Waking up with Ludovics Mini Grand Piano.

Here we go, the third 60km day in row across mountains ! What a beautiful place I've woken up in, high above sea level with stunning views across to the Pyrenees... At least the first couple of miles will be down hill !

My knee is hurting and I've hit the pain killers and rubbed in some jollop ! This is a french keyboard and all the letters are arse about face, so I'll leave it there for now.....

Beautiful Mirepoix !

Lunchtime and I've happened into the most beautiful ancient town by the Pyrenees, after a morning of big big hills ! I'm whacked but delighted to be sat in a cafe with a welcome glass of wine, shuffling from cheek to cheek with my arse in tatters !
Just found a pharmacy and tried to buy cream for a vague itch, pointing at my back and under my arms ... They began to worry and called the boss to take a look ! Damn, a miracle had taken place and said itchy areas had vanished .. Then I had to explain that I had a long way to ride and I could feel an itch coming on ! The queue was building, he sold me something and I left.
An ancient market town it is with a sort of Tudor central square with half timbered cafes and gift shops all around it.
Yesterday, now that was quite a day ... A horrible dog running madly, barking at me from behind a fence as I cycled along a main busy A road south of Carcassanne. I wasn't too concerned it just just makes you jump when you hear the first bark over the sound of the ipod. Little did I know, this bloody great guard dog had a gap in the fence and came bolting out of it hell bent on taking a chunk out of my leg ! He had a good try too as I swerved in front of fast moving traffic ! I didn't think, just did it, to the sound of screeching brakes and skidding behind me, wincing and ready to meet my maker I heard the dull thud and yelp as the dog was struck and I recon killed behind me ! Looking over my shoulder I decided to carry on pedalling... I did, and started to shake and tremble and so nipped up a little side road and sat in the shade to gather myself... That was a close one... Time to get get off that dual carriageway and head into the hills....
Before the dog incident I met marcel, the chap with the bike and trailer. He had the lot on that thing, buckets, fishing rods, clothes, bedding... His whole life was on there. And what's more it's been his whole life for twenty years ! He hit the road in 1989 to cycle around Europe and just kept going... I know what you're thinking, but it's not going to happen !
He insisted on buying me a coffee and telling me about his life on the road and showing me details of his next bike, a wruncled brochure filed in a shopping bag with maps, papers and dreams. I hope he gets he electric bike.
I was catching my breath outside some grand gates in a hillside village, when I was invited in by Mrs Miyagi for a glass of orange juice. A wonderfully tranquil world opened up before me. Running water, fish pond, Aciers (is that what they're called?) and Weeping willow... A pottering gardener and delightful calm. "May I introduce my husband, he knows some English", she explained in French. Out he came, a friendly old Chinaman, reserved and so polite... Not really called Mr Miyagi, I forgot his name but he reminded me so much of the Karate Kid film ! I fully expected him dive indoors and return with a Bonsai tree and a little pair of scissors for me ! Instead he spoke with interest about my heart condition and the medical world. A fascinating man, retired from a lifetime in Medical science, based in Geneva. They gave me sugar lumps for my water, another glass of orange juice and an apple for my journey. He advised against my chosen route, pointing out it was a solid uphill and steep road for 16km ! I decided to go for it anyway... So, I finished polishing his old car, said my farewells and was off ! I
Pedalled and pedalled my clanking heart out all the way to the top ! What a view .... Just as I was thinking, "I could really do with a coffee" I met a couple of ladies from South Africa taking a picnic and admiring the breathtaking views. They made me a welcome mug full and then it was down hill for miles and miles, wind in my hair and caffeine in my veins ! Lovely !
Just before dark I made my destination, Sue and Peter Brooke, they were wonderful, made me very welcome and filled me with a delicious meal followed by home made chocolate and orange ice cream.... Thank you ....
Thank you too for all the emails and sponsorship .... Amazing !! Time to pedal some more ... 28 miles of hills to go !

Dead dogs and Englishmen ...

