Day 9: Leaving Como and starting the ascent

We awoke in Como to a very different picture: it was pouring rain! I’m not talking about a drizzle or even a normal rainfall; the heavens had opened up and were pounding down upon our tent, with strong winds to match. Eventually, I needed to empty my bladder and brave the storm. I ran to

Day 8: Lake Como

We started the day with a massive breakfast! After we awoke in our comfortable hotel beds, I declared my intention to investigate the hotel breakfast, given that any bakeries were too far away. Bert had some leftover bread from previous days but I wanted something good before we set out. To our surprise, there was

Day 7: Descending the Trebbia Valley and on to Genoa

We awoke in our tent at Le Fontanelle to find wet conditions, with the weather promising more rain in the developing morning. Our laundry hadn’t dried – in fact, some of it was wet and the winds had blown a few things onto the grass, including my bike helmet. We packed up as quickly as

Day 4 – Derailleur Disaster

The fourth day started out fantastically. We awoke in the camp to good weather, said our goodbyes to Michael, and found our way to a bakery with some great croissants and baguettes. We cycled onward to Nice, following a great cycle path along the boardwalk, enjoying the sea air and beach vibe. We even passed

Day 3: Before Saint Tropez to just past Cannes

Day 3 of our cycling tour was a great day. It began when we first opened our eyes and realised that it didn’t actually rain the night before. Our preparations turned out to be totally unnecessary but would be good practice for later in the trip. I set about working on breakfast, while Bert worked

Day #15: Departure Gate

My heartfelt thanks to Matthew for his incredible hard work and efforts in planning and being the cycling leader of a brilliant and life expanding journey. Of all the many things experienced – witnessed, lived and felt – what I will remember most is the comraderie. It was a privilege to share this experience with

Day 11: Two Bikes, Four Countries

Another guest post by Bert! We woke up in our hotel room in Switzerland, well rested after the previous day’s exertions. Swiss mountains surrounded us in a panorama, forming beautiful white and grey silhouettes against the light blue sky. Switzerland is well known for its exorbitant prices and high cost of living; before the trip,

On the way home by train

Well, we rode our last kilometres to the Munich train station and are on our long three-train-and-six-hour journey back to Frankfurt. I’m looking forward to seeing Jelena and sleeping in my own bed. Tonight I plan to only wake up my usual few times, instead of the million or so I do in the tent.

Things I miss from the other side of the ocean

Another great post from Bert! But I’ll be back soon! ❤️

The final countdown

We’re all packed up and heading to the bakery – then it’s destination Munich.What a journey it’s been!