Timeline
Jon went cycling
March 3, 2024
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March 3, 2024
The first half and last quarter are mostly off-road (reasonable surfaces... completed on a touring bike in March). Some busier roads in the third quarter of the route, as I ran out of time and had to make a short cut.
Great little cafe outside Kent House station, and Merton Abbey Mills is a nice stop
Jon went for a bike ride
September 9, 2023
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October 6, 2023
The Basque country broke us, so we took the train to as close to the port as possible!
The bikes were secured in a designated area on the car deck.
The ferry journey Bilbao-Portsmouth was long but we actually enjoyed it... there's airline-style films on demand in the room, the beds were pretty comfortable
Jon went for a bike ride
September 6, 2023
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October 6, 2023
Our original plan was to complete our journey to Bilbao, but our host at Aristieta suggested to head to Bermeo to relax a bit. We didn't need much convincing.
The route wasn't "nearly flat" and the road was busy (although there were long sections on a segregated cycle lane). The little town was worth
Jon went for a bike ride
September 5, 2023
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October 6, 2023
Wow, what a day this was! Incredible scenery along basically the whole route.
But oh how you pay for it! We just don't have hills like this where we live.
Note we found nowhere to get food or water between approximately Mutriku and Aulesti.
I planned our original route to avoid the larger roads as I knew
Jon went for a bike ride
September 4, 2023
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October 4, 2023
First full day in the Basque country. Plenty of hills. Generally on the roads, and slightly busier than France (although still pretty quiet).
Eat at the grill in Orio, and drink plenty of cider.
Jon went for a bike ride
September 2, 2023
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October 4, 2023
Rained hard without stopping all day... The route felt as if it would have been superb in better weather.
Both boat crossings were good fun (although there was absolutely zero help given with loading the bikes on board).
Would recommend taking the main road out of Hondarribia to the Jaizkabel climb (it
Jon went for a bike ride
September 1, 2023
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October 3, 2023
Fantastic route along the coast.
Touristy so plenty of places to get refreshments. In early September it wasn't at all busy however - lovely!
The ups-and-downs of Biarritz were a bit of a shock after the previous days!
Jon went for a bike ride
August 31, 2023
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October 3, 2023
Today's route could be split into thirds... Leaving Hostens, the first third is largely what appears to be a tree farm. It was just after 'harvest' and possibly a controlled burn when we passed, and looked quite eerie!
Then, the area between approimately Le Muret and Ychoux is flat boring farmland. This
Jon went for a bike ride
August 30, 2023
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September 26, 2023
Bit of rain today so didn't take too many photos of the route, but it was largely on dedicated cycle paths.
We came across several teams of people cutting back the summer growth to ensure the path was clear. Being from the UK, this was very unexpected!
Note the road section between Castre-Gironde and
Jon went for a bike ride
August 28, 2023
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September 26, 2023
Great route, mostly along cycle paths and quiet roads.
You could skip Libourne unless you need the shops etc.
St Emilion was not too busy and very nice to stroll around.
Jon went for a bike ride
August 27, 2023
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September 26, 2023
Spent hours in the Ecomusee (which was fantastic... 10/10) <5km into the route.
Beautiful scenery passing through vineyards in the middle part of the route.
The last 10-15km or so was less spectacular but mostly on a greenway.
Jon went for a bike ride
August 26, 2023
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September 23, 2023
Mostly travelling through open farmland. Was hard to find food today and eventually had to divert to St Jean d'Angely.
Jon went for a bike ride
August 25, 2023
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September 23, 2023
Several very pleasant stops along the route, including a fairly well hidden art exhibition in the church of a little village... perhaps its well signed if you read French!
Jon went cycling
August 24, 2023
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September 21, 2023
After leaving the Saumur region the route vaguely follows the little Thouet river.
Mainly on roads but very little traffic.
There's a short but steep climb into Thouars.
The bar in Airvault is well worth visiting!
December 20, 2024
The ~1.5km section from the zoological gardens to the peak is steep... If it's hot, I'd recommend taking the tram (in both directions).