That was a very long hot day yesterday ! Arrived in Alaigne as darkness fell... No time to write now but loads to write ! Dead dog, near death, Mr Mariaggi, Morise the the mad biker, Carcassonne and more . I hope I dont forget the details ! Off now, across more mountains .. I had one constant hill yesterday of 11 miles !! It nearly killed me. Luckily I met a couple of lovely people at the top from South Africa who made me a cup of coffee. Must dash ... I was hoping to be gone by 8am ... It's now going to be 10 by the time I start the 40 odd miles of hills today and my poor arse is killing me ! Keep watching ... Thank you all so much for your kind donations that keep coming in !

I figgin' crashed ! Day one .....

What a beautiful day, hot but beautiful...

The gite we stayed in last night, compliments of Cathy and Peter Pugh was fantastic, in a beautiful village and I slept like a log. Up bright and early we headed down to Gruisson on the coast. I think we got there about 8.15. I was really nervous, worried about the tremendous weight of all the stuff on my bike, and not being sure which direction to take, but most of all I was worried about the heat and the fact it's a sunday and I had no sun bloc cream ! Last night we tried and tried again to buy some, visiting three different supermarkets.... Having spent over an hour finding the first shop ! Upon asking in each of them for sun cream I was met with exactly the same answer "It's october, we only sell it in the summer!" Bearing in mind it was too hot to sit outside for lunch yesterday and the Air con in the car was cranked up too ! I'd hate to think what it's like here in the summer !?

So, off I wobbled with no sun bloc .... Guessed the direction and was away, "Here goes nothing" I thought to myself with a nervous backward glance and wave to Ray.

Naturally I never checked the bike with the panniers loaded back in Cornwall, so the first thing I noticed was that the back of my feet bashed into them whilst pedalling ! Bugger... So it was out with the tiny tool kit to make some alterations....

Then after a couple of miles I found a canal. That was a welcome sight indeed, I love cycling along canal paths, all flat and shady, just the ticket. Quite a few proper cyclists on the scene now, bonjour, bonjour, bonjour... A friendly lot too. I was trying out different accents and perfecting the cheeky sort of sideways head nod greeting. No matter how hard I tried I just couldn't shake the look of a bloke whose never cycled more than 12 miles in his life. New bike, new panniers, even new shoes, and still wobbling, looking nervous and now sporting a pair of glowing red legs simmering in the sun !

After a few hours bumping along the tow path I was getting into the swing of it though... Until it came to a dead end ! No warning, it just stopped ? Great....

Back tracking now, us pro cyclists hate that, we bloody hate it. Strangely I'd just been mentally celebrating the fact that I seemed to have the whole place to myself too ? Eventually I found a little bridge to get me west of the canal and so onto a road taking me in that direction.

Eventually I found a village, I was hot now, wobbling again too and very conscious to look out for cars and people... Sure enough, as I'm heading up the main drag I spot a car reversing out from a side street, he's not seen me, he keeps coming, his dog's stood on the back seat looking at me. With raised eyebrows and a bit of a huff I pull up to let him continue, only then realising that the dog was actually the only thing in the car ! How very random, it came to a holt in the middle of the road, cars continued around it, as did I ....

Around one o'clock it was all getting far too hot for me so I began hunting a spot for a snooze ... Then, just as thought I'd never find one, there it was in the middle of hundreds of acres of Vines, a small stone ruin and a Fig tree for shelter, a few hundred yards down a dirt track.

Now, this lovely shady idealic spot had just one problem, several actually, Condoms ! All scrunkled and spent and stroon ! I had a job to find a clear spot to sit by the wall for a snooze... Even had to whittle a Jonnie flicker from a stick and flick a few aside !

Otherwise this obviously romantic spot was perfect. Quiet, cool and with fresh squidgy warm Figs for the taking. I was out for the count for a good hour I should think.

Back on the road, tyres throwing mushy figs and Condoms as the wheels span round, and heading for Lezignan Corbieres now.. What a grotty town that is. Loads of broken windows, boarded up shops and gypsies huddled about place. Just as I was thinking I really didn't want to be hanging around here I spied an old shop front to photogragh. Big mistake .... I turned, hopped up the pavement, unclipped my feet and stopped. One foot had clipped itself back in again ! Doh !! With terror written across my face and hands stretched out before me I prepared to be hurt. Unfortunately my arms went either side of a solid steel bollard which struck me squarely on my chest ! I can safely say that my Sternum has healed well. Ouch, that did hurt and I've the bruises to prove it !

