I’ve just checked my satnav and it says that today I did 380km (240 miles) and was moving 6½ hours. Longer than my usual touring days but it didn’t feel it. Thanks presumably to the (mostly) good roads surfaces and low traffic.
Except that I’ll be hurtling down the Peage, and you’ll be on nice roads… ![]()
As far as possible, I’m a fair weather biker these days. I don’t really mind riding in the rain in itself, but I don’t like the amount of bike cleaning afterwards. However, if I’ve really got to ride in the rain, I’ve got a pair of Sealskinz waterproof socks in case of leaky boots. I’ve only worn them in the rain once, but as my boots didn’t leak, I can’t really comment on their effectiveness yet. Anybody else tried them?
Another good day for you. The accommodation does look really good; different. Safe ride tomorrow.
I’m really enjoying your documenting and pictures of your tour and looking forward to tomorrows.
My wife’s used Sealskinz for hiking. Waterproof but not very breathable…![]()
Jean of the massive mits!
I sometimes use Sealskin socks which I bought for cycling. They do work well and keep your feet dry even if your boots leak ![]()
Well, now l know how Joan of Arc felt (apologies to the Smiths for that one) ![]()
Bigmouth! ![]()
I’ve got waterproof socks with me, but when it rained unexpectetly I wasn’t wearing them… ![]()
Day 4
I awoke naturally a 6am exactly and made myself a coffee so I could sit on the veranda and listen to the dawn chorus. The fields were misty but the sky was clearing to reveal the sun.
I slowly set about my morning routine including a brisk 20 minute walk up the lane by the fields. Not had any exercise since leaving home, other than bike riding, and the walk got my legs and brain moving freely again.
I set about packing the bike and then the breakfast arrived right on time, delivered by 2CV van. So I had my petit déjeuner al fresco, all very continental. ![]()
By half nine when I set of the skies were clear blue and I just about managed to cram my jackets thermal liner in my luggage. This was going to be a vents open day. ![]()
I set off cruising through French countryside again, until at 11 I got to Arbois and headed up some twisty roads, into the Jura mountains I think.
The only interesting photo opportunities didn’t have a safe place to stop, and there was a lot of traffic. I guess both because it’s a Saturday and the location. I did stop off at midday to view the Cascade de la Billaude.
When back on to the main road (N5 heading to Geneva) there were loads of twisty bends cut into the hillside. They would have been enjoyable if I didn’t have a car right up my arse which made me nervous about slowing down in the corners as much as I wanted. At the first opportunity I pulled over to let him pass and was glad that satnav was suggesting a more back road route to avoid delays, I gratefully accepted that suggestion.
These roads were a lot quieter and more relaxing to ride. On forested roads and by alpine meadows.
When I came to the large town of St Claude there was a bit of chaos as a road was shut and I wasn’t trusting what sat nav was saying. It kept wanting to send me down narrow alleys but I just kept to the more wider road and trusted it would work out in the end. Once I has finished winding down to the valley bottom and back up again I pulled over for a breather and to look back at the town.
The road from here was nice and twisty and quiet traffic-wise but I kept finding myself looking for places to stop to get a photo. Realising that this was detracting from my enjoyment and safety I gave up trying, you will just have to be satisfied with this pic.
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From here on I concentrated on covering the remaining 100 km in a relaxed way without trying to document it. For a dozen or two miles it was continuing on this mostly narrow and bumpy road then my back thanked me when we got onto the smoother main roads.
There were some nice views of mountains in the distance and when I stopped to evict and unwelcome visitor from my helmet I took a quick snap. Not as nice a view as other places.
The temperature was getting rather warm now and the urban areas more frequent so was glad to finally roll up at Hubert’s. Put bike away and open a cold beer. ![]()
You’re in my spot! ![]()
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Kidding aside - sounds like a good day, save the arse- pusher!
Great photos and write-up.
I glad the weather has been kind today. Let’s hope that continues.
Another brilliant report. Thank you. I find peoples travels fascinating especially the parts of the world I haven’t been.
Day 5
Today was a day if rest. Hubert drove us to supermarket and back for essential supplies then he loaded up his bass guitar and drove an hour by the lake and though countryside to a restaurant. He was standing in as bassist for a rockabilly group and there followed four sets of songs by the likes of Johnny Cash, Elvis, and Eddie Cochrane amongst many others. We had a barbecue lunch and I drank far too much beer whilst watching.
The audience seemed to enjoy it too and they were dancing in the isles, so to speak.
When we got back home we watched the Moto GP before I retired to cook some food and phone family back home.
It looks like you had a fun day.
Day 6
Today Hubert took me on a tour of the surrounding mountains. Starting with a winding road up through forests to the top of Mont Revard. This gave a fantastic view down to Aix-les-bains and the lake.
And looking the other way were snow capped alpine mountains in the distance.
We wended our way down the other side and then along a nice valley.
Before stopping at a small town for elevensies. I think all four cookies were meant to be for me…?
After about an hour on rather more busy and urban roads we got to the other side of the lake and headed through Tunnel du Chat, fortunately without any cats lurking inside.
The other side of the tunnel had pleasant twisty roads passing through vine and meadow covered hills. Before a single track road led up through forests for a view of the lake from the other side.
That is looking towards the cliff top from where the morning’s photo was taken.
We completed the circuit of the lake to be back at base for 3pm. I’ve now got to decide where my tour is heading next. Have been thinking of a short journey south, and then head up allong through a string of alpine pases through France, Italy and Switzerland. Though I’m finding that satnav and Google maps are reporting quite a few are closed, making planning something difficult…
















