It began as a crazy idea whilst on holiday in France back in 2003 and within a couple of weeks had turned into a serious plan. Now after two years preparation and a couple of false starts we’re finally off.…
Day 1: Chesham to Haslemere
Monday April 4, 2005, 92 km (57 miles) – Total so far: 92 km (57 miles) We started the day with a delicious full English breakfast in Chesham, eaten whilst watching the April rain. We left Chesham via Fuller’s Hill…
Day 2: Haslemere to Portsmouth
Tuesday April 5, 2005, 62 km (39 miles) – Total so far: 154 km (96 miles) We enjoyed another delicious breakfast in Haslemere courtesy of Judy. The Sadlers had plotted a great route to the sea for us and let…
Day 4: Bilbao to Mundaka (Portamondo)
Thursday April 7, 2005, 66 km (41 miles) – Total so far: 220 km (137 miles) The Basque coastline is not flat, but it’s quiet. Probably how the French Riviera once was before Europe’s hoteliers discovered the place. The scenery…
Day 5: Mundaka to Itziar
Friday April 8, 2005, 76 km (47 miles) – Total so far: 296 km (184 miles) What awful weather: rain, hail, sun, wind – we’ve had the lot. Hence our luxury caravan at a budget-busting €80 a night. We covered…
Day 6: Itziar to Donostia San Sebastian
Saturday April 9, 2005, 54 km (34 miles) – Total so far: 350 km (217 miles) Hail fell from the sky throughout the night. The worst of it cleared up by the morning, but it was still miserable weather wise,…
Day 7: Donostia to Anglet
Sunday April 10, 2005, 68 km (42 miles) – Total so far: 418 km (260 miles) We crossed the border into France today, so, if you include England, we’re already into our third country of the tour. The cycling was…
Day 8: Anglet to Messanges
Monday April 11, 2005, 62 km (39 miles) – Total so far: 480 km (298 miles) The sun finally broke through as we left Capbreton and entered the fragrant pine forests of Landes, they smell even nicer in the sunshine.…
Day 9: Messanges
Tuesday April 12, 2005 Today we went for walk on the beach, paddled in the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean, and visited a few familiar places from previous holidays. For supper, we had a delicious starter of freshly baked…
Day 10: Messanges to Mimizan
Wednesday April 13, 2005, 87 km (54 miles) – Total so far: 567 km (352 miles) A stunning sunny day cycling spent almost entirely on the forest cycle paths. We stopped at St Girons Plage for lunch and watched the…