I picked up the panniers and the contents of my bar bag and sat in shame and pain for a while before carrying on ....

The last ten miles were fine, a treat infact, lovely open road and Hendrix blasting out Foxy lady in my headphones. I fine moment to end an interesting day...

Tomorrow I'll be passing through and stopping off in Carcassonne, which is an 11th century walled city ! An amazing place by all accounts. So, keep watching and please think about donating too if you've not already ? Cheers !

Olympic size pool and Mankini !

I just wrote a long account of our fantastic day here in South West france... Then the computer crashed ! Grrrr, I hate that ! Anyway these pictures say it all I think ? I couldn't have embarrassed myself futher than publishing these photos of THE mankini ! So, Boycie, there you have it ! You'll just have to empty that closely guarded collection box into my donation fund now !?

Big day tomorrow as we set off for the south to my starting destination ... Eeek, it's all getting a bit close now ! Kind regards to you all....

Mankini is in the bag !

There's my trusty mount, laying quietly waiting for the off on sunday whilst Dom fills up the big black greedy truck ! We had a lovely drive down across France today after arriving in Roscoff this morning at about 8am. We would have had plenty of time to trundle down to Locmine to meet up with my bank manager before 12 o'clock unless we hadn't stopped off at the massive all singing all dancing sport shop, the king of all sport shops, Decathlon. What an amazing place, just going in through the doors makes you feel fit, with every isle you browse comes a deep sense of well being and a curious urge to procure shiny new stuff to assist in what ever fad, regime or activity is raising your pulse, or playing on your mind as those automatic doors glide open before you ..... You enter, spellbound by choices, colours and smiling assistants. It's all there right before your eyes, whatever floats your boat, or Kayak as the case may be, these being amonst the first things to catch your eye, a row of them, racked and up ended for your perusal, teasing your wallet with promise of freedom and adventure !

I blinkered myself all the way to the cycle area ... One minute I'm laughing out loud at the hidious Mankini style mens cycling outfits, and the next, as the spell of Decathlon washes over me (helped by Dom banging on about how great they are, so much better than shorts etc!) they've landed squarely in my basket ! I've not tried them on yet, they're pretty nasty....

Having finally escaped we realised that getting to Locmine was now going to be less of a relaxed trundle and more of a, "bloody hell look at the time !" Of course, I could look at the time too, on my brand new lime green faced sports watch ! Dont ask, it's the Decathlon curse, gets you every time ! So we raced, foot down and panicing as we got stuck behind every slow moving lorry or Tractor in northern France ! 11.53 we arrive in the town... I cant remember where the bank is, it's market day, we cant park ... I jump out and run. I find it and dash in. Now I look like I've just run from Roscoff, forget how to speak french and too out of breath to speak English. The girl at the counter is wondering whether to call security or an ambulance when I find the words. Situation rectified and alarm defused I return to the street clutching the all important bank card, fresh , primed and fit for purpose.
As luck would have it it's the very same village where my brother Dan lives, we've not seen him for a while so all three of us went for a relaxing lunch and I think a fine time was had by all. Then after a drive around Brittany we pointed the the truck south, hit cruise control and rolled along nicely for about 500 miles to Ray and Evelynes place, where I find myself now, late at night and dropping off as I type.... Lovely to be here and looking forward to a good look around in the morning....

Even more donations have flooded in, thank you so much Rach, what an outstandingly generous donation ! And to my gorgeous sister Pas too, thank you. I'm hoping to catch up with you in a couple of weeks !?

The 11th hour !

