We broke camp and headed north to the Dordogne, specifically the medieval town of Bulieau sur Dordogne. What with one thing and another we arrived later than planned, so stopped at the local Intermarché on the way in to pick up supplies. Having got to the campsite and erected the awning and defensive palisade (right … Continue reading En France 2019: part 4
The mercury has remained high in this part of France, with temperatures in the mid-30s by the afternoon. The camper van fridge has been working overtime to keep all the beer and wine cold, with consequent unprecedented drain on the leisure battery. As an emergency measure I have had to significantly reduce the setting so … Continue reading En France 2019: part 3
We have had a busy few days. If you hadn’t already guessed, we are next to a river, in the Gorges du Tarn, in Southern France. Now that S has rested she had regained her equilibrium and is quite liking our shady spot with not far to go, if you need to go . . … Continue reading En France 2019: part 2
A different sort of tour this year - having purchased the Bongo it was time to take it abroad. So, to replace the usual Bretagne en Velo I arranged a grand tour of Southern France under van power . . . but still taking the bikes, so S could not get off entirely scot free. … Continue reading En France 2019: part 1
At fourteen I got a dropped-handlebar racing bike for Christmas. It was a Raleigh Medale with a rear derailleur and five gears, and a saddle to worry any prospective mother of my children - it was a 'proper' bike. It was gold coloured with a red head tube and panels on the down tube and … Continue reading Journey by Bike: Ever-ready
A randonneuring bike is quite different to a racing bike. It's designed for long days in the saddle, possibly over rough terrain, in the dark and in all weathers; so it must perform well in many different circumstances. One of the primary characteristics of a comfortable bike like this is that it must steer well … Continue reading Journey by Bike: Framebuilding 2 (Trail)
Stephen, Eddy and I were migrants, borne from a mix of races thrown into the melting pot of South Wales. Our grandparents had, for the most part, been escaping agricultural poverty. The mines and steelworks provided secure, albeit dangerous, employment; and organised labour gave birth to a political movement which changed the social fabric of … Continue reading Journey by Bike: Geometry Lessons
