviting me on this amazing tour. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would ever be mad enough to cycle the length of France or cycle up Mont Ventoux, an amazing experience in itself. Now back to normal life.

Where next???