So, here we are, the 23rd of September and no more sleeps before the off ! Dom and I head for Plymouth and the ferry tonight ! Nothing is packed so I'd better get a move on . The good news is, I've found my passport , and it's in date. Also I had my blood tested today, which I have to do quite a lot these days due to my medication and everything was bang on, so that's great news. I'll try and get it checked a couple of weeks into the trip too. There's no turning back now, this is it, the point of no return ... Time to stuff the panniers with goodies as I tick them off my list and make one last trip into town to pick up a few last bits and pieces ...
Thank you one and all for your interest thus far, I'll keep the blog updated daily as long as I can and providing I dont wind up swerving into a ditch only to find my faithful laptop has just landed with a thump underneath me ! Mental note, remember waterproof soft case ... Oh and Laptop to go in it ! And chargers, phone, ipod, gps, camera..... I think I'll just take the car !!
Please keep watching and following as tragic and magic events unfold...
Thanks too to Susie and Caroline for their generous donations. The fund is pushing £800 now, amazing ! Bye for now .....
And I've just this moment received another notification of a donation, this time from my lovely nurse. In the last couple of hours she's drawn blood from my arm and money from her well earn't wages too. Thanks nurse Woolley !

This time next week !? Brrrr.....

A chilling reminder that it gets cold up mountains... I've no idea how high I'll be going next week but I hope the vista will be more green than white ! Last time I was up the Pyrenees I was riding my trusty old Moto Guzzi, I think it was early summer and there was loads of snow at altitude. I remember the engine was spluttering too, so it must have been a long way up !

So, this time next week I'll be well on my way with a good few miles behind me ... and a good few in front of me too ... I'm nervous but looking forward to it at the same time. Looking forward to being out on the open road and having no idea what's around each coming bend, pedalling along at a steady pace, fresh breeze on my face and enjoying the moment. ipod on, toes clipped in and settling into a 10 mph mind set. Picturing a bar in the next sleepy medieval town or village to put my feet up and enjoy a large milky coffee, a patisserie and breath of french air .... The flip side of course could See me warn out, sheltering from driving rain, lost and desperately applying Sudacream cream to my tattered arse whilst at the same time cursing myself for forgetting the tyre levers to mend the flat tyre ! Keep watching because it'll be a fine adventure either way !

Now meet Monte ! Check out the photo, Monte, my host in Monlong, rather disgruntled at the depiction of him in an earlier post has supplied actual photos.... And get this, turns out he's quite the celebrity and has even appeared on the X factor ! I'm impressed ... Anyway I'm really looking forward to getting to that place and meeting all Monte's friends and fans for a good ole knees up and maybe even make a few quid for the British heart foundation too ?
I've been planning this for so long it doesn't feel quite real now, but I'm sure it will once I'm on the ferry. Thank you for reading ....

September sunset .....

What a beautiful weekend ! Nothing quite like a sunny September in Cornwall, all the the tourists have gone home and if we're lucky we get a few weeks of empty beaches and blue skies !

I had a great cycle ride tonight, just ten miles but as you can see from my pictures, a stunning evening. My clever little cycle computer calculated exactly ten miles in exactly one hour ! How about that ? I know it's not very fast but there were some big hills along the way ! I took the pictures with my phone so they're not great.

So, it's Sunday night and I leave on Wednesday ! I cant believe it, that's just three sleeps away !

I met up with my daughter Jodi tonight and her friend Zinc, we drank some beer and had a laugh. They were telling me all about a toy parrot for my shoulder, I think they'll try and get me one, it swears a lot when activated they say, and insist I should wear it across France, perched on my shoulder and randomly squawking abuse at Innocent onlookers ! They gave me a model plane too and a plastic horse to stick on my handlebars.... She's so eccentric !

I need to sleep now... before I do I'd like to thank Mel for her kind donation ! Thank you...

Also I have some pictures just in of Monte ! I will load them up when I get a moment. I was relieved to see he looks nothing like the character I rudely used to portray him in my Karaoke post below.

Keep watching .... We'll be on the boat and heading south Wednesday night ! (If I can find my passport !)

Someone has sponsored you through Justgiving‏

It's such a buzz getting that message in my inbox ! And tonight, just as I was thinking nobody had donated for a day or so.... Voila, I get that exciting email ! I rush to see if it's somebody I know ... It is ! Then I scan across to see if they've left a message ... They did, yeay !

"Keep smiling even when ascending ! (Would you mind giving some thought to the design of the garage doors en route !?)"

Thank you very much Richard and Alison next door for your support (My generous neighbours, with horses and sheep and a dog and chickens and bees and of course, dilapidated garage doors!)

Please keep spreading the word and help keep the money coming in and the fund growing steadily towards my target !

From home to home all the way home !

I've shaken that virus, whatever it was ? 10 days of feeling really poorly and not being at all able to focus on the job in hand, but I'm back ! Back at work and just a few days left to get all the loose ends tied up, then hopefully a couple of days to get some bits and bobs together for this here trip. Last week I really couldn't even get the bike out of the shed but tonight and the last two evenings I've been out on the road cycling just 10-12 miles and tweaking the bike as I go, little adjustments here and there to get the ride position just so. It's not quite there yet ...
I remembered, or rather was rudely reminded as I pedaled along that my left wrist is buggered after an awkward fall from a motorbike a few years ago and also that my right knee hurts when I stand up to pedal ! Great ! I've no idea what I've done to that but it was a while ago. I tried a sort of band thing on it tonight for support, it did feel more comfortable, didn't stop the pain though ! I guess the obvious thing is to not stand up ! Maybe it'll improve after a few miles ? Or a few hundred anyway.
Some of the hills around here are pretty big and can climb for a couple of miles or so. I feel pretty good as I reach the top of them ... But who am I trying to kid, surely they're just bumps compared to the Pyranees !? I've really no idea what to expect when I get going. A lamb to the slaughter ? A clanking heart, achey wrist, knackered knee and the furthest I've ever ridden I think is about 12 miles, and that was tonight ! I have to say though it didn't tire me, I could easily have done it again ... Still ,even if I had it would only have been 24 miles ! Who knows, anyway I recon I'm about ready to give it my best shot.
My bike at least, is fantastic, I'm really please with it and with all the attachments (thanks to Helen), it really does look like it's up for the job now. The pump works well, tyres are quiet and smooth on the road, speedo thing is great... Everything is looking good and working well.
So, here's the plan..... Dom and I leave for France on Brittany ferries, who by the way wouldn't even offer a 10% discount being that it's a charity event, explaining that they only help charities that effect them or their staff directly or some such excuse. I explained we all actually have hearts, even them and their employees and that the money raised will be directed at a new 3D scanner for Derriford hospital, Plymouth where many of their staff actually live ? Oh well, it was worth asking. Luckily I've had a better response from everyone else along the way making this whole thing possible and totally unique in it's linking of homes, like stepping stones across the country.
Yes, so with no thanks to Brittany ferries we'll be leaving next Wednesday night, then heading down to Bordeaux via Locmine in Brittany to rob a bank for some fuel and bagette money ! We'll be staying near Bordeaux with family for a day, then I get a lift all the way down to the south to a little village near my starting point, on the banks of the Canal du Midi, a canal that runs all the way in a north westerly direction to Bordeaux. The village is called Argens Minervois, there we'll find a Gite (holiday cottage) owned and run by Cathy Pugh, a lovely lady whose offered us the use of the place for the night with promise of food too! The next morning we head off to my starting point, a really beautiful place by the looks of it, a fishing port called Gruissan on the coast of the Mediterranean sea, boasting an ancient tower called Tour Barberousse or Red Beards tower ! A pirate maybe ? Anyway I'll be hoping there's a beach there for a dip in the med before setting off and heading west towards the mighty Pyrenees ! Spurred on by the promise of yet another meal, shower, comfy bed and hospitality by Joanne and Peter Mathews... I've a feeling I'll be ready for it too ! So, there we have it... The plan and the beginning of what's bound to be, one way or another an amazing adventure from home to home all the way home .... So stick around and keep logging onto my blog for a virtual pillion ride across the hills mountains, valleys and vine yards through every region of the west of France !

The full Monte !

Yeah baby ! There's talk of a Karaoke and BBQ along the way ! Somewhere called Monlong, which is sort of near the Pyranees, north east of Lannemezan ? This amazing bloke called Monte has taken it upon himself to organise an evening in the local Salle de fete, a benefit do for my fund ! To raise a glass and raise a few Euros too for the British heart foundation, it's remarkable the spirit of human nature, community and good will that this crazy cycle ride has stirred up ! It's all very moving. The effort that everyone is making to get this whole thing to work and get me, on a wing

and a prayer and a clankin' heart the length of the country ! Yeay, good ole Monte, his mobile Karaoke and his enthusiasm.

He's been rallying the masses, French and British alike from far and wide, blanket emailing his address book and urging others to do likewise. I can't wait to get there, it's going to be fantastic !

So, if you live within driving distance of Monlong and fancy a great night out on the 2nd of October then head for Monte's big night in Monlong ! Thanks Monte !

NB. That's not Monte in the picture... He might not be that handsome !?

Great news !

The news you've been waiting for ! Not one, but TWO free gifts to all my lovely, loyal "followers" ! Tremendous loyalty bonuses to one and all ! Crazy, fun and FREE. Not trinkets, not tat but stunningly hand crafted ornaments to add beauty, to enhance and adorn your home ! By simply "following" my blog you'll impress your friends by collecting these fine Heirlooms for your children and children's children. Yours with my compliments....

Your first free gift. A cheeky, topical and identical scaled replica of the Eiffel tower. From me to you, a piece of France to cherish.

Don't just take my word for it, this is what the manufacturers say:

"Made of high quality origonal woods.
The workmanship is very fine.

Have the character of knowledgable."

Now I've got your attention right? No such thing as a free lunch hey? Never look a gift horse in the mouth ... Well keep looking ....

You simply don't see generosity like this every day !

It's another replica, a center piece, a talking piece, a priceless, breathtaking and totally complimentary model bicycle, perfect in every detail to celebrate and commemorate my cycle challenge.... Oh yes, heirloom number TWO, gifted with love to each and every loyal "follower". Why miss out, push that button !

Wait ! This truly is the gift that just keeps giving !

But please, don't just take my word for it. Here's what the importers say :

"Fold bicycle model and seat adjustable." You couldn't make it up ! But here's the thing ... Not only is it free, is it perfect, but it's also a LIGHTER ! Yes indeedy, One-click Piezo Electronic ignition ! And here's what the experts say. "Adjustable flame".

To claim your free and remarkable gifts please send your full name, address and bank details to me with nominal fee off £19.99 to cover my postage costs.

Colour, size and gifts may vary.

More sponsors and more goodies for the bike !

I thought my cycle helmet was looking a bit bland, and black, oh and maybe a little bit Nazi ! Judging by the looks I was getting from some old folks last time I was cycling in Brittany anyway ! So I've dug some paints out of the shed and set about it with my Blog address, Union Jack and of course the St.Piran (Cornwall's flag). I might add a few more yet too.... A skull and crossbones maybe, who knows.

More goodies too, stuff for the bike, it was like Christmas cracking that parcel open ! Another massive thanks to Helen for organising that lot and to Evenden cycles of Kent for their support and slashed prices ! The bike really is taking shape now... I only wish I were looking as good ! Still very under the weather and sleeping lots which really isn't good at all at this point in time. I've been to the doctor and had blood tests, I'll get the results on Friday but it looks like I have a lingering nasty virus, maybe picked up from the sea whilst surfing. It's knocked me right out and I'm really getting tired of it ! Fingers crossed I'll be back on my feet and fighting fit again soon...

The sponsors too keep coming ! It's amazing, pushing the fund onwards and upwards toward the £700 mark ! A huge thanks to Nunny, I'm not sure who that is but think she's the one who switched me on to Kingdom-come Kalashnikov wielding God Almighty figurines and Ninja messiahs !? Could be wrong though.... And to the generosity of Tricia & Pete Scanlon who not only are going to put me up for a night but have also kindly donated. Last but not least Nick & Alex who are a truly adventurous young couple who seem to be working their way around the globe learning, teaching and experiencing different cultures, languages and continents... I hear they're now scratching a living somewhere in China. Thank you.

So, the money is still rolling in and the bike at least is ready to roll !

The Tourer's taking shape ...

The mighty Diamondback is beginning to look like it's going somewhere ! New tyres fitted, rack on, bar bag and panniers too !

Just need some lights, new pedals and most of all to shake this weird bug, if it is a bug... An annoying thing that's suckered my energy away and rendered even pedaling around my yard hard work ! I really hope I get my strength back soon ...
Oh, and I recon I need a front mudguard too ?
Somebody told me the other day, Ade I think it was, that by having road tyres as opposed to knobblies I'll be gaining 2-3 mph more on average ? That's almost not believable but i hope it's true. That would take me up to about 12 mph ! I know it sounds like nothing in the world of cars and modern transport but when most days will consist of cycle rides of between 30 & 70 miles it certainly will make a marked difference and makes each leg of the journey seem less daunting. Especially the way I feel today !
My good mate Rich has just donated to my fund for the British heart foundation and sent the total past the £600 barrier ! This is fantastic news, thanks Rich !
One thing's for sure, your heart will last as long as you do, so look after it and dig deep to help the BHF to look after it too ! Please keep donating !

Now that's just taking the Pith !

Was it Noel Coward who said "Only mad dogs and Englishmen" ? Joff Sommerfield, a man on a mission, his third attempt to cycle around the world on a Penny Farthing, wearing, quite aptly a Pith helmet ! What an inspiration, and a wonderful thing to achieve on such an iconic bike, I believe he built it himself ? Quite a few people have commented that my bike, a mountain bike is completely wrong for cycling across France ! It's going to be a hell of a lot easier than that thing Joff is perched up on !? It might not be a road bike but it's a bike, and it might not be as fast as a road bike but it'll still do a fine job of carrying me across France I'm sure ...

Another thing is, if you ride a road bike you have to wear really weird clothes ! They seem to go hand in hand, Lycra clad Power rangers, what do they look like !? I appreciate they want to be seen but they just take it too far. Especially in France, there are millions of them. On the weekends they're out in force, flocks of them pedalling along in bright, clashing colours jostling for slipstreams without a care for the optical assault they're playing on the weary eyes of frustrated drivers, swearing and struggling to pass !

Sorry about that, I'm having flashbacks to weekend driving down Breton lanes ....

Here's to Joff and his amazing achievement, Google him, I think he's written a book about the trip ? I may not be wearing a Pith but I take my hat off to him anyway.

I've been working on my route tonight, and it's coming together pretty well. I've whittled 47 nights of potential accommodation down to about 27 which has been really hard work actually as every single offer has been so generous, if I had more time I'd have made a point of visiting every last person. Mind you I'll be keeping all the contacts because last night over a few glasses of wine with my mate Rich, challenge number two was hatched ! It's a beauty, really exciting and not a push bike to be seen, well actually there will be but only for a few miles ! Keep watching this space for exciting news of justpeddling2010 !

So, the route... It's pretty finalised now so I'll get my head around mapping it and contacting the 27 lucky, or unlucky hosts with my eta's over the next few days.

I had some special pedaling shoes put aside today at the bike shop, they look just like normal trainers although they have cleat things for clipping to my pedals, and you can walk around normally in them unlike those strange road bike ones ...

Parcels from America !

I received an exciting parcel today, my postie battled through driving rain and floods to deliver the goods ! Yep, the beginning of September has well and truly marked the onset of winter ! We don't really get an autumn and spring here in Cornwall, in fact for the last few years we've not even had a summer ! Nowadays we just get winter and August ! It's getting beyond a joke now, sat here listening to the conservatory roof creaking like it's going to blow off in the gale !

Yes, the parcel, two actually, the "Powered by On-X" cycling shirt and T'shirts have arrived, yeay, thanks On-X, Catheran in particular for organising everything at that end for me. I'm really pleased with them and will take some pictures to put up as soon as I can. Thank you.

Thanks also to Ade, a fellow valve patient and keen cyclist and to Tiddleywinks too for their kind donations to my charity and for pushing my total raised very close to the 600 mark, just a fiver away, who will be the one to tip the total into the sixth century ? Thanks for reading and supporting the build up to this amazing two wheeled adventure ... Stay tuned.....